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Her heart skipped behind her rib cage--and then she jumped as the butler came out of the library

"Oh, I have it," she told him hat she hoped was an easy sen shuffled to a halt as if a polite dog fight between his sense of duty and her direct order were jaht," Elise said "Do return to your more important duties"

He hesitated for anotherbrass handle as if he had to go through at least athe deed before he could leave And then he bowed to her and returned to whatever polishing, dusting, or inspection he’d been perfor

Elise took a deep breath and opened the heavy door Bracing herself to look up, she--

"Oh, my God!"

Axwelle was still in the clothes that he’d worn to the interview, the turtleneck and si on him Hair was still thick and black and cropped Face re as it had been

But he was bleeding

Underneath his left eye, or maybe it was off to the side, there was so There was a bruise co and turning red

"You told me to come," he said with a frown

"Your eye" She pointed to the injury "You’re hurt"

He put his hand up and touched his face, but rather than being alarot a Kleenex?" he asked

"What?"

"Tissue? Or toilet paper ork just fine Point me in the direction of your bathroom"

"You’re serious"

"Excuse rabbed his hand before she knehat she was doing "Let me take care of it"

There was some initial resistance as she shut the door and tried to walk off with hiot to the foot of the curving staircase

"We’re going upstairs," she said, pulling on his hand "I have a first aid kit in my room And I also have my schedule for next semester up there"

"You don’t have it on your phone? And co deal about this--"