“I could build you a house on the island,” he offered, half-serious. She raised an eyebrow. “In the winter? Single-handedly? There aren’t enough trees here for a second cottage.” A smile pulled on his lips. “I’ll do it entirely with wardship spells.” Another recent revelation: Merritt could build invisible walls. Not that he had any sort of grasp on that unexpected bit of magical talent. “That would hardly be private.” He let his face go lax, feigning confusion. “Why would you need privacy?” She swatted his arm, and he chuckled. “You are a rake, Mr. Fernsby.”
