“ʺThings are going to get worse before they get better, arenʹt they?ʺ”

“It won't be that simple though, will it?' She sounded wise beyond her years. 'Things are going to get worse before they get better, aren't they?”

“Sorry,ʺ she said, her face shining with joy when she saw me. ʺShould have put a sock on the door. Didnʹt realize things were getting hot and heavy.ʺʺNo avoiding it,ʺ I said lightly, clasping Dimitriʹs hand. ʺThings are always hot with him around.ʺDimitri looked scandalized. Heʹd never held back when we were in bed together, but his private nature wouldnʹt let him even hint about such matters to others. It was mean, but I laughed and kissed his cheek.ʺOh, this is going to be fun,ʺ I said. ʺNow that everythingʹs out in the open.ʺʺYeah,ʺ he said. ʺI got a pretty ‘funʹ look from your father the other day.”

“ʺWho′s a spirit user?ʺ said Robert.ʺFormer spirit user,ʺ said Victor, ʺShe became a Strigoi to get away from it.ʺʺYes . . . always a lure to that . . . kill to live, live to kill.Immortality and freedom from these chains, but oh, what a loss . . .ʺ said Robert.”

“Howʹd you get here?ʺ I asked.She winked. ʺYouʹre not the only ones who can steal cars. Or, in my case, get people to ‘willinglyʹ lend them.”

“ʺWe need someone to get the roomʹs attention,ʺ I said. ʺSomeone not afraid to make a spectacle—I mean, besides me, of course.ʺ”

“Christian stretched out beside her and pulled her close. ʺBut for what itʹs worth, I think youʹd be a greatqueen too, Princess Dragomir.ʺʺYouʹre going to get dirty,ʺ she warned.ʺAlready am. Oh, you mean from your clothes?ʺ He wrapped his arms around her, heedless of her damp and muddy state. ʺI spent most of my childhood hiding in a dusty attic and own exactly one dress shirt. You really think I care about this T-shirt?ʺ”