Page 60 of Heated Rivals
She followed him because there was no other option, and nearly tripped over her feet when she saw who occupied one of the chairs in front of the desk.Dmitri. “What are you doing here?”
“Protecting my investment.” His face gave nothing away. No anger. No worry. Nothing.
“Sit down.”
She sank into the open seat, her heart in her throat. There was only one thing that could bring Dmitrihereand put that look on her father’s face.He knows. “Father—”
“I highly suggest you keep your damn mouth shut before you do more damage.” He straightened already perfectly straight papers. “Did you or did you not spend the night with Halloran?”
Theydidknow. She swallowed hard. “I can explain.”
“I don’t need your explanation. Answer the question.”
She dropped her gaze. “Yes, I did.”
The study was so silent, her father’s sigh sounded like a bellow. “In that case, I would like to formally apologize, Dmitri. I had no idea the trouble she was getting into. I completely understand if you’re no longer interested in the marriage pact on the table, but I’d hope that this won’t color our dealings going forward.” He paused. “Though I do have twomore daughters.”
Sloan or Keira married to this shark?Never. Carrigan raised her head. “That’s not necessary.”
“What did I say?” He was so furious that she actually feared he might strike her this time.
“It’s perfectly all right, Seamus,” Dmitri cut in smoothly. “I fully intend to marry Carrigan, and the night’s events haven’t changed those plans.”
She didn’t know whether to be relieved or terrified. Carrigan sat perfectly still, a small, fuzzy animal sensing a predator, knowing an attack was coming but not being able to see what direction it’d be from. She kept silent because what she thought didn’t matter to either man in the room.
Her father raised his eyebrows. “If you’re sure.”
“I am. I find myself quite enamored with your oldest daughter. So much so, I’d like to take her back to New York for the time being until we can finalize wedding arrangements with your wife. I’m sure she’d like the opportunity to plan it at her leisure instead of with a time constraint like the most recent one.”
Panic had black spots dancing across her vision. Leave Boston?Now?She’d thought she’d have more time. “Father, please.”
He ignored her. “That would suit perfectly. Carrigan has proven herself a poor judge of character, and removing her from further temptations is wise.”
Like she was a naughty child being sent to timeout. Or, worse, an invalid incapable of thinking for herself. She opened her mouth but couldn’t make words come out. The feeling of her life spinning out of control around her only got worse as Dmitri stood and shook her father’s hand as if conducting abusiness deal.
Which is exactly what he was doing.
He turned. “It’s time, Carrigan.”
It took her entirely too long to understand what the hell he meant. “You want me to come with younow?” She shot a panicked look at her father, but he was no help. “But I need to say good-bye to Sloan and Keira and—”
“That’s what a phone is for.” Her father’s expression didn’t so much as twitch. “If you’re going to be difficult, I’ll have Mark come in here and carry you out over his shoulder. Why don’t you save us all the indignity of throwing a tantrum and act like an adult?”
He’d just sold her to further his business arrangements, and he wanted her to act like anadult. Only the knowledge that he’d follow through on his threat without batting an eye had her finding her spine and shooting to her feet. “Then, by all means, let’s not make a scene.” Neither man flinched at the venom in her voice.
“Wonderful.”
She ignored Dmitri’s offered elbow and strode out of the room, nearly hitting Aiden with the door as she came out. “I hope you’re happy, big brother.”
His green eyes went wide before he schooled his expression. “What’s going on?”
“Father’s handed me off to Dmitri. So I won’t be your problem anymore.” She ignored the way he flinched and strode for the front door. She wasn’t surprised when Dmitri met her stride for stride without seeming to hurry. She glared. “I expect you to send men over to collect my things before you cart me off to New York.”
“I’ll see it done.”
He was so… unflappable. Stone cold. It made her want to poke at him, but instinct said he’d respondin a wayshewouldn’t like, so she didn’t. Instead, she followed him out to his car and into the backseat. He closed the door, sealing her into the silence of the limo. She started to shake and wrapped her arms around herself to cover up the involuntary movements.
Oh God, what am I going to do?
