Now she glared at him. “You’re a gorgeous guy, but you don’t take hints well, do you? Okay, let me spell it out. I want to talk to Cinn. Alone.”

“I’m not leaving her alone.”

“I’m as powerful as you. I can protect her.”

“Like you did in the store?”

Her gaze slid away. “That was an aberration. Sorrow overcame me for all those poor people forced to shop at that unbelievably ordinary store on a regular basis. I cry bitter tears for them.” She sighed. “And for me. Give me a break, beautiful vampire. I want to talk to Cinn woman to woman. No men allowed. You’d be bored stiff anyway.”

“And if I refuse?”

“Then not one treat from this place goes to that loathsome creature cowering in the greenhouse.” She tapped her foot.

“Go ahead, Dacian. I’ll be fine with Sparkle.” Cinn managed a confident smile for him. Who said there was no martyr blood in her veins?

Dacian finally nodded. “Okay, but talk fast, because as soon as I pass on the message to Edge, I’m coming back.” He turned and walked away.

Sparkle closed the door and motioned Cinn to a chair. “I’d offer you a glass of wine, but I broke all the wine bottles throwing them at Mede. Can you believe it? He gave away all my gorgeous clothes and shoes.”

Cinn was almost afraid to say it. “He thought he was doing the right thing.”

Sparkle sank onto the couch, crossed her legs, and stared at one sneaker-clad foot. “I can’t help it. I’m losing the battle against shallowness, and I’m afraid I’ll lose Mede in the process.” She didn’t meet Cinn’s gaze.

“I don’t understand.”

“The Big Boss is in charge of all cosmic troublemakers. I almost lost Mede because of him. He said I was shallow. He gave Mede a choice: give me up or give up being a cosmic troublemaker.”

“And?” Cinn was riveted.

“Mede chose me. We were lucky, though. The Big Boss gave Mede credit for being willing to sacrifice what he loved most for me. He let Mede stay a cosmic troublemaker. This time.”

Cinn didn’t see a problem. “You’re wrong, you know. Obviously he didn’t give up the thing he loved most, because he chose you. No offense, but Ganymede seems pretty focused on what’s best for him. If he chose you, it was because he wanted you the most. Be happy.” There. Problem solved.

Sparkle waved her explanation away. “No, no. It’s not that simple. I have to make sure the Big Boss can never use me against Mede again. That’s why I can’t be shallow. That’s why I have to wear these freaking clothes.” She stood and paced. “But I can’t make myself go outside this room in them.”