Page 20 of My Big Fat Fake Alien

The diner's door bangs open and a wiry man with steel-gray hair charges out, brandishing a broom like a weapon.

"Get outta here, you vultures! Leave my customers alone!"

The paparazzi scatter as the owner swings his makeshift weapon, sending them scrambling backward. Their expensive cameras bounce against their chests.

"And stay out!" He shakes the broom at their retreating backs.

Raven's laughter rings out, pure and bright. I can't help joining in, the sound bubbling up from deep in my chest. For a moment, I forget about missions and covers and just enjoy her warmth against me.

The drive to her apartment passes too quickly. I walk her to her door, watching as she fumbles with her keys. The moonlight catches in her hair, making my fingers itch to touch it again.

"You're a great kisser," I whisper, moving closer.

"I'm a good actress." But there's a tremor in her voice that makes me think she's lying.

"Maybe there's more to this than just fakery." I lean in, drawn to her like a magnet. "Maybe we shouldn't be afraid to explore that possibility."

"Or maybe we should." She slips inside her apartment before I can stop her.

The drive home feels endless. I grip the steering wheel too tight, my claws threatening to emerge through my human disguise. This unfamiliar ache in my chest - I don't know what to do with it.

Women have always come easily to me. A smile, a touch, that's all it usually takes. But Raven... she's different. She makes me feel things I've never felt before.

I park in my garage and stare up at my empty house. For the first time in centuries, I know what I want - really want. And I'll do whatever it takes to win her heart.

CHAPTER 9

RAVEN

"So ten million dollars?" Madison's jaw drops as she flops onto our worn couch. "Like, actual millions?"

"He didn't even blink. Just said 'done deal' like it was pocket change." The memory of Kirk's casual acceptance still stuns me.

"And what does this Giscard guy have planned that's worth that kind of money to investigate?"

I pace our tiny living room. "Kirk wouldn't say exactly. Just that it could hurt people."

"How do you know Kirk isn't the bad guy here?" Madison leans forward. "I mean, he could even be working with that lizard creature you saw."

The thought sends a chill down my spine, but... "You didn't see how gentle he was with me at the diner. When no one was watching, he dropped the whole billionaire act."

"Oh my god." Madison's eyes go wide. "You actually like him."

"I do not." The denial comes too fast.

"Please. Your face lights up every time you say his name."

"You're imagining things."

Madison pulls out her phone. "Then prove it. He sent you access to his place, right? Go snoop through his medicine cabinet."

"He'd just hide anything suspicious if I told him I was coming over."

A wicked grin spreads across Madison's face. "So don't tell him. Send Nightbird instead."

"You know what? That's actually brilliant." I tap my chin. "If I get caught though..."

"Then your whole graffiti artist thing gets exposed." Madison waves her hand. "So don't get caught."

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