"Listen, I'm flattered, but I'm old enough to be your dad," Budge whispered.
"What in the world are you talking about?" I hissed back.
"I mean, we both know what's going on here. You were looking for me the other day, without really having a good reason. Now, you're asking to meet me in old abandoned hallways… Really, I think you're a lovely girl, but I'm way too old for this kind of thing," Budge continued.
"Will you shut up for a second? I don't want to be with you," I retorted with a grimace.
Budge's mouth snapped shut, his dark eyes narrowing as he waited for what I was going to say next.
"I need to know that your number one concern is Rowan's safety," I continued.
"Of course it is. Honestly, just what the hell is this about? You mope around the castle for weeks and now all of a
