window. I was pretty sure he blamed Austin for that, even though Austin and I hadn’t seen much of each other, what with him diligently working to better secure the town. Still, Damarion seemed jealous of Austin. And while, sure, Austin could sometimes burn my blood with a simple touch, it would forever be a no-go. Damarion had nothing to be jealous of. Regardless, the two couldn’t be in the same room before, but now it seemed like Damarion was struggling with being in the same town.
I lowered into my chair and forced myself to cross my legs, as though pretending I was comfortable might make it so.
“Damarion, I know I’ve said it before, but I would just like to thank you again for helping me learn my magic, training me, and especially for saving my life. You’ve been a huge asset to this house and have been integral to my training thus far.”
He nodded.
“Unfortunately,” I went on, trying to keep the apology out of my voice. This was business. I couldn’t worry about offending him or hurting his feelings, which was easier said than done, given the need to please people had been drilled into me—and every other woman I knew—my whole life. Before Ivy House, I would have preferred to endure my own discomfort rather than anger or upset others, even if the other party was acting out of turn. That made me a great host, but it really worked against me in terms of business. I had to harden up for this new life. I had to own being the boss lady. I couldn’t apologize for the decisions I made. This wasn’t personal, and Damarion had known the score all along. They all had.
But man, strapping on my iron panties was easier said than done.
“I have to make some structural changes to my setup,” I said. “You have excellent skills and a lot of very admirable qualities, but unfortunately, I’ll no longer be needing your services at this time. I hope you can understand.”
I just barely stopped myself from apologizing and telling him it wasn’t personal.
He studied me quietly for a moment, making me want to squirm in my seat.
Finally, he nodded curtly and stood. “You are not ready for me. When you are, I will expect another summons. It has been an honor.” He bowed deeply and his wings fluttered. After straightening, he took my hand and brushed his lips across my knuckles. “Until we meet again.”
“Yes. Of course. I—”
He strode from the room, not looking back.
In his wake, I stood staring for a quiet moment. I wasn’t sure what exactly he thought I wasn’t ready for, his handsy approach to romancing a lady or his leadership style. Regardless, his delusions had made this conversation surprisingly painless.
One down, one to go.
“I doubt he’ll get another summons.” Mr. Tom stepped into the room. “He’s a bruised apple at this point. Best to be tossed in the compost heap.”
“Were you listening at the door?” I asked, sitting back down.
“Of course, miss. I wanted to know what he said.”
I sighed. “He took it well, though. That’s a relief.”
“Yes. You are only excusing the one gargoyle, right—you haven’t changed your mind?”
“Correct. I want to get to know the others. I want to see if, given the chance, they’ll be better team players, like Ulric and Cedric have turned out to be.”
“Right. And when will you call in Austin Steele?”
I looked out the window at the gloomy day, the dark gray clouds promising rain.
“As soon as Damarion leaves.”
Fortunately, Damarion didn’t waste any time. He didn’t even say goodbye to anyone. He grabbed the few things to his name (not including the car, which he left behind as if it were disposable), changed into his other form, and stepped out of the third-floor trapdoor. His huge and magnificent wings snapped wide and away he went, an amazing specimen.
His strength and power in the air would be missed. I probably needed to summon another flier with his abilities. It would have to wait, though. First I needed to get a handle on my team.
As the afternoon waned, I once again found myself in the sitting room, this time even more anxious. Austin’s foot touched down on the property and the next followed slowly. His approach wasn’t hurried as he made his way to the front door.
“I shall escort him in, miss,” Mr. Tom said, pausing just outside the door.
Something thunked on the stairs, and he turned and looked at them as Austin opened