Free Juice: The O'Malleys Book 1, contemporary Adult Romance by Michelle McLoughney Page A

money. Do you think you can handle it Cassidy? I’m looking for very specific art. I’d also like to buy some of your own paintings. I’ve seen Girl with Violets at the Marlborough Hotel in the foyer. I liked it very much.”
    “Thank you,” said Cassidy. Her breath caught in her throat. Five frickin’ million, which was a commission of half a million. She could barely get her head around the figure. She blushed at his compliment of her own work. She was proud of that piece and especially enjoyed working on nudes. There was something freeing about working with a naked subject. She loved the shape and curvature of the human form combined with the challenge of trying to capture the texture and tone of human skin.
    “Thank you Rory. It’s a piece that is very special to me; if you like I could create a piece that is similar for you.”
    “No need. I bought it yesterday. The owner of the hotel is a good friend. He really didn’t want to part with it, however I can be very persuasive, but thank you for the offer, Cassidy. I would like to commission a complete series of nudes with flowers.” Cassidy stood up from her desk and looked down at him.
    “Oh. It must be liberating to be able to buy anything you want like that,” said Cassidy clicking her fingers. She was angry and not sure why. Who the hell did he think he was?  Buying whatever he wanted like it was dinner in a fancy restaurant, instead of a piece she had worked on for six months? She was not a fan of limitless wealth and had seen how it could corrupt people. Her ex-boyfriend Jonathan had been a hell of a lot nicer before he had sold his first movie script and made his first million. Suddenly, the people who surrounded him acquiesced to his every whim. His ego had flared, as had his temper.
    He had only hit her once. A full force punch in the face when she had refused to have sex with him one night, when he was off his head on coke. It was enough for Cassidy. There were no second chances where violence was concerned. Cassidy had grown up with a father who adored and loved his wife and a brother who had treated her like a princess. Her father treated her mother as an equal, a precious gift. Cassidy knew he was one in a million. There was no violence in their home. There would be none in hers either. A fractured jaw and a broken heart were enough of a lesson learned. Love hurts and she would avoid future pain at all costs.
    Rory stood up and stepped forward until he was inches from her face, he spoke softly.
    “I work very hard for my money Miss Evans, I spend it as I wish. I will not apologise for my wealth. It affords me the luxury of choice and the ability to help those less fortunate than myself, if and when I so desire.”
    So we are back to Miss Evans , Cassidy thought. Fair enough. She raised her eyes until they were locked with his in a battle of wills to see who would break contact first. She looked away when she couldn’t stand it any longer. Being that close to him, made her want to reach up and rub her hand down the front of his chest.
    “I meant no disrespect Rory,” she smiled sweetly. He nodded at her not returning her smile.
    “Would you like a tour of the current collection?”
    “No. I think I would prefer to discuss all further requirements over dinner tonight.”
    “Over dinner?”
    “Yes. I assume you do entertain clients, Cassidy. I like to be entertained; I’ll send a car for you. Your place, say eight o’clock?”
    “You know where I live?”
    “Of course. I had you checked out, discreetly of course. My work involves some very powerful men and women. Protecting my interests and theirs, is paramount. This is my personal card; call me if there is any change of plan.”
    He was smiling at her again and leaned in close. The scent of vanilla floated on the air and accosted her nostrils. He smelled so good. Damn it to hell, did this man have no visible flaws?!
    Cassidy remained silent as she took the business card from his