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invited but couldn't make it. He'd traded nights with another officer so he could be at the wedding.
Stop with the cranky look, Miles. You'll have Hope all to yourself tomorrow night. Zacke's baritone held
amusement.
That's right and don't forget we have plans ourselves tonight. Hawk's satisfied tone made Hope
wonder if having a drink was all they had planned for Miles.
Well, us girls have our own plans too, so I suggest we get started if we plan on getting any sleep at all
tonight.
Dinner went off without a hitch. Hope and Miranda ate their share of mortal food while the men sampled
a bit here and there. After a last toast of well wishes, Miranda looked at Zacke who stood and then pulled her
chair back.
You ready Hope?
I just need to change. I'll be right back.
Hope, can you wait a minute. I need to do 188
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something. Miles' voice sounded gruff, and he lacked his usual grace as he too stood.
Miles, what is it?
Instead of answering, he dropped to one knee in front of her. I know we're getting married tomorrow, but
I want you to have this tonight.
Hope watched as he eased his hand inside his jacket and then brought out a small box with a jeweler's
label on the top.
Open it, please.
Her hand trembled as she took the proffered gift. The velvet lid caressed her fingers when she eased
back the lid. Her mouth flew open. A platinum band with at least a two-carat diamond twinkled in the
candlelight.
Miles!
It can never show you what you mean to me but I didn't want you to think I forgot to buy you an
engagement ring.
The hand that reached out to capture Hope's shook slightly.
You didn't have to do this. I know you love me. I think I've always known.
Thank you, my love.
The next moment would be one Hope would never forget. Her big handsome vampire took the ring from
its satin nest and slid it onto her finger. His lips warmed the cold metal and a crimson tinged tear, seen only by
her, baptized his token.
****
Music blared and lights flashed in the club Miranda had chosen for their night out. Hope would rather
have stayed home. Clubbing wasn't something she'd ever indulged in, but Miranda had been so excited when
Hope agreed to go out for a pre-wedding celebration. She just didn't have the heart to disappoint her friend.
Miranda motioned for a waiter and shouted out 189
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their drink order. A margarita might be what the doctor ordered, but Hope wasn't sure if the champagne
she'd consumed at dinner would be pleased to share her digestive system.
Relax Hope, we won't stay long. I wasn't about to leave you at home or to let the boys have all the fun.
I'll try. Though, I've got to tell you I'd much rather
The music rose in volume cutting off Hope's words. The overhead lights went down and the stage lights
came on. A blend of drums and electric guitars signaled the curtain's rise.
Five men in tuxedoes strutted out onto the center of the stage. Each man stopped and posed for the
almost all female audience. Hope wasn't a prude, but knowing what was sure to happen next didn't turn her on.
She'd rather be with Miles.
Miranda. Her shout went unnoticed. She grabbed Miranda's arm. Miranda!
The grin her boss and friend sent her way was totally evil.
What's the matter, aren't you enjoying the view?
It's the view I'm afraid of. Please tell me they're going to sing something and then get off the stage.
Miranda's laughter could barely be heard above the club's din but her shoulders shook with
amusement. Afraid not, girlfriend. This show is only here for one night, and those guys ain't gonna be singing
or whistling Dixie.
Hope's face heated. Lord, she would have thought being a doctor, the prospect of male nudity wouldn't
bother her, but the gyrations going on twenty feet in front of their table wasn't anything she'd seen in medical
videos.
The music took on the tone of a bump and grind routine, and the men all with fantastic bodies moved
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with the rhythm. One man in particular stood out to Hope. He had the same color hair as Miles, but didn't
wear it as long as her seductive vamp. The other four men were attractive, but none of them did a thing for
Hope.
Maybe there was something wrong with her. The other women seated at various tables were clapping a
mile a minute. Miranda joined in their catcalls before leaning close to Hope.
If you say one word to Zacke, I'll make sure you work nights after you get back from your honeymoon.
Hope's mouth fell open.
Just kidding, Hope, but seriously, lighten up a bit. Zacke knows where we are, and I bet by now so does
Miles.
Great, that was all she needed. As much as she'd thrown herself at Miles lately he'd be sure to think the
worse. She might as well sit back and try to enjoy the show. Surely the act would be over with soon, and she'd
be able to talk Miranda into leaving. A headache was fast making itself known, and the loud music wasn't
helping.
The tempo changed to something slow. Oh good, maybe the floorshow was finished. When the men filed
off the stage, she breathed a sigh of relief. Their exodus through the crowd Hope assumed toward the back of
the club, garnered several woo woos
and Come here, baby.
Miranda turned and looked at her. Glee crowded her gaze. Uh oh. Hope had a good idea of what was
suppose to happen next. No way was she having some man thrusting his gear in her face. Well no one but
Miles. Time to make a strategic retreat.
I'll be back. Gotta run to the ladies' room.
Hope enjoyed the look of shock on Miranda's face. Deviltry rode her lips as she whispered in Miranda's
ear. Relax, enjoy the show.
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The hallway leading to the bathroom was empty. Hope smiled. She really did have to use the facilities. A
few moments later, she pushed the door open and started back to the stage area. A hand jerked her to a halt.
You're going the wrong way, little darling.
Hope looked over her shoulder and her knees gave way. Her fall to the dirty floor didn't happen. One of
the men who had attacked her in the park jerked her against him. Alcoholic fumes assaulted her nose, and the
fetid odor of unwashed skin turned her stomach.
The nightmare she'd put behind her was happening again. No way would she survive a second attack.
And no way in hell was she going to go down without fighting back.
Hope elbowed the man in his stomach and stomped on his foot. His hold slackened, and she turned to
gouge his eyes. A knife gleamed bright in the dim hallway.
Try that again, and I'll gut you now instead of later.
Oh God. Sweet Lord. She had to get away before he dragged her out of the club. No telling where he'd
take her or if his friend would be there too.
What do you want?
I want you to walk out of this place without making a sound.
And if I don't?
I know where your friend lives. It'd be a shame if something happened to her or one of her children.
Horror clenched her stomach into knots. She couldn't let anything happen to Miranda. Her children
needed her. She closed her eyes against the additional nightmare of something happening to one of the twins.
She had no choice.
Hope allowed her assailant to lead her out the 192
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door and onto the street. She prayed she'd see someone she knew anyone who could help her
escape. No one looked familiar. Could she get aid from a stranger? Would she be able to live with herself if she
survived knowing she caused harm to another? No she was in this alone. Not even Miles could help her now.
A dark van pulled up to the curb. Sour Breath held the knife at Hope's sucked-in stomach, opened the
door, and shoved her forward. The accelerated motion caused her to fall onto the backseat. Her elbow banged
against the seatbelt buckle. She ignored her funny bone and scrambled into an upright position. The man
jumped in beside her, and Hope hugged the door.
The door!
She grabbed for the handle. Nothing happened.
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