Door’s locked,” he said. “And we have unfinished business.

He felt warm and familiar. He felt solid and safe. I wanted to cling to his shirt, bury my face into the warm curve of his neck, and never let go.

I had to lull Mom and Hank into believing I was in the right frame of mind to be taken into public. If I exited my bedroom foaming at the mouth and dressed in black LOVE SUCKS tee, my plan would never get off the ground.

Wow. Nice bike,” I said. Which was a lie. It looked like a glossy black death trap.

men are attracted to beauty because it indicates health and youth—no point mating with a sickly woman who won’t be around to raise the children.

It was a smile that spelled trouble. With a promise.

Arrogance can be deadly.” The corners of his mouth crept up. “But you didn’t hear me say that.