Passion Tempted (Masquerade Part II) Read Free Page A

image. Not like Christina. Please don’t call. Heather”
    She called Jenna, asking her to drop by and deliver the note to Blake Enterprises, Ryan’s investment company. She knew he had a meeting there today and wanted him to read it as soon as he was free, before he called her.
    She went back to her studio. Losing herself in her work would be the best thing. But Ryan’s painting sitting on the easel reminded her of the immense loss of the man that meant more to her than she cared to admit.
    She slumped to the floor, tears filling her eyes.

6 – Confrontation
     
    “You had me followed?” Ryan spoke incredulously into the phone. “Christina, I would have thought that below, even you.  Publicity is one thing but this is going too far. I don’t care what you or my agent think is good for my image.”
    “Ryan,” she purred through the phone. “Let’s not be this way with each other. I know you care for me, darling.”
    Darling! “No, Christina. Stop this. I cannot allow you to continue this charade. We dated and that was hot news in the entertainment world. But marriage, even I don’t see how the journalists got that idea. It’s ludicrous.” Ryan was standing at his desk now, striding back and forth in front of the window, his cell phone pressed hard to his ear.
    “It m ay be premature, Ryan darling, but not unexpected. I know we are right for each other. You can see that too. I know you do. Please don’t shout at me. You know how emotional I can get.” Her silky voice intended to sooth Ryan , but only made him angrier.
    “Don’t call me Darling! I’m not your darling. You are out of line , Christina. I don’t wish you ill but we aren’t engaged. We won’t be getting married now or any other time. I hope that’s clear enough for you.” He exhaled heavily. This woman was pushing the limits.
    “Heather Ann Lawson, is that who you are sweet on? I can’t believe that, a painter. When you could have any actress you want, a woman other men would weep to have. You can’t possibly choose her over me, be serious.”
    “Christina, you think you understand more than you do. I had hoped we’d end on good terms. I expect we will work on films together again. I can only hope we can be professional about that. But you’re wasting your money having me followed. And I’m especially chagrined that you violated Heather’s privacy when you had me followed to her apartment. It ends here, all of it. Tell me you understand that.” Ryan waited.
    The seconds ticked by. There was only sil ence. Ryan looked at the phone and saw that the call had been ended . There’s something to be said for desk phones, at least you could slam the thing down to hang up. Women!
    Ryan took one last look at the text he’d received during his meeting “Heather isn’t the woman for you.” Geez, Christina could be infuriating.  Yet, he wasn’t sure calling her had resolved anything.

7 – Pursuit
     
    Ryan only wished his world would allow him to change. He was sick of pretences. Christina was only a product of the industry they both worked in. Her vanity was her trademark. Most men wouldn’t care but it wasn’t Ryan’s style.
    He watched the Escalade pull up and he climbed in the back, not waiting for Daniel to open the door. He clutched a note in his hand that had been personally delivered to his office. He’d stalled opening it, still trying to cool off from his heated phone conversation.
    “Hey Ryan.” Daniel turned to smile politely. “Where are we headed?”
    “The studio, I have to meet with the director about casting the female lead for the new movie.” Ryan’s whole body was tense.
    “Got something on your mind?” Daniel nodded toward Ryan, offering him a chance to spill his guts, which he often did with his long-time friend and chauffer.
    “Women are exasperating,” Ryan blurted out. “You won’t believe this but Christina was having me followed. I don’t believe it myself. It’s like she thinks she owns