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“Because of me?” I asked, confused.

“You’ve already said too much,” Dreamcatcher told Cupid. “We’re supposed to be keeping a low profile.”

“You’re right,” Cupid said as they both rose from their seats. “Well, goodbye.”

Before I could say another word, Dreamcatcher clapped her hands, and the two women—along with all their spirit friends—vanished from the dining hall.

CHAPTER 9

WE RAN OUT OF CHOCOLATE

“That was certainly exciting,” Basanti commented, then casually sat down to finish her slice of red velvet cake.

After our visitors’ dramatic exit, dinner quickly wound down. It was late, and there had been way too much excitement for one day.

“She’s totally wiped out,” I commented, my gaze dropping to Sierra as we stepped into our apartment.

Nero carried her to bed, then tucked her in under her favorite fluffy blanket.

“Duckies,” Sierra muttered in her sleep. “Angel. Shadow.” She clutched the pink blanket with her adorable little hands. “Kittens.”

Angel jumped up onto the bed and lay down in front of Sierra like a shield, ready to guard her from anything and everything that might threaten her.

“Let’s hope the craziness is done for today,” I told the cat.

Angel gave me a very skeptical, very feline look.

“Yeah, I’m worried about her too,” I replied with a sigh.

Angel stretched out her massive paws, revealing an impressive set of razor-sharp claws.

“I’m glad you have her back.” I petted Angel on the head, then Nero and I left the room—and left our daughter under the care of her guard-cat.

I followed Nero across the living room. Along the way, I paused for a quick pit stop at the kitchen counter to snatch a clementine from the fruit bowl.

“Still hungry?” Nero asked, amused.

He was already sitting on the sofa. I plopped down next to him. “Yeah, well, you know me.”

He nodded. “I certainly do. Which is why I’m surprised to see you eating something not covered in chocolate.”

I stopped peeling the clementine just long enough to shrug. “We ran out of chocolate.”

“Nowthatdoesn’t surprise me.”

I winked at him. “So,” I said, scooting closer. “How shall we spend the rest of Valentine’s Day?”

Nero didn’t answer.

So I tried again. “Shall I slip into something…” I licked my lips. “…way less comfortable?”

Still no response.

“Nero?” I tapped his arm.

He blinked. “Hmm?”

“Are you playing hard to get?”