Page 47 of Conail

"You love me--"

"Loved. I'm involved with someone else. She's also carrying my baby." He inhaled sharply as the words came out of his mouth. "Oh Christ." Draining the glass, he slammed it down on the mantle. "I have to go."

"Conail--"

"Go back to the function or go home, it does not matter to me. Goodbye Michelle." He strode from the room without a backward look.

*****

He had no idea he was going there until he got to the turn off leading to the farmhouse. His hands tightened on the steering wheel, and he felt his breath hissing out in panic. What the hell was he doing? What was he going to say to her? He wanted a relationship? Christ! He actually stopped the car on the dirt road and tried to tamp down the nausea rising in his throat. Leaning back, he closed his eyes and took several deep breaths. Touching the button, he let in the chilly air to get rid of the sweat forming on his forehead.

The sounds of hooves clattering reached his ears. He looked out curiously, sitting up straight as he recognized the person hunched over the saddle horn.

The swirl of uncertain emotions he had been dealing with disappeared instantly only to be replaced by absolute terror and then burning anger.

She was out of her bloody mind! Gunning the engine, he made his way through the open wooden gates and arrived just as she was entering the barn. Shoving the door open, he charged in, eyes blazing.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" he was shouting and did not even notice. The anger inside his chest was burning a hole.

"What--"

"You were riding? In your condition and in this weather?"

"I told her--"

He swung around to the man he had not seen standing by a stall. "You allowed her to get on a horse?" Without waiting for a response, he swung back to her. "Are you out of your goddamned mind?"

"I happen to be a damned good rider."

"You're five months pregnant!" he wanted to shake her until her teeth rattled. He could not tell when he had ever been this angry. "Are you that stupid?"

"Watch your--"

"Go to hell!"

Brother and sister spoke at the same time.

Paying them no mind, he crossed to her and took her arm. "That does it. You're coming home with me. Go and pack your bags."

She tried to drag her arm away, but it was useless. And he was dragging her along with him.

"Let me go, damn you."

"You're going in and packing your bag. I'm not asking."

She finally skidded to a stop at the steps, her eyes blazing. Wrenching her arm away, she fisted her hands on her hips. The sweater was blue, and it came to almost her knees and highlighted the swollen mound of her belly. The air around them was charged, almost burning with tension. Maeve standing at the window, watched with interest and excitement.

"I'm not going anywhere, and I certainly do not appreciate you coming here and thinking you can manhandle me. I am not one of your employees."

"In case you have forgotten, I am paying you for a service--"

"Why Conail!" Maeve figured it was time she intervened before they came to physical blows. "How nice to see you." She beamed at him. "I was just making hot chocolate and would love it if you would join us." Taking his hand to ensure he followed her, she led the way to the front door.

"Here we are." She announced as she pulled out a chair for him to sit. "I also made raspberry tarts that will go well with the hot chocolate." She glanced at her daughter who had remained standing and was positively vibrating.

"Why don't you take a seat honey?" She turned to the cupboard to retrieve cups.

"After you've finished eating, you're going to pack, or I'll do it for you." He told her grimly.

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