The mention of that idiotic Three made Ivona's eyes tighten almost imperceptibly, but it wasn't really Clive's fault that he possessed the tact of a brick, she thought. He just couldn't help but open his mouth and cram in his foot all the way to his knee. It'd been an endearing quality. Once.

No longer.

"Yes, do that. Then perhaps she'll be able to transfer her idiotic notions of you and me to the former, instead of incessantly haranguing me about it." She smiled, and so perfect was the expression that it was impossible to discern its insincerity.

"But please, don't let me keep you from your...other pursuits."