Like those things with petals

"I've found the perfect one now. William was too weak," Ryland nodded.

"No, but has a small army that could be useful," Ryland shrugged. "Tom Conrad. Except I broke both of his legs."

Ryland shrugged. "No one will miss him and he can take a lot of pain."

"Well he does but he still tried to crawl away when it was over," Ryland couldn't stop the small smile that crept onto his face.

Ryland blinked and thought about what he'd just said and grunted.

"I guess I haven't changed much," Ryland shrugged.

Ryland let his eyes wander from the book, no longer very interested in it. He decided to see if Victoria had changed any.

Ryland worked his way up, brushing his gaze over Victoria's legs on his way up to her face. He usually believed that female beauty faded far too quickly but he was sure that hers wouldn't.

Ryland's eyes flicked towards the movements and he smiled slightly at the fact that those little wrinkles didn't stay.

Ryland chuckled to himself quietly.

Ryland leaned in and softly kissed her on the temple, quickly moving back to his reclining position as if nothing happened.

Ryland had the faintest hint of a smile on his face. He'd never come across Victoria's expression on anyone male unless it was a boy and it usually didn't last long.

Ryland made himself more comfortable, scooting a little farther from the edge of the bed.