Page 55 of Ruthless Crown

“I’m not looking to pry. I don’t want to meddle in my brother’s affairs. He doesn’t typically let anyone close to him if you’re not his family, so if you could get this acquainted with him quickly, I like you already. We’ve encouraged him to let some lucky woman make him happy.” She grins. “You know I could use some help around here if you’re interested.”

My ears perk up at the word help. Is she offering me a job? That is definitely not where I thought this conversation was going.

“Help?”

I want to make sure I understand her correctly. Who offers a complete stranger a job without knowing their experience? Wait … what else did Lennon tell her? Couldn’t have been much since she clearly doesn’t know about my complete lack of skills in this area. I’m still learning to cook some small meals. I’m still learning to clean and do laundry.

“Not help like you’re thinking.” She laughs. “I’m not trying to put you to work as staff. I just started overseeing this place a couple of weeks ago and tweaking some of the recipes and adding new ones have been a project of mine. Word of mouth alone is bringing more and more customers through the door to try out our enhanced menu. I don’t really have someone to bounce ideas off and someone to give me honest feedback. It’s been a success thus far, but the staff will always be in agreement with me since I’m one of the owners. Plus, it would be insightful to get feedback from someone who isn’t Irish as to how it compares to other cuisines.” She gives my hand a squeeze. “And just having the company would be nice.”

Aisling has said a mouthful. Sounds like she is looking to have a bit of girl time while getting my feedback on the delicious menus she’s tweaking. I wouldn’t really call that help, but I’m not opposed to getting to know her. Lennon’s said that I would be free within reason to explore life, something that hasn’t been afforded to me before with my own family. Much like me, Aisling has all brothers, so I know their protection is relentless. I know Lennon hasn’t shared the details of our history other than we’re getting married, but did he share about the gilded cage I was raised in? Is this why Aisling extending her hand to me in an offer of friendship?

“Aisling, your offer to hang out and taste all the delicious dishes you make here is hard to pass up. Your hospitality and generosity have been more than I’ve experienced in quite some time.”

“But?” she prompts. “I’m sensing some hesitation.”

I look up into the distance to see Lennon and his brothers sit with Kai in the upstairs sectioned-off VIP area. I look back at her, and she’s staring at me … waiting for me to answer her.

“The thing is,” I start. “I suspect that I grew up much like you— hidden from the world.” I remember that I supposedly only met her brother this weekend, so I have to pivot my story. “The one person I trusted wholeheartedly and thought to be my friend took part in me being abducted. I’m so wary of people and my ability to build a healthy friendship.” I have to look away, but she squeezes my hand again to make me look at her.

“Rory, that’s totally understandable. I’m not offering to be your best friend today. I’m offering you a chance to spend time doing normal things and for us to enjoy each other’s company because you’re right. We were raised similarly, so I think we could both benefit from some human connection.”

“In that case, I gladly accept. Sorry, I didn’t mean to lay all of that on you. It sounds fun.”

She surprises me by pouring herself some wine in the glass that Lennon was drinking out of and then refilling mine. She holds up her wineglass for a toast, so I do the same.

“Here’s to a new chapter of beginnings.” We toast and both finish the entire glass. Lennon picks this moment to walk back over. I guess their little pow wow is over.

“What is the celebration about?” He looks back and forth between us both, his curiosity piqued.

“Aurora is going to help taste some of my new menu items. We will have lots of girl time too. It’s a new chapter for us both.”

“That didn’t take you long.” Lennon chuckles. “I actually think it’s great. Aurora needs a real friend. Just make sure she needs to accept how genuine you are. The two of you are more alike than you think.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

Aurora

1 MONTH LATER

The passenger door to the McLaren rental lifts like a butterfly wing, and Lennon assists me to get inside. This version of him still feels like a dream —one that only I get to experience. I’ve claimed him just as much as he has me, and that downright frightens me. I keep waiting for the proverbial shoe to drop. He rounds the front of the car and gets in on the driver’s side. He starts this luxury on wheels, and it hums to life beneath us. He wastes no time peeling off and bringing it to a cruising speed. His eyes are on the road, and I use this time to sneak small glances in his direction. The muscles in his arms flex as he handles the steering wheel, the veins protruding. I can see every cut of his delicious abs through his fitted tee. The thick column of his neck is even sexy. He runs his hand through his shoulder-length hair, and my eyes follow the gesture. It does something to me every time he does this. All I can imagine is pulling his hair while he fucks me.

I bite my lip at the thought. He turns and looks at me, and I’m hit with all that gorgeousness at once. He winks at me, and I know I’ve just been caught checking him out. I flush crimson. He shares a devilish grin at my embarrassment. I look away, determined not to be an insatiable creep. Instead, I attempt to enjoy the scenery of the Pacific Coast Highway as it hugs the coastline. Winding roads, tight turns, and beautiful beaches stretch on for miles. I’ve never been outside of New York, so this is a visual delight. I’m pulled out of my reverie by the feel of Lennon’s hand grasping my knee.

“What are you thinking about so hard over there?”

“Just enjoying the scenic view,” I say as I continue to take it all in. That’s at least mostly true. The view I’m really distracted by is him and this mess of hormones that has me horny for him.

“Hmm, okay,” he says. He gives my knee a squeeze before removing his hand. I immediately feel bereft. Looking once more out of the window, I see that we are leaving the city limits. What hotel are we checking in to? He’s been secretive about where he’s taking me. We take a series of turns, climbing higher in altitude as we drive along the mountainside.

“Why are you so tight-lipped?” I joke. “You’re a man of many secrets.”

“That I am,” he admits. After some brief silence, he gives me a small inkling of where we’re going. “I’m taking you to our new California home. It will be a place we can escape to when we want to get away from New York.”

He glances at me for my reaction, but I’m stunned. This is all happening so fast. Our wedding is in a week, and it has all been a whirlwind. And while I do know that our union would be beneficial to the allegiance between his clan and the Italian Mafia, I have to believe his feelings for me to be true. I’m still acclimating to this change between us, but it has been a nice change of pace.

We finally pull up to the home, and it is just as luxurious as I knew it would be. This man doesn’t do simple or low key. He spares no expense with his properties or cars, much like my father. This beauty is a three-story home overlooking all of Los Angeles. The sun is setting now so the yard lights reflect off the manicured landscape and palm trees. We’re tucked in off the beaten path, offering seclusion and privacy. Lennon opens the front door with the pad of his thumb, and I don’t miss his subtle touch to my lower back as he guides me in first. Heat sears my flesh from his fingertips. Our eyes meet, and unspoken lust passes between us.

“Let me give you the tour,” he offers. “ The first thing I’m sure you noticed is that it’s not the black matte vibe I usually go for. Figured you’d appreciate the neutral walls. We can design it to be what we want it to be.”

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