by Lisa Oliver
Chapter Seventeen
Asaph was feeling pretty good about things after the stellar night he’d spent with Ronan. He could totally understand Ronan’s urgency once they hit the sheets. His wolf didn’t like the threat Leticia was to their mating any more than Ronan’s did. But he was a lot calmer by the following morning and had taken Ronan to his office, asking Beatrice to order them breakfast. As expected, Beatrice was smitten with Ronan and didn’t bat an eyelid when Asaph proudly introduced him as his fiancé; although she insisted on getting an invite to the wedding. Ronan smirked at him when Beatrice started talking about it, and when Asaph did get his mate alone in the office, Ronan was quick to point out he was a dancer, not a wedding planner, but Enzo would probably cream his jeans at the thought of the job.
“Or we could elope,” Asaph said when Ronan mentioned rainbows, flowers and flying doves. Enzo was apparently a bit over the top when it came to planning things. “I have to go to Vegas next week. We could just get married there, and throw a party at the club when we come back.”
“You want me to come with you on your business trips?” Ronan sounded surprised.
“We’re mated,” Asaph said more firmly than necessary. “I want you with me all the time.”
“Aww.” Ronan came around the desk and Asaph pushed his chair back so Ronan could climb on his lap. “Could get tricky with me running the club and you being the powerhouse business man, but we’ll work something out.” Asaph noticed that was the second time Ronan mentioned words along those lines and he thanked the Fates he had a mate willing to compromise. His human dates hadn’t been so accommodating.
He was rewarding his mate with a long, sweet kiss when Beatrice’s voice came over the intercom. “Mr. Corsairs is here to see you; he doesn’t have an appointment but he says it’s a personal matter that can’t wait.”
Asaph sighed, and glanced at his mate. “Did you want me to leave?” Ronan asked.
“No, sweetness, but it would probably be best if you were sitting in another chair.” Although, Asaph thought as Ronan slipped gracefully off his lap and moved to one of the chairs over by the wall, he had nothing to hide from Leticia’s father, or anyone for that matter. His pre-mated concerns were completely gone and he was determined he wouldn’t shun Ronan or their relationship. He was about to tell Ronan to come back when Corsairs was admitted into the office.
Corsairs snarled as soon as he saw Ronan. “This is a private conversation, Bosch. What’s he doing here?”
“Ronan is my full business partner, as well as my future husband. We were sharing a private breakfast that you’ve rudely interrupted. Now say what you’ve come to say and then get out.”
Corsairs seemed to deflate, and he slumped into the nearest chair looking between Ronan and Asaph as if trying to solve a puzzle. “Since when did you need to take a business partner?” Corsairs asked at last. “You’ve always been head of your own company, you don’t have any stockholders, and you haven’t even appointed a CEO. I thought you were rolling in money. If you needed investment badly enough to take a partner, you could have come to me.”
“This has nothing to do with money. I granted Ronan half of my assets as soon as he accepted my marriage proposal. He and I share everything, it’s an old family custom,” Asaph said, although he wasn’t sure why he was explaining their situation to someone he didn’t even like. “I really don’t see that it’s any of your concern.”
“Have you spoken to Leticia?”
“No,” Asaph said. “Why would I? We broke up weeks ago. I’m due to be married. I know she’s not pregnant by me, so I don’t think she and I have anything to say to each other. I warned you though; there will be consequences if she keeps spreading lies about me.”
“Then who the heck is going to pay for the wedding she’s arranging?” Corsairs blustered. “She’s ordered a ring, a wedding planner; she’s booked a church and all sorts of stuff. There’s a woman there today with a line of designer gowns and she claims you’re paying for all of it. It’s already run into the tens of thousands of dollars.”
Asaph saw red. His wolf snarled, and he felt the hairs on his arms get longer. He was pissed off, and he was sure it showed on his face. He bit back a snarl when Ronan suddenly appeared beside him, a warm hand landing on his shoulder. “I think you should call your attorney, Asaph, don’t you? This is getting ridiculous. If this woman is racking up accounts in your name, surely that’s illegal, fraudulent or something?”
“There’s no need for lawyers, Bosch,” Corsairs said quickly, “I’m sure we can come to some agreement.” But Asaph had a feeling Ronan was right. Although he did have a shit ton of money that didn’t mean he wanted someone else to go spending it on his behalf. He flicked the intercom button and said “Get my lawyer on the phone would you, Beatrice.” He waited for his PA’s acknowledgment and looked back at Corsairs.
“Leticia is your daughter. I understand she’s an adult, but if you can’t stop her from spending my money, illegally as my fiancé pointed out, then I will have her arrested.”
“She honestly believes you’re going to marry her.”
“Where did she get that idea? I haven’t spoken to her in ages. Did you tell her about our meeting last night, and that I already have a fiancé?” Asaph asked but it was clear from Corsairs’ face that he hadn’t and Asaph felt that was probably due to his own dinner companion.
“Leticia showed me a positive pregnancy test. She told me you are the only man she’d ever been with. What was I supposed to think?”
It was on the tip of Asaph’s tongue to repeat he already knew Leticia wasn’t carrying his child – she wasn’t pregnant at all, but of course he couldn’t say that. He also wasn’t rude enough to suggest Leticia hadn’t been a virgin when they’d slept together. He tried to keep calm, and said firmly, “Corsairs, far be it for me to talk about your daughter and our sex life, but believe me, I haven’t been near your daughter intimately in well over three months. If the child was mine, then she’d be showing by now.”
“Her mother didn’t show until five months,” Corsairs persisted. “At least talk to her Bosch, before you go bringing in lawyers and laying complaints. Surely if there is the remotest chance she is carrying your child, then you owe it to her to see this through. Going through life as an unwed mother would break her. She’ll be shunned by her friends, socially ostracized. She’ll never find a husband if she already has a child by someone else. Surely you don’t want that for her. Come to dinner tonight; talk to her. Please.”
Asaph pulled Ronan into his arms, and glared at Corsair. It was times like this he hated that the human species knew nothing of shifters, mating or their incredible sense of smell. “I am already getting married,” he said firmly. “Ronan has agreed to be my life partner and husband, and that’s the end of the matter as far as I’m concerned. I will arrange for Beatrice to post an advertisement to all local businesses that no accounts in my name will be paid unless issued by me personally, and I will advise my lawyer of the situation. Get Leticia to stop this nonsense now, or my next step will be to contact the police. Leticia is your responsibility, not mine, and I would be a lot happier if she stayed out of my way. Now I suggest it’s time for you to leave.”
Corsairs stood and made his way towards the door, but not before throwing a hateful look at Ronan. Asaph felt his wolf bristling and he vowed he would keep a very close eye on his mate for the foreseeable future. He didn’t trust Corsairs or his daughter as far as he could throw them.
Chapter Eighteen
“My gods, it’s the wrong color. Don’t you know the difference between Yale Blue and Oxford Blue? I ordered Oxford Blue. Oxford Blue, you idiot. Ugh. I hate working with amateurs, I tell you, I hate it. Now nothing’s going to match. It’ll all be ruined. RUINED!”
“Enz, darling, are you having a few problems?” Ronan hurried over and pulled his friend into a hug. From the dirty looks a couple of the painters were throwing Enzo, it was clear this wasn’t his first tant
rum of the day and Jeff and Marcos were nowhere in sight. Smart men.
“I just want it to be perfect, Ro. You know me. I gave clear instructions, and these idiots bought the wrong paint. Look at it – just look at it.” Ronan obligingly looked at the partially painted wall his friend was waving at. It was a nice dark blue – very professional and would look lovely with the chrome and wood fixtures that were already in place. He thought quickly about what he could say.
“I’m sure you can make it work, darling. The men have the paint here now, and it’d take hours to get more and repaint what they’ve done. Come on, put that awesome creative mind of yours to work. Give me some old Enzo magic. Let these guys get on with what they’re paid to do, while you work out what little tweaks you can make so it fits your vision. I know you can do this. I’m positive you can.”
“You really think I can fix this?” Enzo was studying the wall behind the painters’ heads. “Hmm,” he said, “maybe some stripes.” Ronan grinned apologetically at the painters, and hurried across to his office. Asaph was already in there; apparently he had papers he wanted Ronan to see.
Bronson was waiting in the office, a tablet in his hand. Asaph had a filthy look on his face, and Ronan hurried to his side, wondering what was wrong. Bronson swung the tablet out of his way, and Ronan stopped, hurt that whatever it was that was upsetting Asaph wasn’t considered his business.
“I’m sorry,” he said, pulling on the voice he used when Angel tried to get him to work extra shifts. “I was under the impression this was my office, and that Asaph was my mate. If I’m interrupting something important, then please, by all means, kick me out of my space and I’ll go find something else to do. Maybe clean the toilets or something. Omega’s work, yes?”
He spun on his heels, so grateful for the extra six inches in height they gave him. He didn’t feel half as powerful in flat feet. But he hadn’t even made it to the door before he heard Asaph say. “I’m sorry, you’re right, we’re mated. You have every right to know. I just didn’t want you to get upset. Bronson, show him.”
Bronson handed him the tablet with a grim look and Ronan looked down to see what all the fuss was about. A newspaper headline glared at him from the screen - HIGH FLYING ENTREPRENEUR TO WED WEALTHY SOCIALITE. Ronan scrolled down the page, scanning the details. From a reliable source…blah, blah, blah…plans been in place for weeks…wedding to be an intimate affair…two weeks from Saturday. And underneath it all was a picture Ronan recognized from his Google search, although this time Leticia had a large ring on the fourth finger of her left hand. Ronan flicked the screen to zoom the picture.
“Photoshopped,” he muttered, noticing the distorted pixels. “Expensive chunk of jewelry.”
“Ronan, you have to believe me, this whole thing is a fabrication.” It was the desperation in Asaph’s voice that made Ronan look up.
“Of course it is,” Ronan said. “You’re a man of honor. Even if you were engaged when you met me, I know you’d have broken things off with her before claiming me. I’m not stupid.”
“I just don’t know what to fucking do.” Asaph slumped in the office chair and Ronan quickly handed Bronson back his tablet before running around to his side. Asaph let him climb up and Ronan settled on his lap. Somehow, both of them got a lot of comfort out of that simple act. Bronson beamed at them.
“You could sue the paper,” Bronson said. “Make them print a retraction.”
“I could, but I don’t want the reporter getting into trouble,” Asaph said. “Did you see the byline? Rudy’s brother. I haven’t got any time for Rudy himself, but Troy is trying hard to make his own way in the world. He could lose his job for this, when he’s done nothing but taken the drivel Leticia and Rudy have fed him and run with it. I don’t want to ruin his career when none of this was his fault.”
“Surely, once the wedding date has come and gone, things will blow over,” Ronan said.
“Yeah, but lord knows how much this could end up costing me,” Asaph said. “You heard her father; she’s spending money hand over fist and all in my name. Now this has hit the papers, there’s no telling what she’ll charge up next. Sugar sticks. I forgot to give Beatrice instructions for that advertisement, but that still won’t be in the paper for another two days.”
“So, you two need to do something that will give the papers something bigger and more interesting to talk about,” Bronson said, leaning forward. “I know you have a tendency to hide out when things get gossipy, Asaph, but I think now’s the time to become a social butterfly. Be seen, with Ronan on your arm. Buy him a fancy engagement ring. Kiss him across the dinner table. All that mushy stuff. Let your relationship be as public as it can be. The papers will lap it up. You’re both photogenic and it’ll be good publicity for the club.”
Ronan felt Asaph stiffen underneath him, and he felt a flash of pain, his insecurities rushing to the fore. Asaph had been brilliant about introducing him to the workers at the club, to his PA and other staff members in his offices. But making a public statement and effectively outing himself was clearly more than Asaph was prepared to do. Ronan was gutted. He thought Asaph had come so far, and was truly prepared to be mated to a man, but clearly he wasn’t.
“Or,” he said, trying to keep the tears from his voice. “You could go on a date with Leticia. Have a huge public fight with her and let that get splashed all over the papers.”
“If I see her again, it’ll be to tear her fucking lying head from her shoulders,” Asaph growled. “She knows I won’t make the paper print a retraction. If I do that, then there will be gossip and she thinks I’ll keep quiet rather than play this out in the press. I don’t know what the hell she’s going to get out of all of this though, when I don’t show up for the wedding.”
“More gossip. More scandal. Face it, she’s already set the ball rolling, and it’s only going to get worse,” Bronson said. “Honestly, I think you need to be seen out with your mate. Yes, the papers will have a field day with the love-triangle concept going on, but without engaging with her personally, I don’t see what else you can do. If the media ask about the wedding announcement, simply say that the reporter got the name of the groom wrong. You don’t actually have to come out and say that you’re gay. Just be seen with your partner, and let people make their own conclusions.”
Ronan stood up, and moved away. He could feel how tense his mate was and could only guess it was because the man never intended on coming out beyond the people he was close to. A part of Ronan died in that moment and he couldn’t stay with two stronger wolf shifters and let them see his weakness. He knew better than that.
“I’ve got things to do,” he said, forcing a modicum of strength into his voice. “I’m in full agreement with whatever you decide to do Asaph, but until you’ve made up your mind, then it’s best that I not be here. You’re bound to attract paparazzi now this article’s public and clearly you don’t want to be seen with me. I’ll catch you later. Bronson.” Ronan nodded sat the stunned shifter, and quickly left the office. He checked his pocket for his wallet and headed straight for the door of the club, ignoring Enzo’s yells.
Fortunately, there was a cab outside the club, and Ronan got in, giving the driver his home address. Yes, he and Asaph talked about him moving into that lavish mansion, but right now he needed the comfort of his own apartment and his own things around him. He laid his head back on the seat and pressed his lips together, thinking hard.
None of this was Asaph’s fault. Ronan knew that. Leticia had some bee in her bonnet, probably because Asaph was a very good catch financially and socially. Her email mentioned the idea of a business merger, and Ronan knew enough from reading celebrity stories in the media, to know that marriages of convenience were made all the time in the human world. Asaph was a workaholic. Being married would give him a permanent date on his arm whenever he needed one, and Leticia definitely looked the part. She could also give him children, which would make Asaph more business credible. Apparently family men were seen as
more trustworthy.
He claimed you, so they wouldn’t be having children even if they did marry, his inner wolf reminded him. Yes, but he doesn’t want me by his side at social functions and she’d be a good fit for that, he argued back. Ronan thought about what Asaph said about his trip to Vegas the following week. At the time Ronan thought it sounded like a fun idea, especially if they did get married as Asaph suggested. He’d never been to Vegas, and in his head he’d dreamed of Asaph showing him around, and treating him like a full partner, husband and someone he cared about.
More likely I’d be stuck in a hotel somewhere, while Asaph was conducting business, expecting me to keep his bed warm for when he got home. Ronan didn’t like that idea at all. He’d been busy his whole life – friends, his dancing. Now he thought he had a club to run as well. But somehow, sitting in the cab, none of that seemed to matter. All he could think was that he’d always be an appendage in Asaph’s life, and from the looks of things, a dirty little secret at best.
“We’re here,” the driver said. Ronan nodded his thanks, giving the driver a hefty tip. Dancing. He needed to dance. Maybe then, when his body was tired and his heart wasn’t hurting so much he could think.
Chapter Nineteen
“Fucking Leticia, if I ever get my hands on her, I swear I’ll kill her for upsetting my mate like that.” Asaph had been furious before. Seeing his poor mate’s face as the man walked out of his own office was like a knife to his heart. He knew he should follow Ronan, see to it that he was all right, but he was so pissed off he wasn’t sure he should leave his chair. His wolf was riding him, wanting out, and the big beast wasn’t easy to control it seemed, especially when his new mate was involved.
“Er, actually dude, if you’re going to kill anyone for upsetting Ronan I suggest you look in the mirror. I thought your omega handled the newspaper article brilliantly. I didn’t scent a whiff of pain or upset until you made it plain you weren’t prepared to be seen in public with him – which was a brilliant idea, even if I do say so myself.”
