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laid. Of course, it looks like I'm not going to get laid anyway, so what
difference does it make, huh?"
I give him the look. So, that's the only reason you come to see me? Sex is
the only attraction?"
He capitulates with a smile. Nottheonly attraction, he says. But when I
haven't seen you in two months and I don't know when I'll see you again and we
only have a few hours ... Well, it's hardly enough time to enter into a
comprehensive discussion of world politics, is it? He leans toward me, his
lips dangerously close. But it's certainly enough time to explore other
interesting topics. Things like breasts. His left hand cups my right breast.
Or thighs. His hand moves down.
Then his lips move past my cheek and blow gently into my ear. I could be
very, very gentle, Anna."
My defenses slip away. Sex with Max is one of the great pleasures of my life.
The fact that we see each other only sporadically, and always unexpectedly,
adds to the delight.
But I can't do this now. I don't trust myself. Regretfully, I pull away.
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Please, Max. I just don't feel well."
"Oh.Headache, huh?"
I nod and do the palm to the forehead thing again.
He laughs. It isn't working, Anna, he says. You're the toughest woman I
know. And you're wired for sex like nobody I've ever met. So, are you going to
tell me what's really going on here? Or do I have to track down David and get
the truth from him?"
It's an empty threat. Max's undercover work as a driver for one ofMexico 's
most notorious gangsters keeps him on a short leash. In fact, his assignment
is how we met. Not long after I got into the business, a skip I was working
agreed to turn informant in exchange for a get-out-of-jail free card. The Feds
became very interested when they learned the guy was a lieutenant in the
gangster's mob. I arranged the deal and Max turned out to be the plant. So I
know for sure he won't be making any unscheduled forays into LA.
And Max knows it, too, but I give him points for the effort.
When I don't respond, he sighs. Okay. I give up. I don't know what's wrong,
but I can't force you to tell me. I'm not buying this injured act, and I can't
believe anybody could get the best of you and David. But I've trusted you with
my life since the first moment I saw you. I guess I just have to trust that
whatever is bothering you now has nothing to do with us."
It's a touching speech. I believe he believes what he's saying. Ialsoknow Max
lies for a living, and his acting skills are what have kept him alive in some
pretty tough situations. I wipe an imaginary tear from my eye.
We both start laughing at the same time.
"So, he says, coming up for air. Got anything to eat? I'm starved."
I take his hand and pull him toward the kitchen.
"I don't suppose you have anything from Luigi's, he says, scanning the
contents of my refrigerator. I'd kill for a plate of his lasagna."
Chapter Eleven
It's ten o'clock. Max left to pick up his boss, and I'm staring at the pile
of dirty dishes in the sink. Do vampires really have to do their own dishes?
I've never seen that in movies.
I rinse the dishes, load them into the dishwasher, and reach for the Cascade.
The phone on the counter rings so loudly it makes me jump. The box slips from
my hand, and before I can catch it, powder spills across the floor.
Shit. The second time today I've made a mess.
Do I have to avoid loud noises, too? Is that another vampire bogey?
Before I can say hello, he begins. Anna, this is Grant Avery. Sorry to
disturb you. Is your friend still there?"
Now I'm getting mad. Doesn't anyone say hello anymore? And if you know I had
someone here, then you know he's gone. So why are you asking?"
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"Sorry."
His tone is unapologetic and quite insincere, but it's something else that
triggers alarm bells in my head. Avery, please tell me that you aren't having
him followed."
There's a slight hesitation before he replies. No, it's not Max we're having
followed."
Max? He knows his name? The alarms are shrieking now. Avery, can you read my
thoughts over the phone?"
He starts talking in the same dry, academic pitch he used when explaining my
new gift."
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