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"I have my sources." Somehow, saying I'd heard it from my mom sounded less cool. "You've
decided to, right? I mean, it sounds like a good deal, seeing as she's going to give you fringe
benefits…."
He gave me a level look. "What happens between her and me is none of your business," he
replied crisply.
The words between her and me stung. It sounded like he and Tasha were a done deal. And, as
often happened when I was hurt, my temper and attitude took over.
"Well, I'm sure you guys'll be happy together. She's just your type, too—I know how much you
like women who aren't your own age. I mean, she's what, six years older than you? Seven? And
I'm seven years younger than you."
"Yes," he said after several moments of silence. "You are. And every second this conversation
goes on, you only prove how young you really are."
Whoa. My jaw almost hit the floor. Not even my mother punching me had hurt as badly as that.
For a heartbeat, I thought I saw regret in his eyes, like he too realized just how harsh his words
had been. But the moment passed, and his expression was hard once more.
"Little dhampir," a voice suddenly said nearby.
Slowly, still stunned, I turned toward Adrian Ivashkov. He grinned at me and gave a brief nod
of acknowledgment to Dimitri. I suspected my face was bright red. How much had Adrian
heard?
He held up his hands in a casual gesture. "I don't want to interrupt or anything. Just wanted to
talk to you when you have time."
I wanted to tell Adrian I didn't have time to play whatever game he was into now, but Dimitri's
words still smarted. He was looking at Adrian now in a very disapproving way. I suspected he,
like everyone else, had heard about Adrian's bad reputation. Good, I thought. I suddenly wanted
him to be jealous. I wanted to hurt him as much as he'd hurt me lately.
Swallowing my pain, I unearthed my man-eating smile, one I hadn't used to full effect in
sometime. I walked over to Adrian and put a hand on his arm.