Read Aftermath (Dividing Line #6) for Free Online

an iron fist.
    “Something amusing?” said Ryan, leaning against the bar and taking a sip of whisky, enjoying the smooth velvetiness slipping down his throat.
    “Just considering myself lucky you’ve still got your clothes on,” said Mikey, causing Jez to burst out laughing.
    “Let the children have their fun,” said Rachel, giving Ryan a quick kiss, liking the taste of whisky on his lips and wishing she’d ordered one instead of a wine. “Where’s my little godson?” she asked Mikey.
    “He’s staying with Amber’s mum and dad tonight so we can get a good kip for tomorrow,” he replied.
    “We’ve got him a little pageboy suit, he’s going to look so cute,” enthused Amber.
    “He’s only thirteen months old. How’s he going to be a pageboy?” said Ryan.
    “He, well he…” began Amber.
    “Just ignore Mr Grumpy here. He’s still upset about being arrested.”
    “I think I’ve every right to be,” he retorted.
    “Not really. We were guilty, after all.”
    “I…” He closed his mouth when he realised her logic was impeccable and decided to take a sip of scotch instead.
    After one drink both Rachel and Ryan were stifling yawns. The others looked tired too, except for Amber, who was bordering on manic.
    “I’ll never sleep tonight,” she said.
    “Have a scotch, it’ll work wonders,” said Ryan.
    “I hope you and Mikey aren’t sharing a room tonight?” said Rachel. “It’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding.”
    “I’ve booked a single room for tonight while Amber’s in the bridal suite,” replied Mikey. “It’s all sorted.”
    “Where do I need to be tomorrow?” said Rachel. Amber had asked her to be matron-of-honour as she considered her responsible for getting her and Mikey together in the first place.
    “Bridal suite at ten,” replied Amber. “That gives us plenty of time to get ready.”
    “I’ll be there,” she said, taking Ryan’s hand. “Night then.”
    “Night,” they called in unison, making her smile. Her family.
    “This place really is something,” said Rachel as they ascended the dramatic sweeping staircase to the first floor, passing oil paintings, suits of armour and antiques, the old stone walls bloated with history.
    “It is. I’d like to get a guidebook. I expect it has some fascinating stories,” replied Ryan.
    Their room was even more impressive, the centrepiece a massive four poster bed. The latticed windows overlooked stunning gardens and beyond that the woods that blocked out the world, not a road or any traffic in sight.
    “I wonder why it’s called the Blue Room?” said Rachel. “There’s nothing blue in here.”
    “It was probably originally decorated in blue, or there was a blue item of furniture that’s now gone and the name stuck. That’s how rooms like this usually get their name.”
    “You are so clever,” she smiled, sliding her arms around his waist.
    “I have many talents,” he said, kissing her neck, pressing her back onto the bed.
    “There’ll be none of that tonight Mister, I’m knackered.”
    “But…”
    She silenced him with a kiss. “I’m dead on my feet.”
    “Fine,” he sighed, releasing her. “What happened to you always wanting me?”
    “The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” She stripped off her clothes and climbed under the fresh sheets. “Mmmm, lovely.”
    “I know what would feel even nicer,” he said suggestively.
    “Tomorrow,” she mumbled, settling into the pillows. “God this is comfy.”
    Realising he wasn’t going to get anywhere he stripped off and climbed in beside her.
    “Someone’s wide awake,” she said when she felt him pressing against her.
    “Yes and I’ve no way to relieve it.”
    “Poor baby.”
    “It’s going to take me hours to get to sleep.”
    “You’ll manage.”
    “You’re cruel.”
    She gave a languid smile.
    “I hope tomorrow goes off without a hitch,” he said.
    Her eyes opened. “Why wouldn’t it?”
    “It’s a Maguire do. They