“Whoa.” He held up his hand defensively. “Don’t attack me. It was just a remark. If I’d wanted to insult Caleb, I would have done it to his face.” He added wryly, “And taken the consequences. I never asked Palik what your relationship was to Caleb, but he dropped enough hints that I knew you were special. That’s why I took the damn job. But I’m not going to pussyfoot around and pretend I don’t know who and what Caleb is.” He gave her a lopsided smile. “When I’ve made a study of him, and probably know his capabilities better than the director of MI6.”

She tensed. “Perhaps you know a little too much. I’m sure Bohdan would pay well.”

“No doubt. But you trust Seth Caleb and realize he would never be fool enough to risk you by sending in someone he’d have to clean up after. Think about it.”

She was thinking about it. She relaxed a little. “Then you said the wrong thing.”

“It happens.” He shrugged. “But I also thought that since you were possibly dragging me into hot water, we should get to be a little more familiar so that you could trust me.”

“For instance?”

“You could let me know what’s happening at Kilgoray,” he said coaxingly.

She shook her head.

“If you’re going to meet a lover, I’m not about to tell Caleb. That’s between the two of you. I’m supposed to keep you safe, not act as truant officer. But it would help to know more in case I need to execute my primary duty.”

She shook her head again.

“Okay, I could only try.” He added soberly, “But you need to know that even if I have to go at this blind, I’ll do what has to be done and keep you safe for Caleb. So don’t do anything stupid.”

“I’m never stupid. I’ve been known to make occasional mistakes.” She stared at him coolly. “And you told me flat out you were working for Palik and had hardly spoken to Caleb when I asked you.”

“It’s true. But it’s still all about Caleb.” He was suddenly smiling. “And because you’re not stupid, you’d see right through anything I said and realize that he’s the center. Though in this instance he obviously gave that designation to you.”

“I could do without it. Why is it all about Caleb?” She was working it out. “You said he’d saved your life, but you were very casual about it. Then you took the job with Palik after you recovered…” Her gaze was fixed on his face. “So maybe you weren’t that casual. Just how did he save your life?”