Page 98 of Christmas Magic

An invisible force knocked him backward several steps. At the same time, ripples of golden light spread outward to the doorway’s four corners.

Shock tore through him. He tried again to walk through the doorway.

Thud.

Molly had cast a barrier spell—just like he’d taught her.

He lightly tapped the open doorway, and as a shimmering golden hue materialized, he called up the hallmarks of the spell. She’d used the enchantment he’d taught her but interwoven a few unusual elements of her own.

Bollocks. Damned clever of her.

While he could probably unravel the spell, it would take effort and time.

Hellfire.

Galahad and Tim were watching him.

“He wooks even more mad,” Tim meowed.

“Don’t worry. He can’t get out.”

“Can’t I?” Lucian glowered. The squire, of all people, knew he didn’t give up easily, and he hadn’t exhausted all of his options yet.

Movement snapped his gaze to the four female cats, wandering in his direction. They were probably coming to torment him, too.

His patience snapped. “Get Molly. I want to speak to her.”

“Can’t.” Rose sat down beside Tim.

“She’s on the phone.” Marigold lined up beside the other felines. “While you were snoozing—”

“Snoozing?” he choked out.

“—she sold that nice walnut dining room table and chairs. Pretty impressive.”

“Your grandfather will be happy,” Daisy added.

All six cats now sat in a row. They stared at him as though to judge his words and deeds.

Or, maybe they viewed him as a caged beast. Some sort of entertainment, like a lion at the circus.

Enough. He’d give them one more chance to do the right thing. If they were smart, they wouldn’t refuse. “I will not ask again,” he growled. “Get. Molly.”

The tap of heels sounded.

She walked into view. Stopping just outside the barrier, she crossed her arms.

Anger and a crushing sense of dismay snarled up inside him; stronger emotions than he’d expected when she was no more to him than a friend and roomie.

“Molly.” His voice shook with fury.

Her chin tilted higher. While he admired her stubbornness—she was truly lovely, with her lips pursed and her eyes blazing—she was foolish to challenge him.

“Cancel the spell,” he demanded.

“No.”

“Now.”