Page 31 of Unexpectedly In Love

I nod, hearing someone talk about my son makes it real. Khaos stands beside me on my left, Cid and Kyros on my right.

“When do we make our move?” Kyros inquires, he leans forward to get a view of one of the female gardeners below.

“After I make my move today, everything goes into motion,” I reply.

“We stand with you,” Khaos states.

I watch my cousin, standing at a commanding 6’5, strong, son of a traitor but he is loyal and one of my best friends.

“I couldn’t ask for a better family. Kyros you have the information I sent.” They are the best cousins a man can ask for.

“I’m about to leave, the lawyer is in the foyer waiting,” Kyros states.

“Make sure they are comfortable. If she gives you any trouble, call me,” I state.

I have a son and he is about to make me one of the most powerful men in the world.

* * *

ANISE

It took me two hours to get myself and my son ready. It’s 7:00 a.m. Eryx said he would be here by 9:00am. Tuff. My Lyft has been ordered and it’s already downstairs. I push the baby stroller out from the elevator to the front door.

“Morning Ms. Loveridge, how is Kai going this morning?” Ms. Joli, the building security asks.

“He is sleeping,” I whisper.

Ms. Joli comes from behind the desk and peeks into the stroller.

“He is so beautiful. Oh, my heart can’t take it.” Her rosy cheeks deepen in color as she gazes at my son.

“You can always make another,” I tease, adjusting the handbag on my shoulder.

Ms. Joli muffles a laugh in her hand. “Make another child. I am 62, it’s too late for me now.”

“Stranger things have happened,” I reply.

“George and I are happy with our lives just the way it is.” She chuckles.

She gets the door for me. “Have a great day, Ms. Loveridge.”

“You too.”

I love this time of day; the city is moving but at a slower pace. People stop to buy their morning coffee at the café’s. Old men are sitting at their makeshift talking over small cups of expresso. Cars are moving, there is no traffic.

My Lyft is nowhere in sight. A black, shiny Escalade is parked on the other side of the street idling.

The Escalade door opens, and a dark-haired man who I haven’t seen in a year steps out. He leans back on the door and digs into his pocket, only to take out what seems to be a pack of nuts.

He pours it into his hand and shakes it in a fist before he empties it in his mouth. He may appear relaxed but there is something off with him.

“What’s your name?” I ask, knowing that Eryx sent him.

“Kyros, Ms. Anise.” He smiles brightly, his skin is a dark tan like he bakes in the sun. His black hair is slicked back. The combo of the black turtleneck, tailored trousers and charcoal double breasted trench coat is perfect. Kyros presents the image of a well-manicured man.

Nervously I check the phone only to see my Lyft has been cancelled.

“Shit,” I murmur. I inhale and I began to order a new Lyft.

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