“We will of course continue our search,” Thorn said. “But we can see to it that you remain protected and aided in any way you require in the meantime.” Three unexpected, monstrous house guests—not what I’d signed up for. “That’s really not necessary,” I said, holding up my hands. “I’m sure I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about me.” “Oh, but we owe you,” Ruse said in that smooth voice of his. I thought there might be a teasing note in it. “If it’s simpler for you, we could sink into the shadows to stay out of your hair.” “Her hair,” Snap murmured. He looked from the partly-devoured peach to me and sidled close enough to lift a ruddy lock that had fallen across my shoulder. His head cocked as he rubbed it between his lithe fingers. My pulse stuttered despite myself. Thorn might be ruggedly handsome and Ruse devilishly stunning, but up close, Snap’s divine face was literally breathtaking. “It’s almost the same color,” he said, sounding pleased with his observation. He held the strands up to the peach’s red skin. “And just as soft.” I managed to catch my breath, but the only sound that came out of me was, “Er.” I should probably step away, but I couldn’t quite convey that message to my legs. Ruse chuckled. “I’ll bet she tastes just as sweet too.” There was no mistaking the suggestiveness of that comment, but Snap’s head jerked toward him with a flicker of horror. “You can’t eat her!” Thorn stirred at the table as if tuning in to his companions’ asides for the first time. “No one should even be thinking about eating anyone around here,” he commanded. Ruse rolled his hooded eyes. “I’ll have you know that in my entire existence, I’ve never eaten a person—not like that, anyway.” He winked at me. “I apologize for my associates’ inability to follow a metaphor.” I held up my hands, finally convincing my feet to back away from Snap. “Enough. Let me think.”