Page 163 of The Protégé

He shook his head. “I’m not mad, Sunshine. I’m in awe that you tricked me.”

“My grandmother used that trick on me when I was younger. I hated taking this herbal liquid for colds. She used to tell me it had a special ingredient from a magical plant. It would make me healthy and strong. No other kid had it but me. I believed her, and I hardly got sick during the winter months.”

“The placebo effect is powerful. It shows the potential of our mind and the mystery within it.” He tipped up my chin. “I fell into your trap.”

“Because you love me.”

“I’d fall into every trap you set for me.” He kissed me lightly on the lips.

“I didn’t mean to keep the truth from you. But I noticed the dandelion tea was helping you relieve stress, so I said nothing.” I tapped his head. “Your brilliant mind made the tea more powerful.”

“There’s still a magical ingredient in it. It’s called Elena’s love. Your dandelion tea is my sugar pill.”

“You’ll have an endless supply of it.”

“Dandelion tea is my favorite tea.” He wrapped me into his arms, looking down at me. “Your heart is like a dandelion puff—it seeds the world with love and hope.”

“I love it when you’re so poetic.”

“You inspire all the poetry that comes from me.” He tapped on my nose. “I’ve become a better man because of you. Whenever I see a dandelion, I think of you. I had my landscapers use dandelions in their floral arrangements around the island. And we won’t be using weed killers anymore. I’m letting the dandelions loose. Wild and free, just like my Sunshine.”

I couldn’t help but kiss him.

“By the way, my father would like to meet you. I’m thinking of having a gathering on the island before it gets cold. You can bring your mom too.”

“That sounds wonderful. How is your father feeling?”

“I didn’t get a chance to tell you, but he knew someone was trying to poison him. And so he played along andpretendedto be in a coma. He gave me control of the company to lure out all the players who wanted to hurt him and me.”

“That’s wonderful to hear. I guess your father is just as cunning as you. Is your relationship with him better?”

“It’s getting there.” He touched my face. “He told me he’d always loved me. In order to protect me—his only son—he had to make it seem like he was disappointed in me. Get this: he knew The Condor was teaching me how to be a thief. My mom did too. Your father was friends with my parents.”

Wow. We were intertwined in a complex web with so many connections.

“They knew about you stealing?”

“Yes.” He beamed. “They knew my targets, and why I was stealing from them.”

“Your parents loved you in their own way.They were trying to love and protect you, but also ensure you’re well prepared for the cruel world.”

“Everything makes sense now.” He smiled.

I had something for him at home. “The city lights will turn back on soon. Want to come home with me tonight?”

“Is that an invitation, Madame Sarcasm?” His eyes twinkled in the dim light.

“It is. Since you gave me the stars today, I have some to give you as well.”

“Oh yeah? I’m intrigued.” He arched an eyebrow.

“I’ve bottled up some stars for you.”

“So you were busy catching falling stars for me?” he asked.

“Just like how you were busy exploring other galaxies to find our constellation.”

“It all started with Sassteroid, the name you gave yourself when you replied to my query.”

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