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“No.”

I look up.

“Excuse me?”

“You’re not sleeping in a bakery with no heat.”

“I’ve slept in worse places.”

“Not interested in hearing about them.”

“Grayson.”

“You’re coming home with me.”

I arch an eyebrow.

“That’s a pretty bold invitation.”

“Wasn’t an invitation.”

“Oh, so we’re kidnapping now?”

“Wouldn’t be the first time somebody accused me of it.”

“Comforting.”

He opens the passenger door of his truck.

“Get in, Pumpkin.”

I fold my arms.

“You’re awfully bossy for a man who just spent seventy-five thousand dollars on a date he hasn’t gotten yet.”

His mouth curves.

“Consider this the first installment.”

Blackwood Manor looks even more terrifying in a thunderstorm.

Lightning flashes behind the pointed turrets, illuminating the dark windows and skeletal trees surrounding the estate.

I stare through the windshield.

“You’re sure this place isn’t haunted?”

“Positive.”

“That’s exactly what a murderer would say.”

“Get out of the truck.”

“See? Very murdery.”

He comes around and opens my door.

“Out.”