Julian was achingly beautiful, but in the way a thunderstorm was beautiful—wild, rough, electric. And bound to leave devastation in his wake.

Maritza smiled. "Let's do this, brujo.

If we get mugged or kidnapped, I'm gonna be pissed," Maritza told Yadriel.

Julian's chuckle was wet. "Valió ... la pena.

As he drifted off to sleep, he breathed in the smell of Julian, but it was already starting to fade.

Yadriel's soul ached. He leaned closer, his hands reaching out, fingers wanting to knot into Julian's jacket and pull him closer.But they grasped at air. There was nothing to hold on to.

Yadriel snorted. "You're really taking this 'ghost' stuff literally."Julian tilted his chin and grinned in a way he could only describe as preening. "I'm very committed to my new lifestyle.

Julian's hand fell to his lap. He looked out over the water again. The wind tugged at his jacket. He closed his eyes and grinned. Below, the waves crashed. The moonlight painted him in shades of blue. His edges blurred like watercolors spilling outside of their lines.

It's a doggy-dog world out there," Julian sighed.The corner of Yadriel's mouth twitched. "Dog-eat-dog.""Whatever.

It is not your fault," she said gently. "Greed and hurt drive people to do horrible things.