“You wouldn’t,” she murmurs.
“Try me! You come into my place of business and threaten to blow my dick off. You want me to give you information but won’t tell me anything in return. That’s bullshit. I’ve been nothing but nice. Nothing but patient. Well, my patience is all but done. Speak. Tell me what you know.”
“Lilith put one of my best friends in the hospital. He’s fighting for his life as we speak. I want to find her and make her pay. It’s as simple as that. I need to know what happened with the two of you in order to do that.”
“No, it isn’t as simple as that. You must have more. Why are you so sure she didn’t steal from me?”
“Lilith doesn’t need money. She’s very well off. Material things don’t interest her.”
“How do you know her…because you clearly do? Who is she to you?”
“I don’t know her! She’s nothing to me.” I catch a flicker of something in her eyes.
“You’re lying. Why not just come clean? Why not just tell me. You can start with who you are.”
“I don’t know you. I don’t trust you.”
“Trust this.” I push the muzzle more firmly against her pussy.
She makes this little groaning noise that shoots straight to my cock, which is grossly inappropriate in a situation like this. I’m sure that groan had nothing to do with anything pleasurable regardless of how it sounded. I pull in a noseful of air, but her perfume is too strong to tell if she’s aroused. What the fuck am I doing? Of course she isn’t aroused. What kind of woman would be in a situation like this? I need to get my head out of my ass.
She arches a brow at me. “I don’t believe you’ll shoot me. You’re a good guy.”
“If I’m a good guy, then you can trust me with whatever you know.”
“Not here.” She smiles at someone to my left.
I glance up and get a strange look from one of my fellow surgeons. I nod at him in greeting. “I’m going to remove the gun, and then we’re going to my office. I’m not human,” I whisper under my breath, “you were right about that. It means I’m stronger and faster than you. I don’t need this gun to snap you like a twig. Are we clear?”
She nods. “Very.”
“Good.” I don’t mean any of it. I wouldn’t hurt her. I would never hurt a woman. I don’t think she’s bad. I can’t be sure, though. I need to be on my guard. I take the gun out from between her legs and slip it into my coat pocket. “Tell me your name.”
“I already said what it is. Andy, my name is Andy.” That same something flickers in her eyes.
“You’re a bad liar, Miss Stubborn, has anyone ever told you that?”
She pushes out a breath. “Fine, it’s Morgan. I’m not telling you my last name, though. You can slide that muzzle deep inside of me, for all I care, and I won’t budge on that.”
Her words make my balls tighten. I feel that same tightening in the pit of my stomach. What? That can’t be right. I’m not some sick freak. I push the thought aside. “Fine. No last name.” My voice is deeper than it was a few seconds ago. I have to hope she doesn’t notice. “We’re going to stand now. Nice and easy. I’m putting my arm around you, and then we’re going to have a chat behind closed doors. It’s a real pity...”
“What is?” she asks when I don’t elaborate.
“That we couldn’t have done this the nice way. It isn’t too late for that.”
“You put a gun between my legs. I think it might be a little too late for nice.”
“You dented my dick with your Glock 18 first. I’m not sure it’ll ever be the same again.”
“Poor baby.” She smirks at me. “I’m sure your pencil dick will be just fine.”
I don’t say anything. Only a guy with a pencil dick would retaliate. I stand, putting my hand in my coat pocket to hide the gun as best I can. I also want Morgan – I’m pretty sure she was telling the truth this time – to think I might just shoot her if she doesn’t do as I say.
I smile down at her and offer her my hand, helping her up. Then I put my arm around her and pull her in close. She fits snugly against me, coming up to about mid-chest height. It’s not that she’s short. She’s not. “Let’s go, honey,” I say, winking at her.
“Sure thing, sweetie.” If she was a little fearful earlier, any sign has evaporated. I don’t know whether to be happy about that or cautious. I’ll go with both.
I walk with purpose, but not too fast. “Did you know that surgeons who play video games at least three hours a week are twenty-seven percent faster and make thirty-seven percent fewer errors?”
“Where do you get all this useless information from?” she asks.
“I like fun facts. I enjoy reading and exploring.”
“And – let me guess – taking long walks on the beach… I’m not here to make a new friend.”
“Clearly…back to the dent in my pencil dick.”
She snort-laughs but quickly turns back into her serious self. We pass a few people I know along the way. I greet them, but keep walking, even though I can see that a couple of them are looking at us strangely. One or two even stop walking, hoping for a chat. I pick up the pace.
We take the elevator. There’s one other person inside, so we don’t talk. Then we’re walking into my office. Good, my two o’clock hasn’t arrived yet. My PA frowns. “Everything okay, Doctor?” she asks. I’ve never brought a woman to the office in all the years I’ve worked here. I date, but it’s never been serious. We’ve always lived by a code. All of my brothers did, at least until recently. Things have changed, although not for me.
“Wonderful. This is my girlfriend, Morgan.” I then remember that Morgan told Louise her name was Andy. I know there will be a ton of gossip. Especially since it was Louise who met Morgan. “Her nickname is Andy…long story,” I say when I see Debra pull in a breath, preparing to say something. Or more than likely to ask me something. “We’ll be in my office. You can let me know when my two o’clock gets here.”
“Will do, Doctor,” Debra says. “Can I get you anything, Andy, a coffee or a…?”
“We just came from the restaurant. We’re fine, thank you,” I say. “Just a little privacy.”
Debra smiles, her eyes brightening. “Of course, Doctor.”
I close the door behind us, keeping my eyes on Morgan. “Sit.” I gesture to a chair.
“This isn’t a consult, Doctor. I’ll stand.” Her voice has taken on a teasing tone.
“Suit yourself. Why are you here, Morgan?”
“I told you, that bitch almost got my partner killed. Andy’s fighting for his life.” She suddenly looks pale. Her eyes cloud over.
“Your partner then, not your best friend?” So, she’s seeing someone. I don’t ask because it doesn’t matter. I just want answers concerning Gabby, and then Morgan can leave.
“Both.”
“What happened to him?”
“You said you’re a dragon demigod.”
“Yes, I’m the son of Apollo,” I say. I can see she doesn’t believe me. “You mentioned ‘we’…who were you referring to?” It didn’t sound like a person.
“My friend and I.”
“The one who was injured?”
She nods.
She’s lying. She gets this look in her eyes whenever she’s bullshitting. It’s happening now. “We leave the dragon shifters alone. That’s what you said to me when I told you what I am. You’re saying that you were referring to your partner – your friend – at the time?” I narrow my eyes.
“Yes.” There it is again. She’s definitely lying. “What did she take of yours?” Morgan asks. “Please tell me.”
“Something important.”
She rolls her eyes. “Lilith wreaked havoc on my life. I need to find her to make her pay.”
“Then we belong to the same club. I need to talk to her.”
“Talk?” She shakes her head, smiling. “Talking is the very last thing I want to do when I find that woman. I want her dead. I won’t rest
until she’s gone from this earth. Are you going to tell me what she took from you? Because I’m starting to think this whole conversation is a lost cause.”
“I’ll tell you what she took if you tell me who you meant when you said ‘we’.” I hate all this going in circles. I don’t mind telling her at this point, but I know that if I do, my leverage will be gone.
“Fine, I’ll tell you. When I said…” She puts a hand to her chest, and her eyes widen. “I don’t feel so well.” She takes a step towards me, looking unstable. She makes this face, looking uncomfortable. Like she might be in pain.
“Cut the crap,” I growl at her. Does she think I was born yesterday? I’m not sure what she’s trying to achieve by doing this.
“I feel…I…” She looks like she’s hyperventilating. She takes another unstable step towards me, almost falling on her face.
I groan, keeping one hand firmly on the gun, I use my other hand to grip her hip so that she doesn’t topple over. I’m still not buying this act, but I’m not sure what she’s hoping to accomplish. She’s tiny and human and weak. If she thinks she can get the gun from me, she’s wrong. If she thinks she can overpower me, she’s more than wrong.
She puts one hand on my chest and the other on my shoulder. Morgan leans against me, her body slumping. Her head against my chest. She’s still breathing hard. Her legs almost buckle out from under her, so I tighten my grip on her, keeping my hand on the gun. Her hand on my shoulder moves to my neck.
“Doctor Jennings.” It’s my mom. She’s shaking me and calling my name. Then shaking me some more. What is my mom doing here?
Wait a minute. Where am I? I don’t think I’m home…as in the place I grew up. Am I?
She says my name again, followed by, “Wake up, sleepyhead.”
I smile. “Mom.” My voice is croaky.
Then I realize something. Why is my mom calling me Doctor Jennings? She wouldn’t call me that.
“Mom?” I frown.
My bed feels hard. What’s going on?
“No, doctor. It’s me. It’s Debra.”
What the hell! Debra, as in my PA. I look around the room as it suddenly comes into focus. I’m in my office. On the floor. What the fuck am I doing down here?
“I don’t know, Doctor Jennings.”
I realize I just asked that question out loud.
“I came in to check on you before going home.”
“Home?” I sit up, brushing some hair out of my face. “What time is it?” I can feel that I’m frowning hard.
“After five. Can I call someone? Maybe you should go to the ER to be checked out. You could have a concussion.”
“What about my appointments? What happened to…” I’m trying to piece things together. My mind is fuzzy. One minute I was holding Morgan up. She wasn’t well or something and then… nothing. I get nothing! It’s all a blank.
“Your girlfriend…Andy, she said you needed the afternoon off. That something had come up. She said to cancel your appointments and that I shouldn’t disturb you.” Her eyes are wide. Debra chews on her lower lip. “Did something happen? Was I wrong not to double-check with you? I thought about doing it, but then…she seems nice.”
“No. Andy is amazing,” I force myself to say. Amazing…like hell. “You did the right thing. That’s exactly what I wanted. I must have passed out or something. I obviously stood up too quickly. I didn’t eat my lunch. Must be low blood sugar.”
“I guess young couples in love are too busy looking into each other’s eyes to eat.” She smiles. “I remember those days.”
“That’s it exactly.” Not! I want to… I don’t get violent with women, but I wouldn’t mind taking down her pants and spanking her ass until it’s pink and glowing.
“Are you sure it’s that? It could be something more serious.”
I clear my throat. “I’ll make an appointment with my doctor, but I’m sure it was nothing. You did the right thing canceling my appointments. Andy was right. I’ve been under too much pressure lately.” I get up off the floor, holding my hand out to Debra, who is on her knees. “I feel absolutely fine,” I say as I pull Debra onto her feet.
“Good thing I came in when I did.” She smooths her pantsuit. “You could have been there all night.”
I smile. “I doubt it.” She’s absolutely right. I know this because this isn’t the first time this has happened to me. The last time it did, I was out all freaking night. No wonder it’s one big blank soon after we arrived at my place. I think Gabby did the same thing to me. Which makes me wonder even more who Morgan really is.
“Are you sure you’re okay? I can’t call someone?” Debra asks, looking concerned.
“I’m sure. I’m going to head home. I’ll make an appointment for tomorrow morning. I’ll be fine.”
Debra looks at me for a few moments before finally nodding. “Okay, then. I’m heading out.”
“I’ll finish up here,” I say. “I’ll lock up.”
“See you in the morning.” Debra starts to leave but turns back. “Call me if you need anything.”
“I will, and thanks.” I watch her leave. As soon as she is gone, I check my desk. I find nothing out of order, so I check my pockets. The gun is gone, but my phone is still there. I pull it out. There are plenty of messages, but I’m disappointed to find that none are from her.
Morgan.
I now have two mystery women.
Two mystery women who have put me on my ass. One who stole my powers.
I send Morgan a message.
Who are you?
The message turns to read, but she doesn’t respond. I’m tempted to break things. To tear the certificates off my wall and smash the glass. To upend my desk. None of these things will do any good. Instead, I’ll go home and put the equipment in my gym to good use. I’ll figure out some other way to find Gabby.
8
Two days later…
Lyre
I turn over for what feels like the hundredth time. The sheet is twisted around my body, and the comforter has slid to the bottom of the bed. I groan into my dark room, turning onto my back. I glance at the clock and groan again. It’s already the early hours of the morning. My alarm will go off in twenty minutes. I’m normally an early riser, but this is ridiculous. I’ve been awake for hours. I lost my patient yesterday during a routine surgery. He was the first patient I’ve ever lost, and I feel like crap. He was still in his mid-fifties. Young.
Open heart surgery always carries a certain degree of risk. Anything can happen. In this case, his blood pressure bottomed out. I did everything I could but lost him anyway. It happens.
Not to me.
Never to me.
I hate how this feels. I had to tell his family. I had to watch his wife’s face crumple as the tears came, watch her eyes cloud with grief as I told her the news. I am a healer. A life-giver. I need my powers back. I never want to have to go through that again.
The problem is, I have no idea how to go about it. The PI I hired, Luke, is still working on it, but I don’t hold much hope. Morgan is a dead end. I’ve itched to message her in the last two days. I still want to text her or call her. I think, partly, because it has become a habit. I’ve found myself with my phone in my hand a couple of times, ready to send her some stupid piece of information or to tell her about my day but… I didn’t.
I won’t!
I’d be a fool to try that route again.
It’s useless.
I sigh and throw the covers off. I may as well get started with my day. I get up and yawn. My eyes feel grainy. I open my drawer and pull out a pair of boxers. I pull them on. I need about two liters of coffee to make me feel semi-human.
Human.
Hardly.
Thinking that makes me think of Morgan. Is she human? She seemed human to me. Maybe I was wrong. I was wrong about Gabby on so many levels. I could be wrong about Morgan too. I scrub a hand over my face and through my hair. I need to stop thinking about her. Some things are best left
alone.
I notice that my curtain is slightly open. Just a crack. I frown. I’m not sure how I didn’t notice this sooner. It’s a full moon night. Shifters are affected by the moon cycles. Even dragon shifters. Even part dragon shifters. It will not have helped my situation to have had moonlight pouring into my bedroom all night. I was trying so hard to keep my eyes closed and sleep, I didn’t realize. I’ve been so inside my own head.
I walk over to my heavy, navy-blue curtains, I’m about to yank them closed when I notice a car parked on the other side of the road. I haven’t seen that make and model before on our street. The car in itself isn’t what stops me in my tracks. There’s someone in the car, which isn’t running. I see something glint at their eye level.
It’s just a little past five in the morning. The person seems to be just sitting there. I narrow my eyes, taking a closer look. The person has something in their— I suck in a breath and take a step back.
Fuck!
This is the last thing I expected. The very last. It’s her. It’s Gabby or whatever the hell her name is. She’s in the car, casing my house with a pair of binoculars. She had them pointed at the kitchen, thank fuck, or she would have possibly seen me. I feel my hair stand on end. That tells me this isn’t the first time she’s been here. She’s watching to see if I’m awake. I often forget to turn the lights on. I’ll head to the kitchen. Make myself a pot of coffee. I hardly ever close those blinds. She would be able to see right in. What the fuck! Why is she here? What does she want with me? I don’t have anything left to give her… Or do I?
There’s only one way to find out. I’m going to catch her. She’s going to tell me everything I need to know, including where my powers went. I will force her to give them back to me.
I look at the clock next to my bed. There are still ten minutes before I’m supposed to wake up. Now is my chance. Fuck clothes. Getting dressed will waste precious time. Also, I don’t want her to catch movement through the sliver in my open curtain. I need to back up slowly and head out and right now. I don’t own any weapons, but that’s okay too. She may have taken my power, but she didn’t get my strength and speed. She also has no idea how determined I am.
Lord of Life (The Dragon Demigods Book 4) Page 7
