Killing Me Softly by Leisl Leighton Page B

worships the ground you walk on.’
    Bev breathed in a long, satisfied breath. ‘He does at that.’ Her gaze flicked into the room, meeting Daemon’s with the steely regard he knew country folk reserved for strangers. ‘I’m sorry. I didn’t realise you were in a meeting.’
    Alexia blushed. ‘I’m sorry, how rude of me. Bev, this is Daemon Flagherty. Daemon, this is Beverley Smart. She looks after the house as well as being an angel and food whiz.’
    ‘Oh, go away with you,’ Bev said, stepping forward to shake hands with Daemon. ‘I’ve heard your music. I’m not a big fan myself but the young people seem to like it. I will say your songs are better than a lot of the trash around nowadays. I’m sure Alexia will do all she can to help you.’
    Daemon tried not to laugh. Most people sucked up to him because of his fame whether they liked his music or not. ‘I’m sure she will. If she agrees to work with me.’
    ‘Oh, I know she will. Our Alexia likes a challenge.’
    Daemon’s lips twitched. She had just insulted him twice in less than a minute. Instead of getting pissed off, it delighted him. ‘So do I, Mrs Smart. So do I.’
    ‘You’ll be perfectly suited, then.’ She turned to Alexia who was trying to smother a grin. ‘Shall I bring you coffee or tea? I’ve made that fruit mince slice you like. I could cut some up for you both.’ She glanced back at him.
    ‘Are you responsible for that delicious lunch we just had?’
    Bev’s eyes warmed at the compliment. ‘I am at that.’
    ‘If the slice is even half as good, I’d love some.’ Daemon flashed the older woman his most charming grin. Her remaining coolness melted as she returned his smile.
    ‘I’ll go fetch some for you then. Coffee or tea?’
    ‘Coffee would be perfect.’
    She hurried out of the room and Daemon turned to see Alexia frowning. She quickly wiped the frown from her face, as she walked around the desk.
    ‘You certainly won her over. Does that charm work on most women?’
    ‘It doesn’t seem to work on you.’
    She looked him right in the eye. ‘I’m not here to be charmed. I’m here to find out if we can work together.’
    Daemon sat down in the chair opposite hers, his smile fading. ‘Same goes for me. My music is all I’m interested in.’ And it really was. Why had he been trying to charm her? Maybe because he needed to gain the upper hand? The disconcerting thing was, by now, most women would be lapping out of said hand.
    But she wasn’t most women. Time to take a different tack.
    He took a breath, settling back in the chair. ‘So, let’s get down to business then, shall we?’ She nodded. ‘I’m looking for a different sound. The stuff I’ve been writing lately is darker and more complex than what was on our last two albums. I think the sound needs to be more primal and less polished.’
    She nodded, ‘Go on.’
    He continued to talk about his music and as he spoke, she sat back in her chair, index fingers pressed together against her mouth, her attention solely on him. He saw her nod a few times but he couldn’t read what she was thinking. He’d been speaking for about ten minutes when Bev walked back in. She placed a tray on the desk between them. The aroma of coffee mixed with the delicious scent of freshly baked fruit mince slice made his mouth water even though they’d only just finished lunch.
    ‘I’ll leave you to serve yourself. I’ve got a few things to do in the cottage, so tell William to buzz me there when he needs help with Catriona.’
    Alexia nodded and smiled. ‘Thanks, Bev.’
    She bustled out of the room and Alexia poured coffee for Daemon and tea for herself. ‘Milk? Sugar?’
    ‘None for me.’ He helped himself to a piece of slice. ‘Mm. This is delicious.’
    She nodded. ‘I keep telling Bev she should have been a chef.’ She took a sip of her tea, sat forward, hands on either side of the blotter, index fingers tapping the desk lightly. ‘So . . . about your work. I