Tempt Me Read Free Page B

gorgeous bad boys. She silently corrected herself. Reformed bad boy. Reformed, reborn, and happily married.
    Angelique blushed while she studied him. Each time she saw him, it struck her that he was like living art. If she weren’t so oddly enamored with Gabriel, he would definitely be her favorite fantasy.
    He’d literally walked out of history, and he was nearly too beautiful to be real. Amber eyes with long, dark lashes. Skin like honey and full lips that always looked freshly kissed.
    Too pretty, his wife, Bethany, always teased him. And it was true. But Angelique wasn’t just fascinated with his looks. It was what he was, or what he’d been, that entranced her.
    Bone Daddy. A sexual Loa. A voodoo spirit. Sort of. He’d been around a few hundred years, showing up for voodoo practitioners who needed aid in love and lust spells, making those he “rode” irresistible. Until he’d fallen in love himself and gotten a second chance.
    He was also the reason her brother had changed so much after their father’s death eight years ago. Why Celestin had gone from her playful, charming older brother to a distant, melancholy womanizer. It had been because of Bone Daddy and the deal her brother had made with the spirit to protect his family. To protect her.
    Now, though she still wasn’t sure how, the Loa was human. And before she could work up a good mad on her brother’s behalf, Celestin had made it clear to his mother and sisters that BD was a friend. More than that. One of the family. That decree, combined with BD’s undeniable warmth and charm, made it impossible to do anything other than love him.
    An ex-Loa in her growing family. It was the most exciting thing that had happened in her life so far. Well, maybe the second-most exciting thing.
    “You didn’t see me? I wonder why.” BD smiled delightedly, dazzling her into silence. “Could it be you were too focused on the gossip du jour? The return of the eternally grumpy twin?”
    Angelique felt her lips tilt even as her blush deepened. “My family has a lot of secrets. Maybe this is the only way I can find anything out. Or maybe I was just trying to swipe all the good snacks.”
    “Bah. I know your type. Hell, I am your type, cher . A trouble magnet.” He shook his head, understanding bright in his beautiful eyes. “And I can see you are looking for trouble tonight. Don’t deny it. Your brother would be sad to think he wasn’t the reason you decided to join us this evening. Although I’m not sure Gabriel is ready for a wildcat like you.”
    How did he know? How could he possibly know? “I’m not sure what you’re talking about, but whatever it is, I’m innocent.”
    BD made a face when Angelique batted her eyelashes. “I applaud your acting, cher , as well as your stealth, but it’s wasted on me. Desire was my job long before you were born. I’ve seen what lengths men and women go to taste that forbidden fruit. Now, before you get us both in trouble, you should get down. Your brother is on his way inside as we speak.”
    The thought of her big brother catching her in the act of eavesdropping had her hopping off the kitchen island swiftly, and she gave BD a quick, impulsive hug. “Thanks for the heads-up.”
    He chuckled, squeezing her shoulders gently before pulling back to look down at her. “Anytime, cher .” His golden gaze fell to her neck and his expression changed suddenly. “Do me a favor in return, yes? Don’t take that necklace off.”
    Angelique’s brow furrowed as she reached up to fiddle with the thin, golden cross her mother had given her at her baptism. “Why?”
    BD opened his mouth to respond, but the sound of heavy footsteps behind him stopped him from answering.
    “Little one, I’m glad you came.” Celestin Rousseau beamed at her happily, his arms filled with food from Allegra’s favorite corner restaurant. “I brought dinner. A little bit of everything, so I hope you’re hungry.”
    His relaxed, easygoing expression was