Silver(40)

“I’m not worried about that,” Kelsey said. “I’m worried about something happening again and you not having protection.”

“It’s okay,” Robbie said. “Now that I know they could be in the area, I can be more cautious. Come over here.”

Kelsey sighed and dragged a chair over. Robbie was almost independent to a fault, and there was no point talking more about it. She sat down and looked over at Robbie’s screen as she began to explain from the start menu how to get everything going.

Right now, the best thing she could do for everyone was start figuring out how to do Robbie’s job so when she did go, there wouldn’t be more chaos and confusion than there had to be.

Even if she hoped Robbie wouldn’t end up leaving at all.



“How long are they going to be in there?” Adrien asked Sever when the two group appointments they’d had that day were finally over.

“I don’t know,” Citrine said, joining the conversation with a clipboard. “Robbie requested the use of my office to go over a few things with Kelsey. Maybe legal issues surrounding her new position as security officer.”

“Yes, maybe,” Adrien said. But the girls hadn’t even joined them for lunch, instead staying in the office and ordering takeout. Maybe they were watching the cameras, but since the only two appointments were group appointments with everyone present, it was unlikely they needed to.

Adrien sat back slightly in his chair, irritated by how much he wanted to see his mate.

“Speaking of Kelsey,” Citrine said, sitting on the couch across from Adrien and Sever. “How are things going there? Is she your mate, do you think?”

Adrien’s eyes darted to the camera. “Should we be talking about it here?”

Citrine rolled his eyes, extended a finger to the camera, and flicked it. Sparks shot from the cord that attached to the camera, and the red dot went dark. “There. Now we should be fine to talk.”

Adrien glared at Citrine suspiciously. “What did you just do?”

“Just shorted it out,” Citrine said. “Nothing that can’t be fixed. Or replaced. But I hardly care about equipment compared to how my dragons are progressing with finding mates.”

“Your dragons?” Adrien said, raising an eyebrow and folding his arms. “You’re willing to take responsibility for us now?”

“Of course,” Citrine said. “I did from the moment we came here. That’s why I’ve had to be hard on you. But I’m seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, as it were, now that Kelsey is here. Sever and I noticed you didn’t come home last night.”

Sever’s steely gray eyes stared at Adrien questioningly. Adrien supposed he couldn’t blame them for being curious.

“Kind of barbaric what you did to that camera,” Adrien said.

Citrine flashed a smile that was no less predatory despite white, even teeth. “I can be barbaric as needed. I just prefer to be mannered.”

“I see,” Adrien said. “I’ll never understand you gem dragons.” Adrien looked at the clock on the wall. “The girls should be done soon.”

“Should,” Citrine said. “I’ve already locked the doors, and we shouldn’t be scheduled for any other appointments.”

“Right,” Adrien said.

“But you haven’t answered my question,” Citrine said.

“Yes, all right,” Adrien said. “I think I have found her, but I’m not sure how fast this is going to go. Sorry. She is a human, and I have no idea how to tell her I’m a dragon, let alone what I need to do to get to the point where I could do that.”

Citrine nodded thoughtfully. “Every dragon has gone about it a different way. The truth is most mates settle into the idea quickly. I’m not sure if it’s because they are aware on some level that dragons are different or if it’s because they are just humans with extraordinary faith. Either way, I’m sure it will be fine when you do tell her, but I think it is wise to wait.”

“Thanks,” Adrien said.

“Should we head back?” Sever asked. “I’m ready for dinner.”

“I’m going to wait a little longer,” Adrien said. “I told Kelsey I’d wait for her in the club so we could do dinner, and that’s what I’m going to do.”

“Did she like her new phone?” Sever asked.

“That’s right,” Citrine said. “I got the text with her number.”

Adrien let out a little growl. “I doubt you’ll need to use it.”

“Be that as it may, I’m glad to have it just in case,” Citrine said. “In case she needs us and you aren’t around.”