Page 102 of The Rogue's Runaway Bride
And he didn’t know if he could ever repair the damage he’d done.
And now, sitting in his office, he leaned back in his chair. Catching his reflection in the plate-glass window, he looked every bit the part of the proper, successful man of industry.
Man of industry.Since he’d been a lad diligently applying himself to the dry curriculum deemed necessary for his success in the world, his father had applied the term to him. For so many years, he’d promoted the image of the man he expected his son to be.
Jon, you are my heir. Someday, this will all be yours.
His father’s voice played in his thoughts. He’d wanted the best for him. In his heart, Jon knew that truth. But had his reluctance to question the path set before him when he was still a boy been a mistake?
“Well, Jon, why am I not surprised to find you here?” His sister’s sharply enunciated question startled him so, he nearly tumbled backwards out of his seat.
He turned to her, affecting a bored expression. “Might I ask who let you in?”
“Will you be upset with them?”
“That goes without saying,” he said.
“In that case, I shall not betray their trust.”
“I’ve no doubt it was Bennett. You’ve always been able to twist the man around your little finger.”
She flashed an impish grin. “I must admit, itisa talent. But that isn’t why I’m here.”
“An excellent point. So, why have you ventured away from your doting husband to pay me this unexpected visit?”
“I’ll have you know Finn is in the building. He stopped to chat with Mr. Bennett. Besides, I wanted a moment alone with you.” Macie took a step back, folded her arms at the waist, and sent him a glare. “I wanted to say—and I will keep it brief—that of all the blockheaded things you’ve ever done, this mess you’ve made of things with Belle takes the cake.”
“Blockheaded, eh?” Jon came to his feet. “I’ve always said the money Father paid for your fine education might’ve been better spent at the racetrack. Marital bliss has not tempered your colorful way with language.”
“I would tell you what you might do with your observation, Jon. But Iama lady.” A thin smile played on her mouth. “Besides, I would not take the chance that my babe might overhear something shocking before she’s even born.”
“She?” Jon cocked a brow. “Wishful thinking?”
“Intuition,” she countered. “But don’t attempt to change the subject. I am here on a mission of mercy.”
“Awhat?”
Her smile widened. “Precisely what I said—a mission of mercy.”
“What in blazes are you saying?”
“You already know why I’m here, Jon. You’re my brother, and I will not bite my tongue while you make the most colossal blunder of your life.”
“Would you like to sit?” Jon motioned to a chair. “Or do you prefer to stand while you lecture me?”
“I will stand, thank you.” Macie clipped the words between her teeth, as she did when she was fit to be tied. “This is not a lecture. But you need to hear the truth.”
“She’s right,” Finn said as he marched into the room and closed the door behind him. “If ye have a brain in that thick skull of yers, ye’ll listen.”
“So far, she’s informed me that I’m a blundering blockhead. What’s next?”
“I suppose dolt will do, but I’d envisioned an even more colorful term.” A hint of a grin tugged at her mouth. But then, the smile faded, replaced by a look of concern in her eyes. Blast it, he hated it when his sister looked at him like that, with that look of what seemed almost like pity.
“What is it, then, Macie?” He leaned against his desk, stretching out his legs as he folded his arms over his chest. “Belle and I have discussed this matter, I’ll have you know. She has agreed to wait for me in New York. I shall meet her there, after this deal is done.”
Macie slowly shook her head. “It all sounds so very civilized, Jon. The way you tell it, it’s as if the two of you sat down and negotiated yet another deal.”
“What would you have me do?” He searched his sister’s face. “Shall I abandon my responsibilities in favor of...”
