Allyn and Ransom – 13

 

 

"He left because I decided my cover for stopping those men would also be good for what I wanted to do to protect the wolves. No one would think anything of it if I disappeared for a few hours or a few days. Rich kid, no job, traveling when and where I wanted to, just as I do now."

 

"How did you explain that to Ransom?"

 

"I told him I liked not having to work, since I didn't need to. It didn't sit too well with him, especially the disappearing part." Allyn smiled ruefully. "I think he thought I was going off with someone else, though he never accused me of it. Instead he told me things weren't working between us and never would until I grew up and became a…I think he said 'a responsible member of society' or some such. Then he walked away. End of story."

 

"Except that you came home, gathered me up, and brought me here so we could both be the idle rich. Have you ever regretted it?"

 

"Never. You're my friend, my partner—the little sister who became a wonderful woman who keeps me grounded."

 

She snorted. "I'm not so sure attending fancy parties with you and living the easy life in this mansion we call home, is keeping you grounded. More like it's feeding into your need to flaunt our wealth." She held up her hand. "And before you protest, I know as well as you why you do that."

 

"I know." He chuckled softly. "Who's going to keep me…sane, Mandi, when John finally proposes and you move away?"

 

"John and propose are not words that belong in the same sentence."

 

"I wouldn't count on it. He's in love with you."

 

Miranda nodded. "I know, and I think I love him. He understands me and sees me as more than a flighty female with too much time on her hands. But marriage? I'm not so sure that will happen."

 

"You'd like it to, though."

 

"Perhaps." She smiled. "Yeah, I would."

 

"Have you told him?"

 

"What I am? Yes. He was shocked, of course. But once he got past that, he liked the idea. He said it makes me even more unique."

 

Allyn laughed. "No kidding. And speak of the devil…"

 

Miranda swung around, leaping to her feet when she saw John approaching across the patio. John hugged her when he joined them, saying, "Time for your workouts—both of you."

 

"I'll pass today," Allyn replied. "I have something I need to do and I've already wasted enough time this morning."

 

Miranda lifted an eyebrow in disbelief, before linking her arm with John's as they headed to the workout room.

 

Well I do. I have to…to go shopping. Yeah. I need a new outfit for the ballet's fundraiser party.

 

As he went upstairs to change clothes, he wondered if the man in black would be at the party—and what he would do if he did appear.