Page 45 of Hunters and Hydrangeas

“I thought about it—I even looked into flights. But then my car started making a funny noise, and Max said he’d work on it this week in exchange for dinners.”

“Tell me the truth—did you throw a wrench in the fan belt?”

“I don’t even know what a fan belt is.”

“I don’t actually know either, but it sounded plausible.”

“No, I didn’t sabotage the car on purpose.”

“If the two of you don’t—” There’s a knock at the door, cutting me off. “Hey, just a minute. I think that’s the hotel people with my mini fridge.”

“You can order a mini fridge?”

“I guess.”

I pull open the door and freeze.

Ethan, my ex-stalker, smiles at me from the hall. “Hello, Piper.”

10

My stomach feelslike it’s plummeting to my toes. Fear surges through my veins, making me lightheaded. “Ethan.”

I try to slam the door closed, but he catches it, stronger than he looks—or maybe just stronger than me. He pushes his way inside, shutting the door behind him.

“You’re supposed to be in prison,” I say stupidly, my feet rooted in place. I’m like a spooked deer, too stupid to move or think or run. I just stare at him, my brain trying to process the situation. “How are you here?”

“I was in prison,” he says calmly, taking my phone and ending the call before he tosses it onto the bed. “I’m not anymore.”

“Why?”

He smiles. “Will you believe they let me out on good behavior?”

“A hundred years early?” I say incredulously, snapping out of my stupor. “No.”

He laughs, looking at me in that obsessively affectionate way that has always felt off, even before I knew he was a vampire. “I have friends in high places—friends above the human judiciary system.”

“And they let you out?”

How is that even possible?

“Not exactly. They instructed the guards to open our cells and look the other way when we left.” He smiles, his brown eyes running over my face. “You look beautiful. Sam told me you’re a rare second-bite vampire. I knew you were exceptional.”

I’ve been slowly backing toward the balcony, but I’m against the table now, with nowhere to go. It’s a long way to the ground. “Where is Sam? Did he get out, too?”

And is he currently stalking Noah?

“Yes, Sam is out. Hilo, too, and a few of my other men I don’t think you know by name. You’ll meet them all eventually.”

“Okay,” I say carefully, hoping to keep him somewhat stable. “So…what are you doing here?”

“I’ve missed you.” He frowns. “You didn’t visit me—not even once.”

The man is insane.

“I know you feel guilty about what happened,” he continues, “but the actions of your conservator are not your fault. Please know I don’t blame you for my arrest.”

Yep,that’swhy I’ve been keeping my distance.

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