Page 130 of Illicit Games

His tone irks me. “He came to you guys and is cooperating in the investigation. Why can’t we tell him the truth?”

“Not until we’ve brought down the gang. Neither Harshita nor you are publishing anything about the case until then. That’s the deal I have with her in exchange for information. I cannot risk the perpetrator being spooked. We’ve seen the repercussions of it already. You’ve risked your safety and it’s my duty to protect you.”

He stuns me yet again with his honorable statement.

“You’ve helped more than you know. Because of you, we have confirmation that it is an employee of Kinetic Securities who is kidnapping these vulnerable women.”

“Are you close to discovering this person?”

“We’re tracking the private number that was used to send you the blackmailing text. The location was inside the company’s headquarters.”

“Do you think the girls are alive? Is my friend going to be okay?”

His lips press into a thin line, a dark look crossing his face before he replies unemotionally, “The girls are no good to them if they’re dead.”

I try not to flinch at his callous response. A part of me understands they can’t become emotionally attached or they won’t do a proper job. Still, one of the victims is my friend. I can’t be cold. I pray she makes it back safe and sound.

“Is Detective Shankar also aware of my role?” I ask.

“Yes. He’s stalling Kian and your lawyer so I could come chat with you.”

“Oh. Okay.”

His brows furrowing, he coaxes, “Is there anything else you’d like to share now that it’s just us?”

“No. I haven’t received another text. Maybe the person realized I got scared and stopped looking.”

“Or he’s waiting for a chance to catch you alone. Kian has a bodyguard following you, doesn’t he?”

“Yes.”

“Good. Don’t assume you’re out of the woods, Miss Mannan.”

Oh, trust me, I’m more than aware of it.

***

“Surprise!”

For the tenth time today, I practically jump out of my seat and press a hand to my chest to calm my heartbeat. Looking up from my desktop, a broad grin stretches on my face as I stare into the beautiful faces of my best friends. “You guys! What are you doing here?”

“Came to take you out for lunch,” announces Bianca.

I round my desk and give both Bianca and Rosalie a hug, holding them for an extra-long second after the stressful morning. “Yay! Let me go tell Kian.”

Right then, his door opens and he steps out of his office. His eyes are glued to his phone.

“Baby, do you want—” His question abruptly dies when he notices the extra two smirking faces. “I didn’t know we had company.”

“Hey, Kian.” Bianca politely waves.

“Baby, huh?” Rosalie teases in my ear. “I call Nova baby. It gets him going. Bet it’s the same for you, sexpot.”

“Shut up!” My cheeks flame.

“What’s up, captor?”

Kian’s gaze narrows as he joins us, curling an arm around my waist. “Still with the nickname?”