We came to a stoplight and Jared rested his hand on my knee. “We can get the rest of your things from Cynthia’s in the morning. And if you want to get some paint, we can do that, too,” he said, trying too hard to sound casual.

I peered around to see his face. “And why do we need paint?”

Jared shrugged. “The loft doesn’t exactly scream cohabitation. If you want to make it your own, we can get you what you need.”

“Aw!” I lilted, making Jared cringe and shake his head.

I tightened my grip and then rested my forehead on his back. He stiffened and I raised my head to see what had caused him to tense. Samuel stood in front of us, massive and dark as night. His arms were crossed over his chest, making him seem even more ominous. I cowered behind Jared, my heartbeat instantly pounding in my chest.

“Hello, Nina,” Samuel spoke. His expression seemed to soften but his features were so severe it wasn’t as comforting as he might have meant for it to be.

“You must have news,” Jared said.

“I do,” Samuel said, breaking his stare from me. “Shax has received information that Jack had the book secured in a bank that you and Nina alone have access to.”

“This is bad,” Jared said in a low, portentous tone.

“They also know that Nina’s ring has a code embedded in it that they need. There is talk, Jared. They’ll be coming for her soon.”

Jared sat for a moment, lost in thought. His head jerked up to look at Samuel. “Not if we give it to them.”

“Jared!” I cried.

He turned to me and touched my face. “Nina, I don’t know why Jack has the book. But it’s not worth your life.”

“You’re assuming Shax will stop once he has the book,” Samuel said, his voice matching his frightening features.

“How did they come into this knowledge?” Jared growled.

“How else?” Samuel narrowed his eyes. “Humans.”

I began to ask Samuel what he meant, but just as before, the space he occupied lost any memory of him.

Jared revved the engine and flew to the loft. He dismounted and pulled me off the seat, barely letting my feet touch the ground before ushering me up the stairs.

He kicked the door shut and held my shoulders. “I’m going to figure this out, Nina. No one’s in danger. I’m going to end this, okay?” His words were so fast they blurred together, and his eyes were stormy and tense.

“Okay,” I said, wrapping my arms around him and kissing his lips.

He watched me warily when I pulled away. “Okay?” he asked.

I touched his face lightly with my fingertips. “I couldn’t stay away from you even when I thought I had to. I’m not going anywhere. I promise.”