Page 31 of Dark Rover's Gift

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KIAN

The return of the children brightened Annani's mood, Allegra immediately making a beeline for her grandmother with Princess Sparkle clutched in her hand. Darius giggled happily when Jacki scooped him up into her arms and kissed both of his cheeks.

Evie toddled up to Amanda with her arms outstretched.

"Well, hello, sweetheart." Annani gathered Allegra into her lap. "How was your playtime with Shamash?"

Allegra cast the guy a haughty look that Kian didn't know how to decipher and then launched into an animated tale about Princess Sparkle's adventures in the playroom, largely incomprehensible due to her excitement.

"It is time for whiskey and cigars," Kalugal announced. "My smoking lounge is finally completed, and I have some excellent Cuban cigars." He rose from his seat.

The guy had a smoking lounge?

Kian had to admit that the idea held appeal, and he was curious to see his cousin's latest extravagance. Besides, he was more than ready for some relaxing time with a good whiskey and a genuine Cohiba.

"You didn't tell me that you were building a smoking lounge." Kian followed Kalugal up.

"It was a spur-of-the-moment stroke of brilliance, realizing that my library could serve a dual purpose. Is there anything better than relaxing with a book, a cigar, and a shot of whiskey?"

"You won't hear any arguments from me. I agree that it's a brilliant idea, especially since it means that you will be stocking your own cigars from now on and not be mooching off me."

Kalugal laughed. "It occurred to me that I owed you quite a number of cigars, and that perhaps you would visit me more often now that I have this beautiful space dedicated to the things you love."

Kian put a hand over his heart. "I'm touched. You built it all for me?"

"Of course." Kalugal clapped him on the back. "My men enjoy unwinding there as well, and it means they don't hog the living room, so Jacki is happy." He turned to the rest of his guests. "Who else is joining us?"

"Count me in," Max said immediately.

When Brandon, Din, Orion, Dalhu, and Ell-rom rose to their feet, Kalugal lifted a brow. "It's not a gentlemen-only invitation. Any of you ladies care to join?"

"Phew, gross." Amanda waved a dismissive hand. "I hate the smell. Enjoy your cigars, boys."

"I'd love to try," Morelle said, "but perhaps another time. I think I'll stay here with Annani and the little ones."

She must have noticed that beneath Annani's brave façade, her sister was struggling with the emotional impact of learning about Esag.

"Another time, then," Kalugal agreed easily. "Gentlemen, follow me."

As he herded them through yet another corridor in the labyrinth that was his home, the temperature dropped slightly, but since everything was climate-controlled, Kian had a feeling that it was done deliberately to create the right ambiance.

Everything about Kalugal's domain spoke of careful planning and attention to detail.

When they reached the smoking lounge, it was exactly what Kian had expected from his cousin—impressive to the point of being ostentatious. The centerpiece was a massive skylight that Kalugal demonstrated could open completely, ensuring proper ventilation. The furnishings were leather and dark wood, arranged in several conversation groupings that encouraged intimacy while maintaining sight lines to the whole room. A fully stocked bar dominated one wall, with the crystal decanters catching the light from carefully positioned fixtures. The other walls were lined with bookcases, stocked with leather-bound editions of whatever was available in that format. In fact, Kian suspected that the books had been purchased for their decorative value and not their contents, even though Kalugal was a well-read guy. Perhaps there were hidden bookcases behind the ones that were just for display.

"This is very nice," Kian said. "I like it when you go all out."

"You mean to say it's excessive?" Kalugal suggested with a self-deprecating laugh. "Perhaps it is, but then you know my motto. If you have the money, why not?"

Kian couldn’t even argue that the money could have been better spent on more deserving projects because Kalugal and Jacki were donating enough of their time and wealth to the rehabilitation of trafficking victims, and Jacki had proven to be a genius at getting the government to fund a large share of the operation. He didn't like that a hefty portion had to circle back to fund the politicians' campaigns and award contracts to their family members, but that was how the cookie crumbled, and as much as he would have liked to, he couldn’t right every wrong.

"It's exquisite," Brandon said, running an appreciative hand over the back of a leather chair that probably cost more than most people's cars.

"Thank you." Kalugal moved to the bar, pulling out glasses with his usual flair. "Whiskey preferences, gentlemen? I have quite a selection."

As they stated their preferences—ranging from Orion's request for "whatever's best" to Ell-rom's uncertain "whatever you recommend"—Kian studied the space more carefully. Every detail had been considered, from the ventilation system that would prevent smoke from lingering to the placement of tables at the perfect height for resting a glass while seated.

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