“She’s not back. She’s here to quit.”
His words leave no room for debate. Even if I hadn’t come here to give my notice, Mount would have ensured it. I suppose, in some respects, that makes this even easier. He doesn’t want me here, and no one questions the king.
“What?” Keira blurts out the word, her shock clear from her tone. “She’s not going to—” Keira goes silent and stares at me. I don’t know what she’s looking for or what she sees on my face, but her expression falls. “You are here to quit, aren’t you?”
Stupid tears. They burn behind my eyes, like I haven’t had enough emotional turmoil over the past month.
“I’m so sorry, Keira.” I glance at Mount and his chin lifts in approval, giving me the wherewithal to continue. “But I don’t want to leave you in the lurch if you still really need me.”
Keira looks up at Mount, and they have an entire conversation without ever speaking. When she turns her attention back to me, she shakes her head.
“If this is what you need, then that’s what needs to happen. That doesn’t mean I won’t miss you like crazy, but with the extra help we’ve hired, we’ll figure it out. No one will ever quite be able to replace you, though.”
“Are you sure?” I’m not certain how to feel about her easy acceptance, but I decide I’m going to be happy that she’s okay with it.
Keira stands and walks around Mount to meet me in the middle of her office. “I’m positive. Running this distillery is the dream I’ve had since I was a little girl. But just because it’s my dream doesn’t mean it needs to be yours. I’m never going to hold you back or make you feel guilty for leaving to do something else that makes you happy. Do you have a plan?”
I nod. “I do. Valentina is going to hold a showing at Noble Art for my sculptures. I’ve already sold her two, so I have a cushion to live on even if things fall apart.”
“Don’t bank on it falling apart. I saw the piece we sold. You have talent.” Keira pauses. “You know I want one, right? Can you make one that looks like the Seven Sinners logo? I’ll commission it with a deposit and everything. I want to display it in the lobby.”
The tears that were burning behind my eyes get the better of me, and one slides down my cheek. “You do?”
“Absolutely. Inspirational and motivational. I’ll take it whenever you finish. No deadline. Just tell me how much.”
I laugh because it’s the only choice other than bursting into thankful sobs. “I’ll have to get back to you on a price. I haven’t sorted any of that out yet.”
“You ran this business like you were born to it. I know you can run your own like a master. Don’t doubt yourself, Temperance. You’ll be incredible.”
“Thank you,” I whisper.
“You never have to thank me for anything. You saved my ass more times than I can count. I’m grateful to you. Besides, it’s just wonderful to see you smile again.”
Her comment brings me back to the present and everything that has happened in the last few days. A couple of mornings ago, I was a grieving, crying disaster. Today, I’m only a bit of a crying mess. But still, I can’t tell Keira why that is. I can’t tell anyone why that is. At least, not yet.
I glance back at Mount and find him watching me closely. That’s when I remember—he knows.
He freaking knew all along. I have to bite my tongue to stop myself from asking why he would keep something so massive from me.
Instead, I meet his dark stare with my own, and we have our own silent conversation.
Mount:Say anything about your brother or your hit man to my wife and you’ll face the consequences.
Me: You’re a fucking prick, but I forgive you because the two most important men in my life arealive. Suck a dick, though.
Apparently,silent me is a lot more daring than real me.
“Mount,” I say with a nod. “Good to see you.”
He inclines his head. “Glad to see you took my words to heart.”
“I’m doing my best.”
“Keep it up. I’ll expect to see the piece Keira wants commissioned in the lobby within the month.”
Keira whips around to look at her husband. “Six months. I’m not pressuring her.”
“She needs the money, so she’ll get it to you sooner.”