aFear not, my love, I come bearing tidings, not ill will,a Sinjin said, taking a step toward me until we were separated by only two inches. I swallowed hard as I looked up at him, wondering what in the h.e.l.l he was doing here, and why, no matter where he went, he always brought trouble.

aWhat the h.e.l.l,a I began, but my voice died away as he brought his fingers to my mouth and shushed me.

aDonat touch her,a Rand seethed, fighting to release himself from Odranas stranglehold. aYou do not f.u.c.king touch her.a Sinjin dropped his fingers from my lips and turned to face Rand, a smirk on his face. aAh, Randall has become quite territorial, has he not?a he asked, facing me again with a wink.

aItas your b.l.o.o.d.y fault she died,a Rand ground out in a hoa.r.s.e voice.

aEnlighten me, Balfour, how was that my fault?a A bluish light engulfed Rand and grew brighter until Odran winced. Realizing Rand was using magic to try to release himself, Odran began glowing yellow in response, using magic to fight magic. The blue of Randas light blinked a few times more before dying out as Odran reinforced his hold on Rand with a bullish roar.

aRelease me, dammit!a Rand yelled at Odran.

aThere will be nay fightina,a Odran said in a low tone that echoed the warning.

aI wonat touch him,a Rand responded while staring Sinjin down. Odran must have believed Rand, because he dropped his arms and Rand stepped away.

aJolie,a Rand said, reaching for my hand and pulling me close behind him. He squeezed my hand rea.s.suringlya"as if to say head make sure the scary vampire would soon be on his way.

Sinjin laughed. aYou think I would harm her?a aYou care only for yourself.a Rand spat the words. aYou allowed Jolie to fight in the battle, you f.u.c.king b.a.s.t.a.r.d. Itas your fault I watched her die.a aIt wasnat his fault,a I interrupted, stepping out from behind him. He refused to unlock his eyes from the vampire, so I grasped his chin and forced him to look at me. aFighting was entirely my idea, my plan. If youare mad at anyone, it should be me.a Rand shook his head. aSinjin helped you when he should have known better.a He faced Sinjin again and the anger in his eyes increased tenfold, his aura swelling as purple began to eclipse the blue. aAs far as Iam concerned, it started with Sinjin and it will end with Sinjin.a Sinjin nodded, not appearing to be fazed in the least. aYes, I aided our lovely witch. But you know how persuasive she can be. And you also know of my weakness for a damsel in distress.a I wasnat in the mood to listen to Sinjin taunt Rand all night. We needed to cut to the chase. aWhat do you want, Sinjin?a I demanded.

Sinjin brought his attention from Rand to me, and a smile slithered over his mouth. His eyes seemed to glow as he eyed me up and down. aIs that not obvious, pet?a aI want you off my property,a Rand said but Sinjin just smiled at him. Then Trent suddenly took a few steps forward, as if to say he would see to it the job was done. They were poorly matcheda"Sinjin could make mincemeat of Trent in a hmm a Iad say three seconds flat.

aRand,a I said, thinking he was taking this whole thing a bit far. Yes, Sinjin could be a jerk, and yes he and Rand had never had a good relationship, but Sinjin was on our side and always had been. In truth, Rand blamed Sinjin for something that Iad orchestrated, and I wasnat about to stand by and let Sinjin take the blame.

aYou are no longer our ally, Sinclair,a Rand lashed out, refusing to look at me.

aThis isnat his fault,a I repeated.

aShhh,a Sinjin interrupted. aDo not defend me, poppet. I have come to declare my loyalty and, as I mentioned last night, my supplication to the Queen.a aLast night?a Rand questioned, his gaze traveling from Sinjin to me. His eyes were both murderous and pained. aWhat the b.l.o.o.d.y h.e.l.l does that mean?a Just as I was about to reply, Sinjin did it for me. aI visited our lovely witch last evening, just as she was dropping off to sleep. She does appear ever so innocent when she sleeps, does she not?a aJolie?a Rand repeated, his eyes begging me to disaffirm Sinjinas announcement.

I shook my head, panic enveloping me as I realized how incredibly bad this looked. aRand, nothing happened.a As soon as the words left my mouth, I realized they were the three worst words I could have said. Why is it that anothing happeneda screams just the oppositea"that everything happened and then some?

Rand shook his head but the anger remained in his expression. aWhy the b.l.o.o.d.y h.e.l.l did you allow him into your house?a aWell, I didnat really have a choice,a I said, remembering how Sinjin had just appeared in my bedroom. aHe just sort of showed up.a aIn your bedroom?a Rand demanded. Not only were Trent and Odran completely quiet, but theyad been moving farther and farther away from us, which was just as well because I really didnat want an audience.

aThe lovely poppet speaks the truth, Randall. I was not invited,a Sinjin finally admitted, allowing me to find my breath again.

aIf you so much as laid a finger on her,a Rand started, his voice full of fire and anger. He turned to me, and the fury in his eyes was frightening. aDid he touch you?a aHe didnat touch me,a I said although there had been that whole kissa"a kiss that now plagued mea"a kiss I wanted nothing to do with. I glanced at Sinjin and warned him with my eyes not to betray me by admitting head stolen a kiss. That would send Rand over the edge.

Rand nodded and appeared to be slightly relieved before he turned to face Sinjin again. aWhere the b.l.o.o.d.y h.e.l.l have you been?a Sinjin shrugged and offered me a smile that said our secret was safe. I didnat return the smile because I was suddenly angry with hima"angry that with Sinjin everything was a big game. He enjoyed pushing Randas b.u.t.tons, but we didnat have time to deal with this nowa"not when we had so much to accomplish with regard to our legion.

aI have been keeping a low profile, as they say,a Sinjin replied.

aDoing?a Rand continued.

aHe wonat admit anything to you,a I answered, not wanting a repeat of last night. I turned to Sinjin and allowed my angst and irritation with him to seep into my voice. aWhy donat you make it easier on everyone and just tell us the truth?a aBecause that would be too n.o.ble for Sinjin,a Rand interrupted, reaching for my hand and wrapping it in his own.

aWhen is it a crime to merely take some time for oneself?a Sinjin asked with a chuckle as his gaze settled on our clasped hands. aAre you trying to impart some information regarding Jolie and yourself?a Rand nodded. aYes, Iam imparting the information that you need to stay the h.e.l.l away from her or else youall have to answer to me.a aYou are such a spoilsport, Randall,a Sinjin said with a grin although I could have sworn Randas actions had somehow thrown him off. There was something in Sinjinas eyes that hadnat been there before, maybe just the slightest inkling of doubt?

aWherever youave been, I suggest you return,a Rand said.

aOn the contrary, my good man,a Sinjin replied, laughing. aAs our legion is stationed here, so should I be.a aI donat have time to deal with you.a Still holding my hand, Rand turned around and started for Pelham Manor.

aThen perhaps Jolie should deal with me instead. I enjoy her company much more than I ever did yours,a Sinjin said as he easily caught up with us and hovered beside me.

Rand stopped walking and faced him, his aura now entirely purple. aI want you out of here.a aI am part of your legion. When the legion leaves, then so shall I. You would not want me to accuse you of playing favorites?a Rand shook his head. aI wonat accuse you of anything except being an absolute b.a.s.t.a.r.d.a aAnd besides,a Sinjin continued, aI believe you are no longer in command here, and my orders herewith must come from our lovely Queen.a I didnat glance at Rand because I didnat really need to. I could feel the fury radiating from him.

aAs long as you are stationed at Pelham Manor, youall answer to no one but me, do you understand?a Rand demanded.

Sinjin arched a brow and smiled. aI understand perfectly well.a Somehow, I didnat think he was referring to the conversation.

After the altercation with Sinjin, I followed Rand back into the house. I wanted to talk to him about the fact that he couldnat blame Sinjin for allowing me to fight in the battle against Bella and also that Sinjin was and always would be our ally. Somehow I had to make him realize that we needed Sinjina"he and Varick basically controlled the vampires, so it was important for them to be on our side. And Rand needed to rein in his temper where the vampire was concerned.

Approaching the back door, Rand catapulted himself up the steps and stomped through the hall, a frenzy of nerves and bad temper. I followed and stood at the entrance to the kitchen, watching as he began rifling through his cupboards. He was so preoccupied with whatever it was he was doing, he didnat even realize I was there. I took a seat on one of his stools, leaning my forearms against the black granite countertop of the bar as I watched him open a cupboard and, not finding what he was looking for, cuss and slam it shut. He opened another cupboard only to slam it shut again.

aWhoa, someoneas in a bad mood,a Christa announced. I glanced over at her. She was lying on the couch watching True Blood while working on something that looked like an Excel spreadsheet. Probably something Rand had tasked her with. She arched her brows at me, turned off the TV, and stood up, placing the bundle of pages beside her and her highlighter on top of the pile.

aWho the heck burst your bubble?a she asked.

Rand looked at her and must have seen me out of his peripheral vision, because he offered a quick nod of his head in salutation. Facing Christa again, he frowned.

aA f.u.c.king vampire burst my b.l.o.o.d.y bubble.a She didnat say anything more but threw me an expression of pity and vacated the living room, disappearing down the hallway.

Rand turned around to face me again and offered an apologetic sigh. aI thought I had some b.l.o.o.d.y coffee in this b.l.o.o.d.y kitchen.a I smiled, I couldnat help it. aWhy donat you just b.l.o.o.d.y magick some?a He shook his head, the beginnings of a smile on his lips. But his foul mood must still have been raging because just as quickly as it had appeared, the faint smile fell off his lips. He started running his hands through his hair, then approached the counter and leaned against it.

aI canat seem to best Starbucks,a he said.

I shrugged. aThey have made coffee their lifeas pa.s.sion.a He chuckled and then studied me for a few seconds. Looking at him, my eyes were drawn to a few drops of blood that stained his light brown sweater, Sinjinas blood. He followed my gaze and, seeing the blood, tore the sweater over his head. His white T-shirt underneath rode up, gifting me with a view of his six-pack. He glanced at me again, pulling his T-shirt down to hide his beautiful torso.

af.u.c.king vampire,a he grumbled as he inspected the bloodstains.

aThey come out with cold water,a I offered.

He wadded up the sweater and threw it on top of the metal trash bin in the corner of the kitchen. Apparently cold water might remove the blood but not the vampire himself.

aIam sorry you had to witness my foul mood,a Rand said, looking down at me with a slight smile on his full lips.

I shook my head. aItas not a big deal.a aThat b.a.s.t.a.r.d Sinjin just rubs me the wrong way.a I nodded and chewed on my lip. aThatas what I came to talk to you about.a Rand eyed me with a wary expression and a heartfelt sigh as he backed away from the counter and reached his arms behind his neck, expanding his chest, as if he needed to alleviate some stress. Probably a good idea. The sleeves of his T-shirt bunched in his armpits, revealing the peaks of his biceps. I forgot to breathe for about five seconds.

aIam not in the mood for a lecture,a he said, dropping his arms.

I shrugged. aWell, youare going to get one anyway.a He glanced at me in surprise and started chuckling. It was a deep, rich sound. aAm I?a I jumped off the stool and walked around the bar until I was standing right in front of him. He towered over me and seemed to be amused by the fact that I was going to lecture him, all five-foot-four of me.

aYes, you are,a I answered, propping my hands on my hips to warn him not to argue with me. aWould you like me to deliver your lecture here or somewhere more private?a aWould you prefer to deliver your lecture in a more intimate environment?a he asked, raising a brow as a shameless smile stole across his lips.

I shrugged again. aI can reprimand you anywherea"it makes no difference to me.a aVery well,a he said and offered me another quick, flirtatious grin before leading me from the kitchen and up the grand staircase. aI prefer to be chastised in the privacy of my own bedchamber, thanks for asking.a He took the stairs two at a time and reached the second floor while I was still halfway up the stairs.

aIf I didnat know better, Iad say you were looking forward to this,a I said.

aPerhaps I am,a he answered as he started down the long hallway that merged into Pelham Manoras master chamber, his bedroom. He opened one of the double doors and held it for me. I entered and immediately felt embraced by the room, as if I were coming home again. It was a strange feeling that sort of threw me because I really hadnat spent that much time here. Although the memory of a time Iad gotten drunk with Christa suddenly plagued me. In my drunken stupor, Iad fallen asleep on this bed. At the time, Rand was out of town, and when I awoke the next morning I found him smiling down at me, no doubt wondering what the h.e.l.l I was doing in his bed. To make matters even more embarra.s.sing, there was also a framed photograph of him wedged beneath my chin, and my drool was all over his pillow.

As I glanced around his private chambers now, I realized that nothing in his bedroom had changed. It was still the orderly (as in bordering on OCD) s.p.a.ce it had been before, nothing out of place. Rich mahogany wood furniture complemented the hunter green of the walls. The dark oak floors gleamed around an Aubusson rug that reiterated the earth tones of the bedroom.

I inhaled deeply and filled myself with Randas spicy scent, suddenly light-headed. I grabbed hold of one of the bedposts for extra stabilitya"feeling like I might just keel over right there.

The sound of the door closing behind me made me turn around. I faced Rand as I realized we were now completely alone. And he was unG.o.dly gorgeous and I had suddenly become unG.o.dly h.o.r.n.y. But I hadnat come here to have s.e.x with him a although for the moment my mission had completely escaped me. It took me a second to wake my brain the heck up. Then I remembered. I was here to reprimand him.

aLet the scolding begin,a he said with a deep and s.e.xy chuckle.

I laughed and, shaking my head, took a seat in one of the armchairs beside the fireplace. He just watched me but made no motion to take the other chair. Instead he stood there in his jeans and white T-shirt, which contrasted so nicely against his tan skin. His arms crossed over the wide expanse of his chest as if he were now entering defensive mode.

aWell?a he prodded. I swallowed my embarra.s.sment with a gulp when I realized Iad just been zoning out, staring at him and probably looking like a total moron.

aUm, you really need to get your temper under control, Rand,a I began, again trying to remember what in the h.e.l.l Iad come up here to talk to him about. It definitely hadnat been his incredibly sculpted cheekbones or his biceps that bulged out as he leaned backward and braced himself against the wall. And I definitely hadnat come to talk to him about the fact that I could see the slightest movement of something a male from underneath his pants every time he shifted.

If Rand had any idea that I was standing here trying not to stare at his a um, male part a G.o.d, I was no better than Christa, the s.e.x freak.

aI suppose youare referring to my a reaction to Sinjin?a he asked, sighing as if the last thing in the world he wanted to discuss was the vampire.

I nodded and internally slapped myself. I had to focus. aYes, I am. Whether you like it or not, heas on our side.a Rand shook his head and frowned. aSinjin wants you to think heas on our side but heas on no oneas side but his own.a I couldnat argue with that, so I didnat even try. aPut it this way, heas more on our side than on Bellaas. And furthermore, we need him.a Rand narrowed his eyes, and there was a sudden stiffness to his composure. aAnd why is that?a aYou know why,a I started and stood up, approaching him. aSinjin is a master vampirea"a aI know that,a he barked and then frowned. aI didnat mean to snap at you,a he added in a small voice.

I waved away his concern and continued. aSinjin and Varick have all the vampires in their control, and we need them to help us keep the vampires in line. We canat afford to fall out with either of them.a Rand nodded. aI have no issues with Varick.a aYou canat afford to have issues with Sinjin either.a I took his hand and held it. I really couldnat help myselfa"I had to touch him, to feel that incredibly soft and warm skin.

He shook his head and seemed ready to argue the fact but then squeezed my hand, folding his fingers over mine. aSinjin wants something from you, Jolie, and I donat like it.a He paused for a second and glanced down at our interwoven hands before lifting his eyes to me again. aI hate the way he looks at you and I hate the way he flirts with you.a aYouave gotta get past that, Rand,a I said. aItas all an acta"itas just how Sinjin is. Iall bet heas like that with every woman he comes across.a Rand laughed, but it was a humorless, hollow sound. aNo, heas not like that with other women.a He gazed down at me and shook his head. aHe has some sort of fascination with you.a aAnd thatas why you dislike him so much?a He held my hand up closer to his face as he inspected my fingers, rubbing his own along my nails. aItas just one of the many reasons I dislike him. I donat trust him and I donat want him anywhere near you.a aI can take care of myself, Rand aa I started to pull my hand away but he held it tightly and pulled me against his chest, wrapping his arms around my waist as he gazed down at me.

aI know you can, but I also know youare good-hearted and you like to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. Sinjin deserves none of your kindness, though.a He was quiet for a few seconds. aI just wish you could see him the way I see him, in his true colors.a aIam not fooled by him, I know he has an agenda. I just donat think heas anywhere near as a threatening as you make him out to be.a I paused, wondering if maybe he was righta"maybe I did tend to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. What if Sinjin was as bad as Rand made him out to be? But somehow, deep down inside, I couldnat believe that. I just didnat think Rand knew him as well as I did. aI donat think Sinjin is a bad person.a aI suppose on that point we can agree to disagree,a he said and shrugged. aI just donat ever want to see Sinjin hurt you and Iam afraid he will.a aHe canat hurt me, I havenat allowed him to get close enough for that.a Even though I said the words, I wasnat exactly sure I believed them. If it did turn out that Sinjin was merely out for himself and our friendship meant nothing to him, then yes, that would hurt me.

aI hope you never do.a I smiled up at him, loving the feel of his large arms around me, the heat of his body that was now enveloping me. aAt any rate, I do hope you see my point that we need him as our ally, that we need him on our side.a Rand was quiet for a few moments. aI donat agree.a aThen weall agree to disagree,a I said furtively, drawing attention to the fact that this conversation was over. aI also want you to realize that Sinjin wasnat responsible for me fighting in the battle against Bella. That was all me.a He shook his head and dropped his arms from around me. Hmm, guess this subject really bothered him a He took a few steps away before turning back around to face me with a tight jaw.

aYou will never convince me that Sinjin didnat have a hand in that, and I will never forgive him for it.a aI asked him to help me. He was doing me a favor.a He took a few more steps away from me. His eyes were angry as he turned them on me. aIt was a favor he never should have granted you. He should have kept you away from the battle at all costs.a aHe knew I had to kill Ryder, Rand. He knew it was something I had to do.a aI would have killed Ryder.a aNo, it had to be me,a I was quick to interject. aIt was my anger and my revenge.a Rand just shook his head again. aSinjin risked your life.a His hands were now fists at his sides. aI will never stop d.a.m.ning him to h.e.l.l for doing it.a Okay, so he wasnat going to budge on that one. I guess I could live with that. I smiled and sighed, figuratively waving my white flag of surrender. aWell, aside from the battle, I hope youall try to keep better control over your temper where Sinjin is concerned?a Rand inhaled deeply but said nothing so I continued. aHe just likes to push your b.u.t.tons, you must see that?a aOf course I do.a aThen why do you get so fl.u.s.tered?a He shrugged. aI canat help it. I suppose I wear my emotions on my sleeve.a I arched a brow at him and smiled. aI guess so.a I took a few steps for the door, feeling triumphant. Iad hit two out of three, which wasnat bad. At least Rand had come around to the realization that Sinjin was our ally and, equally important, that we needed him to be on our side. And if he never forgave Sinjin for a.s.sisting me in combat, well, I guess Iad have to live with that.

aWait just a minute,a Rand said with the hint of a smile as he took two purposeful strides and inserted himself between the door and my body, blocking my exit. aNow itas my turn.a aYour turn?a I asked in surprise.

aI have a few questions for you.a I shrugged and stepped away from the door as he approached me.

aYou have questions for me?a I repeated.

aYes, I do.a He brought his hands to my shoulders, gently pushing me until my back was up against the wall. My heart started thudding in my chest as he pinned me between his outstretched arms, his face directly in line with mine.

aWhy hasnat Sinjin realized you want nothing to do with him?a he asked, his eyes burning with what appeared to be jealousy.

aWhat do you mean?a I asked innocently.

Rand smiled, signifying that he was on to my game. aWhat I mean, Jolie, is that I believe Sinjin confuses your kindness with a interest.a aAre you trying to say Iam leading him on?a Rand shook his head and chuckled although the fire still flared in his eyes. aNo, thatas not what Iam saying, although thatas what it sounds like.a He paused for a second and glanced down, as if trying to prepare what he really meant to say. aWhat does Sinjin mean to you?a I smiled. aWhy, are you jealous?a He shrugged and the playfulness was absent from his expression as well as his voice. aShould I be?a aSinjin knows what the situation is between us.a aAnd what, pray tell, is that situation?a aThat he and I are just friends because aa My voice died in my throat. I was suddenly afraid to admit my feelings to Rand. Well, not so much afraid of admitting my feelings as admitting them knowing I still had the burden of our bonding situation on my shoulders.

aBecause?a he prodded.

aBecause Iam in love with a warlock who canat control his temper.a Rand laughed and leaned down until the end of his nose touched mine. aAnd does this warlock love you?a I shrugged, trying to appear casual, although inside I felt like I was suffocating. I could feel Randas breath against my lips and see his pulse quickening in his throat. Not only that, but I could feel him hardening against my thigh.

aI think so,a I answered breathlessly.

He chuckled and brought his lips to my cheek, caressing my skin with the lightest of kisses. He pushed himself against me, crushing my b.r.e.a.s.t.s against his chest. aI think I know this warlock of yours a,a he started.

aDo you?a aYes, and I can say he loves you very much.a His lips worked down the soft skin of my ear until they met my neck. aHe loves the way you laugh, the way you smell.a He inhaled deeply.

aWhat else does he love?a I whispered and closed my eyes.

I felt Rand pull away from me so I opened my eyes and found him smirking. aHe loves your eyes and the way you taste.a Before I could respond, his lips suddenly met mine and our tongues circled in a carnal dance. He ground his hips into me, as if he thought he needed to draw attention to the throbbing erection in his pants. He didnat a holy enormous hot dog, he didnat.

aRand,a I breathed.

aTell me Sinjin means nothing to you.a His whisper was raspy and coa.r.s.e.

aSinjin is my friend and I care about him,a I said even though I knew he didnat want to hear that. I just couldnat lie. Sinjin did mean something to me and probably always would. aBut,a I continued, ayou mean the world to me, Rand. Itas you I love.a aSay it again,a he said and his hands were suddenly beneath my shirt, fondling my b.r.e.a.s.t.s, teasing my nipples.

aI love you,a I groaned out.

aTell me youare mine,a he ordered and pulled my shirt up to my chin, his eyes fastened on my b.r.e.a.s.t.s. Before I could think another thought, he had one breast in his mouth, his tongue teasing the delicate nub.

aSay it,a he demanded again.

aIam yours.a He suddenly pulled away from me, and there was a frenzied look in his eyes. aI need to make love to you, Jolie.a I was unsure what to say since it felt like the floor had just been ripped out from underneath me.

aRand,a I began, hesitantly, thinking about the fact that I still hadnat told him the truth about our bonding, a truth Iad decided to cover up. I didnat think I could deal with possible bonding episode number two. aWhat if we bond?a aI donat care,a he responded and tugged on the waist of my pants, unb.u.t.toning my jeans as he unzipped them. Before I could say another word, his fingers were at the junction of my thighs, poised, perched, and ready.

aRand, we canat.a I heard myself say the words and was shocked theyad come from my mouth because my brain was basically begging his fingers to take the plunge.

He stood back and looked at me with a strange expression on his face. Maybe one of surprise mixed with rejection.

aI want you,a I said, worried he might take this the wrong way. aG.o.d, I want you more than anything in the world.a He nodded and smiled, wetting his lips, as he pulled away. aI understand, Jolie. There is too much up in the air right now.a There was that too.

aRanda"a He interrupted by pulling me into his chest and holding me as he kissed the top of my head. aYouare right. This isnat the time.a aI donat want you to think aa aShhh,a he said and silenced me with a kiss.

JOURNAL ENTRY.

So I witnessed something a interesting last night. After my little tryst with Rand, I went in search of Christa to say good night. Well, even though I was hoping to get in and get out, instead I found myself on the receiving end of Christaas hour-long tirade about how John thinks she wants s.e.x too often! Yes, this is what my life has been reduced to! And just the conversation I wanted to get into a Especially when I might as well become a born-again virgin for all the exercising my equipment gets.

Anyway, when Iad heard all I could stomach about Christa and her insatiable s.e.xual appet.i.te, I found myself staring out her bedroom window, wishing I could relocate myself by clicking my heels three times and muttering, aThereas no place like home.a I mean, if I had to listen to one more word about role-playing, fuzzy handcuffs, or warming liquid, I was going to put myself out of my misery.

Apparently G.o.d was feeling sorry for me too, because wouldnat you guess what happened next? Well, Diary, you canat guess because youare an inanimate object so Iall just tell you a I saw Sinjin having a heated discussion with Mercedes in Randas rose garden. At first, I thought maybe I was just delusional and my brain was creating interesting images in order to woo my thoughts away from Christaas description of Johnas phallus. (By the way, apparently weres are endowed with an average of two inches more than human men in that areaa"whoad have thunk?) Anyhow, after convincing myself my brain wasnat trying to escape to its ahappy placea and Mercedes and Sinjin really were outside verbally sparring, I said good night to Christa and ran downstairs and outside, pretending to search for a lost cell phone.

Upon seeing me, Sinjin immediately stopped talking, cleared his throat, and smoothed down the front of his shirt so you know something had to have been going ona"and something he didnat want me to find out about. I mean, I have never seen Sinjin do anything even remotely hinting that he was uncomfortable. Mercedes didnat give anything awaya"she looked just the same as she always did.