“No.”
“Break anything?”
“No.”
“Great. Then it’s just trespassing, is it? Well, that’s an improvement, I guess. Maybe next time we can shoot for a civil infraction instead of misdemeanors.”
“I’m not pressing charges.”
Their identical eyes snapped onto him. Which was quite the sight with mirrored expressions and indistinguishable face structure. Twins. He would bet anything.
Neither moved for half a minute, but their unnerving stare never wavered. Ignored or center of attention. His curse to bear.
“You’re not pressing charges?” Captain Blair repeated after several seconds. “She broke into your—” he referenced the report, “Bedchamberin the middle of the night. Why? What happened in there?” His tone turned accusatory, and the accusation was toward Kieran. Interesting. He may find his sister a disappointment, but not above his protection from predators. Or, perhaps, that was just the effect Miss Blair had on those around her. Kieran was sitting in this iron riddled inferno of a building because he too had wanted to ensure her safety. Was this power wielded with intent?
Kieran watched Miss Blair as he ignored the insinuation and said, “I won’t press charges on the condition that she works for me.”
Miss Blair’s annoyance with her brother shifted to incredulity at him. “Work for you?”
“I am in need of a secretary,” Kieran lied. “She can work off the charges in my service.”
“In yourservice? If you’re implying—”
Kieran stood up, rising to his full height. Considerable, even for a fae. “We are not all ruled by our baser instincts, Captain. My honor is unquestionable. She’ll not be harmed in my care.” He said the words while meeting Miss Blair’s eyes, intending to convey his full meaning. He had no other way to protect her from Hawthorne aside from his own vigilance. He owed her that much. Cole Hawthorne was a Winter Fae which made him Kieran’s responsibility. Unfortunately for all involved.
“Why then?” Miss Blair pressed.
Kieran nearly,nearly, rolled his eyes. A display he was not prone to use. “As stated, I need a secretary. You’ll save me a lot of trouble.”
“And then you’ll drop the charges?” Her brother continued. Kieran had thought it tiring dealing with one Blair. Together, they were insufferable.
“Yes, one less blot on her record. More than fair. And while she’s working for me, you can be assured that law breaking will be kept to a minimum.”
Captain Blair laughed. “If only that were true.”
“Wow, would anyone like my input or are you going to trade me like cattle?”
“It is entirely your choice to accept my offer,” Kieran said, adjusting his sleeves and coat, ready to be returning home. “In fact, I’m hoping you’ll decline. Save me the headache. But, if you should accept, I can offer you safe lodging and—”
“For me and a friend,” she interjected.
Kieran stopped adjusting. “What friend?”
“Yeah, what friend?” Captain Blair parroted.
“Just a friend. Is that a deal or are we done here?”
Kieran considered her for a moment. “You are not in the position to be making demands.”
She stood now, not matching him in height but making up the difference in ferocity. “Do we have an understanding or no?”
“Is this friend from a similar situation?”
Her nod was tight, but confirming. Perfect. Another soul in Hawthorne’s oily grasp. Kieran may as well open a fucking rescue.
“Fine. Agreed.” Kieran turned to leave, throwing over his shoulder, “Thank you for your time, Captain, but I’m afraid we no longer require the Watchmen’s assistance.”
When Miss Blair didn’t follow, Kieran motioned that she hurry.
