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I didn’t realize it was going to be this difficult.

“That sounds nice,” I force myself to say.

Ethan’s eyes light with satisfaction. “I’d hoped you’d like it.” He then turns his attention to the silent server that appeared a few seconds ago and waits near the wall. He snaps twice, crime boss style, and then looks back at me. “Would you like the salmon again? Though I expect you might enjoy a steak now?”

“I’ve gone back to a plant-based diet now that I’m on the prescription.”

Ethan looks flummoxed. “Your doctor explained that final stage vampires are carnivores, right? I’m afraid you’re going to have to get over your aversion to meat.”

I want to throw my water in his face and storm out, but that’s not an option.

“I’d like to ease into the transition slowly.” I try to look meek and pliable. “I was hoping you might understand.”

The vampire’s expression softens, and he reaches across the table for my hand. I would like to swat him back, but I let him touch me, pretending it doesn’t make my skin crawl.

But then something catches my attention. His skin isn’t cold tonight. We’re now the same temperature, and he feels normal.

“I owe you an apology,” Ethan says.

My eyes are fixed on our hands. The fact that we’re thesamenow is freaking me out. “You do?”

“I didn’t mean to begin the turning process like that, Piper. It’s just that our date was going so well, and I got ahead of myself.”

I force myself to look at him. “Okay.”

“I understand why you pulled away, why you’ve kept me at arm’s length. I imagine you feel like you were?—”

“Violently attacked?” I lift my brows, unable to remain perfectly pleasant.

Ethan winces, and his hand twitches over mine. Regret shadows his face, and he searches my eyes. “Vampirism…it’s a gift. But you weren’t prepared, and I forced myself on you. More than anything, I want to try again—I want to start fresh.”

“So, you decided to kidnap my best friend?”

His eyes widen like he’s genuinely shocked. “I didn’t kidnap her. Iinvitedher.”

“Did you send your thugs with the invitation?” I lean forward, narrowing my eyes. “Because it might have seemed like, to Olivia, she didn’t have a choice but to go with them.”

Ethan’s jaw flexes, and I realize maybe I should back off a little. He still has Olivia, after all, and I’m not exactly in the best position either.

“I’m sorry.” I soften my tone and lower my eyes to the table, knowing I won’t be able to lie if I’m looking right at him. “I believe you had good intentions, but I’m still angry with you. I’m trying to understand.”

“Oh, my heart.” He squeezes my hand. “Just say you’ll forgive me eventually?”

I look back up, hoping I’m a better actress than I suspect I am. “I’ll try—but only if you include me in your decisions. Don’t bite me again without discussing it with me first, and please know, I’m still adjusting and not anywhere near ready to move to the second stage.” I draw in a deep breath. “And don’t invite my friends to your house without their permission again.”

“Of course.” Ethan nods, amiable. “That’s more than reasonable.”

“And there’s something else that’s been bothering me.” I pull my hand back, my palms growing clammy as I try to form the question in a way that won’t anger the unstable vampire. “It’s about Kevin—my ex-boyfriend. Did you have something to do with his death?”

“Yes,” he says solemnly, sitting back in his chair. “I killed him.”

25

My mouth falls open,but I quickly press my lips together. Terror tightens my throat, fear trying to claw its way to the surface.

Ethan didn’t tell me anything I hadn’t already suspected—he simply confirmed it. But with that confirmation comes guilt. Because, in a roundabout way, Kevin’s death ismyfault.

“Oh, I suppose I shouldn’t take all the credit,” Ethan amends, talking about it far too casually. “I paid one of my associates to do it. I like to keep my hands clean whenever possible.”