Dark Stranger Immortal (The Children of the Gods #3)(36)

But she couldn’t be seen by his men because then he’d have to kill them all, and that would look even more suspicious than him just disappearing without a trace.

It would be better if they assumed he had an unlucky encounter with Guardians and was taken out.

Actually , he realized, that would be the perfect cover-up .





2 5

S Y S S I

“Y ou look a little flushed, is everything okay?” Andrew cast Syssi a measuring look.

She brought her palm to her forehead. Ever since Andrew’s embarrassing questioning session with Amanda, her face had remained warm, but she’d thought nothing of it. Except, it was getting worse. Damn, why now? “I feel a little feverish. I’m probably coming down with something, and it couldn’t have come at a worse time.”

“Why? What’s special about today?”

“Kian made a reservation at a very fancy and exclusive restaurant. I was really looking forward to spending a romantic evening with him, and even went to all this trouble to look nice.” Syssi pointed at her face and shook her head to show off her new hairdo. Then lifted her hands and wiggled her fingers, showing him her manicure.

“Yes, I was wondering why you look different today. I thought it must be love…” he teased.

“That too…”

“Seriously? You’re in love with the guy? You just met him, for Pete’s sake…”

“I know, but I can’t help the way I feel. I love Kian…”

“Kian who? Now, I really need to do a thorough background check on him.”

“I don’t know.” Syssi felt stupid. She’d never bothered to ask.

“You claim to love the guy, and you don’t even know his last name…”

Andrew shook his head, his expression disapproving.

“I assumed it was the same as Amanda’s, but later I found out they had different fathers. So I’m not sure anymore, okay? It’s not such a big deal. I’ll ask him tonight. And no… I’m not going to tell you so you can dig into his background. You can forget about it.” Syssi crossed her arms over her chest, ready to butt heads with her stubborn brother. God only knew what Andrew could discover if he were to snoop into Kian’s business.

Surprising her, he just smiled. “As you wish… Don’t come crying to me, though, when later you discover things you wish you’d known before; previous marriages, illegitimate kids, prior incarcerations… Small things like that…”

“Oh, just drop it, Andrew, there is nothing like that lurking in his past.”

His very, very long past…

“Okay, okay…” Andrew raised his palms in mock surrender. “You know I’m doing it out of love. Someone has to look after you. You’re just too nice and trusting.”

“I love you too, Andrew. But I’m a big girl now, and you need to start trusting my judgment. You cannot protect me from everything and everyone at all times. I can take care of myself…” Syssi was starting to feel even worse. Forcing a weak smile, she said, “I think I’d better go. I feel really crappy.” Trying to get up, she got dizzy and had to grab the back of her chair to steady herself.

“I’ll walk you to the car.” Andrew wrapped his arm around her so she could lean on him as they made their way to the limo waiting for her in the back.

“A limousine… Nice… Now, I’m really curious,” Andrew taunted.

With no energy to keep it up, she didn’t respond. Casting her a worried look, Andrew dropped it. Still, she had no doubt he’d go snooping around— regardless of her asking him not to.

Pulling her into his arms, Andrew kissed the top of her head, then helped her inside. “Take care of yourself, and call me if you need anything. You hear?”

“I will. It’s probably nothing.”





2 6

D A L H U

I t took Dalhu about ten minutes to find a motel. As he stopped and got them a room, he couldn’t care less that it seemed questionable. With Amanda already looking a lot less dazed, he was running out of time.

With a quick glance, he made sure there was no one in the parking lot before he uncuffed her, scooped her up in his arms and carried her inside.

Kicking the door closed behind him, he didn’t waste any time before gently laying her out on the bed and securing her wrists to the slatted wooden headboard.

“Ohh, I feel like a bride on a bondage honeymoon…” she giggled and swiveled her hips in invitation.

Taking a moment to look her over, he was struck again by how beautiful she was. “You’re magnificent…” He rubbed his mouth with his hand, wanting her so badly, it hurt. But he couldn’t have her, not yet, because sure as hell, she was still very much high on his venom.

Amanda didn’t appreciate his efforts one bit. “Would you put us both out of our misery and fuck me already? Is this your idea of torture? You’re such a jerk! I’m going insane with lust, and with my hands cuffed like this I can’t even do anything about it myself…” she hissed at him, stunning him speechless.

Apparently, he had a lot to learn about immortal females, or maybe just this one. Defying his expectations, instead of cussing him out for abducting her, she was mad because he refused to have sex with her…