Seeing him like that, I set my teacup down and walked over to the window. "Ashton, I know you must have discovered something too. That's why you don't want me involved—it's dangerous. But this involves my parents, and I can't just stay out of it."

I glanced out at the moonlight. "I'm not reckless. I can take care of myself. Besides, you're here with me, aren't you?"

Ashton looked over at me. After a brief silence, he finally said, "You're just as stubborn as you were when you ...