Hoaley Ill-Manored by Declan Sands Page B

Adam’s insecurity where Dirk was concerned, and the rationale
behind him and Dirk breaking up. And, though the reason centers of
his brain told him Dirk wouldn’t do that to him—wouldn’t sleep with
a powerful member of the Hollywood elite to advance his
career—Adam’s long-time doubts gave him constant angina.
    He was just so tired of the worry and
suspicion.
    With something that looked like an angry
gleam in his eye, Spence crossed the room and placed a hand
possessively around the back of Dirk’s neck. Dirk leaned forward,
stepping out of the grip, but he wouldn’t meet Adam’s gaze. Spence
seemed unconcerned. “So, did our boy tell you about my
proposition?”
    Adam frowned, his heart pounding a staccato
beat in his chest. Any proposition by the evil Franklin Spence, as
Adam had just decided to dub him, couldn’t be good. And Dirk’s
guilty behavior wasn’t making Adam feel any better.
    Dirk turned to Spence. “Lin, let’s not get
into that right now. Why don’t I show you to the nearest hotel and
then, after Adam and I get cleaned up, we’ll meet you in town for
dinner. We can discuss it then.” He slipped a quick glance in
Adam’s direction. “When everybody’s more comfortable.”
    In the way powerful, self-centered men do,
Franklin Spence laughed off Dirk’s insinuation that it wasn’t the
right time for whatever discussion he was getting ready to broach.
“I’m perfectly comfortable, darlin’.”
    Adam stiffened at the term of endearment and
his gaze flew to Dirk. Dirk met his gaze directly, his head jerking
once in denial. But there was way too much guilt in his expression
to put Adam at ease. Suddenly Adam couldn’t stand the painful
suspicions he was harboring. He just wanted everything out in the
open. “Why don’t you just tell me about your proposition, Mr.
Spence. Then you can be on your way.”
    Spence laughed off Adam’s dismissal. He
obviously had no intention of being “on his way” anytime soon. “I
can’t believe Dirk didn’t tell you what we have planned…”
    “Only if Adam is interested, Lin. Don’t
forget this is his house.”
    Spence flipped a hand in the air as if to
say, “details, details”. It was patently obvious to Adam that
Franklin Spence was a man used to getting what he wanted.
Apparently he wanted something from Bilsworth Manor. And just as
apparently, he wanted Dirk.
    Suddenly Adam was determined not to let
Spence have what he wanted, at least the part he could control. “I
think it’s only fair to warn you that, whatever you have in mind,
I’m probably not going to be interested.” Adam told the man with a
scowl.
    Franklin Spence pinned Adam with a cold
gaze, his perfect lips tightening just slightly with annoyance, and
then he inclined his head, smiling. “I understand. I’ve intruded on
you and come on too strong.” He smiled at Dirk knowingly, his
perfectly manicured hand snaking out to briefly squeeze Dirk’s
forearm. “I have a tendency to do that, don’t I, darlin’.” He shook
his head, laughing at himself. “Dirk’s always telling me that.”
    Maddy and Adam shared a look. It was obvious
from Maddy’s murderous expression that she didn’t like Spence any
more than Adam did.
    “But, in reality, you’d be a fool…” Spence
caught himself as Dirk threw him an angry gaze and rephrased his
offer. “It would be a poor business decision for you not to hear me
out. You see, I think I have a win-win proposition for you, Adam.
If you’ll only listen.”
    “I’m listening.”
    Spence smiled. “Good. Good.” He indicated
the coffee and donuts. “Shall we sit, and have…erm…some
refreshments?” He sat on the pretty brocade couch Maddy had
purchased for the room and Adam looked at the companion chairs.
But, though the furniture was still covered in protective plastic,
he didn’t want to sit on it in his current state. He jerked his
head toward Maddy to indicate she should sit with Spence and he
remained standing.
    She