Kiss of Fire

Kiss of Fire by Deborah Cooke Page B

Book: Kiss of Fire by Deborah Cooke Read Free Book Online
Authors: Deborah Cooke
body.”
    â€œYet here you are.”
    She ran her hands across the counter. “I used to spend summers with my aunt Magda here, and help in the shop. She was so different from the rest of my family that it was like visiting another planet.”
    â€œHow so?”
    â€œShe consulted her tarot cards about everything. I mean, everything. She shopped at thrift stores, which meant she had the oddest wardrobe ever. And whenever I thought she was just weird, she’d look at me and tell me exactly what I was thinking.”
    â€œBecause she could read your thoughts.”
    Sara shook her head. “No. She was just a good judge of character.”
    â€œAren’t they two sides of the same coin?”
    She was startled by that idea. “That sounds like something my mother would have said. Magda was actually my maternal grandmother’s sister.”
    â€œIs it true that psychic abilities are often inherited, on the female side?”
    Sara smiled. “I’ve heard that before, too. My mother used to read tea leaves, actually. She said it helped her make new friends when we moved, and we moved a lot.”
    â€œWas she ever right?”
    â€œYes. Usually.” Sara blinked and hesitated. “She said she was just a good judge of character.”
    Quinn laughed.
    â€œIt doesn’t matter,” Sara protested, that smile playing with her lips. “I’m the practical one. I’m the one who adds it all up at the end of the day. That’s what I do. I don’t know why I’m even giving this nonsense any credence. It’s crazy.”
    Quinn could sense that he was losing her again.
    He could only think of one way to show her that this—and he—was real.
    Sara inhaled sharply. “I should call Malone’s about that air conditioner,” she said quickly. “It’s really hot in here.”
    â€œIt’s not the air conditioner, Sara. It’s the firestorm.” Quinn knew immediately that he’d said too much.
    â€œNo,” she said with a firm shake of her head. “No. This is nuts. There is no firestorm. There is no prophecy and if there is, it’s about somebody other than me. I’ve got an inventory to reconcile and a bookstore to run and you’ve got an art show to do.” She lifted her chin and glared at him with defiance that only made him want to protect her.
    The scarf around her neck and the bruise it hid were all too potent a reminder of the price he’d pay if he failed.
    He’d paid it before, thanks to Erik Sorensson. The situation took on more urgency for him.
    â€œYou have to come with me,” Quinn said with resolve.
    â€œExcuse me?”
    â€œWe have to stay together. It will be safer for you.”
    Sara lifted one brow, her tone making her skepticism clear. “Because you’re the Smith and I’m the Seer?”
    â€œYou don’t have to believe it, Sara, to recognize that someone tried to kill you last night.”
    She swallowed and looked down. “It could have been an attempted mugging.”
    â€œDid he take your purse?”
    She swallowed and frowned. “I won’t stay late, if that makes you feel better.”
    â€œThe only thing that will make me feel better is if you come with me, right now.” Quinn leaned forward for emphasis when her lips set. “It’s not safe for you to be alone, not now that they know where you are.”
    â€œI thought your door knocker was your sentinel.”
    â€œI didn’t get here fast enough.” Quinn disliked the reminder but he wouldn’t shirk the truth. “Anything could have happened to you in that time. If Erik had intended to hurt you, it would have been over by the time I got here.” He knew his voice was rising and he didn’t care. “That’s not good enough.”
    Sara folded her arms across her chest and leaned back. “I thought you could sense when I’m in trouble? Like

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