The Keeping(96)

“What?” Her comment about dogs caught his attention. It made no sense to him whatsoever.

“It doesn’t matter. I’m leaving. I’ll...I’ll talk to you later about the damn interview.” She turned on her heel, grabbed the door handle to throw the wooden panel open...or at least that’s what it looked like she’d planned on doing. Unfortunately, she hadn’t noticed the door was locked and merely succeeded in wrenching her arm by pulling on the unyielding handle. Muttering under her breath, she dealt with the lock and stormed out of the room.

Wait. She can’t leave... She just did, so deal with it, he snarled at himself. Pulling his shirt over his head, he dropped onto the couch and leaned back, exhaling loudly. Staring at the ceiling of Armand’s office, he noted the spider web in one corner and a few stained ceiling tiles. There must be a leak on the roof, he thought idly. Maybe he’d offer to fix it as a sort of a payment for using the man’s couch without asking, not that Armand probably cared. No doubt the bar tender had used the couch for similar purposes a time or two.

Damn, but he’d screwed up big time; Ryne scolded himself, not even cracking a smile at the bad pun he’d unintentionally made. Whether she knew it or not, Melody had a thing for him and it was more than just the fact that he was a sexy, handsome devil, he was sure of it. For some reason, she actually seemed to like him and now he’d hurt her feelings. The worst part was that there’d be no ‘making up.’ In fact, he had to figuratively kick her again, by cancelling the interview and sending her on her way.

It was for her own good, as well as his pack’s. There was some alternative agenda associated with the interview, he was sure of it. And whatever it was, it would likely endanger her, as well as his people, if he let this continue. He was being cruel to be kind, he told himself. Sure she’d be angry, but if she left, everyone would be safer and that was more important than her hurt feelings.

Well, sitting here wasn’t solving anything and the ambiance wasn’t going to improve his mood. Ryne took in the dark panelling, over-filled filing cabinets, and truly bad paintings on the wall. He chuckled wryly as he studied the landscapes. Armand might have the soul of an artist, but his talent was better suited to serving beer. Heaving himself to his feet, Ryne went in search of just that.

*****

Back into the main part of the building, Ryne immediately headed for the bar. He leaned against the wooden structure and stared at himself in the cracked mirror that backed the liquor shelves. His face appeared to be set in stone, cold and unfeeling. It wasn’t how he felt inside, not even close, but it was a suitable mask to present to the world. Allowing anyone to know how he really felt at this moment was unacceptable. Alphas did not show weakness.

Armand set a beer in front of him and quirked an eyebrow. “What gives my friend? You came in looking happy enough and in less than five minutes you were taking the little lady out back. That usually results in a happier expression than the one I see. Was she not cooperative?”

Ryne gave a dry laugh. “No, she cooperated. We had a...falling out afterwards.”

“Ah, clingy was she? She didn’t listen to your warnings beforehand.” Armand nodded wisely. The bar keeper and he had shared numerous conversations about women, so the man knew Ryne’s policy. It wasn’t the case this time, but Ryne wasn’t about to correct him.

“Something like that.” Glumly, he took a swig of beer and turned to face the room. Near the pool table, Bryan and Daniel were racking the balls, preparing to play another game. They were showing no ill effects from his earlier growling. In the far corner, a few men were playing darts while half watching a rerun of last week’s hockey game. There was nothing to hold his interest, so he returned to brooding. Was Melody still here? He really should tell her the interview was off. That way she could pack up her things tonight and leave first thing in the morning. A quick break would be safer for everyone involved. He closed his eyes and discreetly sniffed the air. Her scent lingered, indicating she was probably still in the building. Good, he could say his piece here rather than driving out to her cabin. Scanning the length of the bar, he searched for signs of her.

Armand gave him a nudge. “The little lady is at the far end of the bar, if that’s who you are looking for.”

Nodding his thanks, Ryne started to get to his feet, but Armand placed a restraining hand on him. “What?”

“It might be best if you gave her some time to cool down. She looked angry when she came back from your little encounter and, my friend, I do not believe her mood has improved substantially. This might not be the best time to approach. An upset woman is not to be taken lightly.”