Page 38 of Immortal Sun

“Feet off,” Cyrus says, kicking Daggon’s feet off the desk. They slam into the floor with a thud. “Have respect for the furniture and your guests.”

Daggon lazily looks up, then grins and drops his phone onto his desk. Standing, he looms over me, arms crossed. “Well, look what my brother dragged in.”

Ah, he’s one of those, like his brother grabbed me by the hair and pulled me in here. It could be my imagination, but he doesn’t look at me; he looks through me as if I don’t even really exist or won’t in the near future. He’s predatory and arrogant in a way that’s the opposite of attractive. His auburn hair is pulled away from his face in a short ponytail, his muscles bulge beneath his shirtsleeves.

I bite my tongue to keep from saying something mean to someone I hardly know. Besides, I need him to help with Jake.

I move closer to Cyrus for protection and to fortify myself with a deep breath. He puts a hand on my lower back as if to encourage me to step closer and say what I need to say. I shudder at his touch, I like it because it’s warm, that’s the only reason.

He’s not my boyfriend, just a nice man helping me with my brother. I really need to stop relying on him so much.

I remind myself of that about ten more times before lifting my chin and facing Daggon with as much confidence as I can muster. “I just wanted to be kept up to date on any information you can get on my brother.”

Daggon frowns. “Listen, we’ve done all we can but from what we’re gathering, he’s not missing, he took a quick break and dove down the rabbit hole of research which tends to happen to a lot of interns around here. They catch the bug fast, right Cyrus?”

Cyrus’s smile is tight. “Right.”

“Well it’s at least nice to know where law enforcement is,” I say.

Daggon raises his hand. “That’s me, all law, all enforcement. Hey, are you hungry? I can take you out, show you a good time.”

Cyrus all but growls, “She’s eaten.”

“Or will be.” Daggon winks down at me.

“Gross, no thank you.” The word comes out before I can stop it. I cover my mouth with my hand.

Daggon’s eyes widen in shock.

Cyrus drops his arm.

All goes silent.

“Sorry.” I hang my head. “I just meant?—”

“No apologies necessary.” Daggon suddenly shifts moods; his eyes are keener, and he finally truly looks at me, not through me, almost begging me to look deep into his gaze. A calm heat rests there.

I shake my head and stumble backwards, and a pulsing sensation tightens around my temples briefly before disappearing.

“Hey, are you okay?” Cyrus asks.

Daggon reaches forward like he’s going to touch me then drops his hand at his side, his expression concerned. “She’s probably exhausted, what the hell are you doing taking her around town right now?”

“She was curious, and I wanted to show her the museum,” Cyrus says in a terse voice. “We’ll let you do whatever the hell you think you do here, and don’t be late for dinner next week. It pisses everyone off.”

“Because food tastes sooooo good,” Daggon says in a dry tone. “Yeah, I’ll be sure to bring my appetite.” He looks back at me, eyes narrowing. “Did you feel it, then?”

I blink at him, once, twice. “Feel?”

“Thought so.” He nods slowly. “I wish things were different.” Then he laughs without any true humor “You know, because I’d love to take the cute new guest out to lunch, but my brother’s such a cock block. Wonder why…”

“And we’re going.” Cyrus guides me out. “Sorry he’s a complete waste of time, space, air, take your pick.”

I felt.

I don’t say anything.

But I definitely did feel something. I still feel something in my chest. It’s burning to escape.

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