The Beast Within (The Elite Series) - By Jonathan Yanez Page 0,8
is—” he paused, searching for the word. “Unusual. Why, what would your family say if they knew you were publically associating with a hu—”
Laren hastily cut him off. “Perhaps you should be less concerned with whom I choose to spend my time and focus on your tardiness. As I recall, you were absent for a prearranged meeting.”
“Yes, you are right and I do apologize. My family chose not to attend the meeting because that would mean we are open to negotiation, which we clearly are not.”
An awkward pause passed between the trio, Randolph’s unnatural blue eyes locked on to Laren’s emerald green. Just as Connor was about to break the uncomfortable silence with a hasty good-bye, Laren spoke. “I’m sure you’re eager to continue your night so we won’t be keeping you any longer, Randolph.”
“Yes, do have a good night, my fellow Beastia.” Turning to Connor, he whispered, “And to you, Mr. Moore. Do choose your friends wisely.”
With a few strides he was gone, leaving dozens of questions in his wake.
Connor looked at Laren, and for the first time, he saw her worried. It seemed as if she was overwhelmed. Her mouth moved to speak but no words came out. Instead she gave her head a slight shake and looked at Connor apologetically.
“It’s okay, come on.” Connor gently took her hand in his and led her outside.
The night was cool. The shoppers that had lined the streets that morning had given way to couples and families out for dinner. The sky was clear and numerous stars shone down, tiny lights battling for their place in the darkness.
Connor walked Laren over to her car, the two still silent. He positioned himself with his back to her BMW so he could look at her face to face. His heart went out to her, she was a picture of distress and doubt. She didn’t have to open her mouth, yet he knew what she was thinking. She was worried. She had to know he had so many questions from their run in with Randolph. Things had gone so well, too well, at dinner. She had even opened up to him about her and her family, but now there was a new set of questions, harder questions, that she might not be ready to explain.
She moved to open her mouth, Connor already knew she wanted to apologize for the questions she couldn’t answer, the stranger she couldn’t reveal, and the normal girl she couldn’t be. Before she could say anything, Connor shook his head, shoving all of his questions aside. “You’re different. It’s not just the fact I think you’re incredibly attractive or the way you hold business meetings in forests, or even the weird acquaintances you have that talk like the villains in Indiana Jones movies.” She smiled. “I had a great time with you and I hope you felt the same way. I know we both have pasts that we’ll share with each other in time. But that’s exactly what we have, time.”
A look of relief crossed her face. “Connor Moore, you’re going to be trouble for me but I don’t care.” She took a step forward, closing the distance between the two of them, and gave him a hug.
The heat radiated off her body in waves and immersed Connor in her smell. Laren carried the scent of flowers with her. It reminded him of when he was a child and would run through a park, it was fresh, clean, with just a hint of wild.
Breaking the embrace, Laren wasn’t finished. She gave him a small peck on the cheek as she pulled away.
“I can get used to that,” he said.
“Keep playing your cards right and there might be more.”
The two stood, just staring at each other. Time held no power.
Connor’s mind racing with new possibilities. Laren was still a mystery, but one he would do anything to solve. She was just starting to open up to him and there was so much more to her than a bold businesswoman. Tonight she had let herself be vulnerable, even if for just a few hours, and Connor wanted more.
“Well, you’d better get going before your brother comes looking for you and I have to gently put him in his place.”
“Hahaha. That I would love to see.” She unlocked her door and Connor opened it for her. Sitting inside the black leather interior, she looked up at him.
“Thank you for a great night.”
“You’re very welcome. Where are you staying while you’re in town?”