I cursed, closed the safe door and paced round the bedroom. I’d been so sure that’s where it would be. I took several deep breaths. It wasn’t the end of the world; it just meant that Byron wasn’t stupid enough to trust the safe. He’d either left the jewel in the main hotel safe downstairs – which would be a pain in the arse to get to but far from impossible – or it was somewhere else in the suite.

I pursed my lips and considered. If I were a Sidhe Clan heir with more money than sense, where would I keep a priceless gem? Under the bed, perhaps? I got down on the floor. Nope. Nothing there. Maybe in a cupboard. I checked every one I could find. No luck there either. Fridge? No. Under the sofa cushions? No. In the toilet cistern? No.

I spent a good thirty minutes exhausting every possibility. When I was certain the Lia Saifire wasn’t anywhere I could access, I plonked myself down in the centre of the room to mull things over. It would take another twenty-four hours to access the main safe next to reception and I didn’t want to waste that kind of time unless I absolutely had to.

Perhaps the wardrobe safe was a front and there was another one lurking somewhere, albeit better hidden? But how long could I waltz around here before Byron decided to come back?

I picked at a hangnail then grabbed my bag. It wasn’t ideal but if I played my cards right I might able to wing it successfully. I slid out the letter opener and gave it a tap. When nothing happened immediately, I rubbed it against the fabric of my dress. There was an odd hiss followed by the familiar flash of blinding light and Bob appeared, standing on my leg.

‘I was asleep,’ he complained. ‘You ignore me for days and then, when I finally decide to get some shut-eye, you force me to get up.’

Exasperated, I folded my arms. ‘It was hardly days. It’s been less than ten hours.’

His eyes narrowed. ‘Are you sure?’

‘Yup.’

‘I just lose all track of time when I’m stuck in that thing.’ He looked around, realising he was on my thigh and grinned. ‘Hey girl. Nice legs!’

‘Piss off,’ I grunted.

He bent over, poking me experimentally. He was too tiny for it to hurt, but it was still irritating. ‘Nice muscle tone, Uh Integrity. Wait a minute though. Weren’t you wearing this before? Have you not been home yet? Girrrrl! You one bad lady.’

I willed myself not to react. ‘Bob…’ I said tiredly.

‘Huh?’ He glanced up as if confused. Then he shook himself as comprehension dawned and a look of pure glee transformed his face. ‘You’ve finally come to your senses! You want your first wish!’