Page 114 of No Charm Done

“If I’ll—” Luna made a sound that was half laugh, half sob. “You idiot. Of course I’ll have you. I thought I’d lost you yesterday. Do you really think I’m going to let you go now?”

His smile was slow and devastating. “Just checking.”

“Although,” Luna said, settling back against his chest, “we’re going to need to have a serious conversation about your career plans.”

“My what?”

“Your career. A livelihood that doesn’t involve conning people.”

“I’m not sure I know how to do anything else.”

“Well, you’re going to learn.” She poked him gently. “No more playing people for marks.”

“Even if they deserve it?”

“Especially if they deserve it.”

“Luna—”

“I’m serious, mister. You want to stay here? You want to build a life in the twenty-first century? Fine. But you’re going to do it honestly.”

His chest rose and fell with a deep breath. “And if I don’t know how?”

“We’ll figure it out together.” She wriggled around to face him. “One way or another, we’ll figure it out.”

He looked at her for a long moment. “Together.” Like he was testing the word. He pulled her over for another kiss . . . that was interrupted by a sharp knock on the door.

They both froze.

“Luna Melrose.” Mama was all business. “I know you’re awake. And I know you’re not alone.”

Luna closed her eyes. “Oh my gods.”

“Get yourselves decent and come downstairs. Zahir’s made brunch, everyone’s here, and we need to talk about what happened yesterday.”

“Yes, Mama,” Luna called back, trying to sound like a responsible adult and not like someone who’d just been thoroughly debauched in her childhood bedroom.

“Elias,” Kelly continued, “your suit was too burned to salvage, unfortunately. Scarlett conjured some fresh clothes for you. They’re here outside the door. Chop, chop.” Mama’s footsteps retreated down the hall.

“So it seems my sister has . . . um . . . conjured some clothes. Scarlett, the chaos goblin, intends to dress you.”

“Should I be worried?”

“Unquestionably.”

* * *

It must be said: Scarlett outdid herself.

Shaw descended the stairs to the Stargazer lobby wearing a velvet suit in a color that could only be described as electric plum. The shirt underneath was aggressively ruffled, with enough fabric at the collar and cuffs to upholster a small sofa. The pants were flared at the bottom in a way that hadn’t been fashionable since 1972. And the shoes? Platform heels.

When he caught Luna’s expression, he said flatly, “Not one word.”

“I wasn’t going to say anything.”

“Well, you’re thinking very loudly.”

“I’m thinking you look very groovy.”