‘Because using a genie and making wishes is incredibly dangerous, Integrity. Tempting as it may be, you would do better to get rid of the genie before something bad happens.’

Something bad like someone trying to kill me? I gave a tight smile. ‘I’m not an idiot.’ I tossed back my hair. At least I’d not yet put it up into those silly coils. ‘Is that why you’re here? To warn me about the risks that Bob poses?’ I grinned. ‘Why did the genie cross the road?’

He sighed. ‘Please don’t.’

‘Fine. If you’re not here for my keen wit, what are you here for?’

He met my eyes. ‘I’m sorry about what happened.’ Our kiss. It hadn’t taken him long to regret that little dalliance. ‘It wasn’t fair for those points to be deducted,’ he continued, surprising me yet again. ‘There are wards in place to prevent competitors from seeking outside help of a magical nature. I checked the list and genie magic is included. The Carnegies already knew you hadn’t cheated.’

I blinked. ‘Oh. Um, thanks.’

A tiny furrow marred his perfect brow. I dropped my gaze from his vivid eyes and focused on the little scar on his cheekbone. I needed something to distract me.

‘You don’t seem that bothered,’ he said.

‘It’s the sort of behaviour I’ve come to expect from the Sidhe.’

‘We’re not all bad.’

I shrugged. ‘Perhaps not. You’re not all honourable either, no matter how much you protest otherwise.’

‘I’ve spoken to my father. He’s going to do whatever he can to impress on the Carnegies that they need to deal with you fairly.’

‘Is he now?’ I murmured.

‘He’s the Steward, Integrity,’ Byron said. ‘The Carnegies will listen to him. So will the other Clans.’

‘That’s what I’m afraid of,’ I said under my breath.

‘Pardon?’

‘Nothing.’ I felt like a sullen teenager. This was stupid.

‘I should go,’ Byron said. His eyes travelled down my body for the first time. ‘You’re obviously … busy.’

‘I’m only wearing this because I promised Bob. I really was dropped in the wrong place at the start. I probably wouldn’t have made it to the start line without his help.’

He gave me a long, considering look. ‘I’ll speak to Carnegie again. He really shouldn’t have let that…’

I held up my hand. ‘Don’t bother.’ The supercilious MC would only snigger behind Byron’s back at his naivety.

Hurt flashed in his eyes. ‘Suit yourself.’

‘I didn’t mean it like that.’

‘It’s fine, Integrity. Good luck with the final challenge. I’m told that the points accrued mean that either I, you or Tipsania is going to win.’ He stuck out his hand for me to shake. I took it and a shiver ran down my spine. He leaned closer. ‘I should probably go. Seeing you in that get-up makes it difficult not to pounce. Princess Leia has always been a bit of a fantasy of mine.’

And then, before I could respond, he turned and left.