Page 52 of Tempting Irish

Chapter 15

Owen

Amessof confused emotions twist in my stomach. All this time, Emer thought my note—the words I poured from my heart—were from Aiden. But that’s not what I’m most upsetabout.

What irks me the most is that Bree lied,again.

The rational part of my brain reminds me that she was just a kid when she did it. But I can’t help but wonder what else she’s lying about. Or what other secrets are just waiting to be uncovered. Something in the back of my head warned me that she would bring trouble, and I wasright.

I pace the hotel foyer, knowing I just made a bigger jackass of myself by storming out of the restaurant than if I’d just laughed the damn thing off. But I’m pissed. And more confused now thanever.

I didn’t sleep last night with all the thoughts of Bree spinning in myhead.

Temptingme.

Tauntingme.

And the pressure of a migraine squeezing inside myhead.

I catch a glimpse of Agnus walking towards me. I mutter a curse under my breath and turn towards theelevators.

“Don’t even think about walking away from me,boy.”

Hand ready to hit the elevator button, I curl my outstretched fingers into fists and turn to meet her hardgaze.

“If this is about the letter. I wrote it a long time ago. It doesn’t meananything.”

She purses her lips, eyes narrowing, then sighs. “I see the way ye look at thatgirl.”

“Emer’s like a sister tome.”

“I wasn’t talking aboutEmer.”

I start to correct her, but she clucks her tongue at me. “I may be old, but I’m notblind.”

“I love ye, Agnus. But I don’t need ye meddling in myaffairs.”

“So, it’s an affair, is it?” She raises aneyebrow.

“That’s not…” I drag my fingers through my hair and glance around at the curiousonlookers.

I hate making a scene, but Agnus seems intent on doing justthat.

Taking in a steadying breath, I close my eyes and tilt my head to the ceiling, knowing I’m not going to get out of thisconversation.

“Ye have feelings for her,” Agnus says, studyingme.

“I barely knowher.”

“I knew my Danny for three weeks before he asked me to marryhim.”

“Jeezus, Agnus, I’m not marrying her. I’m not marryinganyone.”

She snorts. “Ye might be able to fool yerself, thinking ye’re like Shane, but ye’re not. Ye’re miserable byyerself.”

“I’mnot-”

“Maybe Beatrice isn’t the one ye’ve been waiting for.” Agnus continues, ignoring my obvious frustration. “But ye’re never going to find out unless ye stop fooling yerself by thinking ye’re in love with mydaughter.”

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