Page 113 of Lethal Obsession

“Fine,” I say, smiling. “All the favors you want.”

“I’m going to date your friends, Ofelia. Just saying.”

“No chance, asshole. Especially given your habit of drugging them.”

“Low blow. You know that was necessary—”

“Excuses, Mickey.”

“Fair. But you owe me now, so I am going to date them. I’ll do it, too. Don’t think I won’t.”

“I’m hanging up now, nerd boy,” I say, grinning as his tinny voice comes unabated from the speaker.

I end the call, still smiling.

That’s the thing about the men in our world, my brother included.

They drive me mad.

But when shit needs doing—they get it done.

“Ofelia!”

I turn in the middle of the cobblestoned alleyway and shield my eyes from the blazing midday sun, squinting at the slender figure walking uphill toward me.

“Seline?” I stare at her in shock. “What on earth are you doing here?”

“Ah!” She comes to my side and halts, looking typically elegant beneath a broad-brimmed hat and enormous black sunglasses, red lipstick slashing her mouth. “It is my cousin’s wedding soon, so my family tells me I am required to be here in Spain, and so here I am.” She’s somehow managing to navigate the steep cobblestones in towering Louboutin heels, a feat which should qualify as an Olympic sport.

“I’m so happy to see you!” I return her cool cheek kisses. “And it’s the best coincidence. I’ve never needed a tarot reading more, I swear.”

“C’est vrai?” Standing back, she holds my hands, regarding me from behind her glasses. “Oui, chérie, I see that it is. You are changed, Ofelia.”

“Yes.” I flush, grateful for the midday heat that disguises it. “I imagine I am.”

“Oh la la!” Seline is possibly the only person I know who can actually carry off the French phrase. “Now I am intrigued. We will meet, and you will tell me all about it, yes? And we can look at your cards, see what they say.”

“I would like that.” I mean it. Right now, tarot cards feel like my only connection to Alexei. “Actually, how about this afternoon, during siesta? I will be finished with practice by then. Where should I meet you?”

“This afternoon can work, yes. But my cousin’s house is crazy, she has all the siblings, and there are friends—no, it is not peaceful. I shall come to you,” she announces, like it’s already settled. “Tell me how to come.”

Stifling a smile, I give her my address, warning her about the dragons. “I will tell them you’re coming,” I say, “but make sure it’s just you, or it will be awkward.”

“Of course.” She nods. “They both live with you, then? In the same house?”

“Next door. In the adjoining villa. But they’re really nice.” I feel the need to defend Teresa and Julia, whom I’ve become increasingly fond of.

“I am glad you finally choose your own people.” Seline looks genuinely happy for me. “This, it is good independence, I think.”

“I think so too.”

“Good.” She kisses my cheeks. “So. I will see you in siesta. But I cannot stay very long today.”

“I get it. Family.”

“Not at all.” She gives a mischievous laugh. “I just met a quite divine Spanish man who gives tours of the secret tunnels beneath the Genil river. He tells me they lead all the way to the Alhambra, can you imagine?” She gives me a sly wink. “He has invited me for a visite privée, a private tour, this evening after he finishes with his afternoon tourists. Très romantique, no?”

“Yes,” I laugh. “It sounds extremely romantic. Do you plan to seduce him before or after the tour?”