Big round eyes begged him to reconsider.

Ah, shit!

“Fine,” he growled low and dark. “But don’t complain if you’re freezing.”

He grabbed the dog and hooked him under his arm, then slid through the door into the garage. He didn’t bother switching on any lights, and instantly opened the door to his Hummer, plopping onto the driver’s seat quickly.

He set Z onto the back seat and eased the door of the vehicle shut.

When he started the engine, he cringed inwardly, hoping that the noise wouldn’t wake Quinn. His bedroom was in the back of the house, away from the garage, and since his guest hadn’t gotten used to the particular noises of this neighborhood, he could only hope that Quinn thought the sound of a car starting or the garage door opening belonged to the adjacent house.

Zane pressed the automatic garage door opener and backed out of the garage as soon as it had lifted sufficiently enough. It closed behind him as he backed onto the street and drove off.

Traffic in the late afternoon in the Mission was murder. It was always a risk to be out during daytime, even in a specially equipped car or one of the blackout vans Scanguards possessed to transport vampires during daylight hours. One accident was enough to put a vampire at risk for death. It was one of the reasons he’d bought a Hummer. Very little could damage the car that was practically built like a personal tank.

He was as safe in this car as he’d ever be outside during daytime. Still, it was a risk, but one he couldn’t avoid today.

As he navigated through traffic, he dialed Portia’s cell number.

It took two rings before she picked up. Before she could say a single word, he issued his order. “Say ‘hi, Lauren’.”

“Hi, Lauren.” Portia’s voice shook for a second, but she caught herself immediately. “What’ going on?”

Relief flooded him at her quick comprehension. “Listen carefully. Do you still want to lose your virginity?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Are you sure you want me to do it?”

“Yes.”

“Don’t just give one word answers, it sound suspicious if Oliver is listening.”

“Oh, that would be lovely, Lauren. When do you think we could do that?”

“That’s more like it.”

“What made you think of that?” she asked.

“My boss is pulling me off the assignment.”

“Oh, no!”

“Knowing Samson, he’ll assign somebody to you who won’t give you a chance to get away.”

“That’s so unfair.” She paused. “Lauren, that sucks.”

“Go up to your room now. Pack a few things, warm stuff mostly, sturdy shoes, a thick jacket. Things you need for a few nights.”

“A few?”

“Unless you don’t want to.”

“No, I’d really like that, Lauren.”

“Good. I’ll give you ten minutes. As soon as you hear Oliver’s phone ring, climb out your window like you did the other night. I’ll keep him on the phone and distract him. Run through the back garden and climb over your neighbor’s fence. I’ll be in a black Hummer on the street behind you. You know how to get there?”

“Sure. That’s a great idea.”

“When you get in the car, make it quick. I’m not in the mood for a sunburn.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it.”

Zane disconnected the call and steered the car clear of a truck, which was double parked. His car sped through the next light before he finally left the Mission behind him and entered Noe Valley.

Traffic was lighter once he crossed busy Twenty-fourth Street and reached the predominantly residential area. One block from Portia’s house, he turned off her street and went around the block to turn into the street parallel to hers. He counted the homes and parked right in front of the home that was directly behind Portia’s.

Zane put the car in park and turned off the engine. He couldn’t risk Oliver hearing the engine running over the phone when he called him.

After sending a text message to a contact, he consulted his watch. He waited two more minutes, hoping he’d given Portia enough time to throw a few things into a bag. Then he picked up his phone again and dialed Oliver’s number.

The kid picked up on the second ring. “Hey, Zane. You’re up early.”

Zane forced himself to sound casual. “Damn dog keeps waking me up in the middle of the day. I swear I’m gonna give him back to Yvette.”

“Yeah, that’s why I don’t have pets. Too much responsibility.”