As the pieces of this intricate puzzle began to fall into place, Seven leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled. “Kasra, should I visit Data Dynamics on Monday?”
Kasra’s response was swift. “Stepping into Data Dynamics just like that? No way. I’ve seen your wardrobe; there isn’t even a business suit. I’ll have our stylist come in tomorrow to help you look the part. With your height, everything will need tailoring, but if your suits are ready before Monday, we can head in then.”
Seven chuckled, a playful glint in his eyes. “And here I thought the dress code at tech companies was black turtlenecks and blue jeans, à la Steve Jobs!”
Laughter rippled through the room. “T-shirts and jeans are fine for developers,” Kasra said with a huff, “but the VP role is a senior management post. You need to look sharp, especially for Wendy May.”
The mention of Wendy stung; the thought of her scheming made Seven’s chest tighten. “Alright, I’m game for a suit. After we nab Cloche, I’ll make her regret being born.”
His vow hung in the air, heavy yet reassuring. They could feel his resolve, a promise that went beyond words. It wasn’t frightening; it felt like a steady, invincible force was on their side. Quiet glances passed between them, each one acknowledging Sana had someone who would stop at nothing to keep her safe.
As dinner wound down, Harper, noticing the time, seized the moment to slip away. “Thank you for dinner, Sana, Kian, Aunt Ami, and Uncle Sadra. I’ll get cracking on the rooms early tomorrow, so Saturday and Sunday might be noisy. Should I grab earplugs for everyone?”
Sana arched a brow. “There’s just me and Sweets in the east wing, and no demolition work, so the noise shouldn’t travel to the upper floors. If my brothers find it unbearable, they can head back to their own homes. My parents are in the west wing; they won’t hear a thing.”
“Cool,” Harper chirped.
Kian, captivated by her unassuming charm, offered, “Harper, I’ll work alongside you this weekend. I’d love to see your process. How does that sound?”
“That sounds perfect!” Harper beamed, excitement shining through.
“Let me walk you out,” Kian said, already moving with her.
“Thank you.”
……
Ami and Sadra exchanged a knowing glance and took their leave. In the corridor, Sadra pulled Ami into a side embrace and mused, “These past couple of days have been a heck of a rollercoaster ride, haven’t they?”
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
“Mmhmm.”
“In these past four days, four of our children have found love interests.”
Ami’s features brightened. “Kasra seems to be courting Lara, but he’s got his work cut out for him. I don’t know when that blockhead would make his move. Kian’s more assertive, though. And Kimi! I can’t believe he’s so aggressive! He got Little Kate to say yes just hours after meeting her. But Sana… I was stunned she had the guts to confess to a boy!”
Sadra laughed softly. “Well, she’s just like her mother, isn’t she?”
Ami’s lips pulled into a thin line as she wriggled out of his arm. “Hmph! I gave birth to five children for you, and you still dare to tease me?”
Sadra, 30 years married, knew at once he’d stepped on a landmine. He backtracked with practiced ease. “How dare I? Courting you was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Your family was so strict: only you could choose your partner. I hit the jackpot when you picked me over so many suitors. Please don’t be angry, darling; my heart aches when you’re upset with me.”
Ami’s fierce expression softened as his honeyed words worked their magic.
“Hey,” Sadra added, “since it’s four for four, maybe Kayan will find someone tomorrow!”
A giggle escaped Ami’s lips, shaking her head at the absurdity. “Who knows? I just hope he doesn’t get discouraged.”
“Let’s let nature take its course,” Sadra murmured with a smirk.
……
With Sadra and Ami gone, the younger crowd gathered in the great room, lively banter flowing until the clock struck ten. Noting the time, Seven announced with a quiet authority, “Princess, time to wash up and rest.”
Kasra cleared his throat, throwing Sana a wink. “Alright, Princess, you heard the man.”
Sana chuckled, her heart fluttering as she tilted her head to Seven. “Roger that, Colonel Sweets! G’night, everyone.”
Seven moved behind her wheelchair, his timbre low. “G’night, everyone.”
……
Kian and Kayan got up and left the great room together. Kasra, meanwhile, turned toward Lara, his presence commanding. Extending his hand, he mouthed, “Come with me, Lara. I have something to discuss with you.”
Lara’s eyes widened, caught off guard by his sudden assertiveness. Feeling the weight of his authority, she hesitated before placing her hand in his. Kasra clasped it, their fingers intertwining, nerves racing through her as he led her away.
…….
Now only Kimi and Katherine remained. The former suggested, “I haven’t had any alone time with you today. Spend the night with me?”
Katherine’s cheeks warmed. “Can I wash up first and then come over?”
Kimi leaned in, lowering his voice to a sultry whisper, “Or… we could wash up together. You decide.”
Katherine’s indignation flared. Dammit, our wires got crossed!
Her fists clenched until her knuckles went white. Her response rang out, sharp with irritation.
“What a rogue!”
Kimi blinked, stunned by her sudden outburst. “I said I’d let you decide, didn’t I? I merely sug—”
His words faltered, her simmering gaze silencing him. After a pause, he drew in a steadying breath and apologized, “I’m sorry, Katherine. I overstepped. I didn’t mean to repulse you… You don’t even know how irresistible you are, and I’m just a man in his prime.”
Her silence was colder than any reproach.
Kimi’s shoulders sagged, crestfallen. “I’ll leave my door unlocked. You can come over if you still wish to. But if you change your mind, it’s fine too… Goodnight, Katherine.”
Then, he turned and left, his heavy-hearted footsteps echoing through the hallway.
Katherine didn’t stop him. She watched him go, torn between guilt and frustration, wondering if she’d been too harsh or if he’d crossed a line she couldn’t ignore.
Author's Note 1:
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Author's Note 2:
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