Rory Read online

  “I figured you wouldn’t want me annoying you.” She studied him, as if waiting for his reaction.

  “As if. It’s really good to see you. Just as well we bumped into each other,” he quickly added.

  “Just as well for you and your problem baggage.” She smiled.

  He sipped his coffee. He didn’t want to talk about that. The less she knew about it the better. “I looked at your sketchbook. You’re talented, even better than I remember.”

  “Thanks. I don’t get as much time for it as I’d like. Not with the hours I have to put in at work, but it pays the rent. I do an evening class on a Monday night at the college I’d like to attend in the spring.”

  “What happened to Art College in Bangor?”

  “I enrolled. Started a foundation course, pre-degree level. I was doing okay, and then I got in a fight. I was suspended.”

  “Seriously?” He laughed softly. Sky was a rebel, but he never knew she’d go that far.

  She nodded. “I remembered what you said. London is where it’s at. So I thought I’d give it a try.”

  Had he said that? An uninvited memory stirred, him and his father fist fighting during an argument. It was then Rory remembered throwing threats about leaving for London. Mostly he was having a dig at his dad because they were headed for London when they left Dublin, never got further than Wales. Had she overheard? He didn’t remember her being there. His dad hadn’t wanted him to leave. “Why not stay in Wales with us, do your mechanic apprenticeship here?” he’d said.

  The truth of the matter was he’d only hung around as long as he had because Sky fascinated him. He hated being merged with another family. His own mother had only passed on a few months before they left Ireland. Then they pitched up in Cadogan and his dad was all about the new woman in his life, Shelly.

  Sky held him there a while though. All her fire and rebellion called on something deep inside. Their parents warned him off every time they got close, and in the end the only way to stay away was to go away.

  He couldn’t tell Sky that, not then, not now. He ate his pizza. It was good, she was right.

  “So,” she continued, “I’m doing this evening class at The North Bank College, and hoping to enroll on a part time foundation with them next academic year.”

  “Sounds good.” He shifted his Coke can around the table. “What was the fight about?”

  She locked his gaze. “Our parents, of course. This bitch kept winding me up about them being hippies and hobos until I decked her.”

  Rory smiled. “It’s a small town. They were the only hippies.”

  “Don’t call them that,” she objected. “It’s even worse than pagans.”

  Pagans. That’s what they’d called themselves, his dad and Sky’s mum. Shelly had seen Patrick hanging out in a biker café in Cadogan and they got chatting. A shared love of New Age hippie dippy shit acted like an aphrodisiac. They quickly grew close. Moving them all in together at Shelly’s house came soon after. Then their parents got hitched.

  Tentatively he quizzed her some more. “Do you ever hear from Shelly?”

  Her eyelids lowered, but not before he saw the hurt there. She was still carrying it. “Me and Nan got postcards, at first. Then nothing. Rowan occasionally gets gifts for her kid. Stuff like driftwood and shells.”

  He grinned. “Free shit you can pick up on the beach?”

  “You said it.”

  They laughed in unison. It felt good to share the joke.

  She rolled her eyes and smiled at him, locking his gaze.

  Rory was intrigued. Before, she would have glanced away, kept yammering on. Now she could hold a lengthy and silent sexy-eyed stare, and it tugged at the pit of his belly. She really had grown up.

  “Do you miss them?”

  She shook her head. “I took it badly, when they announced their plans to leave, to go and live in a shack on a beach in Thailand. I’ll be honest,” she added sheepishly, “I turned into a ball of rage.” Sadness tinged her expression. “Rowan’d already moved in with her boyfriend, you’d gone.”

  Rory nodded. It made it easier for him to go, when his dad took him aside, and told him their plans. It made little difference to Rory. He’d been planning to move on soon enough anyway. Sky was the one who got hurt. She’d been fifteen, and she was told she had to move in with her grandmother, Nan. It was only now it occurred to him their parents should have stayed until she was sixteen. They’d got carried away and wrapped up in their mutual dream of living a simple life in a faraway land, and shirked their responsibilities. It hit them all hard, but Rowan had her own life and he was more than ready to leave. Sky was the one who’d been hit the hardest.

  “You’ve changed.”

  “Have I?”

  “Not a tomboy any more.”

  “I blame you for the tomboy phase.”

  “Me? How so?”

  Her mouth crooked on one side. It was a cute smile and it was so familiar it made him want to hold her. “I liked watching you dismantle motorbikes and stuff. You wouldn’t have let me hang around in a dress.”

  He laughed “My annoying little shadow.”

  She stuck her tongue out.

  It was what he used to call her. It never bugged him though, when she sat on his tool box to watch him stripping down a bike. Quite the contrary. The only trouble was he wanted to strip her down instead. “If I’d have known it was my fault you dressed like a boy I’d have moved out sooner.”

  “No,” she whispered in an instant objection. Her cheeks flamed.

  Rory wanted to ask what she meant, but she seemed a bit embarrassed, so he flattered her instead. “I like the way you look now, this style suits you.”

  “Thank you.” She toyed with the remains of her pizza slice as if she’d forgotten it.

  “So what are you doing now? I haven’t a clue since you don’t update your Facebook.” Humor shone in her eyes.

  “When we first came up to the city we knocked about with some guys who were into software.” Still trying to clean up the mess I made of it. “I’ve got a job in the East End now, been there this past year. It’s a vintage bike workshop. The guy I work with, he’s really talented and he’s known all over the city for his restoration skills, classic motorbikes and scooters. I started as his grease monkey but I learned quickly and he treats me well, calls me his right hand man now.”

  “That sounds good. Do you keep in touch with Draco?”

  “We text occasionally, we drifted…after Sean got a custodial sentence.” He hoped she wouldn’t dig deeper on that score. The guilt had got to them both. They needed time apart to break the pattern, break with the past.

  She nodded. “Have you got somewhere nice to stay?”

  “I share a house with three other guys, Latvians. They work in the building trade. One of them is a biker and when I was working on his bike in the workshop he mentioned they were looking for a fourth person to rent with. They’re good blokes. I wouldn’t call it nice exactly, but its comfortable and its home. For now.”

  “And what about the computer stuff? You still seem to have an interest there, what with toting your bag of goodies all over the London tube network.” Her tone was mischievous.

  Rory sighed internally. She really did intend to dig a bit deeper. “Just experimental stuff. I’m sticking to bikes now though.”

  “As I recall you had a knack for clever software.”

  Seems like she noticed a lot more than he’d given her credit for. And she’s still got my kit. “Yeah well, not clever enough.”

  He’d had a couple of narrow escapes with the cyber-crime police and his name was on a list. He didn’t want to mess up. It was a timely reminder he needed to get her back to her apartment where he assumed his stuff was. He finished up his pizza and necked the Coke. Changing the subject seemed the best option. “Why did you pretend you have a boyfriend?”

  Sky cast back in her seat, a frown on her forehead.

  “Come on, tell me. I want to understand. I
promise I won’t laugh.”

  “Yeah right.” She glared at him and pouted her pretty red mouth.

  “Try me.”

  “I was sick of being your annoying little shadow. I wanted you to notice I had my own life.” She rolled her eyes. “Now drop the subject or you’ll never see your precious USB.”

  He wanted to tell her not to joke about it, but he knew better than to put the idea in her head. “I was only teasing you when I called you my annoying shadow, really.”

  She didn’t look convinced.

  “I liked it when you kept me company.”

  “You did?”

  The wistful look in her eyes made him want to show her how much. How could she not know how much he’d wanted her back then? And now. She was a gorgeous looking woman, provocative in ways that compelled his attention. He kept forgetting why he was really there. The kit, he reminded himself.

  “I’m not a kid any more, Rory.” Her voice was low and suggestive. “I’m a woman and I’d like you to come home with me, not just for your precious kit, but because you want to spend some more time with me.”

  Tension shot between them, a magnified version of what he used to feel when she was around. His dick hardened. He tried to fight it, voices in his head telling him it was wrong, she was family. Even his friends had commented on it, winding him up about his lust for his sudden-step-sister. “It always ended in trouble, when we spent time together.”

  “I know.” She nodded.

  He’d always wondered if she knew his dad used to beat him. “It could end in trouble now. That USB is a curse, I’m not kidding.”

  She put her head on one side, as if considering him, then reached out and put her hand over his forearm. Even through the leather of his jacket, his skin reacted to her touch, to her proximity. He wanted her up against the wall, legs around his hips. Concentrate on the kit.

  He stood up. “Come on, let’s go.”

  Once they got outside into the biting cold night air, he grabbed her hand. He did it to keep her from dawdling or leading him the wrong way. He couldn’t afford any more stalling tactics. Once he had a hold of her, though, she squeezed his hand hard and smiled up at him, lashes fluttering beguilingly.

  What the hell have I started here?

  Trouble. Sky Vaughn had always been trouble and always would be. And whilst he wanted to do more than hold her hand, much more, he tugged on her sharply and gave her a warning glance. “Come on, I need my kit.”

  “Rory.” She pulled away.

  He took her hand again, more gently and nodded his head along the street. They walked quickly to her doorway.

  He glanced over his shoulder several times, but didn’t catch sight of anyone he knew. “I’ll just collect my kit then I’ll head off.”

  “Aw, come on, why don’t you come in for a beer?” She smiled up at him invitingly. “Just a few more minutes, please.” She stood on her tiptoes and softly kissed his jaw.

  The soft brush of her mouth on his skin set something loose.

  He shot her a warning glance, and grabbed the keys from her hand, taking charge. “You’re playing with fire, Sky Vaughn.”

  With a laugh, she nodded at her door keys in his hand. “So are you, Rory Rattigan.”

  CHAPTER FIVE

  “Come on,” she whispered, once the outside door clicked shut behind them. Thrilled to bits, she congratulated herself. He was quickly learning she wasn’t kiddo any more. The hallway light flickered on. They had ninety seconds to get up the stairs to her door before it went off again. “My place is up one flight.”

  Rory stopped where he was and shook his head. “I’ll escort you to the door, you give me my kit, end of.”

  She rounded her eyes. “Wait, what? You’re setting out rules for how this will proceed?”

  His eyes glittered in the faint hallway light. “Yes, because you want me.”

  Instantly annoyed by his self confidence, she faked a laugh. “And you look horny as hell, what’s your problem?”

  He locked one hand around her wrist, and stared down into her eyes. His hand was strong and he held her wrist tightly. It felt good, it felt right. She wanted more.

  She used the opportunity to snatch her keys back off him, and toyed with them in her free hand, rattling them under his chin while giving him a come-on look. “Let’s get cozy.”

  His eyes narrowed. “I’m not going to fuck you, Sky.”

  Shocked by his blatant words, she stared at him.

  “You know why I came here,” he stated. “Now give me my kit.”

  “You say you’re not going to fuck me, but you’re clearly thinking about sex.”

  “No, you are.” His eyes blazed at her.

  His knowing look annoyed her immensely and she reacted—pushing him with the flat of her hands. It was an instinctive action, but the way he flashed his eyes at her made her realize what she’d done. Her hands were on his chest and she was up against him, while he had his back against the wall, starting at her accusingly.

  She tried to drag her hands from the sleek tautness of his chest muscles under the tight T-shirt he wore. She itched to pull up the T-shirt and stroke his hard body. An ache in the pit of her belly was demanding attention. Pressing closer, she felt his hard thigh against her hip. She rested her free hand on his belt buckle.

  Groaning, he shook his head. “Don’t start something you can’t finish.”

  “What makes you think I can’t... finish it?” Rolling her hips against him, she hoped it sounded like she was in control of herself. She meant it to.

  There was a determined set to his mouth, like he was fighting some inner battle. “You’re being a prick tease, lay off.”

  Withdrawing her hand, she cursed under her breath, annoyed. He was saying no, and the heat of her desire threatened to make her beg. She couldn’t let him know he affected her that way, not if he was going to get her all hot and bothered then bail out. She began to turn away from him, moving toward the stairs.

  He reached out and grabbed her wrist, holding her. “Sky.” His tone was commanding. “I didn’t mean it as an insult. I know it probably sounded that way.”

  “Whatever.” She tried to tug her hand from his grasp, but he held tight.

  His sharp masculine scent was already chasing itself inside her body, seducing her even more. She gave a dismissive laugh. “You obviously don’t realize I’m a fully grown woman now, one who can decide to invite a guy in... if she wants to”

  She liked the way he tethered her to him by the wrist.

  His eyes were shining, his expression intense. Anticipation raced in her veins. Her pulse ticked faster. The way he looked at her totally thrilled her.

  The light went clicked off on its timer and they were plunged into gloom. “Oh bloody hell! Don’t worry I can find my way in the dark.”

  He didn’t reply. Instead he moved closer still, traced his free hand up the line of her arm, and wrapped his fingers around the back of her neck.

  Her head fell back, her pulse raced. When he stroked her underneath her hair, heat blossomed on her skin beneath his fingertips. The powerful tug between them magnified in the gloom.

  “You used to drive me up the wall,” he whispered, against her ear, his voice husky. “You didn’t realize you were playing with fire.”

  “What makes you think I’m playing now?” She could feel her nipples tightening, tugging on the tight fabric of her dress.

  Rory groaned and backed her up against the opposite wall. Their bodies ricocheted together. Before she knew what was happening, his mouth covered hers.

  Shock hit her, like a jolt of electricity, powering her for action.

  She matched up to him, inviting him in for more. His hands were on her hips, hers were against his chest, the keys still clutched there between them. She pressed full against him—desperate to feel his every ounce of being against hers. She stroked her free hand over his chest and abdomen, where the muscle was strong and defined. The musky scent of his cologne and his ski
n took hold of her, like another hook on her desire, reeling her in.

  He rolled his hips against her, as if wanting her to know he was primed. Her fingers dug into his waistband, tugging at his hard denim-clad hips. Vibrant, barely contained lust shot between them, the heat of her body soaring as they embraced.

  “Calm the fuck down,” he ordered when they pulled apart. His voice was gruff and urgent with need as he looked down the hallway.

  She blinked, her eyes growing accustomed to the gloom. His harsh words left her boneless, adrift and wobbly. It was too much. “Oh fuck you Rory, you’re just trying to embarrass me.”

  He rolled his eyes. “No! Really, no… Sky, I’m sorry I meant me too. I need to calm down.”

  Astonished, she clutched her keys so hard they hurt her palm. Unable to muster a verbal response she nodded.

  “Listen to me,” he continued, “this isn’t the time. I need to take the kit and get rid of it. I spent the night in a police cell because of its existence and I don’t want you to be put in danger because you helped me out yesterday.”

  Gathering her senses, she realized that if she didn’t get a grip, he’d take his stuff and leave, and she might never see him again. “You don’t think we can act like two old pals catching up on each other?” Taking a deep breath, she tossed her hair back then gestured to the staircase. “I can if you can.”

  “Sure.” He drew back, but the frown on his forehead didn’t disappear. He looked vaguely at the staircase. “Right, okay, let’s see this apartment of yours.”

  She liked the fact he was trying to talk himself down. She trotted off quickly. Once she got him inside she’d remind him what he’d just done to her. That kiss was the hottest thing ever. On the stairs, his presence close behind her made her dizzy. By the time they reached the next floor and her doorway, she could scarcely keep her breathing level. Her emotions swung wildly and she was torn between the desperate need to grab at him, and the need to be sensible enough to keep him there a while.

  She shoved her key in the lock, glancing at him from under her lashes as she did so

  He shook his head, then nodded at the door. “You ought to get yourself a better lock.” He leaned up against the doorframe with one shoulder. His pose was nonchalant, sand he was acting chilled, but the glint in his eye as he assessed her showed he was on the simmer as much as she was.