Wait for the Wind (11 page)

Devin split the bills in half and tossed a portion to the man. “I only want what belongs to Kate. The notes. Now.”

Milligan handed him an envelope. Devin took it between his fingers. The paper turned to ash instantly. The man whimpered and began a snivelly sort of crying.

“Shut up and listen to me. I want to make sure you understand. If you ever come near what’s mine again, if you even think of my family’s name again, I will find you. It doesn’t matter where you try to hide. There is no escape from me. I will melt your skin off slowly and relish your screams, and then I’ll boil your innards and feed them to my cat.”

“I understand.”

“I protect what’s mine. Remember that.”

Then, just for added effect, Devin snapped his fingers and vanished himself back to his apartment.

* * * *

Kate followed Ryan into Allie’s room. His strong arms carried their sleepy twelve-year-old as if she weighed nothing. A mix of baby pink and blue roses covered the comforter on the bed. She pulled back the sheets so Ryan could lay her down and tuck her in.

“She’s wiped out.”

“It’s been an eventful day for everyone.” Ryan flipped off the lights. “She isn’t afraid of the dark. Is she?”

“No. Not since she learned to create light balls. It’s humbling to see the things she can do sometimes. I guess I need to call Carrie and tell her not to come in tomorrow. I don’t know when I’ll get the clinic open for business again. Those loan sharks won’t stop until they get their money.”

Ryan pulled her toward the sofa and patted the cushion beside him. “I think you’ve heard the last from them. Devin called me earlier. He paid Seamus Milligan a visit after he left Liv’s house.”

“What?”

“He wouldn’t give me details other than the ‘
I protect what is mine
’ line and that your clinic would be ready for use tomorrow. With Devin sometimes it’s better not to ask. All you have to worry about is us.”

He snuggled her into his chest and Kate wrapped her arms around his neck.

“I love you, Kate O’Connell. And I love our, wonderful, magical daughter.”

Ryan kissed her slowly at first, then deeper, faster, as if his life centered on her existence. She fell into his kiss, felt him lift her into his arms as easily as he had Allie.

“But what about Allie? She might hear.”

“Honey, she’s asleep and since she’s very smart young lady, I’m sure she knows we’ve had sex before.”

Kate laughed. Carrying her over the threshold into her bedroom, he pushed the door to with his heel. Ryan set her gently on the bed and then walked back across the room and turned the lock. He peeled his t-shirt over his head as he walked back to her.

“I love you, Ryan. Make love to me.”

Ryan removed the rest of his clothing. The bed dipped when he sat down beside her. “You’re overdressed for the occasion.”

“I bet you can help me with that.” She leaned in and kissed him while he fumbled with the buttons on her shirt.

“My pleasure.”

Two of the buttons popped off before he gave up and ripped the thin material open. Sliding the ruined blouse off her shoulders, he unhooked her bra and tossed it aside. She shimmied out of her jeans and panties. They landed on the edge of the bed.

Impatient, she pulled him down on top of her. She needed to feel his skin against her. “I need you.”

He settled between her thighs and Kate enfolded him as he glided into her.

“Ryan.”

“I missed you. God, how I’ve missed you.”

She moved with him in a remembered dance of passion and heat, of heart and hope. She’d craved his touch, the feel of him like a bone-deep ache nothing would ease.

“I love you, Ryan, ever and always.” She flew apart in his arms and felt him join her.

“Marry me, Kate.” Ryan breathed in her ear as her heartbeat began to settle. “I love you. I need both of you in my life.” The wind outside the bedroom window howled and shook the glass. Rain spattered through open window.

“I’d love to.” Kate smiled into the darkness as the wind calmed and the rain settled to a soft pattering on the tin roof.

Brynna Curry

Ryan and Kate are very special to my heart. I ruthlessly put Ryan through heck and back with the smuggling ring and Liv’s kidnapping in
Earth Enchanted.
Still, even the most misguided soul needs redemption and hope. In Kate O’Connell he finds his past, future and a second chance at love.

In Kate I see a lot of myself. She’s determined, smart and isn’t afraid to buckle down and do what needs to be done. She’s also a young mother, giving birth to Allaina at eighteen and managing to finish medical school. Nothing is as important as her daughter. At seventeen I gave birth to my son, L.J. and while I didn’t have to raise him alone it’s still a terrifying place to be at such a young age.

A wise woman once told me, it isn’t about making mistakes, we all do that now and again, it’s how we deal with them that shows our true character. God’s blessings often come when life forgets to go according to plan. I hope you enjoy Ryan’s story. Come with me and discover a reunion of hearts.

And as always be blessed.

Brynna

Also by Brynna Curry

Elemental Magic Series

Earth Enchanted

To Take Up the Sword

Wait For the Wind

Sea’s Sorceress

Fire’s Ice

Triple Star Ranch Series

Claiming Ana

Lyrical Press books are published by

Kensington Publishing Corp. 119 West 40th Street New York, NY 10018

Copyright © 2011 Brynna Curry

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.

Lyrical Press and the L logo are trademarks of Kensington Publishing Corp.

First Electronic Edition: January 2011

ISBN-13:
978-1-61650-224-9