A/N: I UPDATED! I UPDATED!

Lord Paecif sat stiffly in the high back chair that he'd been shown to, awaiting to see his host. The room was dark and he'd felt a chill rush through his body the instant he'd stepped inside. He would easily convince the man that Sara was a liability to him and it would be easier if Paecif would just take her away.

"You requested a meeting with me?"

The lord jumped at the deep rumbling voice that filled the room. "Y-Yes, I did. I'd like to extend my greatest appreciation at your kindness in allowing me the hospitality of your home."

"We are both passed this. What can I do for you?" the voice asked in a smooth and stern tone.

Lord Paecif nodded. So, the Viscount was as irritable as he had heard. "Well, I'd like to make to some kind of arrangement. I understand that the young girl and her brother are a great inconvenience. I would like to take her off your hands."

There was a pause. "You would?"

"Yes, yes I would. She owes me a large debt and she and I are very fond of each other. I think that she'd appreciate going home with me to get her life back in order."

"After you'd taken her brother and roughed him around a bit. Do you think that she'd like that?"

Paecif shifted in his seat. "Of course I do and I most certainly think that it's in her best interest. She'll be nothing but a bother to you. Honestly, I'm sure that you are a busy and don't want bratty little kids running around this nice estate that you have here." He shifted once again. "Well, you just think about that for a bit and I'm going to go while you make your decision." He started to leave before he thought better of it. "In case you need any further encouragement, try to remember that I'm a business man." Satisfied that he'd said his worth, he excused himself and left.

Ryan moved out of the shadows and made his way to the fire. He didn't like Lord Paecif. That man was up to no good and he didn't want it under his roof.

Sara walked her brother around the estate, pointing out the different rooms and gargoyles. He loved it.

"So, we're going to live here?"

"Yes, Viscount Mallaker has welcomed us into his home. See, the Viscount gets very lonely so he's asked us to stay with him for a while." She hoped that that would appease the boy. Honestly, she didn't know why Mallaker truly wanted them to stay, but she wouldn't deny him anything after he got her brother back.

"Wow, that's cool. So, we're going to be friends?"

"Yes we are."

"Does this mean I'm going to be too busy to do my schoolwork?"

She laughed and ruffled his hair. "Of course not. You are going to be learning just like you would if we were at home. You can't expect to live in a place like this and be stupid, do you? That wouldn't be right!"

He nodded. "Yeah, I guess you're right."

"Anyway, you grow up, you'll be happy that you're going to be so smart."

Smiling, he puffed out his chest, "Yeah, because then I can make a lot of money."

She nodded and led him to the kitchen to get a snack.

Gordon appeared immediately. "Can I get you something?"

"Actually, we were just going to get a bite to eat," Sara said, looking down at the boy.

"Yeah," he continued nodding his head, "I'm starved."

"What would you like, Master John?"

"What'dya got?"

The man motioned with his hand to an open doorway, "Why don't you come and see for yourself?"

The boy dashed ahead while Gordon turned and said to her, "My Master would like a visit with you."

She nodded, "Is he up in his room?"

Gordon bowed, "Yes, milday," and then he was gone.

Sara turned and walked back down the hallway. So, he wanted to talk with her, did he? He probably made an arrangement with Paecif and if that happened she didn't know what she'd do! She couldn't possibly be expected to go back with him!

Climbing the steps, she thought about all the things that could happen if the situation arose or all her escapes.

By the time she reached the main door, she was almost trembling. Sara knocked and entered, making sure the door was closed behind her.

"You wished to see me, milord?"

"Yes, have a seat."

She didn't see him, but then again, she really hadn't expected to. She sat in one of the chairs by the fire and folded her hands in her lap.

"Don't you think it's quite ridiculous that you told me I was staying here and I've already seen you, you don't frighten me, and yet, you insist on remaining in the dark? Please, I am here because of your own graciousness, come sit with me."

There was a long pause and for a moment she wondered if she'd spoken too freely with the Beast. If she'd over stepped her boundaries, there was no telling what he might do to her as punishment considering he now owned her for the favor he did.

Then he stepped out of the shadows and slowly approached, sitting himself across from her without ever taking his eyes of her.

"See, don't you think that it better?" she asked, trying to be friendly. After he didn't reply, she continued, "I just want to thank you again for delivering my brother to me. I don't know what would have happened if he had stayed there any longer."

Without further ado, he made his move. "Lord Paecif has asked for you to return with him. He requested that I give you and the boy to him for his safe keeping."

Sara felt him studying her and she tried not to flinch or hold her breath while under his scrutiny. "And? What did you tell him?"

"I haven't told him anything. I thought that I'd better talk with you first."

"There is nothing to talk about. I am at your disposal. Because of your help in my time of need, I will do anything for you, but at the same time I can understand that a man like you would appreciate a quiet and childfree house."

He saw her trying to be strong. She gave her credit for it. She wouldn't be a weak female in his presence. He'd wanted to see if she'd ask to be given to the man; if she'd find any excuse to leave the bargain in which they'd sealed. She didn't.

"I am offering you a chance to leave," he said with a growl, "So you'd better take it."

"Are you telling me to go?"

"Did I say, 'Go'?"

"Well, no, but-"

"Don't put words in my mouth!"

She shut her mouth instantly. "If you'll excuse my bluntness, milord, but I would much rather remain here. I would fear for my life with that man."

"And you don't fear it with me?"

"I did when I first came here, but you haven't harmed me or given me any inclination of you doing it in the future."

He nodded, trying to resist the smile that he felt rising in his chest. When was the last time he'd spoken so openly or had someone do so to him? She was so refreshing in his life.

"Then you will do so. You will remain here."

"Thank you, once again, I appreciate your consideration in this matter." She stood up, noting that the minute she did so, he also rose, and smiled, "Will that be all milord?"

He nodded and watched her bow and walk out of the room. When the door was shut behind her, Ryan sat back down and let a smile take over his ruined face. He would never be the same.