Page 26 of Blazing Joysticks

As they drove back to the office, Cat’s mind whirled with everything she’d learned about Keir in the past twenty-four hours. His protectiveness, his passion, his generosity... each new facet only made her care for him more deeply.

She glanced at his profile as he navigated the busy New York streets, wondering how she’d gone from seeing him as just her attractive boss to this complex, caring man who was quickly becoming essential to her happiness.

The thought of the threat that had brought them to this point tried to intrude, but Cat pushed it aside.

As they pulled into the parking garage at Sharpe Drakon Games, Cat took a deep breath, steeling herself for whatever the afternoon might bring. But with Keir beside her, she felt ready to take on anything.

TWELVE

Keir’s phone buzzed insistently, jolting him from a deep sleep. He blinked, momentarily disoriented, before his hand shot out to grab the device. The digital clock on his nightstand glowed 4:37 a.m. His stomach clenched - nothing good ever came from calls at this hour.

Beside him, Cat stirred, mumbling sleepily. Keir gently brushed a strand of hair from her face before answering the call, keeping his voice low.

“Sharpe,” he answered, his voice rough with sleep.

“Mr. Sharpe, this is Officer Ramirez from NYPD. There’s been a break-in at an apartment registered to a Catrina Reeves. We understand she’s an employee of yours.”

Keir’s blood ran cold. Cat’s loft. He glanced at her sleeping form, relief washing over him that she was here, safe with him. But that relief quickly gave way to anger. Someone had violated Cat’s home, her sanctuary.

“Yes, she is,” Keir replied, his voice tight with controlled fury. “Is it bad?”

“There’s significant damage, sir. We’re on scene now.”

Keir’s dragon roared within him, demanding retribution. “I’ll be there in twenty minutes,” he said, already moving to get up.

As he ended the call, Cat’s eyes fluttered open. “Keir? What’s wrong?” she asked, instantly alert at the tension in his posture.

Keir took a deep breath, steeling himself to deliver the news. “Cat, there’s been a break-in at your loft. The police just called.”

Cat sat up abruptly, the sheet falling away to reveal she was wearing one of his old T-shirts. Any other time, the sight would have sent a jolt of desire through him. Now, all he could focus on was the fear and shock in her eyes.

“What? How bad is it?” she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

“I don’t know all the details yet,” Keir said gently, sitting on the bed and taking her hand in his. “But we can go there now if you want to see for yourself. The police are still on scene.”

Cat nodded, squeezing his hand. “Just... give me five minutes to get dressed.”

As Cat disappeared into the bathroom, Keir clenched his fists. Whoever did this would pay. He’d make sure of it.

The drive to Cat’s loft was tense, the pre-dawn streets of New York eerily quiet. Cat stared out the window, worrying her bottom lip between her teeth. Keir longed to reach out, to offer comfort, but he sensed she needed this moment to prepare herself.

As they pulled up to her building, Cat’s breath hitched. Police cars were parked outside, their lights painting the street in alternating red and blue. Keir helped her out of the car, his hand resting protectively on the small of her back as they approached the entrance.

Officer Ramirez met them in the lobby. “Ms. Reeves? I’m Officer Ramirez. I’m sorry we have to meet under these circumstances.”

Cat nodded numbly. “How... how bad is it?”

The officer’s expression was sympathetic. “There’s quite a bit of damage, ma’am. But it’s best if you see for yourself. Are you ready to go up?”

Cat squared her shoulders, lifting her chin. “Yes. Let’s go.”

As they rode the elevator, Keir marveled at Cat’s strength. He could sense her anxiety, see the slight tremor in her hands, but she faced this head-on. His admiration for her grew even deeper.

The doors opened onto Cat’s floor, and immediately they could see the police tape cordoning off her apartment. Cat’s steps faltered for a moment, and Keir instinctively moved closer, offering silent support.

Officer Ramirez led them into the loft, and Cat gasped. The place had been ransacked. Furniture was overturned, drawers pulled out and emptied onto the floor. But what caught Keir’s attention was Cat’s face as her eyes landed on a particular area of destruction.

“No,” she whispered, moving toward a shattered display case. Keir followed, his heart sinking as he saw what had upset her so deeply.