“Here’s a pen so the next time you want to write a message about drugs, you won’t have to use someone’s heart.”

“She needs her freedom, but I won’t let her have it.”

“Zulu, we do this quick and easy,” Ray said. “No ripping his chest apart, taking out his heart, and painting his blood across the pavement.”“Come on. I did that once, and you still won’t leave it alone.” I shrugged my shoulders and leaned back in the van’s backseat.”

“You see how good I’m being for you? I haven’t ripped out any hearts or anything.”

“Is it wrong that I see those creamy white legs and just want to mark them with my fangs?” he whispered.“I think if I thought about it for a long time, it would be a bit frightening.”“What is it now?”“Tempting.”

“Zulu!” I raced up to his side and stopped him. “I can explain my weird behavior.”“So you’re not just crazy?” His blond eyebrows rose as he grinned.“Well, that’s the point. I am crazy.” I raked my fingers through my hair and blew out a long breath. “I set my ex-boyfriend and the two women he was cheating with on fire. They were all in the hospital for several months.”He didn’t say anything and just continued to stare.Feel like running away yet?“So,” I said. “I’m not the sanest person you could spend your time trying to be with.”He flashed me a huge smile. “If someone touched you now, they would be lucky to have only one month in the hospital.” Oh, my goodness.“Okay. I don’t think you understand me.” I held my hands out to my sides. “What I am trying to say is I’m insanely jealous and act on it in violent ways that are frankly detrimental—”“You have a few more weeks.” He tapped his watch. “And then I’m coming for you.”Coming for me?”

“Please consult your child’s Witch doctor before using this product. Diapers may cause severe allergies, internal bleeding, and irreversible sex change.”