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Riordan snapped a photo of me earlier, setting me off balance. I know this arranged marriage is a smart move, but right now, I feel like a cow being sold at market. No one better ask me to step on a scale.
I push away how my heart is breaking because I want Ewan. But he rejected me, damn noble eejit. Do I want more children? Yes, but there are other ways to have them. There are plenty of kids like me who need to be adopted.
This epiphany stops me in my tracks.
“Problem?” Riordan’s deep voice sails over my shoulder.
Swallowing, I turn around and consider running. Bolting for that courtyard and begging Griffin to take me home.
Home.
What home do I have anymore?
I take a steadying breath, remembering I don’t have to make a decision today. That settles my stomach briefly. It’s barely quieted the last couple of days. I’ve been puking my brains out every morning. Not that anyone noticed.
Right now, I’m justmeetingKieran. For all I know, I might be swept off my feet. His first love, my late Aunt Norah, was as lovely as they come. Her smile in the photos all over the house captured me. Kieran is handsome. Maybe there will be a spark between us—a stronger spark than with Ewan.
We get to a wooden eight-paneled door, and Riordan reaches around me to open it.
I clear my mind, wanting to take Kieran in with an open mind and heart.
The first face I see is Ewan. His sad eyes and firmly set jaw kick me in the gut. I sense he’s as uncomfortable with this as I am. If he doesn’t want me with Kieran, then why is he setting me up?
Ewan steps to my side and sweeps my hand into his. Without meeting my eyes, he kisses my knuckles. I’m tugged deeper into the office, and my brain goes hazy, taking in two additional hulking figures. It’s spacious, but with all these breathtaking alphas, it’s hard to breathe. All this power suggests I may not be able to say no.
“Kieran, I’d like to present my niece, Darcy Quinlan.” Ewan’s steady voice hits me.
I make eye contact with the dark-haired man behind the desk. My heart flips, but not from instant attraction. Fear. He’s so good looking, he gets away with being dangerous. No one says no to him, I bet.
“Darcy?” Ewan whispers in my ear, and his breath on my skin makes my legs weak.
“Pleased to meet you, Mr. O’Rourke.” I make eye contact, and Kieran’s dazzling green stare pulls me in.
He doesn’t give me a rude once-over. “Pleasure is mine.” The hollow sentiment suggests he didn’t hear violins either.
Kieran O’Rourke stands and rounds his desk. When he motions to one of the other men to close the door, I feel Ewan stiffen behind me. The office door clicks shut, and I feel like a ladybug trapped in a spider web. My stomach flips again, and I can’t breathe.
“Um,” I say, my throat dry and tight.
Kieran stands before me and lifts my hand to kiss it. “You’ve come a long way. Welcome to Astoria.” By the smug, handsome face, I know he won’t be faithful. I expect hordes of women throw themselves at him.
There will be no love in this relationship.
Can I marry a powerfully frightening man who only wants me for breeding?
I’m frozen, but ready to scream.
“Darcy?” Ewan tugs me closer. “It’s okay. Kieran won’t hurt you.”
I fight for air, but it’s no use. My vision gets cloudy, and the room starts spinning. With my last ounce of strength, I grab on to Ewan’s tie, and my hands slide down his body as I face-plant right into the carpet.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Ewan
“Whatdoyoumeanshe’s pregnant? She can’t be pregnant!” I bark at the ER doctor.
“Sir, we ran a routine blood test. She is, indeed, pregnant.” He keeps his cool while I’m melting down.
