Page 68 of Flynn
I never accomplished anything in my life. I have always been a society princess and knew I could never live up to your standards. It would have been impossible to attain what you expect.”
He stared at her in surprise, with the knowledge that was exactly what he had been thinking about where she was also concerned. How foolish of them to keep such uncertainties and insecurities to themselves! But with Ryleigh, he would never be allowed to get away with anything like that.
That knowledge filled him with such poignant tenderness that he wanted to go home to her. To take her in his arms and hold her - absorb her delicate scent and the feel of her slender curves. He wanted to be with her so much that he could not wait another minute.
“I have to go.”
“Oh, but-”
“Goodbye, Gracie.” he took her hand as he rose. “I hope you find what you are searching for.” Without waiting for her to respond, he strode from the room purposefully.
*****
They were on his balcony, and he was holding her on his lap, insisting on it as he told her of the meeting with his ex.
With her hands looped around his neck, she studied his handsome face. “Am I to believe that you two met by chance?”
He lifted a brow at her, comfortable just being here with her. “Are you calling me a liar?”
“I don’t know Flynn. Should I be calling you a liar?”
“I am insulted that you would even entertain the thought.”
“She is beautiful.” Ryleigh toyed with the lapels of the robe he had donned after his shower.
“She is.” he agreed, a smile tugging at his sensuous lips.
Lifting her head, she gave him a fiery look. “And if I find out that you have a yearning to revisit the past, I am going to tie your dick into very intricate knots.”
The words were so matter-of-fact that their meaning escaped him for a few seconds. When he realized what she was saying, he laughed and snatched her into his arms to bury his face in her neck.
Chapter 15
Maurice saw him coming and felt the fear tugging at his heart. He hated it. They hated that this man could so unnerve him.
“Call them off,” Flynn told him coldly as he pulled out a chair.
“Why the hell should I?” Maurice growled, shoving away the crab salad he had been enjoying. The last time he was having his meal, Flynn had spoiled it. Now he was here again. “Do I force my way into your business meetings?”
“You wouldn’t get near enough. How is the salad?” he asked softly.
“It was great until you showed up. How the hell did you know I would be here?”
“You are very predictable. For a gangster, you are not very smart, are you?” The contempt in his voice was evident. The two goons had backed down somewhat, but both still had their hands settled suggestively on the bulge in their waists.
“But then, you were never brilliant, were you? Even when we were growing up. Was that why you chose the path of less resistance?”
Flynn watched as the man’s eyes turned flinty, his face hardening. “I would suggest you get the hell out of my face.”
“Or what?” he flicked his eyes upwards, taking in the men behind Daley. “You will send those two fools to camp at my place? Enquire my whereabouts, as you did at the DA’s office and Ryleigh’s home?”
“I don’t know what you are talking about.” Maurice fiddled with his utensils and avoided Flynn’s eyes.
“I did warn you.”
“You threatened me!” he hissed. “And if were anyone other than you, I would-”
“What? Send your goons to cut my throat? Stab me in the back? Because that’s your style, isn’t it, Maurice? You don’t come at anyone from the front. You are a goddamn coward, and this is going to be my last warning.”