“Miriam?” says Michael’s deep voice from behind.
I stand from the fridge and turn to face him. He’s wearing a T-shirt and exercise shorts.
Freddy. Not Michael. The pilot had his gym clothes on board and loaned them to Freddy, since Freddy was missing the back half of his suit. Interestingly, he has the same great ass as Michael.
Still, even though I know it’s not Michael, I can’t stop my heart from beating just a bit faster when I look at him. That sexy smile. Those bedroom eyes. The understated charm.
“Yes?” I say.
“I know it’s not my place, but I want you to know that I won’t let anything happen to you and Stella. She might be a very distant cousin, but she’s still family, and I will protect her with my life.”
It’s nice to know, however, “Why are you telling me this?”
“If you haven’t noticed, our king is a little preoccupied at the moment, but I know he’s doing his best to look after everyone, you included. He might not have feelings, but his sense of duty is fully intact.”
“How long have you known Michael?”
“Not long.”
“How long have you been a vampire?” I ask.
“Not long,” he repeats.
“Then why do you feel like you understand him or this situation more than I do?” It’s a little presumptuous.
“Because…he…”
“What?” I prod.
“He told me everything. Every detail. About himself. About you. About Stella.”
“What did he say?”
“It’s too much to go into, but don’t worry, I swore I’d keep everything in confidence.”
What the hell is Michael up to? If he told Freddy his deepest, darkest secrets, then there must be a reason.
Mystery! Mystery! Mystery! my inner librarian child cheers.
Stop it.
“Freddy, I don’t know what’s going on between you and Michael, or what you have planned, but it’s not my concern. I only care about finding Nice.”
Freddy stares down at me with those warm brown eyes and shrugged brows, like he pities me.
“What’s going on? What’s this all about?” I say.
“I simply thought you should know where I stand, since Michael wants me to watch over you while he brings Nice in. Maybe even after that.”
A lightbulb goes on inside my head. That SOB. Is this why he turned Freddy?
I glare at Michael, and then my emotions take over. My vampire emotions. I storm right over to Michael and dive for his seat, going for his neck. But Michael is too fast, too strong. He has me pinned on the floor of the aisle before I can mutter a word.
“Woman, what has gotten into you?” he says almost robotically.
“You planned to just pawn me off on your look-alike?” I yell.
Michael frowns over at Freddy, who’s standing down the aisle near Stella. Stella’s mop of blonde hair his poking around the seatback, watching the commotion.
Freddy holds up his palms, a declaration of innocence. “I only told her I would protect them—that I consider Stella family.”
Michael looks down at me. “He said that because I asked him to keep an eye on you while I hunt Nice. I do not trust many people.”
“Let her go.” Stella appears behind him. “You’re a monster. Just like Mr. Nice.”
Michael releases me, stands, and straightens his tie. “She attacked me, child, so that makes your mother the monster, now doesn’t it?”
“Whoa.” I prop myself up on my elbows and grit my teeth. “That was out of line.”
Even Freddy looks shocked, his mouth hanging open.
“You are a mean, mean man,” Stella says. “Mommy could attack you five hundred zillion times, and she’d still be nicer than you!” Stella sticks out her tongue and marches back to her seat at the rear of the plane.
I pick myself up, still fuming. “Don’t ever call me that again, Michael.”
“You started it.” He shrugs.
“Nuh-uh. You did. Stop scheming behind my back, or—”
“Or what?” he snaps back.
“Or you’ll find out who I really am.”
He folds his arms over his broad chest. “I’ve always known who you are, librarian. And I’m sorry to inform you that it does not alarm me.”
It should. He has no clue what I’m capable of, the things I’ve done. “Suit yourself. But make no mistake, I am not a piece of property you can give away to another man. I don’t care how much he looks like you.”
Michael lowers his head, putting us nose to nose. “I can do anything I like. I am your king.”
“You are nothing—”
“Ma’am,” Freddy steps in, “I’m very sorry for stirring up this misunderstanding. I promise I only meant to ease any concerns you might have—for when we get to the safe house.”
I inhale slowly, taking the hint. It seems that Freddy does have my back. He’s trying to steer me away from provoking our heartless king.
“I see,” I say. “Well, then I thank you, Freddy. So sorry about the misunderstanding.”
I look back at Michael. “I assume you’ll have additional security at this safe house, considering that Freddy is also a new vampire and not much of a defense?” I glance at Freddy, who looks so much like the Michael I fell in love with, all dressed like he’s just a college guy going to the gym. It’s hard to look at him. “No offense. But if Nice is after us, it’ll take fifty soldiers just to slow him down long enough for us to get away.”
“No offense taken.” Freddy flashes a beautiful smile. It kills me.
“Nice will be nowhere near you, librarian. You or the child,” Michael says.
Jesus! Why can’t he say our damned names?
Mystery, myster—no!
“Well,” I say to Michael, in a curt tone, “considering your inability to keep me safe in the past, you’ll have to excuse me if I don’t assume we’ll be
