“You can come over anytime. Give Nyx a call, and she’ll get you.”

I studied her face. “I’m not tryna be rude, but this is all really, really strange. Do you live here alone? And why are you being so nice to me?”

Marie tilted her head back and let out the most melodic laugh I’d ever heard. It sounded like bells. “I don’t know what you want me to say. I’m a nice person, I guess? I’ve been fortunate, so I like to pay it forward when I can.”

“Okay, and you live here with . . . who? Your parents?”

“My grandfather, Alec. He’s sort of an amateur historian. Most of the older books are his.” She gestured toward the shelves. “He did most of the decorating, which is why this place looks like it’s haunted by the ghost of a French nobleman or some shit. Look.” She pointed to a portrait of a man in a full suit of armor sitting on a tall brown horse, his sword drawn. “Who even is that?”

“Definitely somebody’s soul trapped in that painting.” I grinned and I couldn’t be sure, but I thought I heard her sigh. She suddenly stood and swept over to the couch, taking a seat next to me. She pulled her knee up and rested her chin on top of it. The smooth brown skin of her belly stuck out from under her sweater.

“And Nyx?” I asked, putting my thoughts elsewhere. “Is she, like, your assistant or something?”

Marie laughed again. “She’s more like a bodyguard.”

“Seriously?”

“What?” Marie grinned. “She could fold somebody up, no problem.”

“No, I—I believe it, but what do you need a bodyguard for?”

“I have—My family has some money. People come around trying to get over. It’s a precaution.”

I reached down and picked up a few slices of the gourmet cheese.

“Do you like it?” Marie asked.

“Yeah. It’s like a bougie Lunchable.”

Marie grinned at me. “It’s a charcuterie board.”

“If you say so. Are you gonna have some?”

“No. I’m good. Take as much as you’d like.” She scooted toward me, leaning in closer than she needed to. She smelled like vanilla and cocoa butter. She wore a thin gold chain around her ankle and her toes were painted neon green. I set down the cheese I’d picked up. I couldn’t concentrate enough to eat, which I didn’t realize was necessary until that very moment. Everything about her commanded my full attention.

“Do you want a tour of the house?” she asked.

Not really. I would’ve been perfectly happy to sit there and stare at her like a creep for the rest of the night.