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“Yeah. It has.”

I hold her gaze.

“So I propose an arrangement.”

Her eyebrows rise. “An arrangement?”

“Yes.”

“Like a business deal?”

“Precisely.”

She considers this. “Okay. I’m listening.”

I straighten. “You remain here until my curse is broken. You assist me in whatever manner is necessary to accomplish that goal.”

She opens her mouth.

I hold up a hand. “In exchange, I will purchase this house from you.”

She closes her mouth.

I continue. “At its full restored market value.”

Her eyes widen.

“Restored?”

“Yes.”

“As in, after all the repairs?”

“Correct.”

“But the repairs haven’t been done.”

“I will pay for them.”

She stares.

I wait.

This is familiar territory. Negotiation, terms and conditions. I know how to do this, and I am very good at it.

Finally, April speaks. “So let me get this straight.”

I incline my head.

“I stay here.”

“Yes.”

“I help you break your curse.”

“Yes.”

“And when you’re human again, you buy the house from me.”