Page 79 of Vampires and Violas

“Every bank in town.”

He shrugs. “Financial institutions don’t have the flexibility to follow vision, no matter how brilliant it might be.”

Needing to change the subject before my heart overflows, I say, “So, did Noah tell you we have someone new watching the place?”

“He did.”

“I’m sorry you have to babysit me.”

“There are worse tasks. Besides, what’s a conservator for?”

“There’s broth downstairs if you want it.”

“Is that your polite way of telling me to go away?”

“Yes. I need to finish up these emails.”

“Fine.” The handsome vampire stands, stretching. “I have a few business calls to make anyway. I’m thinking of investing in a new garden nursery.”

I smile as he goes, and then I get back to work.

A few hours later, I wander downstairs. Cassian’s in Noah’s usual spot at the dining room table, staring at his laptop.

“What’s Noah doing today?” I ask, stirring blood into cranberry juice because I don’t feel like making a smoothie this afternoon.

“He didn’t say,” Cassian says absently.

“Did Sophia give you any information after we left?”

He looks a touch uncomfortable, but he shakes his head. “No.”

If Noah doesn’t have any new leads, he’s probably at the office. Hanging out with his new plant.

“Oh, get over it,” I say to myself.

“Excuse me?” Cassian asks, lowering his reading glasses.

“Not you.” I’m just about to take a sip of my juice when I pause to scrutinize the vampire. “Why are you wearing glasses?”

“Oh, do you like them? I ended up getting a pair.”

He slides them back on and poses thoughtfully. The frames are thin black wire, and like everything else, they look good on him.

“The lenses don’t have correction,” he adds. “They’re just a fashion accessory.”

“It must be dull living so long.”

“Does that mean you like them or not?”

“Yes, I like them.”

“Good.” He looks back at his computer and then promptly scowls again.

“What’s the matter?”

“Vampire politics. Jorgen is hounding me to meet with him.”

“Olivia mentioned someone came by while she was visiting…” I say, hinting heavily.

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