Page 68 of Ireland

“Sounds like you let that chance expire,” he said bitterly, his hands on his hips. “And why? Because you think I’ve screwed up somehow? That I’m not doing my job? Or is that I’m just not any good at it?”

“I didn’t say anything even remotely like that!”

“You might as well have! And despite what you think, I could’ve dealt with McCaffrey on Sunday before the clock ran out. Negotiated some sort of extension. It’s not in anyone’s interest to let the company fold. That’s basic business 101.”

“It’s not business for them,” she explained faintly, holding back tears.

“The hell it isn’t! No one lends money hoping they won’t get it back. And if they’ve acquired twenty-five percent, they stand to lose much more than just the loan. You and I evidently have issues to sort through but let me deal with McCaffrey for now. I’ll set them fucking straight.”

“I’m right here to be dealt with.”

At the sound of Ronan’s dangerously calm drawl, Ireland turned toward the door and found him standing on the threshold. His grip on the brass handle was white-knuckled.

Her pulse accelerated into a panicked rhythm. A confrontation between Ronan and her family was inevitably layered. He was the first man she’d ever been involved with to stand in the same room with both her and the people she loved. That he was also their enemy made the encounter even more fraught with danger. She was torn between opposing desires: to stand in front of him protectively and to battle him head-on.

Christopher pivoted to face him. “Who are you?”

“McCaffrey.” Ronan’s gaze was dark and flat. “You can direct your anger at me moving forward, but you’ll be waiting a moment for that. Ireland, may I have a minute of your time?”

“It’s not—” she began.

“Why don’t you just deal with me,” Christopher interrupted.

“I look forward to it.” Ronan’s half-smile was glacial. “But Ireland wields the power here, and I’ll speak to her first.”

She gave him a pleading look, desperate to avoid a fight between the two men. She didn’t think she could bear it.

“I don’t like your tone,” Christopher retorted.

Ireland winced. “Christopher…”

“You won’t like anything about me,” Ronan said flippantly. “Ireland?”

She stood on shaky legs but rolled her shoulders back and lifted her chin. “Come with me, Mr. McCaffrey.”

“Whatever you need to say, you can say to both of us.” Christopher’s arms crossed. “It seems the three of us are the last remaining shareholders.”

Ronan stepped aside to let Ireland pass. “You’ll have my undivided attention when I’m good and ready to give it to you. Best you don’t anger me more than you already have before then.”

She walked toward her office, her stride steadying as her tensed muscles began to ease with movement. Her heartbeat hammered in her chest, the dread of another confrontation spiking her adrenaline.

Ireland wields the power here. He must know now. Her mother had told her about the meeting with Jules and Claudette, which would’ve started almost an hour before Christopher and Ronan had arrived at the offices.

She turned into her executive suite and moved toward her desk, needing to put the substantial piece of furniture betweenthem. Even after leaving the windows open all night, the room still smelled of paint.

“Wait,cher,” he murmured.

The sound of the door shutting and locking turned her around. The dark circles beneath his beautiful eyes provoked something akin to triumphant regret. And wasn’t that just the way it was with him? Her feelings had been chaotic from her first sight of him onstage at Jazzie’s.

She held her ground as Ronan approached cautiously as if she were a skittish mare. Then his arms opened. She stumbled back, her eyes wide. “What are you doing?”

His mouth was a hard, disapproving line, but his gaze was soft with remorse and sympathy. That look, and all the emotions it conveyed, blurred her vision with tears.

“You’ve worn yourself down to the bone,” he chastised softly. “Did you get any sleep last night?”

“You’re looking a little ragged yourself,” she shot back.

“And feeling that way, too. So this hug is as much for me as for you.”

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