Claws and Controllers: Gerri Wilder Presents - A Paranormal Shifter Gamer Romance - with Heat by Taiden Milly

Author:Taiden, Milly
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Latin Goddess Press, Inc.
Published: 2024-09-20T00:00:00+00:00

THIRTEEN

The first rays of dawn crept through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Zy’s penthouse office, painting the sleek, modern furnishings in hues of gold and amber. Zy stood before the expansive view of Central Park, his hands clasped behind his back, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts and emotions.

The soft whoosh of the automated door announced Adonis’s arrival. Zy didn’t turn, his golden-flecked eyes fixed on the awakening city below.

“You’re here early,” Adonis remarked, his deep voice tinged with concern. “I take it this isn’t a social call?”

Zy sighed, finally turning to face his friend and right-hand man. “We need to talk about Ellie.”

Adonis’s eyebrows shot up, a knowing smirk playing at his lips. “Ah, the lovely Ms. Madden. What’s she done now? Stolen your heart along with our code?”

“That’s just it,” Zy said, ignoring the jab. He moved to his desk, pulling up a holographic display of data. “I’ve been going over everything we know, and I’m more convinced than ever that she’s innocent.”

Adonis frowned, crossing his arms as he studied the floating information. “Based on what? Your tiger’s intuition?”

Zy’s jaw clenched, a low growl rumbling in his chest. “Based on facts, Adonis. Her history, her passion for her work, the way she talks about ethics in game development. It doesn’t add up.”

“People can surprise you, Zy,” Adonis said gently. “You of all people should know that.”

The words hit home, dredging up memories of past betrayals that still stung. Zy pushed them aside, focusing on the present. “I know. But I also know Ellie. Or at least, I’m starting to. She’s not a thief.”

Adonis sighed, rubbing a hand over his bald head. “All right, let’s say you’re right. If Ellie didn’t steal the code, how did it end up in her game?”

Zy’s eyes gleamed with determination. “That’s what we need to find out. I want to look into her team, see if there’s any connection we might have missed.”

“And Vince?” Adonis asked, his expression darkening. “What about our leak?”

“Keep digging,” Zy instructed. “Go through everything with a fine-tooth comb. If he’s involved, we’ll find proof.”

Adonis nodded, but his frown deepened. “Zy, I have to ask... are you sure you’re thinking clearly here? Your feelings for Ellie⁠—”

“Have nothing to do with this,” Zy cut him off, perhaps too sharply. At Adonis’s skeptical look, he softened his tone. “I appreciate your concern, old friend. But I can separate my personal life from business.”

“Can you?” Adonis challenged. “Because from where I’m standing, it looks like you’re taking an awful lot of risks for a woman you barely know.”

Zy opened his mouth to protest, but Adonis held up a hand. “Hear me out. If you’re so sure of Ellie’s innocence, why not just ask her about the code? Clear the air once and for all?”

The suggestion sent a jolt of panic through Zy’s system. The thought of confronting Ellie, of seeing hurt and betrayal in those warm brown eyes... “I can’t,” he said softly. “If I’m wrong, if there’s even a chance she’s involved.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.