We can retreat and retreat and let ourselves get backed into corners forever,” she’d said once. “Or we can go out and meet the enemy at the time and place we choose. Not them.” Okay, Tasha, I thought. Let’s see if your advice gets me killed.

It doesn’t matter,” said Adrian, smiling. He rested a hand on my shoulder. “Some things are worth the trouble.

You and me are going to have so much fun, Rose. Picking out curtains, doing each other's hair, telling ghost stories.

He stepped back and threw his arms out. "I'm always crazy around you Rose. Here, I'm going to write an impromptu poem for you." He tipped his head back and shouted to the sky: "Rose is in red But never in blue Sharp as a thorn Fights like one too.

Dmitri was at a total loss. It was a common reaction for people when I agreed to do something reasonable.

Rose, I cheat at cards and buy liquor for minors. But I would never, ever force you into something you don't want.

There's a guy chasing me!" I called as I headed out the door.