“I thought there was supposed to be signs or something,” Keely says. “Little clues that point you in the right direction?”He smirks at her. “You have to be looking.”

“Where is he?”“Through the rabbit hole, Alice,” Asmoday instructs, gesturing with a sweep of his hand in the direction of the door.“Off to see the Mad Hatter, I suppose.”“Indeed.”“So,” Keely asks as she brushes past her brother, hand on the door knob. “What’s that make you? Twiddle Dee or Twiddle Dum?”

“Oh, crap,” Keely breathes. “You were supposed to stay in my room.”Asmoday shrugs. “You needed me.”“I—I did not.”“Why was he in your room?” Nick grumbles.“Why is he in our house?” Kimberly seethes.“Who is he? Who are you?” Kevin redirects his question.”

“You are not afraid of me at all, are you?”Keely swallows. She is, but at this point, what does she have to lose? “No, I’m not. Irritated, infuriated, disgusted, yes. But afraid? No.”He leans forward again. “Those are passionate feelings.”She sighs. “Those are bad feelings.”

“May I sleep with you?”Keely goes very still. Feels as if she is made of stone. Her stomach dips like she took the plunge on a roller coaster. That came out of nowhere. “Ugh, what?”“May I sleep here tonight? I slept so well this morning and I believe you will sleep better with me here as well.” He glances at her and smiles devilishly. “You thought I was asking to have sex.” He laughs. It’s such a wonderful noise to Keely’s ears. “I thought we were not allowed to do that?”

“Everybody has a type. I’m not trying to be mean. I’m sure you have a preference. What kind of guys do you like?” He meant to ask the question to get the focus off of him, but as she taps her fingers on the table, clearly in thought, Nick becomes absolutely intrigued with the answer. -Nick to Keely”

“I made my own choice and I would do it again. I will always do what is best for Keely,” he says and his voice is almost scary.”