Bedmates Soulmates
CHAPTER 217

Kira looked at her screen.

It was Austyn's name all right.

"I'm, uh, I'm at the hospital. I'm a little busy right now. Can I

'If you dare hang up on me, Kira Hewitt, be prepared to suffer the consequences," Austyn threatened before Kira could suggest calling him back later. Kira gnashed her teeth.

The gentle, solicitous Austyn of last night lasted all but twelve hours.

Now he was gone, replaced by the old overbearing, imperious president.

'I really have something to do right now. I'll-'

'Have you had dinner?"

"Uh, not yet."

'I'll ask Kai to pick you up."

"Wait, are you having dinner with me?"

"You don't want to?"

'But I'm at the hospital. I can't-'

'Why are you at the hospital?'

Kira turned her face away from Gideon and lowered her voice. "To see my dad.'

'Why are you whispering?' Austyn detected something in her voice. 'Is everything all right?", 'Yes, of course. Everything's fine. Don't worry."

'Good. Then you'll be free for dinner. Just stay there. Kai will be there in twenty minutes." 'Oh, you don't have to. I'm leaving soon anyway. There's no need for Kai to pick me up.' 'Nonsense. Kai has to earn his pay cheque somehow. Just stay put."

"Wait, but-

Kira heard the busy signal.

Austyn had hung up.

Kira gripped her phone.

'Doesn't he know it's rude to hang up mid-conversation?' she thought, fuming. 'The man has

got to take a class in phone etiquette.

Yuu Sugar Daddy!

Gideon had stood up while Kira was on the phone,

She placed one hand over the speaker and her voice was barely above a whisper.

Obviously, she didn't want Gideon to hear the call.

But he heard enough of her side of the conversation to plece together the situation

The tender look in his eyes vanished.

He stood there with a blank face, watching her.

Her body language was exasperated, but there was a twinkle in her eyes.

Her voice was gentle, like a doting parent trying to reason with a loveable but unruly scamp.

Her tone was affectionate.

Gideon had seen Kira like this before.

That look of adoration, that sweet, coaxing voice and that slight pout used to be directed at him.

Kira used this face on him when she wanted to get out of something she didn't want to do, like Physics homework.

Gideon couldn't hear the other end of the conversation, but somehow, he was convinced it

was a man.

Helen's words returned to his mind.

"Who is he?' he demanded.

Kira put away her phone.

Her head was bowed.

She knew this question was coming.

Gideon would find out about her marriage sooner or later.

She might as well tell him right now.

Kira took a deep breath and braced herself.

She raised her head and was transfixed

was tran

by the look on Gideon's face.

His dark eyes were unblinking, tinged with an ineffable sadness

He looked at her, like a death row inmate waiting to hear the news, though, in his heart, he knew the last stay of execution had just been denied.

Kira felt as if she were the warden holding the merciless court judgement, about to extinguish

that last glimmer of hope in the inmate's eyes.

She couldn't bring herself to speak.

What would Gideon think of her if she told him the truth?

Would he scold her for selling herself cheap and marrying a stranger for money?

Would he look down on her?

Kira turned away.

00

She felt a forceful tug on her shoulders.

Gideon yanked her to her feet.

He growled in her ear, 'Was that your sugar daddy?'

What?