by Jani Kay
My gaze fell on the tall brunette entering the restaurant. My mouth dropped open. She was beautiful. Elegant and perfectly poised, she could’ve been a model for some fancy fashion house.
She didn't smile as she walked to ward us. Her eyes were guarded beneath long black lashes and her mouth set in a determined line. I could tell she was used to getting her way. Coming to stand in front of Bill, she virtually ignored me. She didn't attempt to kiss him or anything I’d imagine a daughter would do who hadn’t seen her father for a while.
“Father,” she said coolly as she reached our table. Bill awkwardly tried to kiss her, but she turned her cheek and his lips barely got to touch her skin.
She looked at her watch. “Look, I don’t have a lot of time. You said there was something extremely important you needed to tell me.” Her gaze traveled to me and she turned her nose up slightly as she appraised me. Yeah, I was used to that from snooty bitches. Even Jade had that reaction when she first met me. A smirk curled around my lips as I sat down.
I could see she was curious as hell as to why I was here. But I’d let Bill do the talking. After all, it was his party. Both of them took their seats and stared at one another uncomfortably. I waved the waitress over. Man, I needed a beer, my throat was dry as hell.
“Anything to drink?” I asked after I ordered a large beer.
“Yes, I think I need a drink. Martini, no olives,” she shot at the waitress.
Bill ordered whiskey. A triple. I could see why he needed it.
“Eva, I want you to meet Ryder. That’s why I asked you to come today. And because I miss you, of course.” Bills eyes were sad, his mouth turned downward. For a moment I felt sorry for the guy. To lose your wife and your daughter must’ve been quite hard on him.
For the first time, she turned to me and actually really looked at me. Her steel blue eyes were remarkable. A small smile twisted her lips as she took in my long hair tied into a ponytail and her gaze traveled up my arms ....tattoos.
“A new sign-up? Band or solo?” she asked.
“Neither,” I grunted, taking a sip of my beer. Shit, it tasted good.
“Oh. Sorry. I thought you were a rocker. You certainly look like one.”
“Honey, Ryder is your half-brother. I managed to trace him after all these years.” His voice tapered down as she gasped, her eyes wide.
“He... he’s my brother?” She looked at me as if I’d grown two heads.
“Yeah. Your father’s indiscretion caught up with him,” I drawled, amused by the surprise on her face.
“I thought you should meet. You haven’t known one another as kids, but maybe...”
She turned to face Bill. “Why didn't you tell me over the phone that you were bringing him? You said it had something to do with Mommy. Now this?” She held up her hands, gesturing to me.
“Would you still have agreed to come? I didn't think you would.” Bill said.
“Listen sweetheart, if it’s okay with you, we can both walk out of here and pretend the other doesn’t exist. That’s fine by me. I didn't know about you till a few weeks ago. Clearly you don’t need more family. I'm just fine with that, ‘cause I already have a family. Nice meeting you.”
Downing the rest of my beer, I pushed to my feet, ready to leave. I didn't know what exactly to expect, but if my so-called sister didn't want to know me, there was no point in dragging this awkwardness out any longer.
She grabbed hold of my arm. “No, wait.” She looked up at me from under her lashes. “I'm sorry. I behaved like a brat. It’s just... I hate surprises. Daddy should know that by now. Let’s have another drink and see if we can fix this bad start.”
As was normal for these fancy restaurants, a waitress appeared out of nowhere. I was slowly getting used to it. We ordered another round of drinks and started chatting. At least, that’s what she did. She interrogated me about my childhood, my years in juvie, and the MC club. Everything. Until I’d had enough of answering her damn questions.
“OK. That’s enough about me now. Your turn. And don’t skip anything.” Fuck, if I could get her talking, maybe she’d quit asking me any more questions.
Bill sat back, a lot more relaxed than when we had arrived. He was on to his third triple whiskey. “Shall we order some food?” he asked, looking at the menu.
She nodded. “Why not? I’m starving. How about you, Ryder?”
Women never ceased to amaze me. Her hostility had completely melted and now she was acting as if we’d known one another our whole lives. Go figure.
“Yeah. I’ll have a steak. Medium rare.”
She laughed. “Oh, this is a Michelin rated restaurant. I doubt they do steaks.”
Bill piped up. “If Ryder wants a steak, Ryder will have a steak.” He smiled at the waitress. “Please ask the chef for a special order?”
She nodded, slightly taken aback by my less than elegant tastes. But fuck that, I wasn’t going to push some indescribable fancy food around my plate and leave here feeling hungry.
Unchain My Heart (Book 2 in Scorpio Stinger MC Series) starts where Two Worlds Colliding ended.
Expected Release date: July 2014
Add to GR TBR:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20985987-unchain-my-heart
*****
NB: Characters from The Firebird Series: ‘Lost In France’ also make an appearance in Scorpions MC ~ Ryder.
Ryder’s half-brother Maxwell Grant features in Ryder’s story. If you would like to read more about Max and Rebecca (Jade and Lexi’s Australian cousin), you will enjoy Lost In France (Firebird Trilogy).
Although the two series are linked, it is NOT necessary to read one before the other. But if you NEED to know more about Max, he is a main character the Firebird Series. If alpha male CEO billionaires turn you on, you will love Maxwell Grant. Add Rebecca, the feisty redhead that challenges Max all the way... and you have another steamy read. And did I mention Alain, the sexy Frenchman who stands in Max’s way? Hmmm...
Other Books By Jani Kay:
Open Your Eyes (Standalone Novel)
Lost In France (Firebird Trilogy Book 1)
Scorpio Stinger MC ~ Ryder (Prequel)
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Firebird Series: Lost in France (Book 1)
Lost In France is an erotic contemporary romance novel set in Paris, the city of Love and Romance.
Offered a thrilling new job, Rebecca flees her tormented past, putting as much distance between herself and her ex-lover, wanting a fresh beginning in a foreign city.
On the airplane she meets Alain, a dangerously handsome Frenchman, winemaker and jetsetter, who doesn’t waste time introducing her to the Mile High Club and seducing her with his French accent and charming ass-slapping ways. Sizzling chemistry with her sexy tour guide leads to a panty melting romance on the Côte d'Azur and Alain’s chateau in Bordeaux. Can Rebecca find the love she is yearning for with her Frenchman?
Alain is perfect. Or so it seems.
What is his secret?
What is he hiding?
Rebecca loves her new job. It’s just her alpha male boss, super arrogant CEO, Maxwell Grant, she dislikes. And Maxwell f*cking Grant doesn't like her entanglement with the Frenchman.
No, he wants Rebecca to himself...
Is Rebecca jumping from one hotter-than-hell fire into another? And will she finally find what she is looking for?
Book 1 of 3 in the Firebird Trilogy.
Add to Goodreads TBR:
http://tinyurl.com/lsjw9vx
OPEN YOUR EYES
Is there such a thing as only one love for every person?
Is it possible to find your soul mate?
Do we deserve second chances
?
Shattered and disillusioned after separating from her domineering husband, all Natalie wants, is a peaceful Christmas vacation in New York City, with her 21 year old daughter, Olivia. Uncomplicated. No pressure. Fun.
What she doesn’t expect, is meeting a dangerously handsome stranger in an art gallery. He’s charming, sexy as hell, and does funny things to her insides. Her frozen heart slowly melts as he seduces her, awakening her deepest desires, showing her that the kind of love she craves is very possible. She wants him as much as he wants her.
Battling his demons from the past, famous photographer Nicholas Gallagher has successfully evaded serious relationships, earning him the title of the world’s most eligible bachelor. But from the moment he lays eyes on Natalie, she stirs something in him. Compelled to chase the sadness from her vivid blue eyes, Nick is captivated by the spirited Australian beauty.
Hot romance.
Steamy sex.
Absolute perfection.
Until Natalie gets a call from home – one she can’t ignore. In a fateful moment the game changes and throws her life into chaos. Gabriel, her jealous ex, wants her back. Two powerful men want her. She is forced to make a choice that will tear her apart.
Will Natalie make the right choice? Is it possible to love more than one person deeply? Will she finally find her soul mate, the one person who can look into her eyes and see deep into her soul, everything she is and everything she desires... will she finally open her eyes?
A Stand-alone Novel.
Add to your Goodreads TBR:
http://tinyurl.com/kufea2h
