Chapter Twenty-Six
RILEY
The car rideback to the penthouse is quiet.
I stare out the window, watching the city blur by as I dig my fingernails into my palms, trying to keep the storm inside me contained.
I didn’t want to say anything in front of Ronan and Ciara. Instead, I nodded and smiled politely as Kieran issued another order, taking away my freedom once again.
I understand the threat, I really do, but I’m sick of feeling like my life is a bone and I’m the dog failing to catch up to it.
The moment the elevator doors slide open, Kieran steps aside to let me exit first.
I storm straight into the living room before whirling around and exploding. “What thehell, Kieran?”
He blinks, clearly thrown off by my change in attitude. “What?”
“You tell me I can’t hang out at Ciara’s anymore, and you just expect me to smile and nod?”
“I told you, it’s not safe.”
“That’sbullshit. Ronan’s estate is probably the safest place I could be. But for some reason, you want to keep me on a tight leash.”
“I’m in charge of protecting you!”
“Protecting me?” I scoff. “From what, Kieran? From Ciara? From sitting on a couch and watching TV in a house with more security than a damn prison? You really think that’s where the danger is coming from?”
He doesn’t answer.
“No,” I continue as I start to pace. “You’re not protecting me. You’re punishing me.”
His jaw clenches. “Don’t be ridiculous.”
“Oh, really? First the party and now this. What’s next, huh? Are you going to put padlocks on my bedroom door?”
“You’re being paranoid.”
“I’m being treated like a child. A prisoner. Admit it, Kieran. You don’t trust me.”
His eyes snap to mine, sharp and cold, but I refuse to look away.
“Not everything is about you, Riley.”
His words feel like a slap to the face, and I don’t even try to hide the way I flinch.
“No. But when it comes to you, it’sneverabout me.”
The air between us grows heavy, like a storm waiting to hit, until Kieran exhales sharply.
“Do you have any idea what it’s like knowing he’s watching you? That one wrong move could get you killed?”
I throw my hands up in the air. “I didn’t ask for this! I didn’t ask to be dragged into your war with Sean. You’re the one who offered me a marriage and told me I would be safe with you. And I believed you, like an idiot.”
Kieran strides toward me, only stopping when there is nothing but a few inches between us. His eyes flash as he stares down at me, and I notice his hands shaking at his sides.
“I’m trying to protect you.”
My voice trembles. “You’re trying to control me. Just like my father did.”
