Free Shadow Silence by Yasmine Galenorn Page B

a while to find out what Bryan did; at first he had said he owned a couple of international businesses, and that was true. But as to what they actually were, he had been more reticent. It had taken me a few weeks to discover that Bryan didn’t actually
need
to work. His family had come into a great deal of wealth through the years, and he was due to inherit it at some point in his life. But he liked working, and so he had set up an antiquities business—which basically meant he hunted down rare objects that people wanted on commission. And he also owned a travel agency, where he booked tours of the United Kingdom, especially Ireland. He didn’t head them up himself, but oversaw the agency. He had also made a fair amount in the stock market.
    The second story of Bryan’s house contained two full master suites, a morning room, and what had once been a nursery. And the third story, smaller than the other two, contained two bedrooms and an attic. Sometimes I wondered what he did with so much space, and whether or not it got on his nerves to wander around such a huge place that was empty except for him and the day maid. He told me he had thought of hiring a cook on several occasions, but he didn’t feel comfortable having much staff around when it was only him.
    The grounds of the estate were beautiful, with flower gardens and a topiary, and several fruit trees that were scattered among the fir and cedar. He
did
hire a groundskeeper, who came in twice a week to keep up with the two acres on which the estate sat.
    The walkway up to the house from my gate was paved stone, and I moved at a quick pace. While the hail had stopped shortly after it began, the weather was nippier, and the clouds had socked in. As I dashed up to the front door, I was relieved to see that Bryan was home.
    He answered, drawing me inside and taking my coat. “How was your day, love?”
    But before I could answer, he wrapped me in his arms and pulled me in for a kiss. His lips were soft and I grew short of breath as his hands found their way beneath the sweater I was wearing. I pressed against him, wanting the kiss to go on and on. A moment later and he was pushing my coat off, lips still locked to mine. I could feel his heat rising and it sparked off my own need. He tossed my jacket on the nearest chair as I took hold of his shoulders, walking him back toward the sofa.
    I was working at his belt buckle, trying desperately to free his belt, when both my phone and his set to jangling.
    â€œDamn it,” I whispered. “Ignore?” Then I stopped. What if it was Peggin? What if she’d gone out to the house and— “Crap.” I pulled away and whipped my phone out of the pocket of my jeans. Bryan let out a little groan, but answered his, as well.
    â€œKerris? Peggin. D-D wants to ask a favor. Jokney’s been spotted near your house. Can you go out and take a look? We’ll be up that way in a few minutes. D-D’s calling Bryan right now.”
    I repressed a sigh. “Bryan’s right here. Where was Jokney last seen?”
    â€œOut on Rainshadow Street, and he turned onto Blackberry Lane.” She paused. “Oh no, we didn’t interrupt . . .”
    â€œYes, you did but luckily we’re still dressed. Heading out to find the critter now. We’ll see you in a bit.” I slid my phone back into my pants, glancing at Bryan with a rueful grin. “We can’t just say no.”
    â€œYes, we can and we should. But it’s too late now. Come on, get your coat. I’m going to take a moment to . . . calm down.” He pointed toward the front of his jeans, where I saw a remarkably happy bulge.
    I laughed. “The cold will calm you right down, if you unzip your fly.”
    â€œNo thanks, Cruella.” But he snickered when he said it and, adjusting his belt, he grabbed his own jacket, which was near mine.
    We headed out the front door, and Bryan motioned to