Duplicity: Spellbound Trilogy, #2

By Nikki Jefford

Graylee Perez cheated death… and now death is coming to collect.

Life's not perfect for "Lee" 2.0, but pretty darn close. She's alive at least! And she has the best boyfriend in the world--one who knows all her darkest secrets and doesn't run screaming.

Then her powers backfire.

Charlene returns from boarding school in France claiming that she, too, is Graylee Perez. Impossible, right? Maybe not, thanks to a certain avenging warlock's meddling.

If Lee thought sharing a body with her twin sister was bad, dealing with a duplicate of herself is two times worse. Gray the second doesn't seem to get that Raj McKenna is off-limits. Then there's the problem of Adrian Montez. He expects one of the Grays to be his and he'll fight dirty to get what he wants.

Nearly a year later, the council is on to them for past misdeeds; Lee, along with the rest of the coven, has lost control of her powers; and, Gray is being stalked by what looks like the Grim Reaper.

If the two Grays work together, they may stand a chance of setting things right. But will they both make it out alive?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nikki Jefford
• Release date: Aug 11, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386821335

Book preview

Chapter One

Lee found it difficult to concentrate on mathematics when all she could think about was jumping her boyfriend’s bones.

Stacey Lee Morehouse—Graylee Perez in a former life—sat across from Raj McKenna on the carpet in her bedroom.

It was Wednesday night: date night, which meant her mom and Mr. Morehouse were out for the evening. Lee suspected her mother’s motives were, in part, to allow her and Raj a midweek break to be alone. Not that they needed it with Raj hunched over his textbook engrossed in… Lee leaned forward… Two-Dimensional Collisions. Snore.

From the moment Lee woke from a coma nine and a half months ago, Mr. Morehouse had played the role of devoted and overly protective single father. It had taken months for him to allow her a modicum of space. Dating Marney Perez helped.

What Mr. Morehouse didn’t realize was that Lee was Marney’s daughter, not his.

Lee brushed her hair over one shoulder and stared at Raj. Her room was always dim, as the light had to filter through the multicolored fabrics hanging like canopies from the ceiling. Early on, she’d transformed Stacey’s floral fixation into an India-themed haven with ornately carved furniture and colorful throw pillows.

Lee tapped her pencil against her geometry book. Raj continued reading.

Lee cleared her throat. Finally Raj looked up. His smirk always got her. It said: you’re an adorable pest, but I can’t resist you. Best of all, Raj looked at her like she was Graylee Perez. Not Stacey Morehouse.

Lee crawled over to Raj on all fours. His smirk increased when she planted her palms on top of his open textbook.

Not in a study mood, I take it? he asked.

His eyes darted to her gaping V-neck. Now she had his attention. Lee’s smile traveled up her cheeks. We’re alone. Besides, I’m sure there’s more to a Wednesday night than… Lee’s eyes traveled from Raj’s open textbook to his lower lip. …science.

Raj leaned forward, stopping half an inch from her forehead. His pupils reflected Lee’s eager face. Such as?

Lee lowered her voice. I think we should do it.

Raj leaned back as though startled. Are you referring to what I think you are?

Lee moved in. The textbook crinkled under her knees. She pressed her lips against Raj’s, then pulled back when he didn’t kiss her back. What’s the matter?

Raj ran a hand through his hair and looked away. Don’t get me wrong. I’m interested, you know I am, but why all of a sudden?

Lee’s lower lip pouted. Why not? We’ve been going out for eight months. We’re seniors and, you know, we’re ready—at least I am. Maybe you aren’t.

Ha, ha, Raj said. His smile faded. I think I know what this is really about.

What?

Tomorrow’s February ninth.

Lee sat on her knees and folded her arms. Yeah, and?

And that’s the day you died.

What about it?

Why don’t you tell me?

Lee pushed away from Raj. She snatched the pillow off the floor and set it in her lap. Fine. It’s the anniversary of my death. I can’t help thinking about how close I came to eternal oblivion. It makes a girl reflect on the experiences she wants to have before it’s lights out forever.

Lee…

Lee blinked rapidly and looked away.

Lee.

She still refused to look.

Gray!

Her eyes latched onto his as though on command. For some reason, this angered her. Lee was on her knees pushing Raj back before she could form a coherent thought. Don’t call me that!

Raj was quick to recover—levitating before ever hitting the ground. You’re forgetting something, Lee. I’m your boyfriend now.

And? she challenged. She squealed an instant later when Raj got her on her back.

And you can’t just throw a fit and push me away. I’m not going anywhere. He dove forward and finally gave her the kisses she craved.

Lee hugged Raj between her thighs. She slipped him the tongue. Lately this had been the prelude to near sex, but instead of twisting tongues with her, as he’d done in the past, Raj pulled back. You’re serious?

Lee smiled. He was caving. One hundred percent.

Raj’s chest rose and fell. And you’re sure you’re ready?

This isn’t rocket science, stud. I want you.

Raj’s brows furrowed. I want you, too. I love you, Lee. I’ve loved you from the moment you appeared in my life.

Literally. Raj had noticed Lee when she’d tried to sneak into English class late by turning herself invisible, then filling herself back in once she took a seat at the back of the room. Nothing got past Raj McKenna—at least not where Lee was concerned.

Lee chuckled. A little less talk, if you don’t mind.

Raj reached out and cupped her breast in reply.

Stacey Morehouse did have impressive boobs. Size C. Firm. Perky. Lee still didn’t think of them as her own.

She twisted to her side. Raj rocked back and stood up. I’m sorry. This wasn’t a good idea.

No! Lee scrambled to her feet. It’s time I embraced this body.

Sure?

Definitely.

Raj twisted his lips. It was replaced by a grin. He didn’t believe her. Fine, she’d show him how serious she was. Lee pulled her V-neck over her head and tossed it beside Raj. His eyes grew bigger. Amusement was replaced by a heavy stare. The pendant she wore daily, a vial encased in smooth silver, dangled above the valley between her breasts.

Little pinpricks of pain stung the back of Lee’s eyes. She ignored it.

Raj’s gaze was trained on her fingers unzipping her jeans. Lee stripped each leg down like stockings, then stepped out. She quickly pulled her socks off because they looked stupid without pants on. She now stood several feet away from Raj on the rug in her bra and panties. Lee reached back for the hook on her bra.

Raj’s eyes looked ready to pop.

Lee unhooked the bra and suddenly she was gone.

Not gone, gone, but invisible. She re-clasped her bra, which might have been humorous if she’d been thinking straight because it wasn’t like anyone could see her.

Raj’s brows rose right before he chuckled. If you didn’t want me to see you naked, you could have kept your clothes on.

Raj, this isn’t funny. I didn’t make myself invisible.

It’s okay, you’re not ready. You know I’m in no rush.

I’m ready! Seriously, this has never happened to me before.

Okay, so make yourself visible again.

Lee stomped her foot. I’m trying! Etch A Sketch, M.C. Escher’s Drawing Hands—nothing was working.

Raj chuckled again. I thought guys were the ones with performance anxiety.

Stop making fun of me.

I’m not. Need help?

There was a brief pause followed by a huff of frustration. Fine. Fill me in. Whatever.

Raj was still grinning until his clothes ripped off his body. They fell in tatters to the tapestry rug at his feet.

Someone’s eager. Lee was happy to be the one on the teasing end of things this round.

Raj instantly turned red and quickly cupped himself with his left hand in an attempt to cover his… parts. That wasn’t me!

Mmm hmm.

Seriously.

Lee had to laugh at the way Raj’s eyes darted around the room trying to find her.

Are you staring at me? Don’t look at me!

I never pegged you as the shy type.

I’m not. I just don’t like you staring when I can’t see you.

Fine, I’m not looking at you. But she was. She was ogling every inch of him at the moment. Sixth hour weight training was doing wonders for Raj’s physique. Not that she’d ever found it lacking. He was all tight, toned muscle tinged in rich, dark Indian skin. A pendant matching hers dangled below Raj’s throat.

Lee wet her lips. It wasn’t like he’d see the gesture.

Raj was squinting as though that’d help him locate her. Something weird is happening.

Let’s worry about it later.

He tried to find her eyes. Lee, what’s going on?

As though Lee had something to do with this. She knew what was happening. Well, not really, but alarm bells were ringing. She’d disappeared. What was next? Total annihilation? She didn’t have much time.

Kiss me!

Raj’s eyes widened. What?

Lee threw her arms around his neck.

Kiss me.

He did as she commanded. While he was thus distracted, Lee took the opportunity to place her hand on his heart. It thumped against her palm. The dark hairs on his torso made him look more man than high schooler. Lee was surprised by how soft they were. She stroked his chest. Raj breathed a sigh into her mouth, then kissed her roughly. He broke away with a groan when Lee’s hand slid down his backside.

Lee, we can’t.

Why not? I’m naked. You’re naked. Obviously, the powers that be think we’re ready. Seems to me they’re trying to give us a little nudge.

Raj pulled Lee’s arms off his body. I’m not doing anything unless I’m in full control.

What if something happens to me? What if I fade away all together?

Raj yanked the throw off the end of Lee’s bed and wrapped it around himself like a sarong. Lee wasn’t sure how he found her, but somehow he’d gathered her in his arms. You aren’t going anywhere, Lee. I won’t let anything happen to you.

Chapter Two

Lee laughed. She couldn’t help it. Raj looked ridiculous in Mr. Morehouse’s polo and slacks. The pants were a good eight inches too long and hung over Raj’s foot as he worked the gas pedal.

I’m glad someone finds this amusing, Raj said.

It was better than freaking out. All jokes aside, there was panic in Lee’s heart. As she’d slipped her own clothing back on each article had disappeared from sight as it covered her body. Again, not her doing.

Maybe it’s revenge of Mrs. Pritchett.

Last year, Lee made herself invisible to sneak into English late, and then a few days later, Raj burst open the teacher’s blouse after she humiliated him in front of the class.

Doubtful, Raj said. The only ability Mrs. Pritchett has is to make people cringe.

Hey! Lee said. You just went through a red light.

Raj grinned. I call that a rosy green. It was yellow when I entered the intersection.

Somehow I don’t think a cop would see it that way.

Yeah, and what would he think if he saw me naked? Who knows how long before these clothes rip apart.

Lee looked at the striped polo—definitely not Raj’s style.

The sooner I get home the better, Raj said.

Do you think your mom will know what’s going on?

I don’t know, but at least she might know what to do. Raj slammed down the brake. This time, the light in front of them was a little too rosy. You know, it would really help if you turned the lights green.

Don’t think I haven’t tried. My powers are useless at the moment.

As they waited for the light to change, a speck of white drifted in front of the windshield. Silence settled over the car. More flakes descended.

Is that… Raj leaned forward. …snow?

Lee swallowed.

I didn’t think it was that cold out. Did you? Lee? Raj tried to find her eyes. Lee, what’s the matter?

Lee’s voice was a whisper, nearly as faint as her physical presence. It snowed the day before I died.

It doesn’t mean a thing, Raj said.

To Lee it meant everything.

The door to Raj’s house opened before they reached it. Raj’s mother stood there. Puffy red blotches marred Mrs. McKenna’s bare arms and had transformed her usually clear complexion into a hideous display of red welts and open sores. Lee was grateful Mrs. McKenna missed her lips as they curled back.

Mom, what happened to you? Raj grasped his mother’s splotchy hand.

Don’t worry about me. We must help your sister.

Raj dropped his mom’s hand. What’s wrong with Aahana?

She won’t wake up. Mrs. McKenna’s eyes darted to Raj’s side when Lee gasped. Lee?

I’m here, Mrs. McKenna. I’m invisible. Not by choice.

Not by choice. I don’t understand. She looked at Raj.

Neither of us has control of our powers at the moment, he said. In fact, our powers seem to be working against us.

Come inside quickly, Mrs. McKenna said. Stay with your sister while I search through my amulets.

Raj was already hurrying down the hall to his little sister’s room. When Lee walked inside, Raj was seated on the bed beside Aahana, stroking her long dark hair. The preteen lay on top of the covers, fully clothed. Her chest rose and fell gently.

Aahana, Raj said softly. He repeated her name over and over.

Lee approached the bed. She’s going to be okay, Raj. Whatever’s causing this—it can’t last long.

Raj nodded without taking his eyes off his sister. He said her name several more times, then became very still. The gaze Raj held over his sister was so intense, Lee almost expected her forehead to open up the way it had with Stacey Morehouse—the real Stacey Morehouse—the time Raj tried to communicate with her when she was in a coma.

Lee quickly turned away and began studying Aahana’s bookshelf. Back-to-back titles on spirituality and the healing arts neatly lined each shelf. One might think Aahana had a great interest in the subject, but Lee knew better. Aahana loved anything vampire or paranormal. Her favorite books were stored, unseen, in the eReader lying on the nightstand beside her.

Lee felt a sudden urge to slide the eReader awake and read to Aahana. Before she could make it three steps, Mrs. McKenna entered the room. She held something up.

Raj let out a breath. A nazar. Good thinking.

Hanging from a cord in Mrs. McKenna’s fingers was a round blue glass amulet with an eye painted in the middle. Before Lee could ask more about it, Mrs. McKenna slipped it over Aahana’s head.

The girl’s eyes opened and she sat up. What’s going on? Why’s everyone in my room?

Calm down, Aahana, Mrs. McKenna chided as though she hadn’t been fretting moments earlier.

Aahana looked from her mother to Raj then back to her mom. Why’s your skin all blotchy, Mom? Her eyes moved back to Raj. And what are those ridiculous clothes you’re wearing?

Yes, Raj, you didn’t explain those, Mrs. McKenna said.

All three women stared at him. Lee chuckled.

Aahana ducked down. What was that?

Nothing. It’s Lee. She’s invisible, Raj said, glaring in the entirely wrong direction.

This caused Lee to laugh again.

Lee, why are you invisible? Aahana asked.

Because I don’t have control over my powers, Lee said. None of us do. At the moment, our powers seem to be controlling us. That’s why you’ve been asleep.

Aahana’s face fell. I’ve been asleep?

Mrs. McKenna nodded.

How long?

Not long. I found you ten minutes ago, Mrs. McKenna said. When these marks appeared on my skin I cried out. I thought it odd that you didn’t come out of your room to check on me, so I came in and saw you on the floor. I thought you’d passed out, but you were sleeping. No matter how hard I tried, you wouldn’t wake.

Aahana chewed on her lower lip as she listened to her mother. Then how did you wake me just now?

Raj nodded at her neck. Mom put a nazar on you.

Aahana looked down and touched the amulet at her chest. This is the only thing keeping me awake at the moment?

Mrs. McKenna took a seat on the bed and began stroking Aahana’s hair. I wasn’t certain it would work.

What’s a nazar? Lee asked.

This time, Raj located her voice and stared in her general direction. It’s a Turkish amulet believed to protect against the evil eye.

Is that what we’re up against? The evil eye?

Raj shook his head. It’s folklore, an ancient belief, mostly caused by envy. Some people believe a curse is cast by one malevolent gaze—sometimes unintentionally. Whatever’s at work now seems targeted at witches and warlocks. Raj turned to his mom. How did you know the nazar would work on Aahana?

I didn’t, but it was worth a try.

Do you have any more amulets lying around?

Dozens, but that’s my only nazar. Mrs. McKenna stood up. I do have other protective amulets. Maybe they’d work.

As soon as Raj’s mom left, Aahana stopped fingering the nazar and grinned wide. So tell me about this new fashion statement.

Raj got up and groaned. I’ll be back.

Aahana’s lower lip dropped. Don’t leave me alone. What if I slip into slumber land again?

You’re not alone. Lee’s with you.

Once Raj rushed out, Aahana turned over to her stomach and propped her chin on both hands. Okay, spill. Why is my usually oh so suave brother dressed in khakis and a polo?

Lee could see Aahana looking around for her so she grabbed a teddy bear from the armoire and held it against her. Aahana focused first on the bear before her eyes traveled up, stopping, uncannily, on Lee’s.

Lee’s lip trembled. She couldn’t keep it secret any longer. His clothes burst off his body.

Aahana erupted into a fit of laughter. Mrs. McKenna came racing into the room, a wood box under one arm. Aahana, what is the matter?

Aahana couldn’t stop laughing