The Lost - J. D. Robb [118]
“There is that. It gives me pleasure to improve their lives, especially when I see how hard they’re willing to work to continue to grow and prosper. Long after I’m gone their children and grandchildren will keep the legacy going.”
“And legacy matters to you.”
He met her look. “It does, yes.”
He saw her stifle a yawn and was immediately contrite. “I’ve been having such a grand time showing you my home, I forgot how exhausting travel can be. Please, my dear, go up to your bed now, and we’ll have another visit in the morning.”
Aidan set aside her glass. “You’re right. I really need to sleep now. I’m afraid the flight and time change are defeating me.”
He walked over to close her hand between both of his. “I hope you sleep well and late into the day. Whatever time you wake, we’ll share one of Kathleen’s fine big breakfasts.”
“Thank you, Cullen.” She glanced past him to where Ross stood, silent and watching. “Good night, Ross.”
“Ross will walk you to your suite.”
“There’s no need.”
Cullen ignored her protest. “I insist.”
After saying good night to their host, Ross followed Aidan from the room and up the stairs.
Because he remained one step behind her, she couldn’t see his face. But the prickly feeling along her spine had her achingly aware of those steely eyes watching her.
At the top of the stairs, Aidan stood back while Ross opened the door to her suite of rooms.
She shot him a weary smile. “Good night, Ross.”
“I’d like a word with you.” Seeing that she was about to protest, he stepped into the room and pulled the door shut behind him. “Just a word. No more.”
She sighed. “What’s wrong? Didn’t I follow your instructions carefully enough? Did I say too much? Too little? Did I keep frail old Cullen up past his bedtime? Or did you decide that I wasn’t grateful enough for this fine opportunity to glimpse the good life?”
A half smile touched his lips as he leaned back against the closed door, arms folded across his chest, regarding her. “Ah. There’s that fine Irish temper again.”
“I’m tired. I’ve had a long day, and a longer week. Say what you came here to say and let me get to bed.”
“I want to thank you.”
The unexpected words had her eyes rounding in surprise. “For what?”
“For using that charm on the old man. I haven’t seen him this animated in years.”
“You thought I was pretending? That I was heeding your advice?”
“Weren’t you?”
Her tone lowered with feeling. “I didn’t need to pretend to be charmed. I was honestly responding to Cullen’s warmth and goodness.”
“You liked him.”
She nodded. “How could I not?”
“What’s more, he likes you. I can tell that you’re all he’d hoped you would be.”
“Not all, I’m afraid.” Her chin came up. “He’s hoping for a blood relative, a granddaughter, and that’s something I can never be.”
“You don’t know . . .”
She held up a hand. “It’s late, I’m tired, and this can go nowhere.”
As she started away, he clamped a hand on her shoulder and turned her to face him. “I just wanted to say . . .”
A look of astonishment crossed her face before it turned to anger. “Take your hand off me. Don’t you ever put a hand on me without permission.”
He lifted both hands in a sign of surrender. “Sorry. Reflex.”
“So is a slap across the face, which is what you’ll get if you ever dare to do that again.” She took a step backward. “Good night, Ross.”
A dangerous smile teased his lips and crinkled his eyes, which only fueled her temper.
Before she could say a word, his hand shot out. The smile remained as he touched a finger to her cheek. Just a touch, but she felt the heat of it all the way to her toes.
“You have very soft skin, Aidan O’Mara.”
She was about to make a sharp reply when he dipped his head and covered her mouth with his.
She had every intention of slapping his arrogant face. But all her good intentions fled the moment their mouths mated. She was mesmerized by the feel of his lips on hers. By the hunger in his kiss that spoke to a like hunger in her. By the hands, strong and sure, that moved up and down her spine, pressing her to the