6

Amelia was moving forward with her plans for the development of the Carter Estate.

The meeting with Ryder Kane had done little to change her plans. If anything, his refusal to cooperate had made her more determined to move forward. She could tell from his attitude and nonchalance that he was a man who was used to people doing whatever he wanted without argument. He wanted to intimidate her, and nothing irked her more than a misogynistic man who thought he could teach her a lesson. As far as she was concerned, it was going to be the other way around. She might have given him thirty days to vacate the warehouse, but in that time she didn't intend to sit around and wait for him to reconsider.

After breakfast, she contacted her architect and arranged for him to visit the property with a land surveyor. There were several areas they needed to inspect before the final development plans could be approved, particularly the section occupied by the old warehouse. She also wanted a clearer idea of the condition of the surrounding grounds and how much work would be required to prepare them for construction.

By midmorning, a dark pickup truck and a white utility vehicle had pulled into the estate through the main entrance. Amelia was standing in front of her car when the two men got out.

“Morning, Miss Carter,” her architect greeted her, carrying a large leather portfolio under one arm.

“Good morning, Evan.” Amelia greeted, “Thank you for coming.”

“Of course. I had a look at the preliminary plans again last night. There are a few things I’d like to discuss before we start marking out the development areas.”

“That’s why I wanted you here. I’d rather identify any problems now than have them interfere with construction later.”

The surveyor introduced himself as Christopher before opening the rear of his vehicle to retrieve his equipment. Then Amelia led both men towards the grounds, explaining the proposed layout as they walked. The main residence would be renovated and incorporated into the resort, with some of the existing outbuildings converted into administrative and service areas. Beyond that, the plans included a boutique hotel, several private villas overlooking the lake, a spa and wellness centre, and a restaurant that would offer views of the surrounding woodland.

She stopped occasionally to point out specific areas while Evan made notes and compared the property with the drawings in his portfolio. “The villas would work best along this stretch,” she explained, gesturing towards the open ground beyond a line of trees. “That way, guests would have a clear view of the lake without feeling as though they’re too close to the main hotel.”

Evan studied the area before looking down at the plans. “I agree. We might have to adjust the spacing slightly, but it shouldn’t be a problem.”

“What about the access road?”

“We’ll need to widen the existing track and improve the drainage. It should be manageable.”

Amelia nodded, pleased that they were making progress. She had spent considerable time developing the concept for the Carter Reserve, and seeing the plans gradually take shape was a welcome change from dealing with lawyers and stubborn motorcycle club presidents.

They continued towards the far end of the property, where the old warehouse stood beyond a wide stretch of uneven ground. Even from a distance, the building looked out of place against the surrounding landscape. Its weathered brick exterior, tall metal doors and surrounding fence were a reminder that the Iron Vipers had occupied the property for years. Simply looking at it reminded her of a certain tall, dark-haired biker and she frowned, looking away. 

Almost as if she'd summoned him simply by thinking about him, they heard the sound of a motorcycle engine across the grounds and Amelia glanced back towards the warehouse just as a black motorcycle emerged from the driveway leading to it. The rider slowed as he approached, then brought the bike to a stop a short distance from where the three of them were standing.

Ryder removed his helmet. His gaze moved from Amelia to the two men beside her, then settled on the equipment they had brought onto the property. “Morning, Miss Carter.” he greeted. 

Amelia wasn’t particularly pleased to see him, but she tried to keep her expression neutral. “Mr Kane.” she replied, taking in his jeans and buttoned down flannel shirt. 

Ryder glanced at the surveyor, who was busy arranging his equipment. “What are you doing?”

Amelia resisted the urge to ask him what sort of question that was, “Inspecting my property.” She said, placing unnecessary emphasis on the word ‘my’. 

If Ryder noticed he didn't show it. His eyes returned to hers. “I can see that. What I’m asking is why you’ve brought people out here.”

“My architect and surveyor. We’re assessing the land before development begins.”

Ryder looked towards the warehouse. “Development?”

Again, Amelia fought to control her tongue. She hated repeating herself, and there was just something about Ryder that got under her skin. Perhaps it was the way he seemed to stay perfectly calm while he triggered her effortlessly, “I’m not sure why that surprises you, Mr Kane. I explained my plans to you during our meeting.”

“You also gave us thirty days to move out.”

“And I haven’t changed my mind.”

A faint smile touched his mouth, although there was little humour in it. “Neither have I.”

Amelia folded her arms. “Then I suppose we’re both clear on where things stand.”

Ryder looked past her at the two men, who had paused their conversation to observe the exchange. If he was about to start another argument with her, then she was down for it, Amelia thought. When his eyes returned to hers she braced herself for what he'd say next, already trying to figure out what her comeback would be, but he surprised her. 

“Would you like to come in so we can talk for a moment?” he asked. 

She was taken aback by his question, but she recovered quickly, “I don't think so,” she replied, “I think we've said everything that needs to be said, Mr Kane,”

He glanced away from her and smiled. It was only for a moment, but Amelia studied his side profile. Nice sharp jaw he had there, she thought, then caught herself when he faced her again. 

“Okay. How about you come in for a drink?”

She stared at him suspiciously. Was he trying to play nice so he could throw her off whatever he was planning? No way. She was too smart for that. “Thanks, but I'm busy,”

Ryder didn't back down. He nodded towards Evan and Christopher, “I'm sure these guys can handle themselves for a few minutes, Miss Carter,” then he grinned as he let his eyes drift down her cream ribbed, sleeveless top, down to her high waisted blue jeans and tan ankle boots, then back to her face again, “Don't worry. You're safe,”

She was not afraid of him, Amelia told herself, but she could tell that last comment had been his subtle way of telling her that she should be. She had no idea why, but an uncontrollable urge to prove to him that he was wrong surged up inside her. 

She turned to Evan and Christopher, “Keep marking out the property. I'll be right back,” then she turned back to Ryder and lifted a brow, “Shall we?”