A Hand to Hold

Chapter thirty-three

~ Ronan

*

A jolt of concentrated jealousy ran through me as I witnessed another man embrace my wife. It was a disconcerting experience made worse by Natalie’s expression of delight. Had she ever looked at me like that? My voice of reason fought to overpower irrational emotion by reminding me of the bliss Natalie exuded the moment she saw me arrive moments before.

*

Grant, she’d called him. I’d heard her mention that name before, but I couldn’t remember the context. Grant was nearly as tall as me, with shaggy blonde hair and a scruffy chin, which, I’d wager, made him look older than he really was. He seemed around Natalie’s age but could’ve easily been younger. It unnerved me, knowing I suffered such intense envy over a kid.

*

After he released her, Natalie said, “Grant, I’m so sorry about your dad.”

“Thanks,” he replied. “Coming from you, that means a lot. So many people have said that to me recently, but you are one of the few who actually means it.”

“He was a good guy. A good friend.”

“He always said great things about you. Wouldn’t stop bugging me to ask you out.”

“Same here,” Natalie replied. The kid blushed, and I had to suppress an eye-roll.

*

It suddenly clicked who the boy was just as Natalie said, “Oh, Grant, I’d like you to meet Ronan Ó Ceallaigh.” She turned to me and added, “Ronan, this is Grant Carter.” I shook his hand as she told him, “Ronan’s my husband.” I caught a proud smile from her, effectively soothing my jealousy. It was the first time she’d introduced me as her husband. It made her happy; therefore, it made me happy. I couldn’t pinpoint when exactly my feelings became tied to hers. It should have been worrying… but it wasn’t.

*

“It’s nice to meet you, Grant,” I told him. No doubt Natalie recognized my businessman smile, but it was the best I could muster after the guy hugged my wife right in front of me. Before another word was spoken, my phone rang. “Excuse me,” I said, stepping away to answer. It was disturbing how quickly the two of them settled into conversation without me, but I put it out of my mind to answer Desmond’s call.

*

“What do you know?” I asked shortly.

“Alexi will meet with you,” my investigator informed me.

“Where?”

“Same place as before.”

“When?”

“Now.”

“Shit.”

“Glad I could help.”

*

After ending the call, I realized I had to do the very last thing I wanted— abandon my wife in the presence of another man, if you could even call him that. But I wouldn’t leave without first staking my territory.

*

I returned to Natalie’s side, interrupting their non-stop chatter by gently pulling her by the elbow. “Baby, I’m sorry. Something’s come up. I have to go.”

“But you just got here.” I was elated to hear the disappointment in her voice, even if it meant I’d have to later soothe her irritation, a simple task if I could manage an agreement with the Russians.

*

“I’m sorry, a ghrá, it’s important,” I said. “I promise to tell you all about it later tonight.” Natalie’s ears perked up. She craved being included. “Will you be home for dinner?” she asked optimistically.

“As close to it as humanly possible.”

“Fine, go. I’ll see you later.”

*

Natalie was naive to think I’d leave her so casually, especially when the sharks were circling. I pulled her in for a firm kiss, keeping it long enough to remind her to whom she belonged but short enough to avoid embarrassing her too much. I then said farewell to Grant, noticing he looked a little queasy. Mission accomplished.

*

It set me on edge, leaving my wife with someone I didn’t know and certainly didn’t trust. When I reached my Mercedes, I sent a quick text to Harrison, instructing him to keep a close eye on Natalie and her mysterious friend. I didn’t buy the coincidence of him casually crossing paths with her. I’d stake a decent share of my company that there was more to this boy than he let on.

*

I drove back streets and shortcuts through downtown, avoiding the highest traffic areas, making it to the building Alexi had up for sale in less than twenty minutes. The place was just as deserted as my previous visit. Inside, I spotted Alexi immediately. He was alone, or at least he appeared that way.

***The following conversation is in Russian.***

“Ronan Ó Ceallaigh,” Alexi greeted with a firm handshake. “You went through some strange channels to arrange this meeting. Am I to assume this is about your wife, Natasha?”

“She prefers Natalie.”

“Alas, we cannot escape ourselves, no matter how hard we try.”

“I want to negotiate,” I informed him.

“There will be no negotiating. Not even with the great Irish businessman.”

“You understand, she was only four when her parents died? She has no idea where the money is.”

“She is lying,” he stated simply.

“She’s not. I’d stake my own money on it.” His eyes widened as he responded with a gleeful grin, “You are willing to pay off her debt?”

“I’d argue that it’s not her debt, but yes, I’m willing.”

“Well, why didn’t you just say so.”

*

Alexi straightened his tie and said, “I’d love to take you up on your most generous offer. However, the matter is out of my hands. Konstantin is eager to meet her. But I will pass along your message, Mr. Ó Ceallaigh.”

“You do that. And while you’re at, it let him know I will not stand idly by should he wish to harm my wife.” He sneered as he replied, “I like you, Ronan. You’ve got balls, just like your father.”

*

The Russian stepped toward me and continued, “As a gesture of good faith, I must warn you… there is another player involved.”

“Another player?”

“Unfortunately, I am bound by my word and cannot reveal their identity. But take my advice— don’t trust anyone.”

~~~

I drove back to the office on autopilot, contemplating my brief conversation with Alexi. I had to believe Konstantin valued money more than a grudge toward a girl who did him no harm. But I wouldn’t rest easy until I knew that for certain. And Alexi’s warning brought a new wave of concern. Who else could possibly be involved in this?

*

As I stepped out of my private elevator, I asked Katrina to order me lunch. “I thought you were having lunch with Natalie?” she questioned.

“Something came up.” If Natalie had still been my PA, she would have dropped it. But Katrina was nothing like Natalie.

*

“Nothing came up on this end,” Katrina said. “Where were you?”

“I’ve already promised Natalie an explanation when I get home. I don’t need to explain myself to you. Now, do I need to get my own food?”

“No, SIR,” she replied forcefully. These damn females would be the death of me. If I ever again found myself in need of a new PA, I was choosing a dude.

*

I thought the most stressful part of my day was behind me. However, I’d hardly finished lunch when my lawyer called to prove me wrong. “Jeffrey,” I said upon picking up his call.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Ó Ceallaigh. I’ve delivered the dissolution paperwork to David Price.”

“And?”

“And I was worried the man was going to have a stroke.”

“No, cockroaches aren’t so easy to kill.”

“True. Still, I feel I ought to warn you— when he received the forms, he stormed out of his office saying, ‘We’ll see about that.’ It would seem he isn’t planning to go down without a fight.”

“Thanks for the heads up, Jeffery.”

“My pleasure, Mr. Ó Ceallaigh. Take care.”

“And you.”

*

Immediately following Jeffery’s call, I instructed Katrina not to stand in David’s way when he inevitably showed up. So, seconds after I heard his angry voice roaring through the building, he promptly stormed into my office.

*

I stroked my beard casually, relieved to have it filling in again, and pissing off David more in the process. My calm demeanor personally offended him. “What the hell are you playing at, boy?!” I controlled myself, but internally, I was enraged by his blatant disrespect. “I would have thought that was obvious, David, by the dissolution papers you were served earlier today.”

“How dare you—”

“No!” I boomed back at him, getting to my feet. “How dare YOU?!”

*

Though he did his utmost to conceal it, David was intimidated by the sudden and drastic shift in my demeanor. I moved around my desk, stalking toward the man several inches shorter than myself as I continued, “How dare you threaten my wife and expect there to be no consequences.”

“Is that what the little slut is telling you?”

“Watch it!” I warned as I snatched him by the tie. “Or I will drag you out of this office myself.”

*

I released the tie, flicking the tail end in David’s reddened face. “Your wife was drunk the night of the gala,” he claimed as he straightened his attire. “You might have noticed if you hadn’t been fawning over my daughter. You remember her? The one who should be your wife. Or have you forgotten she loves you? Do you even care? All our plans washed away because you couldn’t control yourself.”

“That’s rich coming from you,” I scoffed, sending him a knowing glare.

*

David cleared his throat and continued, “My character is not in question, Ronan. Your little assistant has been plastered all over the television. Now the entire world knows what she is as well as what you are— a fraud!”

“Your opinion matters little to me. Cynthia and I haven’t had a relationship in nearly a decade, and even then, it wasn’t serious.”

“You’re a liar!”

“And you’re delusional! Yet another reason I am glad to be rid of you.”

*

As I strolled back behind my desk, I calmly stated, “Come near my wife again, and I will have you charged with assault.” David clenched his fists and growled, “You’ve never lost more than you have today, Ronan. This isn’t over. You’ll be on your knees, crawling back to me in a matter of months!” He charged out the same way he’d charged in, slamming the door behind him.

~~~

All afternoon, I struggled to focus on the most urgent matters of business. Once the critical issues were dealt with, I pushed everything else aside, unable to further concentrate on work. Natalie was changing me in ways I never thought possible. Just how far was I willing to go for her? I shook the thought from my head as I grabbed my coat and made my way to the parking garage.

*

I was nearly out of the city when my phone rang. “Hello, Cynthia,” I answered, trying to keep my fury over her father’s behavior out of my voice.

“Ronny, you’ve had a busy day,” she stated casually. She didn’t seem upset with me, but it was difficult to tell with Cynthia. “It has been productive, to say the least,” I replied.

“Unfortunately, due to your desire to part ways with my father, I must tender my resignation.”

“I understand.”

“I’m glad. I cannot go against Daddy, you see.”

“Of course.”

*

“Listen,” I went on. “since I have you on the phone, can you explain why your father is under the very wrong impression that you and I ever intended to marry?”

“Oh, you know how he is when he gets an idea in his head, darling. And it’s not just him, you know. A great portion of society painted us as quite a handsome couple. There is a great deal of upset over your wife.”

“I don’t care what people think, Cyn.”

“Ronny… is she really worth all this?”

“All what?”

“Never-mind. You’ve answered my question.”

“I’ll talk to you later, Cynthia.”

“Bye, darling!”

*

After parking in my garage, I sat silently in my car, considering Cynthia’s last question. Was my wife worth all this? I’d given up my bachelor lifestyle. I’d been leaving work early on a regular basis. I’d severed ties with a man who’d been my father’s friend since he moved to this country. And to top it all off, I was willing to part with millions of dollars— all for Natalie. Was she worth it? I couldn’t come to any other conclusion than… yes. She was.

*

I got out of my car and made my way into the house. Through the side door, I was instantly entranced by the sight I’d walked into. Natalie faced away from the door, cutting vegetables and swaying her luscious hips to the beat of the music coming through the Bose speaker. I leaned against the doorframe and observed the way she worked with genuine contentment. She dumped the cutting board into the pan, making it sizzle, and resumed chopping more vegetables. I couldn’t contain myself any longer. I had to get closer.

*

I quietly shed my coat and suit jacket. Then, I rolled up my sleeves before carefully approaching Natalie from behind and snaking my arms around her waist. Her body jolted in alarm but instantly relaxed when she sensed my presence. “You should know better than to sneak up on an armed woman,” she warned as she continued chopping. My proximity while she worked didn’t seem to bother her. I hoped it was a sign she was becoming more comfortable around me.

*

“I’m armed too, lass,” I replied, offering a demonstration by kissing her sensually behind her ear. I smiled victoriously when she shivered with pleasure. “Ronan, if you insist on distracting me, I’m going to burn our dinner.”

“Marie can handle it,” I said, eager to continue our moment.

“She left already.”

“Why?”

“She leaves at four o’clock every day.”

“She hasn’t been making us dinner?”

“No, I have.”

“Since when?” I asked, taken aback.

“Um, since two days after we married.”

“How did I not know that?” She simply shrugged and said, “I guess it just never came up.”

*

I backed away from Natalie. When she sensed my absence, she looked at me and asked, “Does it bother you?” With no desire to upset her, I had to consider my answer carefully. “Bother?” I repeated. “No. But I wish I’d known.”

“Why?” She resumed her prep work as I answered, “Because I like knowing what’s going on in my house. And I thought I told you to relax after all the work you did on the gala?”

“Cooking is relaxing.”

*

I left Natalie happily preparing dinner while I retreated to my office. I needed seclusion in which to think. I wasn’t mad she’d been doing the cooking. Frankly, I didn’t know what I was. Confused mostly. Because a part of me felt a warmth I’d never known over the sight of Natalie quite at home in my domain, preparing a meal for us. While another part reminded me I’d spent my life avoiding this level of domesticity.

*

How had Natalie overtaken my home without me realizing? Or had I let her? Not ten minutes before, I’d assured myself she was worth cutting professional ties and losing millions for. All of a sudden, I had reservations— over what? The simple act of cooking a meal for me? Why? Because this was edging dangerously close to ‘love’ territory. At least, according to the stories my grandmother used to tell me about my mother. Cooking for my father was an act of love from my mother. Was it the same for Natalie? I hoped not. It would only lead to disappointment.

*

I’d asked Natalie to give us a chance. Surely, she understood I didn’t mean love. We didn’t need love to succeed as a couple. Trust, respect, and faithfulness were enough. Those I could give her. But love I would not allow. I would not put myself in a position of weakness by loving someone. Perhaps Natalie was wise to keep me at arm’s length. What if everything but love wasn’t enough for her? I needed to find out. Because one thing was certain— I would never let her go.

*

A gentle knock on the open door caught my attention. “Hey,” Natalie said as she entered. “Are you okay? You look really deep in thought.”

“It’s been an unusual day,” I replied vaguely.

“Are you ready to tell me why you left me at Antonio’s?”

“Yes, and I’m sorry I left you to eat alone.”

“I didn’t eat alone,” she corrected. “Grant joined me.” What the f**k? While I was busy negotiating with the Russian mob on her behalf, she wasted no time replacing my company.

*

“What’s wrong Ronan?” Natalie asked. I rested my chin in my hand and replied, “What makes you think something’s wrong?”

“Your expression. You look… angry.” I scratched my beard and stated bluntly, “I don’t trust Grant.”

“Why?” The fact she seemed personally offended by my distrust in the kid pissed me off even more. “I don’t believe his run-in with you today was a coincidence,” I stated.

“What else could it have been?” I didn’t answer, and after a minute, she answered for me. “You think he’s stalking me?”

“It’s a possibility.”

*

With obvious irritation, Natalie opened her mouth to speak but closed it when the words wouldn’t come. She thought momentarily, then took a calming breath and said, “Dinner will be ready in twenty minutes.” And she left.

*

I regretted upsetting Natalie, but my theory about Grant needed to be said. If there was any hope for our relationship to succeed, we had to be completely open with one another, even if it was something we didn’t want to hear. We had to know where each other stood about anything and everything, or else this relationship would implode.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~