Lee pulled himself off the desk and out of the vamp’s reach. “No, no, no,” he protested, going to a small cabinet and bringing out two glasses and a bottle. “Not again. Not with you. My God, what did you whisper into that beast’s ear, anyway?”

Trent smiled, a real one this time, and took the offered shot glass. “Fair is fair, surfer dude,” he said, and I blinked at the accent he affected. “Seeing as you almost drowned me.”

“Me?” Lee sat back on the desk, one foot off the floor. “I had nothing to do with that. The canoe had a leak. I didn’t know you couldn’t swim.”

“That’s what you keep saying.” Trent’s eye twitched. Taking a tiny sip, he turned to me. “Stanley, this is Rachel Morgan. She’s my security tonight.”

I beamed a false smile. “Hello, Lee.” I held out my hand, careful to keep my ley line energy reined, though with the memory of that man’s screams echoing through me, it was hard not to give him a jolt. “Nice to see the upstairs this time.”

“Rachel,” Lee said warmly, turning my hand to kiss the top of it instead of shaking it. “You can’t imagine how bad I felt for getting you mixed up in that ugly business. I’m so pleased you came away from it unscathed. I trust you’re being compensated properly tonight?”

I yanked my hand back before his lips touched it, making a show of wiping it off. “No apologies needed. But I’d be remiss for not thanking you for teaching me how to play craps.” My pulse quickened and I stifled the urge to slug him. “Want your dice back?”

The vampire slid behind him, her hands going possessively atop his shoulders. Lee kept his smile in place, seemingly oblivious to my barb. God, the man had been bleeding from his pores, and that had been aimed at me. Bastard.

“The orphanage was most grateful for your donation,” Lee said smoothly. “They put a new roof on with it, so I’m told.”

“Fantastic,” I said, honestly pleased. Beside me, Trent fidgeted, clearly dying to interrupt. “I’m always glad when I can help those less fortunate.”

Lee took the vampire’s hands in his and moved her to stand beside him.

Trent took my arm while they were distracted. “You bought the new roof?” he breathed.

“Apparently,” I muttered, noting he was surprised about the roof, not the scuffle in the streets.

“Trent, Rachel,” Lee said as he held the vampire’s hand in his. “This is Candice.”