Page 6 of Cinnamon Strudel
“Scrap it for parts?”
“Correct. We assumed we could do the same on a much bigger scale.”
“What was the first deal you made?”
“A laundromat. It was going to die with the overhaul of the neighbourhood. So, we pooled our money, bought it with the land, and sold it in pieces.”
“And it worked because you kept going.”
“It did, though the land payout was the highest after we held onto it for a few years.”
“Because the demand for it grew?”
“And the value of the neighbourhood rose dramatically. It’s always a risk and not everything we touch turns into gold, but we’ve learn with each failure.”
“I like that mentality. I dream of doing art full time and oftentimes I have to look at my older creations to remind myself that each one gets better.”
That got his attention. “You’re an artist?”
“I am.”
“What kind of art do you do? Or would it be create?”
“I don’t mind either. I’ve tried a few things over the years, but I found my niche a year ago in the bookish world, bringing authors’ characters to life.”
“Tell me more. What do they do with the art?”
“It really depends on the author, some use it for their covers, others just as ways of bringing scenes to life.”
“So, there are books out there in the world withyourart on them.”
“Not a lot as I’m just starting out, but yes.”
“You must be very proud.”
“I’ve actually been thinking of making a trophy shelf.”
“Do you feel comfortable sharing some artwork with me?”
“They are all on my Instagram.”
Phone still in hand, Morgan typed in the username she rattled off, finding a profile filled withgorgeousdrawings. He was also excited to see a few pictures of her. As suspected, she was a luscious redhead. “You drew all of these?”
“Yes.”
He scrolled through, losing himself in all the characters that she’d brought to life. “They’re beautiful.”
“Thank you.” When the car stopped this time, Ruby turned off the engine. “We’re here, but maybe you want to check your phone’s location to be sure I didn’t kidnap you.” When Morgan eased open the car door, she added, “You’re safe—no one’s parked next to us.”
It was settled: Ruby was his and he would keep her as long as he could.
Ruby
Ruby walked beside Morgan, itching to reach out and take his hand. “So, when you hold Blue’s harness, he knows to lead you?”
“Yes, and when I hold the leash, I take charge. He feels the difference in pressure.”
“Depending on when you know your way around… Fascinating.” Part of her was glad that Morgan couldn’t see her staring and lusting over him. He just looked so damngood. Tattoos peeked out from beneath his V-neck and when he rolled up his sleeves? God those veins bulging from his muscles… His ass popped as well, his cane folded and peeking out of his pocket. “Is there anything people do that really bothers you? I mean, besides petting Blue.”
