Page 71 of Fifth Avenue Fling

“They’ve been out a few times.” Sam pauses for a moment. “Mr. Quinn isn’t really the type for serious relationships. Although he does seem to be quite taken with Miss Taylor, so who knows. Just keep it vague.”

The irritating jealousy in my chest sharpens.

“Yeah, he doesn’t seem like the hearts-and-flowers type of guy.” I laugh lightly. I wonder if Maria gets to experience Killian’s softer side. “Thanks, Sam. Call in when you drop Teagan off from ballet.” Seeing Sam will be a nice distraction. Compared to Killian, he’s like a ray of sunshine.

“Sure thing,” he drawls. “Remember, we’ll be thirty minutes late this evening. She has the monthly showcase.”

“The what?”

“Once a month, there’s a showcase; the parents and others get to sit in and watch.”

“Oh.” Teagan never mentioned it this morning, but she’s not exactly a morning person. “Is it a big deal?”

“Not sure, sorry, Clodagh. That’s as far as my knowledge goes. I wait outside and make sure no one tries to assassinate her.”

I chuckle a little, thinking he’s joking, then realize he isn’t. “Wow. Another day at the office, huh? Is the threat of danger really that high?”

The line grows silent forafew moments.“He won’t take another risk.”

Iponderwhetherornotit’sagoodideato enter this conversation but plunge onward anyway.“This is about Teagan’s mum, right?”

“Yeah. It’s known about… but Mr. Quinn doesn’t like to talk about it.” Sam sounds wary. “I gotta go. I’ll chat to you later, Clodagh.”

“Hey, Sam?” I say quickly. “Wait up. Does Killian, I mean Mr. Quinn, go to the showcase?” Seriously, is Sam not allowed to call him Killian after five years? “You said parents attend?”

“No, he doesn’t.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t know,” he says slowly, sounding surprised at the question. “You’d have to ask him.” He clears his throat. “But I wouldn’t advise you to.”

“Do the other parents go?”

“I see others go in. I’m mainly checking for threats, so I don’t keep tabs.”

So no one turns up for Teagan.

The more time I spend with Teagan, the harder my heart aches for her. Underneath the moodiness is a vulnerable little girl. She has an amazing education, she lives in a luxurious mansion in the poshest part of New York, from the pictures on the walls, she’s traveled all over the world with her father, and she has more electronics than Japan.

But I wouldn’t want her life at her age. She seems to spend more time with security guards than with her own family.

I know Killian tries. He gets home every night and looks exhausted but still tries to spend time with Teagan.

“I’m going to come with you to ballet,” I tell Sam. “Can you collect me on the way?”

Maybe I’m not doing the right thing. Who knows how Teagan will react when I turn up, but I’ll feel guilty if I don’t at least try.

“Of course.” Sam sounds chuffed. “I’d love the company.”

I hang up and call the florist and ask them to send their most pretentious bouquet to Maria Taylor.

Use your initiative.

I’ll show him initiative.

“What’s the message?” she asks me.

I grin. “To my babe,” I say slowly. “From your dreamboat, Killian. Then add ten kisses and ten hugs.”

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