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Out through the front door

"Done," Astrid said, standing for a moment atop the stone steps "Done"

She walked off into the falling night

Chapter Thirty-Four

2 HOURS, 51 MINUTES

"YOU’RE GOING? " DIANA asked

"Of course," Caine said "We’re going We’re even going to bring Penny She’ll cos And then she’ll be very useful at controlling people"

Caine started whistling happily as he stuffed clothing into a Dolce & Gabbana bag

"You should grab soet back here"

"I’," Diana said

Caine stopped He smiled at her Then his eyes went dead and she felt herself pushed by an invisible hand, shoved toward the closet

"I said pack," Caine said

"No"

"Don’t ret," he warned Then in a ht you loved me What’s all this about?"

"You’re a despicable person, Caine"

Caine laughed "And now you’re shocked Right"

"I hoped--"

"What?" he snapped "Hoped what, Diana? Hoped you’d keep htup a little," Diana said

Caine esture with his hand Diana was propelled toward him She tripped but did not fall He held her immobile with powers she could not resist and kissed her

"I have what I wanted froive it up willingly I could have forced you whenever I wanted, but I didn’t, did I?"

She did not answer

"But if you think," he went on, "that you’ve gotten soain See, I’s And I’one person who can stand up to ood leader needs that" He leaned so close she could feel his breath on her ear as he whispered "Just reret it Now pack up Make sure you bring that little lacy black thing I like you in that Bug Go tell Penny we’re leaving"

Bug faded into view He’d seen and heard it all Froer

• • •