Dark Stranger Immortal (The Children of the Gods #3)(15)

“I’ll look into it and see what I can do. Bummer, though…”

“Yeah, I know. There are some crazy loons out there.”

“That too, but that’s not what I’m bummed about. I was hoping you were shacking up with a guy and covering it up… It’s about time you got something going on.”





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S Y S S I

Syssi took a fortifying breath before plunging headfirst into the deep.

“Amanda does have a brother…”

“I knew it!” Andrew chuckled before switching into his interrogator mode. “And how is that brother of hers?”

“He is fine, like in really fine. But there’s nothing for you to get all worked up about. There is not much to tell.” Syssi cringed. If lightning indeed struck liars, I would be a smoking husk right now.

“I want to meet him.” Andrew got that resolute tone that meant he wouldn’t take no for an answer.

“I just met him, for God’s sake. Perfect way to scare the guy off… Oh, by the way, my big brother wants to give you the third degree… Really, it’s nothing to worry about, just an interrogation from hell—the kind reserved for suspected terrorists and serial killers… Not going to happen, Andrew. I don’t want it to be over before it even begins.”

I’d better step aside to avoid that lightning when it strikes me where I stand…

“Okay, okay… You’ve got a point…,” he conceded. “So, how about you introduce me to this Amanda I keep hearing about? I can question her instead… You were nagging me to meet her anyway, true?”

He got her there. Now she couldn’t refuse.

“I can arrange something with Amanda, but no questions! And I mean it!

You’re not going to embarrass me in front of my boss who happens also to be my best friend.” Syssi was surprised by her own words. It was true, though, and a warmth spread through her at the realization.

“I’m glad you are BFFs with your boss. I promise I’ll be discreet. You can kick me in the shin if I cross the line.”

As if summoned by being the subject of their conversation, Amanda walked in. “Who are you talking to?” she asked.

“It’s Andrew. He wants to meet you…”

“I would love to meet your fascinating brother.” Amanda sat down next to Syssi and opened her laptop. “How about lunch, tomorrow, after our shopping spree? There is this great little Italian café not far from Rodeo, Café Milano. Ask him if he can meet us there at around three.”

“Did I hear right? Shopping on Rodeo Drive? You never even pay retail, let alone visit high-end boutiques.” Andrew sounded amused.

“I know… don’t ask…” Syssi snorted.

“Tomorrow at three, Café Milano, tell your boss I’ll be there.”

“See you there.” Syssi ended the call and shook her head at Amanda.

Typing away on her laptop, the distinguished professor, Dr. Amanda Dokani, was quietly singing, “Bad boy, bad boy, whatcha gonna do, whatcha gonna do when Amanda comes for you…”





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K I A N

O n his way to the meeting, Kian reflected on the fact that although he had never resented his work before, he did now. Damn, he would’ve loved to stay in bed with Syssi and cuddle, or maybe go for another round… But then, she had work to do as well.

Fuck that.

He should’ve just told her to stay.

If it were up to him, he’d make sure that unless Syssi wanted to, she wouldn’t have to work another day in her life. Though, knowing Syssi, she would not have liked him managing her like that, and besides, she seemed to love her work.

Kian sighed. This whole train of thought was pointless. Even if he could persuade Syssi to slack, there was no escaping his responsibilities, and the Guardians he was scheduled to meet were awaiting him in his new office.

And what’s worse, with the way he’d been neglecting his duties lately to be with Syssi, he probably would have to pull an all-nighter to catch up on his work.

Normally, that wouldn’t have bothered him, except now, his obligations were eating away at what little time he had left with the woman he loved.

He loved her. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.

Earlier, right after admitting he never wanted to let her go, he’d almost blurted those three monumental words. But letting these words loose when their future was so unclear would’ve been unkind to Syssi, even cruel.

Choking down that compulsion, his throat had clogged with the unvoiced confession, but he’d covered it well, goofing around with her panties.

When he arrived at the meeting, his sour expression must’ve forewarned the guys, for once thwarting their usual smart-ass remarks.

Thank fuck.

As he sat down at the table, Onegus took one look at Kian’s face and cleared his throat, while Shai busied himself with rearranging the neat stacks of paperwork in front of him. Bhathian only frowned, but that had nothing to do with Kian. A scowl was the guy’s regular expression.

“What do we have for today?” Kian asked.

“Carol is back to her old tricks.” Onegus pushed his phone over to Kian.

“See for yourself; play the recording.”