special plans with Sabrina. I don't. And the truth of the matter is Ian is not your kind." She planted her hands on her hips. "I'm surprised at you, Carlos. I would expect you, of all people, to be more understanding and tolerant."
"I am tolerant of anything two humans want to do with each other, but he's not exactly human." "He's more human than anyone I know. And I love him." "You've known him exactly a week." "And a hell of a lot has happened in that time." Toni pressed a hand to her chest. "I'm becoming a
different person now. I feel like I'm finally growing into a whole person--one who's capable, strong, and worthy. I'm not a wounded child anymore. And I like what's happening to me. I'm not going to give it up."
"All right, then." Carlos touched her shoulder. "I'm very happy for you."
She gave him a hug, then wandered to the window to peek out the blinds. "The sun has set. I'll go get Ian." "Okay. And change clothes. Dress all in black." Carlos moved to his laptop. "Give me your cell
phone." "Why?" She removed it from the pocket of her khaki pants. "Because you need a new ringtone." He took her phone. "Love is no longer a battlefield for you." "Put on something nice," she warned him, then left to find Ian. He was in the silver room, still in his pajamas, finishing his breakfast. She grinned at him. "I got your note. Thank you for helping us." She rummaged through her
suitcase and found some black cargo pants. "Carlos wants us to dress in black."
小??. 152 懈蟹 235
Ian's eyebrows rose. "Are we doing it tonight?" "Yes. Is that all right?" "Aye." Ian set his empty bottle in the sink. "I should stay here most of the night in case Jedrek
tries something, but it shouldna take long to teleport yer friend out."
She located a black T-shirt, but unfortunately it had bright white letters on the front. Am I Crazy or What? She showed it to Ian. "The perfect shirt for breaking into a mental institution." He chuckled. "Ye do want to be properly dressed for every occasion." His face grew more serious.
"I'm sorry for the way I reacted last night." "There's no need to apologize. I was wrong to ever consider telling your secret." His eyes gleamed. "Ye've gone to amazing lengths to help yer friend. Ye've survived a brutal
attack, ye've taken a job with the Undead, and ye're about to do some serious breaking and
entering. That kind of loyalty is verra rare." Her eyes grew misty as her heart swelled with love. "You tell me the loveliest things." He made her realize how worthy she truly was.
He glanced at the surveillance camera, then motioned with his head to the bathroom. "Ye need to
change clothes?" "Right." Toni gathered up her black clothes and dashed into the bathroom. She gasped when Ian followed her in and shut the door. "What--?"
He pulled her into his arms and planted his mouth on hers. Her clothes tumbled to the floor as she
melted into his kiss. He suckled her bottom lip, then nibbled kisses down her neck. "Did ye need help getting out of yer clothes?"
"You rascal." She slid her fingers into his soft hair.
He tugged her navy polo shirt up and slipped his hands underneath. "I want you." He surveyed the tiny bathroom with his red, glowing eyes. "This is...a challenge." "Ian." She placed her hands on his cheeks. "We don't have time right now. And I don't really
want a quickie in the bathroom." His mouth curled up. "No' verra romantic, huh?" She grinned. "I think you're very romantic, but Carlos is waiting upstairs, and we have a job to
do." "I understand." He kissed her quickly on the mouth, then exited the room. She changed clothes, then found him in the kitchen pulling a black sweater over his head. He had
on black leather pants and looked deliciously naughty. She almost called him back into the
bathroom for a quickie. "Let's go." She grabbed her coat and took the elevator with Ian to the first floor. "We were getting the ballroom ready today for the big party."
小??. 153 懈蟹 235
He nodded. "Phineas said he would teach me how to dance more modern, so I could dance with you. I only know how to do the minuet and waltz and a few country dances." She grinned at him as they exited the elevator. "You want to dance with me?" "Aye. Phineas said I needed