I inwardly flinched at the reminder the man who shared my DNA was so awful that the people around me had zero respect for him.
Beth’s dad’s gaze was intense as he watched my reaction. Then he sat back in his chair. “Beth tells me you’ve got grand plans for Blantyre Castle. Let’s hear it.”
A little tension seeped from me as I leaned forward and explained all we had in mind.
Half an hour later, Braden walked us out of his office. He took time to shake our hands, which I thought was a good thing. Then he said, “I like your plans. Let’s set up another meeting to discuss it more in-depth.”
“Great.” Baird grinned from ear to ear.
“You’re coming to dinner on Sunday?” Braden addressed me.
“Aye.”
“You should come too.” He nodded at Baird.
Baird looked at me, and I nodded. It might be good having my pal attend as a buffer.
“Sure. I’ll be there.”
“Excellent. Can I have a word with Callan alone?”
Baird gave me agood lucklook before he strolled off to wait by the lift.
“Beth cares about you.”
I straightened my shoulders. “I care about her. A great deal.”
Her father searched my face. “I told her I’d get to know you and I will.”
That sounded like a threat.
“Which is more than I’ve ever given any of her other boyfriends. That should tell you how much you mean to her and how much her feelings matter to me.”
“Of course.”
“You seem like a nice bloke, Callan, so please don’t take offense when I tell you that if you hurt my daughter, I will come for you in every way I possibly can.” His expression hardened. “Your dreams of a real estate business. Poof. Gone in a puff of fucking smoke. But that won’t compare to how it’ll feel to have your nutsack ripped off. You get me?”
We were silent a moment as I tried to keep my anger in check. I reminded myself that this was what parents who gave a shit did to protect their children. And there was no doubt in my mind that Braden Carmichael would ruin me if I hurt Beth.
If I hurt Beth, I’d deserve it.
“I love her.”
Braden considered me. “Well, you’re a step up from the last one. He almost pissed his pants when I threatened to staple his dick to his desk.”
My lips curled up at the corners. “Is Beth aware you go around threatening the men in her life?”
“Men?” he huffed. “None of them were men. They were wee boys who could barely look after themselves, never mind my daughter.” Braden nodded to himself. “I can see you potentially could be different, though.”
I bristled. “Look, I love Beth and I want us to get along … but for the record, I don’t need anyone’s fucking approval.”
A slow smile spread on Braden Carmichael’s face.
And damn. I think that meant he might respect me just a bit. Twisted SOB.
I shook my head, curbing my own smile. “We’ll see you Sunday.”
“See you then.”
