see him better. “I don’t think so.”
“I do. Why else would they go the trouble of trying to incapacitate you?”
Was he right? She narrowed her eyes, thinking back. “What did you mean when you said earlier that you’re glad the fae don’t like you?”
“The fae hate gargoyles because they’re powerless against us.”
“Powerless?”
“With a few exceptions, like your fangs, we’re pretty indestructible.”
The images she’d seen while drinking from him made sense now. He’d been the only one of his company of soldiers to survive an attack. All because of what he was.
She sat up a little straighter. “Would you like to join my team?”
Chapter Thirteen
Kace grinned. “Help you raid the fae stronghold? I’m all in for that.”
“Good.” Donna smiled back. He’d be a welcome addition. “I’ll introduce you to Temo, my head of security.”
“I know Temo.”
“You do?”
“I’ve lived in this building for a few years.”
“Oh. Right.” That brought a question to Donna’s mind. “Do you know Claudette too?”
“I do. Although not in the biblical way, if that’s what you’re asking.”
Her eyes rounded. “It wasn’t.”
But there was still something very satisfactory in his answer.
He laughed. “I also know Temo because I worked personal security for Claudette a few times. Why she didn’t use him, I don’t know. But it was no big deal. Went to a couple of parties with her and played bodyguard. She likes that look.”
Donna knew why Claudette didn’t use Temo. He’d caught her and Fitzhugh getting overly acquainted in the back of the SUV once, and she’d frozen him out after that. “What do you mean by ‘that look’?”
“You know, like she’s important enough to need protection. And I’m not saying this job isn’t important. It is. But she didn’t really do enough as governor to get the kind of attention that might require security. If that makes sense.”
“You mean she didn’t give any dhamfirs sanctuary.”
“Exactly. Nothing even close. In fact, she didn’t seem to do much more than hang out with Governor Fitzhugh and throw parties with him. I’ve done security work for him, too, by the way.”
She frowned. “He’s a jerk.”
“I see you’ve met.”
“My assistant, Pierce, punched him recently.”
“Wow.” Kace looked impressed. “I’d like to meet that guy. Fitzhugh has had that coming for a while. Any particular reason?”
“Fitzhugh insulted me, basically. He was drunk and spouting off. He wanted me to throw a party with him, too, and I said no. He didn’t like me after that.” Donna shrugged. “Anyway, let’s go find Temo and get you up to speed. I have a lot to take care of.”
“I can imagine.” He stood and offered her his hand.
She took it, and he helped her up, pulling her against his chest to kiss her again.
After a moment, she reluctantly pushed away. Only the fact that she’d just fed kept her hormones in check. “No more of that. My system can’t take it right now.”
“Sorry. I couldn’t stop myself. But I won’t do it again. Until you’re ready for me to do it again.”
“Good to know.” She made a face at him before heading for the door. He was a great kisser, but maybe a little too young for her. Not to mention that if she wasn’t going to get involved with Pierce because of their working relationship, she couldn’t very well turn around and start something with the temporary security guy.
Maybe when this was over and Kace was no longer on her payroll, she’d revisit that. Right now, her focus had to be on rescuing Rico. She walked out into the kitchen. “Temo? Are you around?”
“Downstairs, boss,” he called up the steps. “You need me?”
“Yes, please,” she called back.
Thumping footsteps announced his jog up the stairs. He smiled when he saw Kace. “Hey, bro, what’s up?”
“I’m joining the team for the raid.”
Temo’s brows rose as a curious look crossed his face. “I would have already asked you, but I thought you were done working security for the governor.”
“That was the old one.” Kace tipped his head toward Donna. “I like the new one a lot better.”
“I bet you do.” Temo laughed. “Good to have you on board. Come on downstairs, and we can go over the game plan.”
Donna stopped him. “Temo, any word from Ishalan on the antidote?”
“Just that he’s working on it. That might be a tricky one for him, given that he’s so far removed from the inner workings of things.”
She sighed. “Worth a shot.”
“I’ll let you know the moment I hear more.”
“Thanks.”
They left, and she went to the salon. She stood at the door