“What’s wrong with that deathtrap of a castle you bought against my advice?”
“Too far from Loch Ness.”
“You’re going to visit Nessie?”Oliver gaped.“What the fuck would possess you to do that?”
“It would appear Nessie wishes to meet Davina for reasons that aren’t entirely clear.Which reminds me, you may want to ensure your security system is armed.”
“Why?”A query that furrowed Oliver’s brow.
“We had an incident with one of Nessie’s Red Caps at the castle, and it appears another might have murdered a maid at the hotel Davina was staying at.”
The claim had Oliver sputtering.“And knowing this, you decided to come here?Are you insane?”
“My mental facilities are perfectly intact.And don’t worry.Given your advanced age, if one shows up, I’ll handle it,” I stated.
“Fuck you,” Oliver snapped.“I’m not worried about handling a Red Cap, but more about the stink they leave behind.You know I have a sensitive nose.”
“We really do appreciate your hospitality.”Davina finally jumped in.“And apologies we didn’t call ahead.Given the police have named me a person of interest in a murder, we felt it best to leave with due haste.”
Oliver sighed.“Thanks for the reminder I’m harboring a fugitive.”
“If it makes you feel better, you can give yourself a bonus for the favor, and another if you can do something to clear up Davina’s situation,” I stated, clapping Oliver on the back.
“It’s going to be a very fat bonus,” my lawyer grumbled.“Because you’ll also be paying to fix my roses.”
“Such a waste of dollars.You know they’ll just get wrecked again the next time I visit.”
“Or instead of showing up in person, or dragon, you could get with the times and use this handy little thing called video conferencing.”
I grimaced.“You know I hate the impersonal nature of it.”
“Because you’re old and crotchety,” Oliver muttered.
I’d have threatened to eat him for the comment; however, he did speak the truth.
“He is very grumpy,” Davina agreed.“Probably worried the world will end if he smiles.”
Oliver snickered.“It probably would.What do you say we go inside before you’re seen?”My lawyer led the way into his home, the interior sleeker and more modern than the exterior would suggest.
“What a lovely kitchen,” Davina exclaimed, running her hand on the marble countertop.
“Thank you.Cooking is a guilty pleasure of mine.I’ve got leftovers in the fridge if you’re hungry.Or would you prefer to freshen up first?”Oliver offered.
“I would love a shower, please.”Davina clasped her hands and gave Oliver a bright smile that I hated.Especially since Oliver returned it.It occurred to me in that moment Oliver might be considered passably good-looking.He was also gainfully employed, owned a nice home, possessed a hefty nest egg, and he knew how to smile.Quite the catch for a single lady.
I barked, more harshly than needed, “We’ll both need a change of clothing.”
“I still have a stash of garments here for you, but I’ll have to make a few calls to see if I can have something delivered in the morning for the lady.”Oliver eyed her up and down.“A size 14 UK, ten US, if I’m not mistaken.”
Another rumble of discontent went through me that heightened when Davina blushed.“You guessed correctly, sir.”
“Please, call me Ollie.”
“Thank you so much, Ollie.”
Whoa, he told her she could use his nickname?I’d known him for a long time and never gotten that offer.
Apparently, I might need a new solicitor because Oliver might not last the night.The jealousy that roared through me proved strong and unexpected.I had no claim on Davina, no interest—other than to sate my lust.Yet, in that moment, I wanted to spirit her away, hide her, keep her for myself.How long since I’d felt that urge with anything?And it should be noted, the few times I’d felt compelled to add to my hoard, it was a treasure, and not a person.
