Page 88 of Sweet Temptation

Shortly after that, Elle poked me, wearing that apologetic look of hers. I’d become incredibly accustomed to this look ever since she’d become a mom.

“I know, I know.” I hugged her tight. “Time for you to go tend to the wee sweet child. Give her many, many kisses for me.”

“Dozens,” she promised.

I walked her outside, where Flynn was waiting next to her car, smoking. Ronan was down at the bottom of the driveway, on his phone.

“They let you smoke in military school?” I teased Flynn as I approached. I knew he’d once been in the military, but that was literally the only thing I knew about his background.

“Nope,” he said. “I used to smoke as a kid, before I went into Basic training.” He put his cigarette out. “Mostly because my dad would’ve murdered me if he knew.”

Hmm. Interesting. That was more words about himself than he’d ever squeezed out, voluntarily, in my direction.

Maybe now that he knew I wasn’t trying to fuck him, he’d loosen up a bit.

“And this was desirable?” I asked.

“I kinda hated him.”

“Ah. So it was silent subterfuge. And what are you rebelling against these days? Your health?”

“It started out as a rebellion. Now it’s a bad habit.”

“You mean an addiction?”

“That, too.”

“I have a feeling you could give it up,” I told him.

“Are you finished flirting with my driver?” Elle teased from the other side of the car.

I rolled my eyes and went over to open her door for her. “I’m sorry, gorgeous. Let me help you with that.”

She grinned. “Thank you.”

She got in and I told her, “He’ll be right with you.” I smiled and shut her door as she shook her head at me. Then I turned back to Flynn. “Phew,” I said exaggeratedly, and lit the joint I’d brought with me. “Now that we got her out of the way, you can tell me. Who is it?”

“Who is what?”

“Oh, Flynn. Darling.” I took a drag of sativa. “The lady fair who has your heart. I need to know.”

He cleared his throat. “How’re you doing here, with everything?”

“Oh, don’t fake concern about me to change the subject. I’m just fine and dandy. I’ve got muscle now.” I gestured at Ronan; he was still down at the end of the driveway, on his phone. He looked over at us, and I turned back to Flynn.

“It’s not fake,” he said, frowning. “I wasn’t going to leave until I asked. And I’m glad Ronan is with you. Like I told you, he’s one of the best.”

“You’re sticking to that story, huh?”

The frown turned thoughtful. “If you can follow his advice, he’ll keep you safe.”

I smiled. “That’s a big if. Why don’t you come to the party tonight?”

He glanced in Elle’s direction. She was on her phone, and the bitch actually stuck her tongue out at me.

“Elle’s coming?” he asked.

“Nope. She’s not. But you never know who might be here. I mean, if there’s anyone in particular you’d like me to invite…”

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