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He strode over to me and cupped my cheek. “It’s a big one, so we’ll be hitting hit hard right from the get-go. It might be out real quick.” I covered his hand and held it tightly against me. His fingers spasmed.

“We’re coming with you. We can watch from a safe distance,” Evie said decisively.

I shook my head. “That’s not how it works. Zarek showed me how to use the scanner and gave me the code. We can keep up to date with that.” I bit my lip.

“Yeah, but then we can’t see what’s going on,” Evie protested.

“You’ll use the scanner.” Zarek’s tone brooked no argument.

“He’s right.” Drake chimed in.

Evie glared at the two men, but she knew that she’d lost the battle.

All through Evie’s mini-tirade, I’d been looking up at Zarek, holding onto him.

“Come back to me,” I finally whispered hoarsely.

“Always.”

A horn honked outside. He used his other hand to tip up my chin. “I’m coming back safe and sound. We’ve got unfinished business.” He gently pressed his lips to mine. My flesh melted, my bones seared, and my hair caught on fire. The man could kiss. My eyes were still closed and I felt the smile on my face when he whispered in my ear. “I have something important to tell you when I get back.”

My eyes popped open to look into his jade-green ones.

I was a molten puddle on the floor and I didn’t have the wherewithal to respond. He gave me a heart-stopping grin, then was gone.

“Earth to Chloe.”

“Huh?”

“You’ve been standing there looking at the door for three minutes. Are you sure you’re better? I’m thinking you might have some new symptoms, like the kissing disease. Are you suffering from Zarek cooties?”

I shot my sister the bird.

Drake laughed. “Is there anything to drink in the house?”

“Help yourself to whatever is in the fridge.”

“Evie, want to help me make something for dinner?” Drake asked.

“We could order pizza,” I said.

“That is not healthy,” Drake admonished.

“She needs to gain weight,” Evie reminded him. “Look at her. She’s still skin and bones.”

I flinched and hunched over.

“Way to go, Evie.” Drake came over and put his arm around me. “You look gorgeous. You always stood out as the most attractive Avery girl.”

Evie and I laughed. It was an old joke since all of us Avery girls looked alike. Then there was the fact that Zoe and I were identical.

“I vote for pizza too. Extra cheese,” Evie chimed in. Drake looked thoughtful, then turned to me. “Is there someplace local, not a chain?”

“What changed your mind, big guy?”

“Karen’s not around. I’m being supportive to her nutritional needs right now, so we’re eating healthy things. But yeah, if we could order pizza, a steak, a fully loaded baked potatoes, some chicken wings and ice cream, I’m in.”

My stomach growled. I wasn’t sure if it was in hunger or protest.