A Hand to Hold

Chapter eight

~ Ronan

*

Natalie looked at me as though I’d lost my mind, and who knows, maybe I had. All I knew was we were both in desperate situations. My grandmother’s earlier visit was still fresh on my mind. Over the past year, she’d worked tirelessly to find the ideal wife, only for me to reject every option she’d presented, claiming they weren’t the right fit. She was at her wit’s end. However, her anger wasn’t directed at me, though it sure seemed that way at the time. Her anger and frustration came from a place of concern as my deadline loomed.

*

“Mr. Ó Ceallaigh—” Natalie began, but I immediately cut her off. “It’s Ronan, please. If we’re discussing marriage, you should at least use my first name.”

“WE are not discussing marriage; YOU are! The only thing I wish to discuss is whether or not you’ve gone completely insane.” To say she was flustered was an understatement. My proposal may have been impulsive, but that didn’t make it any less sincere.

*

A slamming door from down the hall gripped my attention and reminded me of the urgency of Natalie’s situation. “We need to go,” I said. “We can argue about whether or not I’m crazy—”

“Which you are,” she interjected.

“And you can rant all about it once we’re no longer standing in the middle of a crime scene.”

*

Natalie stood and looked around. In that moment, I felt for her. It didn’t matter how much money a person had, when your home was invaded it was impossible not to feel that violation down to the bones. “I know I don’t have much,” she said meekly, “but I want to salvage what I can.” With a nod, I responded, “Let me make a call.”

*

Out in the hallway, I called Enrique, my head of security, and gave instructions for him to bring a crew to Natalie’s address, pack up her belongings, and deliver them to a vacant office in my building. Once I finished delegating, I returned to Natalie. She bustled around the tiny apartment, gathering items of most importance and filling a large canvas duffle bag. She’d haphazardly tied up her long blonde hair. A few rogue hairs had escaped, framing her face. I knew she’d done it out of convenience, but paired with her elegant work clothes, it made her look immensely desirable.

*

Could I do this? Could I make this woman my wife? Could I live with her day in and day out, forsaking all others? Fidelity would be part of the deal no matter what. I refused to be humiliated by an unfaithful wife. And if I expected it from her, she damn well deserved the same from me. But I was getting ahead of myself. She hadn’t agreed to anything yet. She was still under the impression I had a screw loose.

*

After Natalie zipped her bag, I took it from her, saying, “I’ve taken care of the rest of your things.” She gave me a curious look and asked, “What do you mean? How?”

“Do me a favor, lass. Just trust me. Now, let’s get out of here.”

*

Back in my car, I steered out of Natalie’s lot when she asked, “Where are we going?”

“The office,” I answered. She had no response, which was good because my thoughts were so loud I didn’t have room in my mind for conversation. As I drove, I asked myself why this idea hadn’t occurred to me sooner. Natalie had been working wonderfully alongside me for over a year, which proved not only could we get along, but I genuinely enjoyed her company. I’d always found her appearance captivating, and judging by her smile that morning upon seeing my haircut, she found me attractive as well.

*

The closer we came to the office, the more resolute I became in making her my wife. It was hard to believe how close I’d been to the ideal woman while wasting so much precious time scouring the country. Natalie possessed every quality I sought in a wife, plus a few that came as a bonus. She was kind, intelligent, hard-working, adorably quirky, innocently sweet, and even, at times, funny. Not to mention, she was also savvy. That trick of hers with the money in the jacket was dead clever. And the cherry on top— Móraí would adore her. Honestly, how did I not come up with this plan months ago? Everything must happen for a reason. If I’d made the proposition sooner, Natalie would’ve surely turned me down flat. The woman had standards, yet another reason I wanted her. Even now, backed into a corner, there was still a good chance she would refuse me. My entire future rested on convincing my assistant to marry me.

*

The return trip to the office took a bit longer due to dinnertime traffic, as many popular restaurants were located along the route. “Are you hungry?” I asked Natalie. She shook her head in response. She looked beat. Her entire life had been upended, not just her apartment. I wanted to be kind and supportive, but I couldn’t afford to be. I had to use this situation to my advantage. I needed to make her see the fear and danger she’d be facing… unless she married me.

*

Finally, having reached my building, we made our way to the top floor. When we entered my office and closed the door, she promptly removed her shoes and made herself comfortable on one of the cream suede sofas. They used to be black leather, but Natalie had convinced me to swap them out for suede, claiming the difference to be more inviting. She was right. The new furniture suited the room much better. How long had she been improving my life without me realizing? I’d make it my mission to do the same for her.

*

I reached into my chocolate stash and brought a piece to her, saying, “You should eat something.”

“Thanks.” She accepted but placed it on her lap. I couldn’t say I blamed her. If my home had been destroyed, I doubt I’d have an appetite either. I would have flown into a rage, scouring the city until I found the bastards who would dare commit such an offense. But I’d always had a bit of a temper. It was the Irish in me.

*

I removed my suit jacket, loosened my tie, and asked, “Now, will you hear me out?” Natalie looked up at me through her long eyelashes and replied, “You haven’t come to your senses yet?”

“On the contrary. I plan to make you see sense.”

“Alright, I’ll hear what you have to say,” she said with uncertainty, “but that in no way means I’m agreeing to anything.” I nodded in acknowledgment, took a deep breath, and began the biggest, most important pitch of my life.

*

“You know, better than I, how much danger you’re currently in. I can protect you from Alexi. At the moment, you are nothing more to him than a single woman, living alone, defenseless, and easily accessible. However… as my wife, you’d be untouchable. I have extensive private security and the means to hire you a personal bodyguard if needed. You would never be safer than as my wife.”

*

I could see the wheels turning in Natalie’s head. My argument made sense, and she knew it. “Why would you do all that for me?” she wanted to know.

“I’m glad you asked.”

*

I rolled up my sleeves, sitting on the opposite sofa, as I began explaining my own predicament. “You know my father created OCE, right?”

“Of course.”

“And that he passed away last year.”

“Yes…” she replied, her voice trailed off hesitantly.

“Well, the last will and testament of my oh-so-loving father states Ó Ceallaigh Enterprises will only officially and legally belong to me if I have married before the third anniversary of his death.” Natalie’s mouth fell open in surprise. I’d withheld a crucial detail because it would not have served my cause. We could discuss babes after we were married.

*

“That’s archaic!” Natalie exclaimed in disbelief. Her outrage on my behalf was touching. “I can’t believe your father would do that to you.”

“He believed the company would be in safer hands with a married couple.”

“What happens if you stay single?”

“Ownership transfers to my sister and her husband.”

“Are you serious?” Her eyes grew wide.

“Unfortunately, yes.” I leaned back comfortably on the sofa, with my arms outstretched along the top, while I watched Natalie process the information.

*

“But, wait… it’s already been over a year,” Natalie pointed out. “Have you been hunting for a wife all this time?” I nodded and replied, “Now you know why my grandmother and I have been arguing. She’s been helping me find a bride. Well… trying to.”

“It begs the question, though, why me?” she asked. “You still have enough time to find someone fitting, and with your grandmother’s help, you needn’t settle for me.”

“Haven’t you been paying attention? She’s been trying to set me up, unsuccessfully, for over a year. Besides, I’m not settling for you; I am choosing you.”

*

Natalie’s eyebrows once again lifted in surprise. Was it really all that shocking that a man like me would desire her? Clearly, she was not very self-aware. “But why?” she asked. “There’s nothing special about me. There must be a line of women who’d sell their soul to marry a handsome and powerful billionaire.”

“You think I’m handsome?” I replied with a smirk.

“Don’t change the subject,” she chastised. I chuckled softly and replied, “You’re right; there are plenty of women more than willing to be the next Mrs. Ó Ceallaigh. However, I’ve yet to find one I’m willing to be linked to for the rest of my life.”

“Again, it begs the question, why me?”

“Natalie, do not belittle yourself. You are nothing like the socialites my grandmother has been trying to set me up with. Please understand, and I mean this as the highest compliment, you are different from any woman I’ve ever met.”

“How so?” she asked timidly. The woman really was starved for compliments, and I’d happily oblige if it got me closer to my goal.

*

“For starters,” I said, “you already know I’m a workaholic.”

“That’s true,” Natalie admitted.

“Any other woman would no doubt have certain expectations of me. Expectations that I’m unable to meet, such as my time and attention.”

“Candace says you can’t commit to marriage because you’re already married to OCE.”

“She’s right. OCE will always be my top priority. You understand this about me. Which makes you prime wife material.” It was paramount she understood, though I’d never give her cause to regret accepting my proposal, the business would always come first.

*

I stared at Natalie as she fiddled with the tail end of her long hair while mentally thinking things over. She no longer seemed outright opposed to the idea but rather tempted by my offer. I’d always had a gift for reading people, and in that moment, Natalie strongly considered accepting. But what came out of her mouth next had me scrambling.

*

“What kind of marriage are you proposing exactly?” Natalie asked. With a perplexed expression, I responded, “What do you mean?”

“I mean, is this going to be an open marriage?” I blinked, surprised by her direct question. I cleared my throat and answered with a firm, “No.”

“But, what if we’re not… compatible?” She was so endearingly modest. As the topic of conversation ventured toward s*x, her cheeks grew red from embarrassment. I gave her one of my most charismatic smiles and replied, “I’m confident we would be.”

*

“You’re banking a lot on this confidence of yours,” Natalie said with a doubtful look. “I am not so certain. The only relationship we’ve had up to this point has been a working one. We aren’t in love… hell, we aren’t even dating. What makes you so certain you could be faithful?”

“Oh, you’re worried about my fidelity? That’s sweet.”

“Well, you are the one with more… let’s say, experience. How do I know your attention wouldn’t wander? You’ve never been with the same woman twice. That doesn’t inspire confidence that you can be satisfied with one woman.” I didn’t think it helpful to correct her, but truthfully, I had been with a woman more than once, only it didn’t end well.

*

“You needn’t worry about my faithfulness, lass,” I stated. “I loathe infidelity.”

“Ok, then what about me?” Natalie surprised me by asking.

“What do you mean?”

“What if I am not satisfied with you in bed?” I let out a sharp laugh and responded with a seductive smile. “That’s not even a possibility.”

“Geez, have you always been this full of yourself and I’ve just never noticed? You seem awfully certain in making me fall in love with you.”

“Who said anything about love?”

“It’s called ‘making love’ for a reason. Love is kind of an important element.”

“Sometimes it’s called making love. Sometimes it’s called f*****g. And friendship is plenty good enough for fucking.”

*

Natalie’s sudden aversion to meet my gaze was adorable. God, she was the sweetest, and I needed her. She’d done all she could to dissuade me, all the while only making me want her more.

*

“Is that what we have?” she asked, still staring at her hands. “Friendship?” I thought before I replied, “We’ve known each other for over a year. I care for your safety. And you brought me a birthday present. If that’s not friendship, I don’t know what is.”

“Oh my goodness!” she exclaimed. “It’s still your birthday!”

“For a few more hours anyway,” I confirmed.

“You probably had plans tonight, and my drama ruined everything,” she said, genuinely regretful.

“I had no plans tonight, Natalie. Trust me, you haven’t ruined anything. And at least I can honestly say this is a birthday I won’t forget.”

*

Natalie began sliding her pendant back and forth on its chain, deep in thought. I knew she was replaying the day’s events in her mind and giving my offer due consideration. Silence at the right moment was a tactic of mine when making deals. I didn’t need to say anything more at that point. She was sold; I could see it written on her face. The only question was, would she admit it?

*

When Natalie met my eyes again, she asked, “Aren’t I too young for you?”

“Now you’re reaching for reasons to say no,” I claimed.

“I just want to be certain you’ve really thought this through.” I shifted to the edge of the seat, leaned forward, and clasped my hands. “Natalie, you know how I am in business. When I make a decision, I move forward. I rarely doubt myself.” I let that sink in for a moment before I continued, “There’s less than ten years difference between us. That’s not an issue for me.”

“Is that what this is? Business?”

“Business is all I know. That’s not all this is, but it’s a good place to start.” There it was, the hope she sought. I’d effectively addressed all her fears and concerns.

*

When Natalie failed to raise another argument, I seized my chance to close the deal. I slowly got to my feet and maneuvered myself directly in front of her, sitting on the marble table. My knees butted up against hers, and I reached for her hands as I looked into her green eyes and calmly asked, “Natalie Norris, will you marry me?” Her barely audible response came out on an exhale. “Yes.”

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