“See that you do,” he said. “The board has an ongoing interest in reviewing all your contributions. Especially given your new situation.”
That had my attention. “Situation?”
“You’ve recently gotten married. It was announced your brother’s retirement party last night, wasn’t it?” He couldn’t quite mask the acid in his voice at the mention of Brendan, or keep from narrowing his gaze.
Every cell in my body was suddenly standing upright. Despite the fact that I had convinced Laney to come to Boston precisely for this sort of conversation, I didn’t like the way he was mentioning Laney’s existence. I didn’t like him knowing I had a wife at all.
“That’s right,” Dad put in with another sharp glance my way when I didn’t respond. I couldn’t. I was too busy biting back a snarl. “We’re all eager to welcome the girl into the family.”
“How nice. Although perhaps this isn’t the right time for Ronan to step up to this seat,” Huntington said. “It seems like the Black family has been going through a lot of changes overthe last few months. I wonder if it’s time to consider new leadership.”
“Well—ow!” Owen started to speak just before Shea apparently kicked him under the table.
“I don’t think so,” Dad replied. “That’s why we’re holding a reception for the happy couple at The Martin. A proper celebration for my son and his new bride, where the board can get to know them both together. You’ll see that Ronan is becoming the kind of stable, family-oriented man this company needs leading it.” This time, when his gaze met mine, there was no room for a challenge. “Isn’t that so?”
I knew there was only one answer. But somehow I hated to confirm the fact that Laney was here to be paraded in front of these people to make exactly that point. That I was no longer the family fixer, but someone with clean, respectable hands.
Even if my father and I both knew my hands could never truly be clean.
“Yes,” I spoke through my teeth. “That’s correct.” I felt sick to my stomach.
“Well,” Huntington looked between us, clearly trying to evaluate the situation, the tension I couldn’t quite mask. “I look forward to meeting your new wife properly. She must be… something.”
I had to physically grab the arms of my chair to keep from taking the man by the collar and throwing him through the window. “She’s more than something. She’s incredible.”
Across the table, Owen looked genuinely confused. Shea’s eyes popped open in surprise. Liam tilted his head with interest. And my father… just looked curious.
Fuck. With just a few words, I’d said too much.
The meeting finished quickly from there, but I lingered at the table, drumming my fingers on the mahogany as I fought to control my breath.
“Ronan? Are you leaving now, or can I take Shea and your father home before I come back for you?”
I looked up as Mac appeared in the doorway, ready, as ever, to negotiate care of the “principals.” As she exited the room, Shea went out of her way to shove him aside. He didn’t move.
“I don’t need you to follow me everywhere,” she hissed. “I had enough of you last night.”
Mac didn’t even look at her. “It’s my job to keep you safe. Last night, you needed it.”
“Your job is head of security, not my personal babysitter, and definitely not my designated driver?—”
“It’s fine,” I interrupted her squabbling. “Take her and Dad home first. I’ll wait until you get back.”
Their voices faded as they left, but I still wasn’t alone. Owen slid into a seat beside me.
“All right?”
I stared hard at the table. “Fuckin’ peachy.”
“You look like you want to hit something.”
“We’re Blacks. We always want to hit something. We just don’t have the backyard ring anymore to do it.” I gave him a sideways glance. “Plus, I think you’d prefer to keep the rest of your teeth.”
Owen scowled. He hated remembering that I’d knocked out his front tooth when I was eight and he was twelve. “Wouldn’t happen now.”
I opened and closed my fist. “Wanna bet?” I half hoped he’d say yes.
No such luck. “Dad’s just testing you. And he’s showing Huntington that you’re serious.”