Free Sucking in San Francisco by Jessica McBrayer Page B

was here, so it’s not impossible, but they seem to be inexperienced when it comes to djinn.”
    We are in front of Helena’s house now.
    “Why do you say that?”
    “I would have felt something by now if they knew of me. A pull is the best way to describe it.”
    “Are you going to come in here too, Aidan? Julian would love to meet you.”
    “Perhaps another time. I think I must leave now as you will be having company shortly. It has been lovely and enlightening, Lilith.”
    And with that he pops out of view and is gone, again. Leav ing me feeling a bit frayed around the edges. Like I have been tagged ‘it’ but I don’t know the rules of the game. I have to admit there is something alluring about him, though.

11 . LILITH
    Aidan had just winked out when Sebastian’s car pulls up with Indio in the front seat. Hmmm company, would have been nice if he’d been more explicit. Damn the timing. Now that I know what these witches are after, I have to warn the others. Bitch, see if she’s going to get my djinn! Where did that come from? I hardly know Aidan. But it’s clear I don’t want her to bind him. Especially if she’s as evil as Starbright says, I don’t want her anywhere near Sebastian either.
    I climb out of my car and stare at Sebastian’s hands as he helps Indio out of his streamlined black Mercedes. She unfolds her slim, tall frame and all twelve yards of leg and regards me coldly. Yeah she’s beautiful, but she dresses in knock-offs. She gushes at Sebastian and sneers at my little car. I suck on my smoothie until it is gone so it makes that annoying sucking noise. She glares at me. Sebastian eyes me cautiously. He knows she is a strong witch and that she doesn’t like me. I give him a kiss on the mouth. Lingering and surprisingly my knees get a little weak. Sebastian notices and so does Indio. I’ve never tried to stake a claim (no pun intended) with Sebastian’s never faltering string of women, but something about Indio makes me realize that I don’t like her acting like she’s entitled to his attentions. Wow. I’m feeling possessive. In fact you might say I’m hitting them out of the ballpark today with my possessiveness. What’s the deal? First Aidan then Sebastian, I don’t have a claim to either one. And I don’t want one. Back off, Lily!
    “Ça va, Sebastian?”
    “I’m exceptionally well, Lily.”
    He grins slyly now. He knows exactly what I’m feeling and he seems to be enjoying my response. If Indio weren’t here he would be grinning from ear to ear at making me so uncomfortable.
    “It’s nice to see you again, Indigo, what brings you here?”
    “It’s Indio,” she hisses. “Sebastian wanted me to meet Helena and Julian,” she says as she lightly touches his face. “What brings you here, Lilith?”
    “Oh, you know I practically live here.” I swear Indio growls.
    I walk in front of Sebastian and sashay the whole way. I pretend to twist my dainty little ankle on the steps making sure Sebastian has to catch me. He puts his arms around me and squeezes while whispering in my ear, “You are quite the little vixen and you’re playing with fire, my dearest one.”
    “Silly me, I just got a pedicure and I was trying to be careful not to mess it up. Wasn’t watching where I was going.”
    Sebastian puts me back on my feet and says, “Those are adorable toes, you must be careful of them. Let me get the door, Cherie.”
    Indigestion flicks her long hair behind her shoulders and marches in front of me through the door. I have to hold back a giggle and Bast gives me a stern look.
    As Indio walks over the doorstep, I see a slight shimmer around the edges of her body. She’s too pissed off to notice. Magick radiates from her. It’s a good thing. They don’t need to know about Helena’s protective charms. The only way she’s gotten through the door is because she’s been invited. Sebastian places a hand on her back and guides her to the green and blue parlor where they