My jaw firmed. As I’d thought. “Thanks, Oliver.”

Following his advice, I beelined for Ronan’s office. Just as I reached for the handle, Fiona leaped in front of me, barring the entrance.

“I’m sorry, but Mr. King is busy.” Her sympathetic expression made me think she had some idea of what was going on. “I can’t let you in.”

I ground my teeth together to avoid snapping at her. “I need to see him.”

“He’s busy,” she reiterated. “If you come back in half an hour—”

“Please, it’ll just be a moment,” I interrupted. “Look, I’m sorry, but we’re overdue for a conversation.”

With that, I darted around her and let myself into the boss’s office, coming up short at the sight of two men seated at the table along the wall. Zeke, and a mountain of a man I assumed must be the other partner, Kade. I didn’t let their appearance put me off. My hands landed on my hips, and I glared at Ronan, who sat behind his desk like a king holding court.

“When did you start investigating my brother?”

Chapter Ten

Ronan

My heart stuttered when Willow barged into my office, her eyes flashing and cheeks flushed. She looked stormy, which was a startling contrast to her usual self-containment.

She crossed her arms and stared me down, one fair brow arched. “Well?”

Zeke smothered a chuckle, and I narrowed my eyes at him.

“Gentlemen, will you give us a moment?” I asked.

“Sure thing.” Zeke sauntered to the door. It could have been my imagination, but I thought I saw him wink at Willow as he passed.

My gut tightened.

Kade hesitated, glancing from Willow to me. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

“Yes.” I bit the word out, not leaving any room for doubt.

Slowly, he made his way toward the exit, but paused in front of Willow. He offered her a hand, and from the way her eyes widened, I could tell she hadn’t expected it. “I’m Kade,” he said gruffly. “If you need anything, my door is open.”

She blinked, visibly surprised. “Thank you.”

Her tone was softer than it had ever been when speaking to me, and my jaw locked in place as I managed—barely—not to snap at either of them. I shouldn’t have taken Kade’s offer of an olive branch to heart. I knew he hadn’t wanted to involve her in our plan, so why should it bother me if he took it upon himself to keep an eye out for her?

“No problem.” He nodded once and stepped past her out of the office.

Fiona appeared in the doorway. “I’m sorry, Mr. King. She wouldn’t take no for an answer.”

Willow’s entire body tensed, and if possible, she glared harder.

“I’m sure you did your best. Don’t worry about it. Willow and I have business to discuss.”

Fiona’s expression turned speculative. “Should I shut the door and hold your calls?”

“Please do.”

She gave Willow a lingering look but did as I asked and pulled the door closed. I expected Willow to relax, but she seemed even more on edge than before.