Divided Loyalties Read Online Free PDF Page A

her neck before pulling out of her and fastening himself up.
    Slowly she straightened up and adjusted her clothing, feeling all warm and satisfied.  She fixed his tie, which had been knocked off-centre.
    “I wasn’t expecting that,” he said.  “You took me by surprise.”
    “Isn’t that the secret of a long and happy marriage?  Keeping everything fresh and exciting?”
    “If it is then I’m all for it.”  He pressed a hand to her abdomen.  “And soon we’ll have our baby.”
    She nodded and hugged him tightly.
     
    Ryan was enjoying the party Jez had arranged for him.  Present were the cream of the Manchester underworld, who were all congratulating him on his release and were anxious to remain in his good books, especially now the Laws were working alongside the Maguires.  Despite the bad blood between their families Ryan could see the sense of working with them.  The last war had ended with terrible losses on both sides.  Now Ryan only had one brother left and he was determined not to lose him.
    He had been watching Jez carefully, who he’d just realised was a changed man.  Gone were his scruffy clothes and unkempt hair, replaced by an expensive suit, Rolex watch and immaculate grooming.  Ryan had just realised how good looking his brother was, with the same dark hair and narrow grey eyes as himself.  Everyone treated him with respect, eager to ingratiate themselves with him.  He was a man of power, to be feared and respected and Ryan couldn’t help but be proud of him.
    Ryan was distracted by a busty blond snaking her arm around his waist.  She was nowhere near the calibre of Rachel Maguire but he’d been surrounded by men for the last six months so he had a lot of pent up sexual energy to get rid of.  She’d do for that.  As he kissed her, thrusting his tongue into her mouth aggressively, he closed his eyes and imagined it was Rachel, recalling her scent and taste with perfect clarity.  He’d thought about her non-stop since the day they met.

CHAPTER 4
     
    The first meeting with Ryan Law in attendance was held at the Maguire warehouse, which acted as their base of operations and was a heavily fortified compound where they could be sure they wouldn’t be overheard.  Danny, learning from his dad’s paranoia, had it regularly swept for bugs. 
    The meeting was a tense one because Danny had recruited the four Sugar brothers, who were deeply loyal to their family.  However Ryan had murdered their older brother, Alan, during his attempt to set up the Maguires and everyone was a little nervous as to how they’d take to working alongside him.
    When Ryan walked into the room followed by Jez the atmosphere was charged and Danny glanced at the Sugars who, despite the dangerous looks in their eyes, kept themselves under control.  When it became apparent that they weren’t going to attack him, Danny got to his feet to shake Ryan’s hand.
    “Welcome back Ryan.  I’m very glad to have you here.”
    Ryan quickly assessed Danny.  He’d definitely changed; he was stronger, tougher, smarter and looked every inch the businessman.  The oaf he used to know who hurt Rachel had gone.  Frank’s true heir. 
    “I’m glad to be here,” he replied, casting a glance at Rachel, which didn’t go unnoticed by Danny.  “I want to say thank you for taking Jez under your wing.  He’s got me up to speed and I’m impressed.  The businesses are thriving and he’s come out of his shell.”
    “It was no bother, he’s got a good head on his shoulders.”
    “I’m sure that together our families will do great things.”
    “We certainly will.  Please, take a seat.”
    Ryan took the chair directly across from Danny, eyes sharp and taking everything in.
    Rachel was glad to see that Ryan’s second stint in prison hadn’t changed him.  He was still brimming over with confidence, his presence powerful and commanding.  Although she hated to admit it he looked better than ever with his thick dark hair,