Hah, what doesn’t say ‘come here and drink some expensive cocktails’ as a 7mo preggo belly
My sex appeal has never been higher
No doubt
Have fun, Rey. Report back when you leave so I know you’re safe
My brother and I land the dragons on a grassy knoll, and my character, a purple ogre with purple hair (as colourful as I could make her), steps down. It’s dark in the game, and I look out the window.
“When did it get dark for real?”
“This is what happens when you play,” Xander says, putting his controller down and stretching his long arms overhead. “I’m beat.”
“Thanks for showing me the game.” I put my controller away too. I enjoy this new hobby we have together.
“Anytime, little sis. Are you going to tell Mum about this new role?” he asks, hovering by the side of the couch on his way to bed.
“Nah, Horace just confirmed he can bring on a temporary intern, but I don’t know when I can start.”
I scratch my nose, feigning nonchalance, but, really, I’m about to burst with anticipation.
“You know, Xander,” I say, and he turns back. “This is the first time I’m going to work in a field I could genuinely enjoy.” I let some of the excitement seep through and grin from ear to ear.
“I’m glad, Rey, hope it works out. And stay here as long as you need.”
“Thank you, good night.”
He leaves, but pops his head back around the door frame. “Oh, but you and Beanie might want to clear out when I bring my date over next week.” He winks and I grimace like the little sister I am.
Oh gosh, what if this is the one? I know he’ll find her eventually, and having your sibling in the house won’t be very popular. Living here without paying rent is a godsend. It’s here … or at my parents’.
I shudder at the thought.
If I get the intern role soon, I’ll be able to set aside some money from The Orion gig—the best gig ever.
CHAPTER SIX
unreachable
MARK
I lean back in an oversized deep-red velvet armchair with a whiskey in my hand at The Orion’s Diamond members’ lounge. After clocking in another fifty-plus hours of work before the weekend has even started, this is my preferred method of unwinding on a Thursday night.
To re-energise after a long week, I’m either alone at home or in the quiet company of my closest friends. On a chilly early May evening like tonight, it’s comforting with a fireplace and the plush interior of this peaceful, Victorian-style room tucked away at the back of the three-story Mayfair building.
Here, I’m unreachable.
This is where the dutiful, unwavering, ultra-dedicated CEO is left at the door. No phones allowed in The Orion after it’s turned from co-working membership lounge to bar and nightclub.
Not even for us.
“You look tired, Mark,” Aiden says, a crease forming between his black eyebrows.
I blow out a breath.
“Ifeeltired. Work is draining me right now.”
“It never used to.”
