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task if you’d like, but I’d prefer to do it after the car has stopped—my to-do list is on my phone,

which I try not to look at while in motion.”

Hugh nudged one of the empty gin bottles with his foot, pushing it toward the others in the

hopes that doing so would prove he regretted what he’d done. “There’s no need for specifics.

In general, how pressing is the work you have to do?”

“Not very.”

“Then would you agree to putting it off until tomorrow? Or perhaps entrusting it to another

member of the staff?” Hugh stopped assembling the bottles to look at Finch imploringly. “I hate

to call on you in such a way, Finch, but I’m not sure who else to turn to. I just…” Hugh took a

breath and wilted into his seat once more, unable to keep looking at the man beside him. “I

find myself dreading the thought of returning to an empty house.”

“The house won’t be empty, sir,” Finch reassured him. “The staff were not granted a day off—

everyone should be in attendance.”

“No, I mean”—the car rolled to a stop, and Hugh closed his eyes—“I can’t stand the thought of

being alone right now. Would you be willing to keep me company for an hour or two? Just until

I can shake the awful feeling in my heart.”

There was silence. Hugh opened his eyes and lifted his head to find the tips of Finch’s ears

had gone pink. The poor man had to be frustrated. Hugh would have been, too, had he an

employer who demanded he cancel his plans to babysit a sad, sorry excuse for a dragon.

“Of course, sir,” Finch said politely. “I’ll arrange to have tea and a light repast brought to your

study.”

“My study?” Hugh chuckled. “No, Finch. I’ve already put you out far too much as it is. We’ll

retire to your chambers so you can relax in a place you find comfortable. It’s only fair, seeing

as I’m the one imposing on you.”

The pink tipping Finch’s ears brightened. Hugh had to wonder at it. He hadn’t meant to cause

offense, but it did seem as if he’d misjudged the situation.

Before he could rescind his statement, Finch nodded and said, “Of course, sir.”

“You don’t mind?”

“Never.”

“You are a treasure, Finch.” Hugh smiled at him. “Please arrange to have whatever your heart

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