Calliope headed to the bar, following the server''s directions.


    She spotted Nigel Howell waiting for her at the counter.


    "So you''re the one who wanted to see me?" she asked as she approached.


    She hadn''t seen Nigel in quite a while-long enough that he''d almost slipped her mind. This unexpected invitation caught her off guard.


    After she''de back to life, she had saved Nigel without fanfare and, this time, made sure Lisette never got the chance to pretend she was the one who''d rescued him.


    Since then, Nigel had sent her gifts on a few asions, but she returned most of them, intentionally keeping him at arm''s length.


    Helping him had been a spur-of-the-moment decision; she had no intention of getting mixed up in his affairs, especially because Ss considered Nigel a rival.


    She was very clear where her loyalties stood: she would never be friends with Nigel Howell.


    "That''s right," Nigel said, pushing a cocktail across the bar toward her. "Made it myself. Care for a taste?"


    Calliope eyed the drink, then took a tentative sip. “Not bad."


    "Isn''t it? I thought it turned out pretty well,” he replied, shing a self-assured smile.


    "So, why did you ask me here?" Calliope sat down, watching him with a reserved suspicion.


    Nigel leaned in a little. "I heard you were in town, thought I''d catch up. What, I can''t buy you a drink?"


    Calliope studied him, unimpressed. "You don''t strike me as the sort who buys drinks out of the goodness of your heart Mk Howell. Why not be direct for once We both know you''re not here for polite chit-chat." She took another unhurried sip.


    For a moment, Nigel just looked at her, not saying a word. Finally, he asked, “Do you know why Ss didn''te to the auction with you?"


    Calliope''s eyes narrowed. So that''s what this was about trying to drive a wedge.


    "Mr. Howell, I didn''t take you for someone who stoops to stirring up trouble in someone''s marriage," she said coolly. "Especially not after I saved your life. Is this how you treat the person who pulled you from the brink?"


    Nigel hesitated, caught off guard.


    "That''s exactly why I thought I should warn you," he said atst, his voice low and mysterious. "You might not know where Ss is tonight, but I do. And I know what he''s doing."


    "If you came here just to feed me rumors about my husband, you can save your breath," Calliope replied sharply. Trust is the foundation of our marriage, and I trust Ss.


    you''re singing to warn me


    th?n thank you. B?t if not nothing you say will matter." She rose to leave.


    But before she could turn away, Nigel abruptly reached out, gripping her wrist.


    "What''s this supposed to be, Mr. Howell?" Calliope''s tone turned cial as she twisted, testing his hold.


    They weren''t close, and his gesture already bordered on disrespect.


    "I just want to talk, that''s all. No need to rush off," Nigel insisted, his grip firm but not


    painful. "Ms. Jewell, I''m only trying to help."


    "I''m not convinced you are."


    Her expression went cold. Without


    warning, she whipped her hand free andunched a lightning-quick strike. Nigel, still perched on his barstool, blocked her effortlessly, and suddenly they were trading. rapid-fire blocks and strikes


    seated, silent hand-to-hand skirmish.