Page 65 of All Tied Down

“Yeah,” I admit when they both look back up, “I think it’s already come to that.”

26

EMERSON

“Miss Andrews?” Des says, poking his head into my office. “Mr. Ellis is here to see you.”

“Roan?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Send him in.” Belatedly, I whisper, “And stop calling me Miss Andrews.”

Des is gone before I can see his reaction, Roan’s large form replacing my assistant in the doorway. He’s dressed in an expensive navy suit, his hair carefully styled, and sporting a red power tie that says he means business.

Oh, good.

“What can I do for you, Roan?” I ask, motioning to the seat on the other side of my desk. He takes it, his elbows on the armrests as he steeples his fingers.

He looks contemplative and I’m not sure if he’s actually feeling that way or if it’s for show. Either way, his presence has me on edge.

And I don’t like it.

“Garrett doesn’t know I’m here,” he starts evenly, the pause after the statement making me narrow my eyes.

If he thinks he can intimidate me in this little stare down, he’s got the wrong woman.

“Talk faster before we have a problem, Mr. Ellis.”

My voice is cold because while I don’t think he’s trying to suggest anything illicit, there’s no chance I’ll be stepping out on my husband.

And he can kick fucking rocks for even making me go down that line of thinking.

“No need to be hostile.”

“You haven’t seen hostile.”

This gets a small smile from him as he drops his hand into his lap and relaxes into his seat. “It’s hard to articulate what I need to tell you because of your relationship with Garrett.”

“Roan—”

“Garrett met with the band.” After a beat, he adds, “Without Darren.” Interesting. “Realistically, the steps we’re taking now should’ve happened months ago.”

“Hence the power tie.”

He looks down at his chest and grins. “I was feeling lucky walking into that meeting today.”

“Winner’s attitude,” I praise because I have a pair of high heels for just such occasions as well.

“Despite the band agreeing on what needs to happen, this decision is crushing Garrett. It’s bigger than the name and the music and the status. It’s him. He’s the face of Descending North and he’s gutted.”

“We’ve…talked about the topic,” I respond cagily because while I’m sure Garrett has confided in Roan about the band, our conversations about it feel too private—too vulnerable—to repeat.

It’s not my place, and I can’t tell if Roan’s surprised by my admission or not.

“He’s going to need support, Emerson, and I’m not saying this because I think you’re incapable of being there for him. I’m telling you because I don’t think he wants me or Colt right now. It’s always been the three of us but he’s different with you.”

“Roan…” I lean forward because what is he saying?