Page 66 of Fiendish Delights
I demurred. ‘Actually, I think it’s a very smart move. The dragon has the chess set and she won’t give it up without a fight. I can’t fight her – even if the law permitted it, I can’t fight her. An exchange of goods is the most logical way forward.’
‘You should have come to me first. We could havediscussed it.’
I extracted my hands from my pockets and crossed my arms. ‘Oh, really?’ I asked coolly. ‘Because it’s clear that you were planning to do exactly the same thing and not tell me about it. This ismytreasure hunt, Hugo. It started with me and it will damned well end with me. Why didn’tyoucome tometo discuss what you were planning?’
A muscle throbbed in his jaw. ‘Because your magic is becoming a liability. It’s safer for you here.’
‘I know there have been a few instances when I could have done better, but I can assure you, Hugo, that my magic is under control.’
‘Only because you’ve upped your dosage of spider’s silk.’ His blue eyes flashed dangerously. ‘Don’t think I’ve not noticed that you’re taking more pills.’
‘I’m also meditating and practising the techniques you taught me.’
‘It’s not enough.’
‘I know that!’ I burst out. ‘I know what’s happening to me! And that’s exactly why I should be the one to go to the dragon. I’m the one whose life is already limited. I’ve got less to lose than you.’
Hugo growled again. ‘It’s too dangerous.’
‘I don’t need your protection.’
‘And I,’ he returned icily, ‘don’t need yours.’
I glared at him. He glared back.
There was a loud creak from the floorboards outside the room, and a moment later Duchess’s head appeared. She was too large to fit through the doorway so she peered at us from beyond it. ‘I came to see what was taking you so long, girlie. Now I understand.’
Hugo hissed under his breath, ‘What is the point of having a gnarly troll live outside your home if they’re not going to stop intruders from breaking and entering?’
‘I’m not a guard dog,’ Duchess sniffed. ‘And I’m not gnarly. Security is your problem, not mine.’ She looked at me. ‘Is this the nice, loyal, good man called Hugo Pemberville you were telling me about? Because he doesn’t look particularly twinkly or kind to me.’
A line formed between Hugo’s eyes, his anger melting away to be replaced by something else. ‘Nice?’
Duchess shrugged. ‘Apparently.’
‘Loyal?’
‘That’s what she said.’
‘Good?’
From somewhere down the corridor, Hester shouted, ‘Don’t forget sexy!’
Something else altered in Hugo’s expression. ‘So,’ he said, his voice softer, ‘now I know what you really think of me, Daisy.’
‘I didn’t say that last part,’ I muttered.
He took another step towards me. ‘But you were thinking it. And you said the rest. Out loud.’
There was no point denying it because Duchess was already nodding confirmation. I rolled my eyes. ‘You can be kind, loyal, good, twinkly and nice and still be a stubborn bastard who doesn’t know what’s good for him.’
‘I see.’ He relaxed his stance. ‘Much in the same way that you can be brave, strong, compassionate and kind-heartedanda total idiot all at the same time?’ He paused then added, ‘As well as incredibly sexy even when you’re wearing bunny pyjamas?’
I lifted my chin. ‘Especiallywhen I’m wearing bunny pyjamas.’ I gave him a meaningful look. ‘They beat the sex appeal of neck-to-toe thermals.’
‘I like to keep warm,’ Hugo said. ‘But I’m prepared to stripoff to my tighty-whities if you’ll be my hot water bottle.’ He winked. Unbidden, a delicious shiver ran through me.
Duchess blinked at us. ‘Are you fighting or are you flirting?’ she called. Good question. ‘Because fighting is much more fun to watch. But if you want to get it on here and now, I’m okay with that, too.’
