‘I’ve no idea why you would think that, Eric, but you couldn’t be further from the truth.’

Eric felt as though he’d been well and truly put in his place. He’d thought that placing doubt in her mind may work when it came to matters of the heart, but he now realized that it wouldn’t when it came to her business affairs. He made a mental note not to underestimate her.

‘Oh, and while we’re on the subject of the Lanigans, please do tell me why you take issue with them because you have now made two snide comments.’

Eric stiffened and suddenly felt uncomfortable with the way in which Zara remained poker-faced, awaiting an answer. ‘No, I’ve no problem with them, it’s just you’re gonna be a Regan soon, ya know, part of the family, and, well, I like to have a good understanding of the men behind the firm that we’ll be getting into bed—’

Without allowing Eric to finish, Zara spat, ‘Since when did me marrying Mike have anything to do with my business affairs?’

He sensed he’d pushed the wrong buttons and realized that once again he’d let his mouth run away with him. As much as he tried to be like Mike, he knew that he couldn’t match the man’s cunning tongue. ‘Sorry, Zara. I’m not trying to interfere, I’m simply looking out for you.’

Zara’s brow felt heavy. She wiped her mouth with the napkin and stood to leave. ‘Thanks for breakfast. I’ll see you later.’

Dumbfounded, Eric stared as Zara left the restaurant. Fuck, what just happened?

Slapping a fifty-pound note on the table, he hurried after her. ‘Hey, Zara!’ He grabbed her arm to turn her to face him, only to feel a sharp tug as she pulled it away.

‘If you don’t mind, I would prefer to be alone. I think I’ve made a mistake. You may have been the man who found me, but I don’t really know you or Mike for that matter.’ She was about to march off, but he grabbed her again.

Seeing the angry look on her face, Eric released his grip on her arm. ‘Sorry, babe. You have to believe me. I never meant to upset you. The Lanigans probably are decent and kosher. I’m worried for ya, that’s all. You’re not 100 per cent yourself, so I guess I felt the need somehow to look out for ya.’

She stared into his face, with not even a hint of a smile. ‘I’m fine, really, and more than capable of jumping on a train. So, if you would excuse me.’

Eric knew he was losing the battle. ‘Zara, please. Mike would kill me if he knew I’d let you get on a train when I have a perfectly good car sitting there.’