Page 56 of Flynn

“Under extreme duress.” He glanced at her briefly as he turned onto the private roadway that would take them to his place.

“Don’t push it.” She warned.

“Or you’ll what?” he challenged. “Go back home?”

“Are you spoiling for a fight?”

“I am simply wondering why not go all the way? What the hell are you afraid of?”

She sent him an incredulous glance, which he missed because he was turning into the curved driveway as soon as the electronic gates swung open. She had seen photos of the place and admired its understated beauty.

Trees of several different species flanked either side, and the house itself sat on a rise that overlooked the entire property. It was rumored that he had designed the place from start to finish, and she could very well believe he had.

“I cannot believe you would ask me that.” she finally responded.

Stopping in front of the steps that led to the wrap-around porch, he unbuckled before unsnapping hers. Pushing his door open, he came around to help her out.

“I will have one of the maids- Ah, here comes the faithful Greaves.”

She stared at the man in fascination, the argument temporarily shelved. He was tall and thin and dressed entirely in black. “You have a butler?”

“He is a general dog’s body and a longtime friend.” He smiled as the man came forward, a smile wreathing his weathered face. “Meet Ryleigh Bogle, Greaves.”

“A pleasure to meet you.” The man beamed at her and held a hand for her to shake.

“Likewise.” She placed her small hand inside his and was jolted by the firm grip.

“I will take your things upstairs. Ms. Julia is waiting in the blue salon.”

Taking her hand, he led her through the double doors that reminded her of a rich cranberry. A maid was waiting with a smile, ready to take their coats.

“Thanks, Hilda.” He told the woman as he introduced her to Ryleigh.

“Ms. Julia is waiting with refreshments.”

With a nod, Flynn led the way from the wide foyer through a large hallway with several doors with intricate designs on the stunning woodwork before pushing the door of a room open. She stood there, taking in the stunning room, with its lush, feathered palms and delicate furnishings that suited the woman standing by the large fireplace to a tee.

“It’s so lovely to see you.” Holding out both hands, she moved forward to embrace Ryleigh tightly.

“Well, yes.” The last time she spoke to Julia, she had emphatically told her that what was between Flynn and her was nothing romantic, and now, she was about to shake up with him. She was wondering what the woman was thinking.

“I think Ryleigh has lost her ability to speak.”

Belatedly realizing that he was still holding her hand, even while his mother was hugging her, she tried to tug it away, but he would not let her.

“Please come and have a seat. You must be starving.” Julia gestured to the sofas against the large floor-to-ceiling windows. Ryleigh was about to sit on one of the plush single chairs when she was herded firmly towards a double sofa.

Sending him a fulminating look that was completely ignored, she was forced to sit squashed next to him. Letting go of her hand, Flynn placed a hand around her shoulders, forcing intimate contact.

“What is being served?” Flynn asked his mother.

“I asked Noel to prepare mostly vegetables and freshly baked bread.” Julia looked at her with concern. “Is that okay, my dear?”

“Of course. I am still a little full of lunch." She tried to move a little away from her, but he simply tightened his hold on her.

“You look well, my dear.”

“I was feeling a little unwell earlier.” She felt rather than saw when Flynn glanced at her.