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It was te to tease her and ask if it was a beetle, but that would have been unkind, and he understood the generosity of the offer she wascare of the SaDiablo fa Dhe but Jaenelle, he would sive her no opportunity for a life beyond what they shared But letting someone else take the burden of routine visits to the Province Queensable to spend time at Jaenelle’s house in Scelt—and spend time with the friends ould be only memories a century from now
“I also plan to look for a residence here in Halaway,” Surreal said “Maybe see if Rainier would like to share a house”
Daemon narrowed his eyes “There is plenty of rooh from the family suites that they would qualify as a separate residence”
“For adense I want a place ofto the SaDiablo family or you I want a place that has my name on the deed Since I hired Lord Marcus to be ure you knoell enough that I can afford just about any kind of house I want”
“Marcus would never reveal confidential or privileged infor bite in his voice
“To anyone else? No, he never would,” Surreal agreed “Would he refuse to answer any question fro that the firm who handles the family’s investments wouldn’t answer a question from Uncle Saetan about any member of this family”
True, but he wasn’t going to acknowledge it out loud
“So you know I can affordto pay enerous salary”
“I am?”
“You are”
They smiled at each other Then Daeet out of this—and I’eenerous salary?”
Her smile faded too “I miss Rainier,” she said
“Surreal”
She laughed quietly “Relax I know he’d rather flirt with you than with me, except he doesn’t have a death wish But he’s a friend unlike any other And love isn’t always about sex Talking to Karla about the fahter and her Master of the Guard helped me see that Rainier matters to me, Daemon”
“If you set up your own residence, you’ll hire servants?” Daemon asked
She snorted “Da and cleaning by myself”
“Good Then Mrs Beale and Helene won’t be co about you the way they complain about him”
“Why are they co about Rainier?”
“Because he keeps a roo a suite here at the Hall Which o so far as to actually criticize the cook or housekeeper at the inn since these are women they socialize with; they simply insist that it is inappropriate for the secretary of the Warlord Prince of Dhe a proper residence and servants to look after him”
“Does he need looking after?”
He heard the concern in her voice and made a rude noise “No more than you do, but real need isnever the point of these conversations”