“Go into the dining room and I will bring in the appetizer, once I have thoroughly kissed my wife.”
Chuckles filled the air.
“How about locking lips, Sparkles?” Jake said.
The rather subdued witch stomped off ahead into the dining room, followed by Elizabeth and Henry. Once the living room emptied, Ella lifted her head to gaze at Marcus.
His dark eyes examined her with great intensity. “Tell me, what’s going on in that head of yours, sweetheart?” He swept her hair behind her ear, and dropped a light kiss on the velvet-soft skin below.
“Marcus, stop.”
He dropped his hand and grabbed her wrist, stroking his thumb over her palm. When he wanted submission, he used this sensuous tactic. Usually it worked, but her anger flared and she broke free.
“We have guests.”
“Ella…don’t.”
Twisting around, she wondered why, tonight of all nights, he would make such a declaration of love. She didn’t trust him. Giving him a quick acknowledgment, she moved away.
“The soup is ready.”
Ella walked in the kitchen and found Isabella and Elizabeth busy pouring the soup into white bowls. She helped herself to another glass of red and took large mouthfuls, wanting to numb the nervous butterflies that swirled inside. “Thank you,” she said to them both.
Elizabeth peered at her as she handed the bowl to Isabella. “Are you all right, Ella?”
Right now, she didn’t want to think about that. She needed the truth.
“I’m fine. Come on, I bet the men are hungry.”
CHAPTER TEN
An hour later, Ella guided the guests into the living room to sit on the comfortable couches placed on either side of the blazing fire to enjoy dessert. A leather easy chair was added to accommodate everyone. A bluesy melody played in the background as Ella and Elizabeth brought in trays of chocolate and raspberry mousse in white china ramekins. After several glasses of wine, Ella couldn’t wait any longer. The mood in the living room was slumberous. Jake sat with Isabella at his side, his arm draped casually along the back of the couch. He joked with Henry, who sat next to him, about having an arm wrestle but the young man laughed out loud and refused.
“Well, you need to get some training in before heading off to meet the Padre. His bodyguards are heavyweights, dude.” Jake nodded at the man.
“I have some Krav Maga training, but I’m always looking to practice.”
“Well, I wouldn’t have pegged you as being interested in the martial arts, but cool. You’ve found a sparring partner. But be warned, I take no prisoners, man. I won’t go easy on you.”
The men high-fived each other. “I wouldn’t expect it any other way.”
Ella handed the small white pot containing the decadent chocolate to a quiet Marcus, who sat next to Elizabeth.
“Do you want to sit here, Ella? I can sit in the easy chair,” the doctor offered.
She shook her head as her mouth was full with the dessert, and she pointed at the doctor with her spoon. “No, stay there. I’m fine. Your dessert—oh my God, it’s delicious.”
“It’s so good,” said Jake.
The others nodded in approval as they all tucked in. Once Ella finished hers, she placed the empty white dish on the side table and lifted her glass to swig her wine. Marcus kept his eyes trained on her but she continued.
“I thought as we’re all here, we could play a game. What do you think?”
Elizabeth giggled and sipped her wine. “Oh, I love games.”
“As long as it’s not a drinking game. You wouldn’t stand a chance against me and the boss, princess,” Jake said with his wide smile.
Henry leaned forward. “Yeah, sure.”
“Isabella?” Ella studied the witch, who knew what would happen and the part she would play.
The pretty redhead crossed her legs. “Sure, why not.” Isabella reached for her glass of wine.
“Marcus?”
He sat with his elbow resting on the arm of the chair as he stroked his beard, deep in thought.
Her heart beat fast. He couldn’t possibly know what she intended, and yet he was on guard.
“I’m not a fan of games, but if you insist.”
A heat pooled in her belly, but she pushed on. “Okay, well, it’s a simple game of truth or dare. We’ll go around in a circle. When it’s your turn, you can choose someone from the group and ask them a question, which they have to answer truthfully, or you can give them a dare to perform.”
The room hushed and she refused to look at Marcus despite his burning gaze upon her.
Is there a reason behind this game, Ella?
Hearing Marcus inside her head made her clutch the slim arms on the leather slingback. She needed an answer.
It’s just a game, Marcus. Don’t you want to play?
Not particularly.
“Okay, I will start the game off. Henry, I dare you to kiss Jake and Isabella.”
Ella knew her choice would cause an explosive reaction, but her friends would take it in a lighthearted way. She also didn’t want Marcus to suspect her true intentions. Not yet anyway.
“What?” screeched Jake as he sprang away from the young man on his left.
“What are you freaked out about, Jake? Is it because he has to kiss you or Isabella?” Ella asked.
“Both. You’re cheating. I thought we only choose one person at a time.”
“I’m the hostess—I get to make the rules.” Ella laughed as Jake raised his eyebrows at her.
“Remember, I get a turn too. Turnabout is fair play. Well, get it over with.” Jake glared at Henry, who smirked and pushed forward, landing a quick kiss on Jake’s cheek. Everyone
