Page 52 of Forbidden Grumpy Boss

"Enough," my voice cuts through the silence. "I’m not going to sit here and let you disrespect my fiancée. You want to question the deal? Fine. But Leah? She’s off-limits."

The room feels like it’s holding its breath. Even Caleb is looking at me like he’s not sure what’s happening. Hell, I’m not even sure what’s happening. Am I still acting, or am I genuinely pissed that they’re talking shit about Leah? I can’t tell anymore.

Maybe it’s both.

Henry watches me carefully; then, a slow smile spreads. It’s small, almost imperceptible, but it’s there.

"Well," he says, "at least you’ve got some backbone." He pushes back his chair, standing slowly, his movements stiff and labored. "I think I’ll retire for the evening," he announces. "This old man needs his rest. We’ll talk more about the deal later, Mr. Waverly."

Elizabeth also stands, giving Leah one last piercing look before following her husband out of the dining room. Emma slips out, too, muttering something about a phone call. Kane watches them leave, then turns to me with a raised eyebrow.

"That was . . . bold," he says.

"I don’t appreciate being tested," I reply, sitting back down, though my pulse is still racing. "And I definitely don’t appreciate them going after Leah."

Kane chuckles softly, shaking his head. "You did good, standing up for her. My parents can be difficult, but they respect strength."

“That was rude.” Leah rests her elbows on the table. “Really rude.”

“I’m sorry about them.” Kane presses his lips together. “Is there any way I can make it up to you?”

"Tamara," Leah says suddenly, her voice bright and forced. "Would you mind showing me the grounds? I’d love to see more of the estate."

Tamara blinks in surprise but quickly recovers, smiling warmly. "Of course. Come with me."

I watch as Leah stands, smoothing down her dress, and follows Tamara out of the dining room. I can’t shake the feeling that I’ve missed something. Some shift in her mood, some sign that she’s not as okay with this charade as she pretends to be.

Kane stands as well, motioning for me to follow him. "Let’s have a drink in the study," he suggests.

I follow him out of the dining room, trying to push aside the nagging feeling that this dinner didn’t go nearly as well as Ihoped. The study is just as grand as the rest of the estate, with dark wood paneling, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, and a bourbon decanter on the desk.

Kane pours two glasses and hands one to me.

"Look," he says after a long sip, "I know this is a business deal, but my father’s health is failing fast. He’ll have to step down soon. And when that happens, I’ll honor our agreement. The company will be yours."

I sip the bourbon, letting it burn down my throat. "Who else is bidding?"

Kane shrugs. "I’m not sure, but whoever it is, they’re not as close as you. Just keep doing what you’re doing, and the company’s yours."

I nod, but I can’t shake the unease creeping up my spine. Something about this deal doesn’t sit right with me. Maybe it’s the way Henry looked at me, or perhaps it’s the fact that I’m not sure where the line between business and personal begins anymore.

It’s all sofuckingcomplicated.

Later, back in the massive bedroom we’ve been given, I find Caleb playing cards with Leah. They’re both laughing, their heads bent together. And for a moment, I just watch them. It’s a simple scene, but something about it makes the events of the evening more bearable.

I join them, and we play cards until Caleb gets tired and goes to bed. It’s quiet after that, just Leah and me sitting on the bed, the weight of the evening settling over us.

"Are you okay?" I ask her.

She nods, but she doesn’t meet my eyes. "Yeah. Just tired."

“I’m sorry about them.”

“Don’t be.” She touches my cheek. “We can do this. I know we can.”

“The sooner we do this, the sooner you won’t have to be in situations like this anymore.”

“Mhmm.”

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