I nod.
He leans back on the couch. “Kaz said she’s also in New York. If you want, you could go meet her,” he says casually.
Then I hear a sound as rare as witnessing a supernova from Earth. Zoan is chuckling. But before I can fully see him, it disappears, leaving only a mocking smile behind, directed squarely at Leo.
Leo speaks calmly, ignoring Zoan entirely.
“Let me know if you want to meet her tomorrow. I’m free, so I can take you there.”
“Be ready. I’ll go see her. How far is she?”
He shrugs. “Not sure. You could ask her.”
I nod. My eyes drift to Zoan again, who is still smiling. What’s so comical here?
chapter 22
Avira
Leo and I arrive at the restaurant where we’re meeting Iselyn—one of Leo’s own establishments. We only dine at places owned by our family. The restaurant is within walking distance of both Leo’s penthouse and Lyn’s apartment. I have a feeling this entire area belongs to Leo, you can see the tight security everywhere, even with your eyes closed.
I spot her the moment we enter. She is sitting near the window, her back to us. The warm evening sunlight streaming through the glass sets her red hair ablaze, making it shimmer like fire. Her hair is breathtakinglybeautiful.
I approach her. She’s sipping her drink, gazing out the window.
I clear my throat. She looks up at me then stands, grinning, and pulls me into a tight hug. I hug her back just as firmly.
We pull away. Her smile fades the instant her gaze shifts behind me, landing on Leo as he moves. He sits in the chair across from the one Lyn was sitting on, completely relaxed, as if he isn’t the one getting glared at by her.
“What is he doing here?” she asks, lips pursed.
“He’s just bodyguarding,” I reply lightly.
“Hello, Iselyn. Long time no see,” Leo says with a smile. He smiles often, but only on rare occasions does it reach his eyes, and this is one of those rare moments.
She ignores him, taking a few slow, deep breaths before giving me a tentative smile as she settles back into her chair. I sit down beside her.
Leo remains seated across from us, watching her intently, and she’s clearly not pleased with it. Is there something between them that I’m not aware of?
I try to ease the tension in the air. “How long are you staying here, Lyn?”
“Just three more weeks,” she says with a sigh.
She’s been researching natural medicines for the past two years. So far, she’s developed thirty differentformulations. She came here for a research program with the team at New York Medical University.
“I can sense and understand your love for this city,” I remark.
She chuckles. “That kind of understanding is rare to find.”
The waiter approaches to take our order. I glance at Leo. “You must know what’s best here.”
He places our order. “Beef stroganoff, borscht with sour cream, pelmeni, and blini with caviar.”
“Do they only serve Russian food here?” I ask.
With a barely noticeable tilt at the corner of his mouth, he nods.
“This is the only restaurant nearby that serves authentic Russian cuisine. I usually eat here,” Lyn says.
