Damien fixed his gaze on Nigel, his eyes thoughtful. “We''re after the same thing, Mr. Howell. You know as well as I do Stormgard is no safe haven. Another person means another set of skills to help us out."


    "I''ve been to Stormgard before. I may not know everything, but I''ve heard plenty from Mr. Stewart-I have a solid grasp of the power dynamics over there. I''m certain


    I can help."


    "Protecting Calliope is our top priority. So let''s not waste time arguing about anything else."


    "I could arrange my own transport if I wanted, but your way will be faster. That''s the only reason I came to you in the first ce." Damien met Nigel''s eyes with sincerity. “I haven''t let past differences keep me from seeking your help, so I hope you won''t leave me behind."


    "If we need to split up when we get there, that''s fine by me. Consider it-personally —an IOU from me to you, Mr. Howell."


    Nigel regarded Damien with some surprise. He hadn''t realized Ss''s men cared about Calliope at all. If anything, he''d always assumed they looked down on her.


    "You care this much about what happens to Calliope?"


    "Even Ss probably doesn''t care that much. He''s off busy with other women."


    "I care a lot,” Damien said, unwavering. “She means something special to all of us. And she''s... she''s genuinely formidable."


    "She''s always treated us well, too."


    "Even without Mr. Myers'' orders, I''d put everything on the line to protect Calliope." "And aren''t you just as concerned about her, Nigel?"


    "I know you''re not just doing this to spite Mr. Myers. Calliope has her own kind of charm. She''s impossible not to like."


    Nigel stayed silent, watching Damien for a long moment before finally nodding. “Alright. If you want in, thene along. It''s not like I have anything to lose.”


    "If we hit trouble, I''ll just use you as a human shield."


    Damien gave a little shrug. "Fine by me."


    As long as he could get to Calliope and keep her safe, that was all he cared about.


    “I''ll go pack right now!" Damien said at once. “Mr. Howell, don''t head off without me.” Nigel didn''t reply.


    After Damien left, Lnd turned to Nigel. "Sir, why''d you agree to bring him? I thought you didn''t like those people."


    "It''s got nothing to do with liking


    them.


    He''s just desperate to protect She really


    "Nigetrept


    don''t you think


    "It''s like she wins people over without even trying. Everyone just likes her."


    A faint, crooked smile tugged at Nigel''s mouth. At first, he''d thought she''d saved him just to get his attention to lure him in. But it turned out she hadn''t meant


    vel


    anything like that And then, she d


    turned around and saved him again.


    It was as if she were his good luck charm-good things happened whenever she


    was near.


    He''d started out wanting to take her from Ss just out of bloodymindedness. Now, though, his interest in her had deepened. She was truly fascinating.


    And he certainly didn''t want to t


    her in any danger. He wanted to protect her he wanted her to look at him, to care about him Honestly he wouldn''t mind a wife like that.


    If Ss kept screwing up and let her slip away, well, Nigel would have no problem


    stepping in to im a woman as brilliant as her for himself.


    Back in his room, Damien quickly packed his things. Then he made his way to Portia''s door and knocked.


    "Ms. Sutton, I''m heading out too. I''ll be traveling with Nigel''s group. Just wanted to say goodbye."