"Yes. I know that Ash's presence in the kitchen hurt you, but I don't know why, and I felt your fury flare the minute you uncovered Kyrian's face." She reached up and placed her hand to his cheek. "My mother always said that still waters run deep. The only time your actions have matched your emotions was last night when we were making love and when you came up here and slammed the bedroom door."
He tried to move away, but she refused to let him. "Deal with me, Val, don't walk away."
"I don't understand you," he said, his heart pounding. "I'm not used to anyone liking me, especially not people who have every right to hate me."
"Why should I hate you?"
"My family ruined your brother-in-law."
"And my Uncle Sally was a loan shark who died when one of his shakedowns shot him dead in the street. Every family tree has an asshole in it. That's not your fault. You're not the one who killed Kyrian, are you?"
"No, I was just a child when he died."
"Then what's your problem?"
For an unreasonable person, she had moments of strange lucidity. "Every person I have met in this town who knows Kyrian has hated me from the moment they saw me. I assumed you would be like them."
"Well, you know what they say about assume... it makes an ass out of u and me. Jeez. I love Kyrian, but the man really needs to learn how to let go of the past."
He couldn't believe her. That she would be so accepting of him was...
She pulled him into a tight, oddly invigorating hug. "I know I can't keep you, Valerius. Believe me, I understand fully the life you have and the calling. But we are friends and we are allies."
He held her close as those words resonated deep inside him.
She let go and stepped back. "And we have things to do tonight. Right?"
"Right."
"Very good then, let's rocket."
He frowned. "Rocket?"
She gave him a silly grin. "My nephew Ian is addicted to the Power Rangers. I think I've been watching the videos way too long with him."
"Ah," he said, reaching for her suitcase. "Let's get you settled at my place and then we can head out tonight and see what Daimons we find."
Fearful of running into Tia and risking more questions, Tabitha called a cab to take them over to Valerius's house. Otto was already gone by the time they reached his mansion.
As expected, Gilbert met them at the door. He seemed stodgy as ever as he greeted them formally.
"Nice seeing you again, Gil," Tabitha said as Valerius handed him her suitcase. "Nice rigid stance."
Gilbert frowned before he looked down, then gave her a quizzical stare.
Valerius almost smiled. "Ms. Devereaux will be staying with us for awhile, Gilbert. Would you please have Margaret ready a room for the lady?"
"Yes, my lord."
Valerius started for the stairs, then paused. "After Margaret is finished, I would like for the entire staff to take a few weeks off."
Gilbert looked shocked. "My lord?"
"Don't worry. It's with full pay. Consider it an early Christmas present. Just leave a number on my desk where I can contact everyone to have them return."
"As you wish, my lord."
Tabitha felt Valerius's sadness. In spite of what Acheron said, Valerius did like Gilbert and seemed to hate the thought of the man leaving.