Bronagh Chapter 9
Cathal was in a foul mood. And it was all due to my insistence that I had to leave the safety of the commune to go to a business meeting.
He argued that I could postpone it. When I said I couldn’t, he then suggested I do it via a video conference, which I shot down.
It was hard to show someone designs over the computer.
Finally, he’d given in. I’d been astonished when he did.
I knew I’d have at least one bodyguard assigned to take me and remain nearby.
I was prepared to take him or her. We were meeting in a very public place.
Someone would have to be nuts to try something there.
And I reminded him that the presence of the O’Sheeran bodyguard would be a deterrent, even if we hadn’t announced our engagement yet.
We were trying to wait until just before the wedding, or even until we announced that we were married, and that was it.
I was fortunate that when Presley packed my clothing, she thought to include a couple of dressier outfits along with coordinating shoes.
A man wouldn’t have thought of that. As for jewelry, I could do without it.
Mine had been locked up at my place, so there was no way Presley could’ve accessed it.
However, this morning, Ashlynn had dropped by and handed off an understated gold necklace, bracelet, and earring set that would coordinate with any business outfit without being garish. They were tasteful.
I thanked her and promised I’d return them after my meeting.
The whole family knew I was going to a dinner meeting because Cathal had complained about it in front of them.
She had insisted I keep them as a gift. I tried to say no, but she informed me that she wouldn’t take them back. Then she gave me a hug before she left.
I’d talked to Dad at the beginning of the week, and we were due to speak again on Sunday.
He was reserved about exactly what he was doing, but he told me he was working, with help from Cathal’s family, to discover who was behind the takeover attempt, the wreck, and the shooting.
So far, if they had any leads, no one had shared them.
Looking in the mirror, I ran my gaze over myself.
I looked presentable and professional—the way I liked to look when I was conducting business.
The outfit wasn’t your typical pantsuit with a structured blazer.
I liked my clothing, especially when out in public, to reflect my design aesthetic, which this one did, since it was one of my designs.
It was a long, full-length skirt in royal blue, with an ombre effect that deepened toward the bottom.
It flowed after the snug waist, with a layered mesh hem.
My top matched the lightest blue at the bottom of the skirt.
Rhinestones scattered across the skirt caught the light as it swayed.
Around my waist, I wore a broad cinched corset belt in the same royal blue.
The gold jewelry matched perfectly. On my feet, I wore open-toed pumps dyed royal blue.
I thought the color set off my hair. I had pulled back the top half and left the rest flowing down my back.
This attire didn’t call for hair bound in a chignon or a tight bun.
That would be too stuffy. My makeup was classic, with the faintest smoky eye, nothing like I’d wear if I was out on a date or going to a party.
Cathal had remained absent while I got ready, which I found odd, but I didn’t hunt him down to see if he was still upset.
I arranged to leave at six to give me time to arrive for the seven o’clock dinner at a local, somewhat high-end restaurant.
My dinner companion had chosen it when the meeting was arranged, and I explained it would have to be done here in St. Augustine, not in Tallahassee.
I promised to explain what I was doing in St. Augustine at dinner.
I picked up my small handbag and my portfolio case, something that had been rescued from my car after the wreck.
I passed the study, pausing to see if Cathal was in there.
He wasn’t, so I made my way out to the family room.
I wanted to say goodbye without leaving on a bad note.
I assumed the car would be waiting out front of the house.
Not seeing him in the family room or kitchen, I was about to call him when I heard his voice.
It came from the balcony off the kitchen.
I hadn’t noticed when I entered that the door was cracked open.
“Cathal, it’s time for me to go. I wanted to tell you…”
My speech drifted off as I stepped outside and saw him. Cathal was standing there, dressed in a dark navy blue suit. His shirt was sky-blue. It made his eyes blaze even bluer. He looked incredible, and my body reacted to his appearance.
“You look unbelievable, Bronagh. That blue makes your hair and eyes pop,” he said gruffly.
“I-I, uhm, thank you. You look amazing. Where are you headed? I didn’t know you had an engagement tonight.”
“I’m going with you.” He said it calmly.
“Cathal, you can’t. This is a business meeting. I need to be able to concentrate on that. I told you. It’s not a date.” I reminded him, even though I knew he was aware.
“I know you did. And I believe you, but this is the first time you’re leaving the commune since the wreck. We don’t know if anyone traced you here. And I won’t risk you out there without me.”
“I’ll have bodyguards, won’t I?” I asked. He nodded, so I kept speaking.
“Then that means I’ll be protected. I don’t need anyone other than my protection detail,” I assured him.
“I agree, you don’t. However, I’m part of your bodyguard detail. The car is here. We should get going if we’re going to make it in time,” he said, coming to me and presenting his crooked arm.
We stared at each other for a solid minute or more, neither saying anything, nor backing down. Finally, I gave up.
“Fine, we’ll go, but only because I don’t have time to argue with you about this right now. But when we get back, you and I are having a discussion about boundaries, Cathal O’Sheeran.
“Yes, we will,” was all he said.
Outside, I slid into the back of a dark luxury sedan. Troi was in the front seat along with a man I didn’t know. In a second car, four more men sat.
“Six? Don’t you think that’s a bit much?” I asked as Cathal settled beside me.
“The two drivers will stay with the cars. This is Niall. He’s usually Shane’s bodyguard.”
I said hello to Niall, and he returned it before Cathal continued.
“In the other car is Creed, who guards Aisling. And Madden, who is Daid and Mam’s. Thomas is with Cian, and Gael is with Aidan. I’ll point out which is which when we get to the restaurant.”
As the cars pulled away from the house, I wondered how tonight would go. I prayed that Cathal wouldn’t lose his mind when he met my dinner companion. I hadn’t lied to him, but still, I got the impression my man could be somewhat possessive.
?
The drive to the restaurant was somewhat tense.
I was still reeling from Cathal’s manipulation to go with me after I said it wasn’t necessary.
I battled between feeling angry that he ignored my wishes and feeling touched and protected.
He tried to engage me in conversation, but I told him I needed to prepare for my meeting, which was a tiny lie.
I was ready, but I took out my notes and reviewed them anyway. Cathal remained silent, yet relaxed.
My earlier relaxation over dinner had shifted to tension. I knew why, and there was no way I could do anything about it. All I could do was pray it went smoothly.
Niall stopped at the front door to drop us off.
He waved the valet away. Troi got out first. I noticed that three of the men in the car behind us did, too.
Then Cathal got out, followed by me. We were surrounded and hustled inside.
I knew even before we entered that every eye in the place was on us.
It was a high-end place where important people ate. However, I doubted many came in with bodyguards. And they clearly weren’t used to seeing an O’Sheeran. I knew the exact second people began to recognize Cathal. The conversation buzz increased. More gazes landed on us and stayed.
I held onto Cathal’s arm. He walked casually up to the hostess, who looked ready to faint. Our guards remained alert but silent.
“G-good evening, name please,” she said softly.
“It’s Beaufort, party of two, and then O’Sheeran, party of five. You should have a note that we’re to be seated close to each other,” Cathal stated.
I realized, as he said it, that I had made a mistake when I told him the reservation’s name. I prayed the hostess would say that his seating request wasn’t possible.
“Ah, here they are. And yes, Mr. O’Sheeran, your table preference has been noted. The other member of the Beaufort party is already seated. If you follow me, I’ll show you to your tables.”
I knew when we got home, Cathal and I would definitely be talking about boundaries and respect.
I refused to cause a scene in public. I let myself be led on a winding path through tables filled with people staring.
I mimicked Cathal. He kept a calm, slightly pleasant expression on his face. He didn’t pay attention to any of them.
Up ahead, I spotted Antoine. His eyes widened when he saw me holding onto Cathal.
God, more explanation than I planned to give tonight, but there would be no way out of it.
Antoine wouldn’t allow me to keep it secret.
He rose to his feet. Next to our table, there was another empty one, no more than five feet away, with five chairs around it.
A reserved sign was on it. The sweet hostess stopped between the tables.
“This is the Beaufort table, and this is yours, Mr. O’Sheeran. A waiter will be with you momentarily. If you need anything, please let any of us know. It’s a pleasure to serve you tonight,” she rattled off.
“Thank you so much. I will.” Cathal smiled as he thanked her, causing her cheeks to pinken. She quickly scurried back to the front.
Cathal gave a chin lift to his men, but instead of sitting down, he walked me closer to Antoine.
“I believe this is your dinner companion, leannán, lover. Hello, I’m Cathal O’Sheeran. And you are?” he asked with a slight bite to his tone. Antoine unfroze and held out his hand. He’d come to stand on the side of the table closest to us.
“I’m Antoine Beaufort. It’s a surprise to meet you, Mr. O’Sheeran. I had no idea Bronie knew any of the O’Sheerans.”
I flinched at his use of the nickname he had given me years ago.
I’d let go of Cathal so he could freely shake Antoine’s hand.
Without missing a beat, Antoine let go of Cathal’s hand, turned to me, and wrapped his arms around me, placing a swift kiss on my mouth.
I knew it meant nothing, but would Cathal?
Antoine was very affectionate with anyone he knew well.
However, I felt the tension radiate off Cathal when I was embraced and kissed.
As soon as I was released, Cathal put his arm possessively around me. His eyes narrowed on Antoine.
“I’ve never conducted a business meeting where I kissed the other participant,” he said, with a slight growl in his voice.
Antoine’s eyes widened. He looked from me to Cathal, then back.
“Merde! Shit! I didn’t mean to offend. I had no idea Bronie was seeing someone, let alone that it was you. Forgive me.”
“She’s more than seeing me. We’re to be married in three weeks. Unfortunately, her ring is taking longer than we would like to complete. It had to be extra special for a woman like Bronagh.
“I hope you understand my need to keep her safe, hence my presence and those of our guards. You can never be too careful when you have a jewel like her. We’ll be at that table, but we’ll give you your space to work. What kind of work do you do, Mr. Beaufort? Bronagh neglected to mention it.”
I wanted to tell them all the dinner meeting was over and insist on going home.
Cathal was being insufferable. And the way he was eyeing Antoine, he acted as if I’d arranged to have a tryst. My anger was bubbling.
I worked hard for my success, and no one was taking that away from me, not even the high and mighty Cathal O’Sheeran.
I shook free of his hold. I turned enough to catch Cathal’s gaze.
“We have work to do.”
“I know you do. I was just asking Mr. Beaufort what he does. I like knowing about your work, Bronagh. I’m proud of you.”
I’d told him a little about my work, but how could he be proud?
“It’s okay, Bronie. I don’t mind answering Mr. O’Sheeran’s question.
I own a fashion house in Paris. I provide selectively curated fashion for high-end clients and retailers.
You may have heard of my company. It’s called élégance Luxueuse, or Luxe élégance.
Bronie’s designs are fought over. I’m lucky enough to be able to get her to sell her designs to my customers.
” Antoine’s smile was charming, as always.
“My Bronagh is extremely talented. How long have you two known each other, Mr. Beaufort?”
“Please, call me Antoine. And it’s been five, no six years now. Why don’t you sit with us? If you want to know more about her work and how brilliant she is, then you can hear it firsthand,” Antoine offered. I wanted to strangle him.
“That’s not nec—” My rejection of the idea was cut off.
“Why, thank you. I’d love that. You don’t mind, do you?” Cathal directed the question to me.
I had a choice. I could throw a fit and storm out, or I could sit and endure.
A big part of me wanted to do the former, but I wondered if that wasn’t what Cathal wanted.
He hated the idea of me being here. Maybe he was manipulating me into going back to the commune.
Well, too bad for him, I was too professional to make a scene.
And I wouldn’t let him bully me like this.
I smiled as I said sweetly, “Of course, you may join us. It should be enlightening.”
I saw both Cathal and Antoine’s eyebrows raise at my tone and expression. I saw wariness flicker in Antoine’s. As for Cathal, he kept his face neutral.