She couldn't say that everyone had heard that conversation that had been played on Valeria's cell phone, but at least two dozen people had heard it, and that was enough to spread the gossip.

Miranda looked petrified and about to explode while Valeria put her cell phone away and looked at Nick.

“That was a low blow.” But, incredibly, Nick smiled at her.

“You can't say I didn't warn you,” Valeria replied, and suddenly she felt Nick's arm reach out in front of her, saw him turn half his body, and tuck his shoulder to take Miranda's blow.

“You'd better get out of here now, troublemaker,” he said in her ear. “Things are going to get ugly, and I don't want anything to happen to you.”

Her gaze swept around the room looking for the twins, but she realized they were closer than she thought. He gently pushed Valeria towards them.

“Please take Valeria home... And thank you for bringing her,” he murmured, turning around to face the seven-headed monster Miranda had become.

The twins looked a