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“Now, what makes you think that we’re in the know?”
    “Because you always are.” The guy turns to Walker, my parents, and grandparents. “But your knickers aren’t in a twist, so I can only guess that whatever it is, it isn’t too terrible.”
    “It’s not bad at all,” says Grandma Cam with a giggle.
    Giggle? I do a double take. Yes, my grandmother actually giggled while in Presidential mode. Unbelievable.
    My guy steps up to Gram. “Madame President, great to see you.”
    “And to see you, too,” says Gram. She giggles even more loudly this time.
    It takes everything I have not to push my own grandmother on her ass and tell her to back off. I pinch the bridge of my nose, not believing the feelings that are coursing though me. What humiliating compulsion is next? Challenging Gram to a duel?
    Next, my guy turns to my parents. “Your Highnesses.”
    “Always a pleasure,” says Mom.
    Fresh jealousy courses through me. Unbelievable.
    With each person that my guy addresses, he gets closer to talking to me. I nervously shift my weight from foot to foot. Nothing he says clues me in to his real identity, although I suspect that my brain isn’t functioning too well right now. In fact, the logical side of my head is pounding on the back of my skull about something. I have a feeling that this man’s identity should be obvious, if I could only focus again. But that’s not happening.
    The guy turns to Pops. “General, we keep missing each other.”
    Pops’ eyes narrow just like Maxon’s did a minute ago. “You don’t say.”
    Now, I know that look on Pops. He’s totally been avoiding my guy. That makes me irrationally angry. My hands clench into the leather of my duster. One nail pops through the super-charged and supposedly unbreakable fabric. I don’t care.
    “Nothing to worry about,” replies my guy smoothly. “I’ve become an expert at waiting on your balcony.”
    “So I’ve heard.” My grandfather inspects me carefully, and I feel like he can see straight through me, unpeeling every secret I’ve ever had. This is about more than Pops not liking my guy. No, my grandfather’s figured out my obsession with the Mystery Man. Now that he knows the truth, what will happen? Knowing my family, it will be extremely embarrassing. A dozen thoughts fly through my brain at once.
    Run for your life.
    Stand perfectly still.
    Say something flirty.
    Pretend you have a migraine.
    Pressing my lips together, I pick at the buttons on my duster. It’s not my best plan, but it’s a plan.
    My guy steps up to Walker. “We haven’t met.”
    Walker offers his hand. “I’m Walker, majordomo to the ghouls who rule the Dark Lands.”
    “The way I hear it, you effectively rule the Dark Lands solo.” My guy laughs, and it’s a lovely, rolling sound. “Am I right?”
    Walker chuckles. “Shh. Don’t tell. The Oligarchy are easier to manage when they think they’re in charge.”
    My guy starts up again. “And I’m…”
    For a blissful moment, I think I may discover his identity, but Walker breaks up the conversation.
    “I know who you are,” says Walker.
    And the blissful moment is over.
    My guy then strides across the room, his gaze locked with mine. My pulse races with excitement. He pauses before me. A chill runs across my skin as I become overly aware of my form-fitting and very leather fighting outfit. I should feel exposed. Somehow, I don’t. My guy scans me from head to toe. Twice. The attention feels glorious.
    A little bubble forms around me and my Mystery Man. It’s like there’s no one else in the room. My brain buzzes with happiness. It’s all I can do to get out one word. “Hi.”
    “Hullo, luv.”
    “I don’t usually dress this way. In case you’re wondering.”
    Shut up, Portia.
    A small smile rounds his full mouth. “You’re a beauty in anything.”
    “Thanks.” I twist my fingers together nervously. “I’ve never been called a beauty before.”
    “Glad I could change