“Fair. I have a proposition for you then, Jude.”
“You’re not going to pay me to stay away or something? Because there’s not an amount that I would take. Immy is my friend, and that’s invaluable.”
I couldn’t keep the smile hidden any longer, and the corner lifted as I watched him. “No, you’re right, and I think you’re the type of person that she needs in her life. I was going to ask for a favor, and in return, I’d owe you something.”
“I’m listening.” He crossed his arms, sitting back in his chair now like he had the power. It only made me smile more, and as both sides lifted, a short chuckle escaped.
“Imogen has asked to attend a real school, and I’m considering it. However, there are a few concerns I have, and this is where I think I could use your assistance.”
He sat up, a smile on his face as he nodded. “Okay, of course, yes, that would be great. I think she would love it. I’ve never liked school before, but Timber Creek Prep is different.” His words tumbled over each other in excitement. Holding my hands up, I halted him.
“Slow down. There are some steps first before you get your hopes up. If I was to look into it, though, would I be able to count on you to watch her while she’s there? You know who we are now, and it’s not safe for Immy to be out in public alone. While I’ll send a guard, they’re not always able to blend in as well or allowed access to everything. This would be where you come in.”
“Respectably, sir, I think Imogen is much stronger than you realize. As her friend and someone who cares about her, though, you don’t have to owe me a favor to keep her safe. I’ll do that because that’s what friends do. Maybe she can join me in training to learn some self-defense as well?”
“You’re learning self-defense?” I asked in surprise.
“Yep.” He grinned smugly. “Or, well, I still need to ask, but Nicco suggested it after my brother, you know.” Jude’s face fell a little, and I nodded, understanding what he meant.
“Well, I guess that’s not a horrible idea. I’ll make it happen. You have honor, Jude. That’s a hard trait to learn. I’ll still grant you a favor one day if you ever need it.”
“I feel like I might have to sell my soul to accept that, but I’ll keep it in mind in case I ever find myself in a situation with no solution.”
Jude got up, and I stared, stunned. He was more perceptive and wise than I’d given him credit for. Imogen had done well making him her friend, and I’d have to learn how to be okay with it if things developed more.
Picking up my phone, I noticed the time and decided to ask in person. Loren wanted action, so I needed to show her I was committed to this. Locking my door, I headed down the hall, excitement bubbling up, helping to erase the fear I would lose all this.