Chapter 12

“A taste of her I must have,” he said to himself, smirking..

Ryan settled into his leather chair in his office, the weight of his responsibilities pressing down on him. He slipped his hot coffee, burning a path down his throat, yet feeling numb to the thought dancing in his mind.

The ringing of his office phone broke through his thought, he picked up the telephone, knowing who it would be before he heard the voice on the other end.

"Ryan, how's your day at the office going?" His father's voice was as commanding as ever, the authority in it wavering.

"Productive," Ryan replied, leaning back in his chair. "Met the new staff, handled some contracts. Everything is under control."

"Good," his father responded. "I have high expectations, Ryan. The company needs strong leadership, especially now. Make sure you're focused.

"I am, Dad. You don't have to worry".

There was a pause on the other end before his father spoke again. "And Iris? How is she settling in?"

Ryan's grip tightened. "She's...