Page 43 of Blazing Joysticks

Keir’s jaw set with determination. “We’re going to take him down. But first, we’re going to get you well and keep you safe.”

Over the next week, Cat’s recovery progressed steadily. Keir rarely left her side, working remotely when he had to and delegating as much as possible to Beck and his other trusted employees.

TWENTY

Keir breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, Dr. Patel declared Cat well enough to be discharged. “Remember,” she cautioned as Keir helped Cat into a wheelchair, “plenty of rest, no strenuous activity for at least another week, and follow up with your regular doctor in a few days.”

“I’ll make sure she follows doctor’s orders,” Keir promised, ignoring Cat’s playful eye roll.

As they made their way out of the clinic, flanked by Keir’s security team, Cat leaned her head against Keir’s arm. “I can’t wait to sleep in a real bed again,” she sighed.

Keir chuckled. “I think that can be arranged. But we’re going back to my place, love. It’s more secure, and I want you where I can keep an eye on you.”

Cat started to protest, then seemed to think better of it. “Okay,” she agreed. “But only if you promise to actually get some sleep yourself. Don’t think I haven’t noticed those dark circles under your eyes.”

Warmth bloomed in Keir’s chest. Even injured and exhausted, his mate was still looking out for him. “I promise,” he said softly, bending to brush a kiss across her hair.

Back at Keir’s penthouse, they settled into a routine. Cat worked on her laptop from bed or the couch, putting the finishing touches on the Phoenix Protocol. Keir split his time between caring for her, running his company, and plotting Obsidian Tech’s downfall.

As the days passed and the launch of Guardian AI drew nearer, the atmosphere grew tense with anticipation. Keir could see the excitement and nervousness warring in Cat’s eyes as she ran simulation after simulation of the Phoenix Protocol.

“It’ll work,” he assured her one evening as they sat on the balcony, watching the sun set over Central Park. “You’ve thought of everything.”

Cat bit her lip. “I hope so. But what if Grimes has something up his sleeve we haven’t anticipated?”

Keir pulled her close, careful of her still-healing shoulder. “Then we’ll face it together. You and me, love. We’re unstoppable.”

The morning of the launch dawned bright and clear. Keir woke early, his nerves buzzing with a mix of excitement and apprehension. He slipped out of bed, careful not to wake Cat, and padded to the kitchen to start the coffee.

As he waited for the pot to brew, Keir’s phone buzzed with an incoming call. It was Beck.

“What’s the word?” Keir asked without preamble.

“All quiet so far,” Beck reported. “Security’s in place at the venue, and we’ve got eyes on all of Obsidian’s known operatives. But...”

Keir’s eyes narrowed. “But what?”

Beck sighed. “Grimes is in the wind. No one’s seen him in days.”

A chill ran down Keir’s spine. “Keep looking. He has to surface sometime. And Beck? Be ready for anything today.”

“You got it, boss.”

Keir ended the call just as Cat shuffled into the kitchen, yawning and rubbing her eyes. Despite the gravity of the situation, he couldn’t help but smile at the sight of her in one of his old shirts, her hair adorably mussed from sleep.

“Morning, beautiful,” he murmured, pulling her into a gentle embrace. “Ready for the big day?”

Cat nestled against his chest, her arms wrapping around his waist. “As I’ll ever be,” she said, her voice muffled against his shirt. “You?”

Keir kissed the top of her head. “With you by my side, I’m ready for anything.”

They arrived at the launch venue early, wanting to oversee the final preparations. The grand ballroom of the Sharpe Drakon Games headquarters buzzed with activity as tech crews made last-minute adjustments and security personnel took their positions.

Cat disappeared into the control room with her team while Keir made the rounds, shaking hands and reassuring investors. But his eyes constantly scanned the crowd, alert for any sign of trouble.

As the official start time approached, Keir took his place on the stage. He spotted Cat in the wings, giving him a thumbs up and a nervous smile. His heart swelled with pride and love.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Keir began, his voice carrying easily over the expectant hush. “Thank you all for joining us on this momentous day. The launch of Guardian AI represents not just a leap forward in gaming technology, but a new era of digital security...”

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