Page 109 of Kazimir

“Unfortunately.”

“Which means if you work here, everyone will need to know at once that you are here under House protection and by my authority.”

I blinked. “All right.”

“It also means if anyone touches you in a way you do not invite, I will have a problem with it.”

Something about the matter-of-fact way he said that hit me unexpectedly. Not because I needed rescuing. Just because he was setting terms before there could be confusion.

He continued. “I can place you initially in service. Floor, possibly VIP support once you learn the rhythms of the club. We’ll see how quickly you adapt.”

I stared at him. “You’re hiring me?”

He inclined his head. “Yes.”

“Thank you,” I said. “Truly.”

“You may save your gratitude for after training,” Bohdan said. “If you survive Amelia’s opinions and Kyra’s standards, we will revisit the matter.”

“Comforting.”

Lucia rose. “There is one more point. Housing.”

Bohdan looked at her.

“Maddie cannot remain indefinitely in the guest wing if her stay is to be extended. I am offering her a room in the Kozlov wing. Mine and Ryder’s, specifically.”

That surprised the hell out of me enough that I looked at Lucia before I could stop myself. Not the guest wing. The Kozlov wing. More permanent. More trusted. Closer in.

Bohdan did not so much as blink. “Fine.”

That was it.

Just fine, like moving a girl from Texas into the family wing of the Vampire King’s estate was no more troublesome than shifting a case of liquor.

Lucia added, “It will simplify transport and training.”

She stood with one hand resting lightly on the chair back. “We’re done here.”

I pushed to my feet, still trying to process the fact that in the span of maybe twenty minutes my whole damn life had tilted.

As we reached the door, Bohdan’s voice stopped me. “Maddie.”

I turned.

“Do not make me regret Lucia’s confidence.”

My spine straightened all on its own. “I won’t.”

He gave one short nod. Dismissal and acceptance at once.

Out in the corridor, I let out the breath I’d been holding so long it nearly made me dizzy. “Holy shit.”

Lucia started walking again. “You lasted more than thirty seconds.”

“That feels like a low bar.”

“It was realistic.”