Page 52 of Corrupted Union

“Rowan, honey. I’m so glad you’re home.” Dad wrapped me in a relieved embrace.

Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Keir’s stare locked with my father’s. Their silent conversation saturated the air with testosterone and tension.

I pulled back to draw my father’s attention, hoping to neutralize the situation. “I’m so sorry to worry you, Daddy.”

“I’m just glad you’re safe. That’s all that matters.” He caught sight of my bandaged hand, his brow furrowing. “What happened here?”

“Just a silly accident.” I waved off his worry, not wanting to explain.

Keir interjected a welcome distraction. “I have a meeting I need to get to, but I’ll return as soon as I finish. We’ll have plenty to discuss.”

My father stared at him with me still tucked at his side before eventually extending his hand to shake. Keir accepted, gave me a small nod, then left us alone.

My knees almost buckled with relief that it was over. The first big hurdle.

Dad must have felt the same. He let loose a breath laden with weariness. “I want you to know, sweetie, that we’ll fix this. As soon as I know you’re safe, I will do everything in my power to help you sever ties with the Byrnes.”

My right hand curled protectively over my left to keep Dad from seeing my tattoo.

Nice try, sis. You didn’t like the idea of erasing Keir from your life. Admit it.

I internally grimaced.

“Is that what you want?” I asked him, sounding smaller than I would have liked.

Dad stilled to study me. “Isn’t that what you want?”

I suddenly had trouble meeting my father’s gaze. “I guess I don’t know what I want. I know you don’t like Keir—”

“It’s not that I don’tlikehim; he’s just part of a different world than us.”

“I know, but I’ve gotten to know him over the past couple of weeks, and … he’s different than I expected.”

Dad stiffened, then ran a hand through his thinning hair. “He assured me you were on board with the marriage, but that’s not really what I thought he meant. Are you telling me youwantto be married to him?”

Oh God. Why was this so hard?

I chewed my bottom lip, trying to find the right words. “I guess what I’m saying is that I don’tnotwant to be married to him, but I know how upsetting it would be for you and Mom …”

Dad stepped closer, his brows narrowed. His eyes trailed over my face with the precision of a laser. “Something’s different about you,” he said softly.

I shrugged a shoulder. “A lot has happened recently.”

His features softened. “Maybe more than I realized,” he murmured, then placed his hands on my arms and brought his gaze back to mine. “I don’t dislike him, Ro. I’ve only ever wanted you to be happy, and if he gives that to you by some strange twist of fate, then I won’t complain.”

“But what about your image? The next election is only a year away.”

He held up his hand to stop me. “Let me worry about that. You’ve always taken on more than you should ever since …” He dropped his eyes briefly to the floor. “Well, you know.”

“Actually, I wanted to talk to you about that, too.”

He pulled me into his side. “Maybe we can do that later. I really should check on your mom.” He placed a loving kiss on my forehead. “I’m so glad you were able to be home for today.” Emotion gave his voice a tremor. Dad wasn’t one to get choked up, so I was instantly on alert.

“Is Mom okay?” I asked, suddenly realizing how odd it was that she hadn’t been present for my return.

Dad’s answering smile was wrought with sadness. It reached a fist between my ribs and squeezed my battered heart.

“You know how hard today is for her, but she’ll be good as new tomorrow. Like I said, it helps to have you here.” He turned toward the hall to the master bedroom, leaving me slack-jawed and reeling.

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