Page 30 of Frost and Felines

"Tina, please lower your voice," Kieran stepped forward, using his impressive height to try and shield Mallory from his ex's venom. "We can discuss this privately in my office."

"Discuss what? How you apparently got married without telling anyone? How you're parading around with this-" Tina gestured at Mallory, "-this nobody?"

Thunder rumbled outside, matching the storm building in Mallory's chest. She forced herself to take deep breaths, knowing her magic could spiral out of control if she let her emotions take over right now.

"That's enough," Kieran growled, his shoulders broadening as he took another step toward Tina.

Mallory touched his arm. "Kieran, go check on the dining room. I'll handle this."

He turned to her, his blue eyes fierce with protective instinct. "Mallory-"

"Trust me," she said softly, meeting his gaze steadily. After a moment, he nodded, though she could see how much it cost him to walk away.

Mallory turned back to face Tina, who looked ready to continue her tirade. Behind them, she heard Daniel's chair scrape against the floor. Whatever happened next would determine whether their careful performance had been for nothing.

Mallory suddenly gripped Tina's elbow. Her heels clicked against the marble floor as she steered the protesting woman toward the inn's front entrance. Thunder rumbled louder outside, matching the storm of emotions inside her. The silk of her borrowed dress whispered against her legs with each determined step.

"Let go of me! You have no right-" Tina's voice pitched high enough to make nearby guests turn their heads.

"Actually, I do." Mallory's tone remained level as she pushed open the heavy oak door. "As Kieran's wife and co-owner of this establishment, I have every right to escort disruptive guests out."

The icy December air hit them both as they reached the covered entrance. Snow swirled beyond the overhang, creating white curtains that danced in the wind. Mallory released Tina's arm and stepped back, crossing her arms.

"Look," Mallory softened her voice. "I understand you're hurting. Break-ups are never easy, and finding out an ex has moved on can feel like salt in the wound."

Tina's perfectly lined eyes widened, clearly not expecting sympathy.

"But this bitterness?" Mallory continued. "It's not hurting Kieran - it's only poisoning you. Let it go and move forward."

"I..." Tina's shoulders slumped slightly. "You don't understand-"

Movement beyond the snow caught Mallory's eye. Gregory stood near his black Mercedes, his signature false smile firmly in place as he watched the scene unfold. The pieces clicked into place - Tina's sudden appearance during the investor meeting couldn't be a coincidence.

"Excuse me," Mallory said, stepping past a stunned Tina and into the swirling snow. Her bare arms prickled with cold, but anger kept her warm as she marched toward Gregory. Her designer heels sank into the fresh powder with each step.

"Mr. Simmons," she called out, her voice carrying over the wind. "I see subtlety isn't your strong suit."

Gregory's smile faltered. "Mrs. Striker, you'll catch a cold out here without a coat."

"And you'll catch worse if you don't back off," Mallory stopped inches from him, tilting her chin up. "This petty feud? It ends now. The next time you try to sabotage my husband's business, I won't be so pleasant about it."

Thunder cracked loudly overhead, emphasizing her words. Gregory took an involuntary step back, his perfectly greased hair dampening in the snow.

"Are we clear?" Mallory asked, her light blue eyes boring into his.

"Crystal," Gregory muttered, his facade cracking as he hurried into his car where Tina already waited.

14

KIERAN

Kieran balanced the tray of steaming beef stew and fresh-baked bread as he knocked on Mallory's door. He had noticed her ordering it twice this week - clearly a comfort food favorite. After the emotional roller coaster of reliving memories during lunch and then dealing with Tina, she deserved something warm and comforting.

"Come in," Mallory called from inside.

He pushed the door open with his shoulder, finding her curled up in an armchair by the window. Snow still fell outside, coating everything in white. The suite's warm lighting cast a gentle glow across her face, softening the tired lines around her eyes.

"Thought you might be hungry after everything today." He set the tray on the coffee table. "And I wanted to thank you for handling Tina. That could have gone south fast if the investor had heard."

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