Page 38 of Power Play

“Encanto.”

Her expression softened. “That’s pretty.”

“It means charm, enchantment, something that pulls you in.”

The blush returned.

She pointed her pen toward me. “You’re abusing your position.”

“I’m volunteering.”

“Even worse.”

I reached across and pushed the pen down before she stabbed me with it. My fingertips brushed hers, and neither of us moved immediately.

“There’s another word.”

“For Charm?”

“For you.”

Her gaze held mine. “What word?”

“Hada.”

She repeated it carefully. “Hada. What does it mean?”

“Fairy.”

Charm stared at me before laughing. “You think I’m a fairy?”

“I think you’re small, pretty, expensive-looking, and capable of causing chaos without anybody noticing until it’s too late.”

“That is an insult wrapped in glitter.”

“It fits.”

“I’m not that small.”

I looked at her folded into the chair with one leg tucked beneath her, both hands wrapped around a coffee cup that looked too big for her.

“Eres tan pequeña que pareces un hada.”

Her lashes lifted. “What did you say?”

“You’re so small you look like a fairy.”

The smile that moved over her face was quieter this time.

“Say it again.”

I leaned closer, lowering my voice without thinking about why.

“Eres tan pequeña que pareces un hada.”

Charm’s fingers stilled around the cup.

“Mi hada,” I added.