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Hugh had no idea which of the blasted things was named Elizabeth, but he extended the chip
in the direction of the closest rat, which was the one that was gray all over. Quicker than he
could see, the chocolate was snatched out of his fingers. Hugh startled, but managed not to
jump back.
“There. You’ve made a friend,” Finch declared. He gave a chocolate chip to the remaining rat,
and both of them scurried into different hiding spots. Hugh considered himself thankful he
wouldn’t be forced to see their teeth. “That was very brave of you, sir.”
“Thank you.”
Finch sealed the container and returned it to its place atop the cage, then collected the dustpan
and swept up the small mess strewn across the floor. To keep himself from being spooked by
any rodent-like movement, Hugh watched him work. Somehow Finch made even something
as simple as sweeping debris off the floor elegant. Hugh could watch him all day. But watching
him work wouldn’t keep Finch happy. Determined to prove he was worth Finch’s loyalty, Hugh
stepped forward and slid his hand over Finch’s, intending to take the dustpan from it.
Finch froze and looked up at Hugh with awe-widened eyes.
Hugh opened his mouth, intending to speak, but found himself at a loss for words. He’d known
prior to this that Finch’s eyes were dark, but not that they were rich with smoky amber—not
that when the light hit them just right, they ignited with life. Hugh’s heart constricted, and deep
inside he felt his dragon stir. It paced restlessly like it was the one in the rat cage, awaiting a
promised chocolate chip.
“Sir?” Finch whispered, snapping Hugh from his stupor.
What a curious thing, to be rendered totally useless.
Hugh blinked at Finch and found he didn’t want to look away.
Take,his dragon insisted. Claim.
It was all the reminder Hugh needed. He cleared his throat and traced down Finch’s hand,
easing the dustpan out of his grip. “Allow me.”
Finch’s ears burned more brightly than ever, but there was a soft look in his eyes that Hugh
couldn’t attribute to irritation. It seemed making himself useful was having the desired effect.
“Where is the rubbish bin?”
“In the kitchenette, sir.”
