"Distress." Rafael shot me a brittle smile. "Quite wretched actually, to be that helpless when one's life work is to serve and protect. And yet, I find myself in the same situation with you."

"Trust me, Rafael, our situation is nothing like that one. You're not my house elf. Though if you do laundry..."

"I do not."

"Can't blame a chick for asking. This is going to be far more of an equal working relationship." I held out my fist and Rafael tapped his knuckles ...