Page 35 of Draco Family Duet

“He loved you, still does.” I sighed, then I fixed my gaze on the evil genius behind my kidnapping. “You do know Joel had nothing to do with the recent version of the program, right? The current one is way more sophisticated than the earlier models.” I studied the billionaire a moment. “Oh, and that’s why I’m here, right? You need me as leverage to get my father’s program. Well, Mr. Draco will never allow that. The program is worth a helluva lot more than me.” I shrugged. “Guess you’rescrewed.”

“You think so?” Sterling leaned against the table and chuckled. “I don’t think so. I’m pretty sure Blaise has a thing for you. I bet he’s secretly losing his mind trying to figure out where youare.”

Ira moved to stand near his boss. “We know he wants to build a life with you,” he blurted out. “We heard it all yesterday.” Sterling shot him a look and Ira’s mouth snapped shut as he backedaway.

I inhaled deeply. “In that case, you know I keep refusing him. See? No leverage.” Then I pointed to Joel. “And no program. You’re completely stuck.” I forced a smile even as my heart pounded in my chest and my flutter ached in myabdomen.

“You think I have no program?” He shook his head. “Joel, tell her everything we’ve learned with what youdesigned.”

“Well…” Joel cleared his throat and glanced at me nervously. I’d affected him; he’d lost his enthusiasm for helping Sterling. “We know why you won’t get close toanyone.”

“My mother’s death is public record, Joel,” I murmured gently, trying to further upset him, hoping to sway him. “A fifth grader could’ve figured this out.” I frowned and shook my headsadly.

“No, not that part. The big one: your secret.” He paused and I read the guilt in his face. My mouth went completely dry and my nostrils flared as he continued. “We know you let herdie.”

14

Blaise

“So,what’s the plan? Shall we call in the whole team to go after him?” Mishal sat on the corner of my desk, phone in hand and at the ready, while I sat behind it staring at my phonescreen.

“We can’t very well do that, since he called me a freak. He’s going to try to out me, cost me the business, or at least hold it over my head as leverage.” I slammed my hand on the desk while Fredo stood to my left at the ready to do my bidding. “We have to remove all leverage. Let’s see what we have going forus.”

“Well, I doubt he knows you chipped your girlfriend.” Mishal rolled his eyes. “Hell, I doubt she knows. I know, and I don’t understandwhy.”

“She’s not my girlfriend,” I murmuredsadly.

He rubbed the stubble on his chin. “I think that may be evenworse.”

“She’s his mate,” Fredo interjected. When he saw me glaring at him, he murmured, “Sorry,sir.”

Mishal hopped off the corner of my desk. “Wow! It finally happened for you, Blaise. I’m so excited. Can’t wait to meether!”

I blew out a breath. “We haven’t mated yet. She’s reluctant…afraideven.”

“So…she knows you’re a dragon.” He nodded his headknowingly.

I stood up and turned to stare out the window, my hands clasped behind my back. “Yes, but oddly enough, that didn’t scare her. You should’ve seen her.” I shook my head. “Maggie is incredible…beautiful, intelligent,articulate…”

“Argumentative, stubborn, independent,” Fredogrumbled.

Mishal chuckled. “She sounds perfect foryou.”

I faced him once more. “I can’t lose her. I think I’d be heartsick without her, even though we haven’t mated. I’ve waited hundreds of years for this woman. I’m sure my eagerness to tie her down scares her, but if I have the chance, I can help herunderstand.”

My brother clapped a hand on my shoulder. “We’ll save her. Let’s figure thisout.”

“Where’s Maggie? And who are you?” Malcolm stood in the doorway. “Oh, Fredo, there you are. I washungry.”

I glanced at the clock. Already, it was midafternoon. “How could we forget about you?” I shot a look at Fredo. “Get this man somefood.”

Fredo strode across the room and began to escort him from my office, but he grabbed onto the wood molding. “Wait. I couldn’t find my daughter anywhere!” He glanced back and forth between us. “You know where she is and you’re not telling me. I can see it in your faces. You don’t trust me.” His voice quivered and I remembered about his panicattacks.

“Let him in.” I sighed and Fredo stepped aside so Malcolm could return. “Take a seat.” I gestured to the couch across fromme.

His brows rose. “I’m taking a seat? Dear God. Whathappened?”

I walked around my desk. “Calm down, Malcolm. You’ll do no one any good if you’re in the hospital with another panic attack. Have you been taking yourmeds?”

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