Chapter 10

Ran had only been home for a few days but the mood in the sitting room was already tense as Niall joined Isla and Simon. They were whispering at each other like a pair of angry adders.

“What’s this about? I wanted to stay in my room tonight but Ran wants us all here,” Isla demanded as she stalked away from Simon then dropped onto the sofa and inspected her nail polish. Simon raised his brows at Niall but he shrugged back at them.

“I have no clue. You look worried,” Niall said and Isla pulled a face.

“You look worried,” she mimicked then glared at Simon and he groaned impatiently as he went to pout by the window.

“Stop making such a fuss! You were still under the weather and I was bored. Ran had his back turned so I took advantage and went to Madrid with Jarvis. It wasn’t a big deal,” he insisted.

“It’s a big deal when it’s all over the tabloids,” Ran stated as he walked into the sitting room and tossed a newspaper on the table. Isla’s lip curled but Ran was pouring himself a tall drink and missed it.

“Please. You’re in the papers every time you go out,” Simon muttered and Ran’s hand slammed onto the credenza, causing crystal and silver to rattle.

“I’m seen getting into cars and sitting with men at clubs and restaurants, not doing lines of coke or blowing men in front of their wives!” He yelled and Simon rolled his eyes and waved vaguely.

“Who hasn’t got carried away?” He asked. “Sorry, dad,” he added sarcastically and Ran’s tongue slid across his teeth as he nodded.

“I’ll have your passport, then,” he said and Simon’s jaw twitched as he stared him down.

“Get off it, Ran. I’m a grown man, you can’t keep treating me like a child,” he growled and Ran grinned as he waved his drink at the door.

“Well, go on then! I’ll stop paying your bills and cut off your allowance. Let’s see how far you make it out there, young man,” he laughed. “Take your bloody passport and your freedom and get out of my house,” Ran dared him as Simon seethed.

“Who’s under the weather now?” Isla murmured then batted her eyes up at Simon as she sipped her wine.

“Oh, shut up,” Simon said then sneered around the room. “To hell with dinner, I’ve lost my appetite,” he decided then stormed out. Isla pressed her glass to her lips to hide her smile before her eyes slid to Ran.

“He’s been quite sloppy lately. You’ll have to pull him aside and talk to him, man to man,” she said and Ran’s face pinched as if his drink was off.

“I’m sure he’d rather I didn’t,” he said and Niall nodded in agreement.

“Nonsense! You seem to have finally mastered discretion. Gossip’s been very quiet about you lately,” she said as she rose then tapped her chin as she strolled toward him. “What kind of trouble have you been getting up to, big brother?” She asked as she patted his chest and Ran’s head tilted and his eyes narrowed.

“That’s my business,” Ran warned and she clicked her teeth then smiled at Niall. It made his hair stand and he tugged at his collar. Her eyes were sharp and there was a twisted glee as her finger trailed down Ran’s chest before she pointed at the center of his tie, at his heart.

“Is that it?” She asked as she pouted up at Ran playfully. “Did you fall in love? Is that why my husband’s been so moody lately?” She said then covered her lips as she gasped at Niall. “But wouldn’t it be so fun and cozy if Ran got himself married? We’d all have such a lovely time together, wouldn’t we?” She said and Niall turned to the window and his hand shook as it spread across his lips.

“I think you should keep Simon company. I’ll have your dinner sent upstairs,” Ran said tightly.

“I think I will but discuss!” She said and Niall swallowed a wave of nausea as he hung onto the window. It was so ironic and tragic. Someone was taking Ran from him and Niall could only blame himself. It was eating him alive but he had to hold it together.

“I’m not, Niall,” Ran whispered as he stepped behind him. He wrapped an arm around Niall and pushed his nose into his hair. “I’m not falling in love and I have no interest in having anyone else here,” he promised and Niall shut his eyes. He didn’t believe Ran meant it this time but it was still a relief to hear it. Letting Ran go was the right thing to do and Niall loathed himself most when he was afraid of losing him but he couldn’t help it. He hoped it was inevitable and did his best to prepare himself for the day Ran found someone better but it would kill him.

“It’s fine. I want you to,” Niall lied as he slipped from Ran’s arms. Ran tried to hold on but Niall shook his head as he stepped around him. “I’m afraid I’ve lost my appetite as well,” he said as he set his drink on the table and Ran was pained as he tried to follow him.

“Please don’t go. I’m sorry,” he said as he reached for Niall but he held up a hand, holding him off as he shook his head.

“I know and it’s not your fault, it’s them,” Niall said as he gestured toward their wing. “It’s just a little too much. I’ll be fine in the morning,” he stated and did his best to offer him a reassuring smile as he fled the room.

“Niall, don’t!” Ran called but Niall ignored him as he hurried up the stairs. His vision blurred but he scrubbed the tears away with the sleeve of his jumper as he rushed down the hall to Isla’s dressing room. He knew he’d find them scheming and he’d find a way to make them pay for ruining another night with Ran.