Kyan knew that his youthful appearance and fun loving energy could be used to unsettle rival players. Even if it was an online tournament, Kyan’s sweet bunny avatar and reputation for making bold calls and big bluffs was enough to see him get an edge on plenty of much older and more experienced players.
Kyan smiled once more as he recalled his Grandpoppy’s words…
Give them the full Kyan Coole. They won’t know what hit them.
And it was with these words ringing in his ears that Kyan marched across the park’s ornate Japanese style bridge and toward his favorite coffee spot in the whole city.
‘Your usual?’ the barista asked, a kind smile on his face as he saw Kyan approach.
‘Yes please,’ Kyan answered, happy to wait and watch as the barista worked his magic.
Kyan loved watching the barista work his magic. And although the barista was handsome and cute too, it really wasn’t a romantic thing as far as Kyan was concerned. What Kyan loved to see was someone who was passionate about their work and took care and pride in everything they did. And judging by how tasty the coffee was every morning, this was certainly true of the barista.
‘Here, I’ve made a special rabbit stencil for the foam,’ the barista chuckled, smiling kindly as he handed Kyan the coffee. ‘Enjoy!’
‘That’s so cute. Almost too cute to drink!’ Kyan giggled. ‘Thank you. Have a great day.’
With his heart full of joy, Kyan took his coffee and began the remainder of his morning walk. And with the first sips of coffee hitting his taste buds, Kyan felt a surge of perfectly rich caffeine hit his system.
Today’s going to be a good day.
I’m getting back on the poker trail.
And to hell with the asshole who messaged me yesterday…
Kyan began by walking up the long, winding path toward the most densely covered part of the park. The sun might have been high in the sky, but Kyan didn’t mind a little shade as long as it came with the vast array of squirrels that he was sure to see gathering nuts and having fun along the branches and treetops.
‘Let’s see if we can spot a red squirrel, Gambit,’ Kyan said, the caffeine now coursing through his veins as he walked amongst the tall trees and vibrant wildflowers.
To have a space like this in the city was a real treat, and Kyan was truly in his element – it was almost like being back home in the country.
However just as Kyan was about to take his phone out to capture the wonderful sight of two squirrels playing tag on a large overhanging branch, he felt the sudden presence of someone standing directly behind him.
‘Relax,’ came the deep, masculine voice. ‘Relax and stay still. This doesn’t need to be difficult.’
Kyan froze. It was clear from the voice that this was someone who wasn’t fooling around. And as scary as it was, Kyan didn’t feel like his life was in danger or he was about to be mugged.
‘W-w-w-w-w-who are you?’ Kyan stammered, still facing away from the stranger behind him.
‘Turn around,’ the man said. ‘My name is Matteo Fendi. And if you want to live, you’ll come with me right this second.’
As Kyan turned around, he couldn’t quite believe what he was hearing. Or for that matter, what he was seeing right in front of him…
Holy hell.
He’s hot like the sun.
But… did I hear him right?
‘You’re in a lot of danger, Kyan,’ Matteo said, his hand now placed over Kyan’s arm. ‘Don’t try to run. Don’t make a noise or act in any way that could draw attention to us.’
‘This is crazy!’ Kyan spat, stomping his foot on the soft ground beneath him. ‘You think I’m going to listen to a total stranger? Get the hell off me!’
‘Quiet, boy!’ Matteo snapped back, his voice full of controlled anger. ‘Believe it or not, I was sent here to kill you. You’ve somehow made a very dangerous enemy. And no amount of brattish foot stomping is going to change that. Now do as your told and come with me.’
Kyan’s mind was racing so fast that he felt dizzy.
In fact, Kyan was so overwhelmed that he dropped his takeaway coffee on the floor and felt his legs wobble.