Page 35 of Stryker's Ruin
“Once they find out who your family is, they won’t be worried about that. I’ll get back to you.”
CHAPTER 21
Stryker
She looks up at me. “I’m not going to cost you your job am I?”
“No. Steel comes across as gruff and unsympathetic, but that’s his protection. He’s got one of the softest hearts. And, it turns out, he’s a sucker for love.”
“What did he mean about your family?”
“My family, the organization, is pretty well off. I-I’m not part of that. I don’t take their money. I have my own. I already told you that they have some hard and fast rules. No one who wants to live crosses them.” He exhales. “Can you live with that? Can you live with me, knowing that’s what I come from?”
“You are not your family any more than I am mine. We’ll create our own path.”
“So wise for someone so young.” I kiss her forehead. “How would you like to get some fresh air?”
“Can we? I love this park and… It’s not really a park, is it?”
“No, it’s three acres of private property. My folks have another house on the south side. This was their original homewhere mom and I stayed when it was safe for us to visit. Get dressed, we’ll take a walk.”
Taking her hand, I lead her outside. The five guards watching over us are discreet, but I know they’re here.
“When I lived in Italy, we were on a mountain side and my caregiver let me wander the hills for exercise. She was always with me, but she enjoyed the hike as well. Some places I lived I was barely allowed outside. I love the fresh air.”
“You’ll love where I live, then. My company has a compound on the side of a mountain. Several of us have bought land nearby and have built homes. Mine is about the size of the one we’re in, but I have room for expansion.
“Most of the wives work in the business as well.”
She turns toward me with excitement lighting her face. “Do you think maybe I could have a job?”
“With your linguistic skills, yeah. I can guarantee Jed and Steel will find something for you to do.”
“You said there are dogs and children?”
“The dogs are guard dogs, but one was injured pretty badly and she’s become a pet. And the kids are stacking up. It’s a good place to be.”
“You mentioned children last night?” she asks softly.
I pause, looking down at her. “I want it all with you. If and when you’re ready.”
“I would like to have a family of my own with children to love. I know all the things not to do, so I think I could be a good mom. But I have no real experience or exposure.”
“You’d be a fantastic mum. You’re thoughtful and kind.” I pause and turn her to face me. “I never thought about kids before. But being with you, I can see myself with a sweet little girl who looks just like her mommy. I can see a different kind of life than what I’ve been living or ever wanted, until you.
“We can take our time. You’re young and need some freedom. We don’t need to make decisions right this minute. We’ve got time.”
The Irish setter comes flying out of the trees and races around us. “Settle, Irish. Sit,” I command.
I glance up as my father strolls out of the trees. Well, I guess this is something that needs to be done, sooner rather than later. “Sir, this is Ruin. Ruin this is my father, Sean.”
“Hello. Welcome to the family.” He takes her hand and kisses the back. Still holding her hand, he looks at me.
“Your mum is waiting. She made scones in the hope that you’d be stopping by to join us.” He raises an eyebrow. “For a wee bit of Irish coffee.”
Ruin glances at me. At first, I think the look in her eyes is fear, but I realize it’s the expectation that another family will be denied her. “We’d love to, sir.”
Mum meets us at the door wiping her hands on her apron. “It’s so good to see you. It’s been too long.”