“The shapes inched closer. I gaped at them, trying to discern their features. "I think I see dead people," I whispered."Yep," Aidan said, smiling. "More vampire jokes. You're just fine, then. Once this is over, you and my brother will be BFFs." He wrapped his arms around me, pressing me against his broad chest. Against my better judgement, I leaned into him, strangely comforted.”

“You freaking bit me," I said, my voice hoarse. "You're lucky I don't call animal control.”

“Aidan said he'd never hurt me. Maybe he wouldn't do it on purpose, but vampires drink blood. Sooner or later, he'd want a midnight snack.”

“Just checking you’re living and breathing,” Kieran said. “Maybe we should discuss ways to keep you that way because right now I feel like strangling you. You got me into a lot of trouble with my brother.”

“I rolled my eyes. I had just added jewel thief to my resume and almost got killed by some thug, and all my brother could think of was fancy umbrellas and tropical drinks on a beach.”

“Your new boss’s a vampire, and if you don’t learn to handle him, you’ll wake up dead. And I hope it’s in Hell because it’s more fun and heaven ain’t all”

“Great way to impress your future brother-in-law, by the way," Kieran continued. "You look like you took a blood bath. The only thing missing is the axe. Would Dallas really let his little sister date a crazed murderer who hacks bodies in the basement? You need to change that shirt pronto. And oh, you're welcome. I just saved you from making a complete and utter fool of yourself, but don't mention it."I curled my lips into a fake smile. "Thanks. It's so nice to know you've got my back."Kieran regarded me coolly. "A hobby might help ease all that hunger. Have you ever considered fixing cars, or woodworking, or maybe a DIY project around the house?""You're getting a big laugh out of this, aren't you?"Kieran shrugged. "There's nothing on TV.”