Page 39 of Override

That realization alone should probably concern me more than it does.

“You’re doing it again.”

I blink up from the couch while Ronan adjusts the cufflinks of his charcoal suit near the doorway.

“Doing what?”

“Thinking too much.”

The words land lightly. Almost teasing.

Heat creeps into my face before I even know what I've done wrong. That alone should probably concern me. “Sorry.”

Ronan’s expression flickers briefly at the automatic apology before smoothing again. “I have meetings most of the afternoon. I’ll be late tonight.”

Disappointment settles in my chest before I can stop it. I’ve barely seen him this week despite living in the same house. And somehow that loneliness feels embarrassing too.

“I was thinking maybe I could visit my parents today,” I say carefully. “I haven’t seen them yet this month.”

Ronan pauses halfway through checking his watch. Just slightly. Enough that something in my chest goes very still.

“Maeve.” There’s no anger in his voice. That almost makes it worse.

“I just miss them,” I say softly.

“You saw them recently.”

“That was nearly a month ago.”

“You’re being unreasonable.” The words hit harder than they should.

Because maybe he’s right. Maybe this is what marriage looks like when both people have responsibilities and obligations.

Maybe I’m acting childish wanting things to stay the same.

Something heavy settles low in my chest anyway while Ronan crosses the room toward me.

“I don’t like repeating myself,” he says quietly.

My throat tightens. Not because he raises his voice. Because he doesn’t. Ronan always sounds calmer when he’s irritated. Controlled. Precise. And somehow that composure makes me feel smaller than shouting ever could.

“I’m sorry,” I murmur again.

His hand rises suddenly, fingers settling beneath my chin. Gentle. Always gentle first. The thought slips through me before I can stop it. Then I hate myself for thinking it.

My pulse stumbles once while instinct softens something inside me. For one brief hopeful second, I think maybe he’s about to kiss me goodbye.

Instead, Ronan tilts my face upward slightly until I’m looking directly at him.

“Under no circumstances do you leave this house today.”

The softness drains from my chest instantly.

I blink slowly. “Why?”

“There are things you don’t need to concern yourself with.”

Something in me goes cold and alert, all at once.