‘Oh my word.’ Grinning like a Cheshire cat, she glances at her hand like she’ll never wash it again and clutches her chest with the other.
Once again, I can only imagine what it’s like to experience the Ryan-effect for the first time.
Ryan turns to Evelyn. ‘Evelyn. I’ve heard a lot about you.’ Though he offers her the same courteous kiss, an undercurrent in his tone imparts a subtle warning.
‘Tea?’ I hop up to pour it for him but his hand reaches out to halt mine.
‘No, thank you.’ Huge molten eyes express an implicit apology. ‘I just popped in to say hi. I’m so sorry I can’t stay longer. Jayden’s plane is landing as I stand here. He insists we have urgent business to discuss.’
‘Oh?’ Surprise elevates my tone.
Evelyn sniffs a silentI told you so.
‘It’s probably something to do with the contract but, whatever it is, I’d rather get it dealt with early, so I can spend the entire evening relaxing with you.’ His lips search out mine again, delivering a sensual but comforting reassurance.
Mags’ ‘ahhh’ echoes round the high ceilings.
‘Mags, I expect to see you on the dance floor at the ball.’ He winks and pats her arm.
‘You can bet your life on it, boy. I might be twice your age but let me tell you, I’ve got moves.’
As he chuckles, his hair slips over his twinkling eyes. ‘I can well believe it.’
He nods at Evelyn and pulls me towards him to walk him to the door.
‘You’ll give the poor woman a heart attack,’ I whisper.
‘Mags? You’ve got to be joking. I know a groupie when I see one.’ His hand cups my face again. ‘I’m really sorry, again. Jayden’s got a bee in his bonnet about something. It’s not like him. I promise I’ll make it up to you later.’
‘I like the sound of that,’ I murmur in his ear.
‘Trust me, you’ll like the feel of it so much more.’ His burning come-to-bed eyes and the hot breath that grazes my neck are a killer combination, making my stomach tighten with impatient longing.
‘Just do me a favour…’ I whisper.
‘Anything.’ Amusement dances eyes.
It’s not what he thinks. ‘If you see either of my sisters, send them in here right now before I cheerfully murder Cruella over there.’
A guffaw pierces the air as he blows me a final kiss.
Closing the door behind him, I turn my attention back to my aunts who are having their own hushed but heated discussion.
‘I’m just saying, she’ll never be able to keep a man like that.’ Evelyn’s bony fingers cup the china so tight they’re in danger of snapping.
‘Hush, now. Must you always be so mean?’ Mags scolds.
‘I’m only voicing what the rest of the world is thinking.’
Hot rage swirls and rises like a whirlpool within. How dare she?
What angers me the most is that somewhere deep inside, despite all his reassurances, I’m concerned she might be right.
CHAPTERTHIRTY
RYAN
Funny how security in this fortress is heavier than it’s probably ever been, yet I barely notice the guys at all.
