The thought of Diva still taking orders from Amshel was a sour one and Gene made a face, burying what he was about to say in a drink. No, she was certainly better off without the div, even if it meant she was under his skin all the bloody time. But she had changed, and even if he wouldn't admit it, Gene was proud of her.

"What makes you think I still don't?" he challenged, though there was a hint of amusement threading through his voice. "And I'll give him a good clock to the chin when this is all over for doing it, too. Thanks for reminding me."