That was his job—his responsibility.


    "Let it go,” Portia said, waving a hand dismissively as she strode ahead. “No need to fret. Callie has someone else looking out for her. She doesn''t need you ying bodyguard."


    Damien shot her a skeptical nce. "What''s that supposed to mean? Someone else? Did Mr. Stewart arrange something?"


    “Uriah?” Portia gave a short, incredulousugh. "As if. He can barely remember what day it is. You think he''s worrying about Callie''s safety? Don''t make meugh."


    "So what are you saying-?"


    "I''m saying Nigel''s stepping up. He''s on his way to watch over Callie right now. To be honest, he''s far more reliable than any of you have ever been," Portia said with a hint of exasperation.


    “Nigel?” Damien''s brows drew together. "What''s he got to do with it? Calliope is our responsibility. We can protect her ourselves!"


    Portia snorted. “By the time you get off your high horse, it''ll be toote. Mr. Howell, on the other hand, saw where Callie was headed, knew there could be trouble, and decided to follow her-even without being asked. Now that''s initiative."


    She actually sounded impressed, dropping a few words of praise for Nigel.


    Damien''s jaw tightened, a dark, stormy cloud settling over his features as the bitter sting of jealousy took hold.


    Calliope was his to protect. When did that be Nigel''s ce? What the hell was he butting in for? Damien''s mind raced—Nigel was just trying to take advantage of Mr. Myers being tied up. He knew exactly what he was doing, waiting to swoop in when everyone else was too busy. Shameless.


    "He''s no saint. He''s got his own agenda," Damien muttered.


    "Sure, maybe he''s being opportunistic... but wait-did you say he''s actually going after Calliope?" Suddenly, an idea shed through Damien''s mind.


    It''d beplicated to organize his own way to Calliope right now. But if Nigel was heading her direction, Damien could just tag along and get there fast.


    Without another word, Damien stalked off straight for Nigel''s room.


    Portia stared after him, speechless for a second. Only Damien would think of something like that. She doubted Nigel would ever agree, but honestly, she didn''t mind if someone else wanted to help keep Callie safe. After all, the situation ahead was moreplicated than even she could grasp. Callie had her ownwork sure, and there was no denying she could look after herself—but an extra set of hands was no bad thing. If things got


    sticky, better to have people you


    could count on.


    "What did you just say?" Nigel looked Damien up and down, genuine bewilderment flickering in his eyes.


    "And why, exactly, should I help you?"


    "If you want to track down Calliope, do it yourself. Why should I bring you along?" Nigel''s tone was clipped and dismissive.


    "Damien, are you serious right now? Since when did you get a sense of humor? Tell me-does Mr. Myers know you''re running to me for a favor?" Nigel had just zipped up his suitcase when Damien appeared in the doorway.


    Damien saw the ready luggage and knew he''d guessed right-Nigel was heading straight for Calliope. Everything was clearly set for a quick departure. Sure, Damien could make arrangements himself but it would cost him precious time the wanted to catch up, hitching a ride with Nigel was his best bet.


    "We''re both after the same


    after


    thing-Calliope''s safety," Damien


    said, keeping his voice steady.


    “Apother set of bands could make all


    the difference. Besides, Nigel


    Howell, isn''t your goal to protect Calliope too?"


    Nigel regarded him with a smirk. "Oh, I want to protect her all right—but so she''ll start seeing me in a whole new light. I can do that all on my own. Why would I want you tagging along?"


    "That''s what I''m saying," Lnd chimed in from the doorway, arms folded. "There''s no reason Mr. Howell should take you with him."