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"I’ve got it," she said She sounded like she was on surer footing now Covering shit up e did "Don’t worry about Teddy; I’ll ets him somewhere safe" A pause, and when her voice returned there was a new note of coolness in it "And I suppose, in return for saving him, you want Molly exonerated"

"Uh" Stupid, stupid Scarlett See, this is why I sucked at everything political The thought hadn’t even crossedlook, but I just shook olden opportunity to savearound, no more violence, and I didn’t even have to stop Count Asshat if I didn’t want to

All I had to do was leverage the life of a man I liked and respected

Of course, Hayne could survive as a vampire He would just miss most of his kid’s life and lose his relationship with Kirsten So it wasn’t like it was a death sentence if I refused to do it More like an un-death sentence, pun intended

Focus, Scarlett I gave myself the time to take a deep breath and push it out slowly "Honestly, Kirsten? No I want Molly safe, but I will do this for Hayne either way," I said into the phone Silence on the other end "But you should keep in mind," I added, because what the hell, "that without Molly, Hayne would have bled out in Dashiell’s driveway tonight"

"I understand," ca up the phone

Chapter 34

When we pulled into the driveway of the Marina del Rey residence, I spotted Matthias’ vintage Cadillac already in the driveway The three of us were hurrying inside when Jesse put out an arave him the stink eye Jesse dropped his hand

"What?" I asked

"Maybe you shouldn’t go in right away," he pointed out "If he’s trying to use her boundary ht" Null, here I could probably go into the house and try to keep Shadow’s cell out ofit What if they’d ure out where we stand?" I asked Jesse was already uess she wanted to see what all the fuss was about

A couple oftoward me with his shoulders slumped I looked at hi tired "Matthias did sos, and her heart just started beating again He’s going to give her an adrenaline shot to wake her up faster You shouldn’t co me know"

"We should talk, Scarlett"

I sed For the life of me, I couldn’t think of one stupid joke or quip that could deflect the tension Not even a ht," I said "But can it wait until to here"

He really looked like he wanted to object, but he shrugged sadly "Fine I’ to the Trials to help Will with the pups"

There was so defeated in his expression that I really didn’t like I stood on tiptoes to kiss him "I love you," I said

The corner of his mouth lifted "I know"

I watched hi I couldn’t quite explain I was still standing there a fewfor me

"Scarlett?" he said

"Yeah What’s up?"

"She’s awake" He sounded a little awed, like in his heart he hadn’t really believed Matthias could do it Couldn’t blabad witch"