My shoulders relax. Ryder McKay is definitely not what I expected, and I don’t know whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing. Guess only time will tell.
Keeping my hands to myself—just in case heiswatching me—I wander around the great room where he left me, taking notice of every single thing. I’ve always been extremely detail-oriented, and it doesn’t take long to deduce Ryder likes everything to have its place. Even his remote controls are lined up in a perfect row on the coffee table from largest to smallest.
I run my finger over a couple of surfaces, and there’s not a speck of dust anywhere. I’m willing to bet he has someone to clean his place. A couple times a week by the looks of it. He doesn’t initially give off the impression he’s a neat freak, but now I’m wondering.
Until I stumble onto an open door that leads into what can only be described as Ryder’s domain. It’s a large office, and very much lived-in. Kind of a mess, actually, with junk everywhere.
“Almost ready.”
I turn to see him drop a duffel bag on the floor and then move past me into the office. He flips a light on and, compared to the rest of the house, this place is an absolute playground, brimming with toys and equipment. A huge desk dominates the room with multiple computer monitors of various sizes and configurations. Lots of tech stuff covers every available surface, and I couldn’t even begin to guess what most of it does. I also notice a mug with stale, cold coffee and several half-finished bottles of water.
“Welcome to where the magic happens.” He sends me a cheeky grin as he stuffs a laptop into a padded crossbody bag.
“Isn’t that supposed to be the bedroom?”
“For most people, yeah.” His smile turns wry.
Hmmm, interesting.If he’s anything like me, he’s far too busy for a serious relationship. But he’s much more playful and lighthearted compared to my more serious, gloomy nature. I find it fascinating that we can be so opposite, yet strangely similar.
“Sex is overrated,” I murmur, picking up what looks like a mini drone. I don’t know what possesses me to say that, but when I look up, he’s studying me far too intently.Shite. Backtrack. Fast.“I mean, unless it’s with the right person.” I clear my throat, pretending to study the little flying device. “Obviously.”
“Obviously,” he echoes, his brown eyes lighting up with mirth.
Ugh.I set the drone back down, annoyed with myself for revealing too much. It’s no one’s business if a man’s equipment has never had the power to make me orgasm. I’m usually wound up too tight, unable to fully let go, and it’s just always been out of my grasp. Frustratingly unachievable—unless I’m indulging in some solo play.
God, I have trust issues.
“Are you almost ready?” I grumble.
“Yep.” He slings his messenger bag over a shoulder, picks up the other duffel bag he just filled, and sends me a panty-melting smile. “Ready whenever you are, Miss Diamond.”
My heart tightens, and for reasons I can’t explain, I wish he knew my real name.
Chapter Six: Ryder
Bella drives us to a small private airport where a jet waits to fly us to Austria. As we board, I can’t help but wonder who’s bankrolling this operation. I originally had a feeling it was more than just a job. Something deeply personal to her. But maybe I’m wrong.
I stow my duffel bag but keep my laptop at my feet within easy reach. My life is on my computer, and I never let it out of my sight. At least not for very long. And never in a place where I’m not familiar or completely comfortable.
Sitting down in a plush leather seat, I buckle up. Bella sits directly across the aisle, and I find myself wishing the seats were closer together. But there are only four, and I suppose having her across from me is better than behind me where I can’t see her at all.
“If you want my help, you better fill me in.” I shift to face her as the plane begins taxiing toward the runway. “Why don’t we start with who you’re working for?”
“I’m working for myself,” she snaps.
Okay, definitely at least something personal going on there. “No need to get touchy.”
“I’m not.” She sighs, taking a moment to regroup. “A very wealthy, private collector wants me to find the Phantom Orchid for him.”
I feel like there’s more to the story, but I can tell that’s all I’m going to get from her. Doesn’t mean I won’t push my luck for more. “So, this is just a job? And then you’re going to hand it over?”
“Mm-hmm.”
“You don’t plan to keep it for yourself?”
Her eyes narrow. “Because that’s what thieves do, right? Lie? Steal? Go back on their word? Always in it for themselves?”
“Not always. I’ve taken things and then given them to others.”
