Page 56

“Only the ones who are demoted hunters.”

“Is that a lot of you?”

“That’s only me.”

“So…I got lucky.”

A fast, hot smirk flashes across his face. He schools it quickly, but his eyes shine. “I thought you said no flirting?”

Suddenly, I’m seeing the situation in a new light. Noah isn’t just my conservator—he’s a bodyguard. Which sounds infinitely hotter and way more dangerous.

“I wasn’t.”

“You sure about that?”

“Are all hunters this cocky?”

“Only the good ones.”

“And you’re good?”

He lifts a brow, his eyes snaring mine. “Oh, Piper, I amverygood.”

“No. Flirting.”

“I’m just stating facts.”

“You’ve been friend-zoned—remember it.”

“That sounds like a challenge.”

My stomach clenches, and my skin flushes with sudden warmth.

“We need to talk about sleeping arrangements,” he says.

I narrow my eyes. “I sleep here, and you sleep in your parents’ basement like the cool guy you are. Moving on.”

“You have two options. You either temporarily stay with your brother, or I’m moving in with you.”

“I barely know you,” I hiss in a whisper, like someone could overhear the conversation in my empty house.

“I’m not suggesting whatever is making your cheeks pink. This is a big house. I think it’s a safe bet you have a guest bedroom. You in your room and me in mine. Roommates.”

“No.” I cross my arms. “Not happening.”

“Piper, you have a vampire stalker, and you live alone. You don’t even have a dog.”

“I’ll get a dog. A great big one.”

“I’myour dog.”

I open my mouth and then laugh. “Too easy.”

“I’ll pay you room and board.”

My eyes sharpen on him. “How much?”

“A thousand a month.”