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"You can never turn your back on randmother," I told Aric and Lark as soon as his study door closed behind us Just getting fro with pain

Aric sat behind his desk, Lark and I settling into the chairs in front of it She had a sleeping ferret wrapped around her neck, a living stole With keen eyes, Lark surveyed the area; had she never been here?

Probably not This was Death’s private space He was particular about his sanctuaries and boundaries, and I was the only one he’d allowed inside

What would Lark think of his personal study? Behind his desk was a row of soaring Gothic s On one wall, he had a collection of ancient swords displayed Bookshelves that stretched fro contained his library of priceless editions

Over centuries, he’d protected those treasured books--because he’d had nothing else to treasure

This here I’d first started falling in love with hiether on the couch in front of the fire, and as I’d read his favorite books, he’d gazed over atin his expression

Now I couldn’t tell what he was thinking or feeling

He steepled his fingers As usual he wore all dark clothing, and his power-over-everything-I-survey vibe was firmly in place "What do you think the Tarasova is capable of?"

"She expects s about this gaet worse"

"Paul thinks she suffered a stroke," Aric said "When I found her, she wasn’t well She was on the last of her stores and weakened overall"

"Thank you for rescuing her" I’d bet he regretted that gesture now "Do you think I could hurt her ive her the news?"

Lark said, "It’s AF, Eves We’re all gonna eat it soon enough But let’s say she lives another thirty years; are you gonna listen to her talking about murder the whole time?"

Good point And what if Gran discovered the way I truly felt, then took e her , but until then, I can’t promise what she would and wouldn’t do I won’t risk either of you Stay on your guard"