Page 86 of Tempting Irish

“That was rude,” I say, trying to peel his fingers away, which only makes themtighten.

“He was flirting withye.”

“So?” I push, wanting some acknowledgement of the fact that he’s jealous, and needing to know what itmeans.

Owen grunts, his posture tense, and his jaw muscles clenching and unclenching as he looks down at mebroodily.

“What’s yourproblem?”

“I don’t want ye talking tohim.”

“He seemed nice. And isn’t he one of youremployees?”

“He’s aletch.”

“A letch?” I say, both browsrising.

“A player.” There’s clear frustration in his voicenow.

“I know what a letch is. So, what? Isn’t that part of being with the band?” I say, only halfjoking.

He grunts, a mess of emotions storming behind hiseyes.

“You said yourself you only promise onenight.”

His nostrils flare. “At least the women I’m with know what they’re gettinginto.”

“Yeah. I guess we do.” I hold his gaze, doing my best not to let the hurt creep into myexpression.

Owen mutters a curse under his breath and drags his hand through his hair,wincing.

One of the security guards, or at least that’s what I assume the guy is with his black suit, sunglasses, and earpiece, says something to Owen that I can’t makeout.

“All right.” he responds, before turning back to me with afrown.

“What’swrong?”

“Nothing. We should take our seat.” He places his palm on my lower back and starts to lead me to the front of thechurch.

If I was worried that he was upset with me earlier, I have no doubt he is now. Tension boils around us, tugging and pulling at my already frazzledemotions.

“I thought you’d be standing up with Aiden.” I sit in the hard pew, sliding over to make room for him, hoping light conversation will pull him out of hismood.

“Shane is,” he grumbles, tugging at his tie. “This whole thing isnonsense.”

“Just because you don’t believe in marriage doesn’t makeit-”

“Never said I didn’t believe in it.” He pins me with a hardlook.

“You justsaid-”

“They’re already married, that’s what I meant. Standing in front of a priest isn’t going to make it any morereal.”

I chew on the inside of my lip, not understanding his mood. Maybe it’s about Emer, and his feelings for her. That’s the only thing that explains his split personality from last night totoday.

“Hey,” Cillian says as Owen and I shift over so he can take a seat beside his brother. “It’s going to be a nightmare to get out of here when this is over. The paparazzi have the damn churchsurrounded.”

Owen just grunts, causing him to look at me with an archedbrow.

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