Page 18 of It Starts With A No

Clary swallowed her sigh. Lord, help. She needed patience.

It had never been her strong suit, so it was a miracle that she’d managed to draw enough patience from God to stop herself from getting into a fight last night. He has a history with the Eolenfelds, she told herself. “It isn’t a gift. It’s temporary.”

“You don’t intend to stay? It’s a beautiful place.”

Her eyes narrowed. “I should warn you. Your brother used up all my patience last night, so if you keep pushing me, you might get something thrown in your face.”

He laughed and sat down on the brown leather couch. “Just saying.”

“I’m cleaning up the mess at the bank, then I’m leaving.”

“And then what?”

“And then I go back to my real life.”

His head tipped to the side, and his brows drew together in apparent confusion. “Safe Homes?”

“Yup,” she said. “Back to being part of the problem.”

He winced, and she smiled.

So he does have a conscience. She strode over to the lounge chair next to the couch and sat.

“I’m sorry. It seems Safe Homes is a rare exception.”

“You did your homework.” She couldn’t help the smugness of her words.

He nodded. “Why Safe Homes? You could’ve worked anywhere.”

“Because of Mr. E’s connections?”

“Because you’re a London School of Economics scholarship recipient and graduate.”

Her brows rose again.

“I googled you.”

“Huh.”

“So?”

She blinked.

“Why Safe Homes?”

She drew a deep breath through her nose. “I’m not sure you’ll believe me if I tell you.”

“Can we start over?”

“Because you still need the loan?”

He rubbed a hand over his mouth.

“It’s fine. I understand. You wouldn’t be anywhere near me if it weren’t for the fact that I might be able to get you in touch with Mr. E.” She held her index finger up. “Give me a minute.” She stood and jogged up the stairs, then grabbed her phone and came back down. “I’ve already texted Mr. E, but he hasn’t replied.”

Clary tapped on her phone and handed it over to Seth.

He stared at her for a moment, then turned his attention to the phone when she waved it in front of him.

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