“We shall see about that.” She kisses my cheek. “I’m going to grab those bags from the car. I want to see if the curtains I bought will work in the living room.” She turns back to the mobile. “When are you going to visit so I can officially meet you?”
“Hopefully soon,” Killian says. “Maybe Pike will bring you out here?”
“That’s the plan,” I say, keeping it vague.
Cora stands and I smack her on the arse as she retreats. She spins, gives me a cocky grin, and then heads out of the master bedroom and down the stairs. When I know she’s out of earshot, I turn back to Killian.
“Well . . . things have escalated since the last time we spoke.”
“I know,” I say, pushing my hand through my hair. “Sorry I’ve missed your calls. I’ve been busy.”
“I’d say. And I’m not the only one who knows how busy you’ve been.”
“What do you mean?” I ask.
Whispering, he asks, “Is she gone?”
“Yeah. What’s up?”
“I heard from my mate who’s fucking Pa’s assistant that Pa is not happy at all. The private investigator he hired to follow you—”
“Oh shit, I forgot about that.”
“Yeah, well he has nothing but lovey-dovey bullshit of you two. Picture after picture of you two all over each other.”
“Really?” I chuckle. “Man, that must chap Pa’s arse.”
“You could say that. His assistant heard him screaming at the PI, asking if he was actually doing his job. He even has pictures of you two in your apartment, taken from across the street.”
“Jesus, fuck, that’s violating.”
“Yeah, but it’s you two cuddling on the bed. I haven’t seen them, obviously, but from what I’ve been told, Pa is fucking livid and trying to figure out another way to prove you’re not really suited for the foundation.”
“He’s off his rocker.” But fucking hell. Does that mean there are naked photos of Cora in someone’s hands? That’s absolutely disgusting. To think my father could stoop that low. Would he act that deplorably and expose them? Shit. I shake my head and then say, “You know, Kill, I’ve been thinking about the foundation—”
“Don’t say it.” Killian shakes his head. “Please don’t step down.”
Unable to look at my brother, I say, “It’ll be easier.”
“No, it won’t. Pa will take your spot.”
“I actually was thinking, what if Aggie steps in?”
“Ag—” Killian pauses, thinking on it. “Do you think she’d do it?”
I nod. “I believe she would. She’s involved in her own foundation right now, and combining the two could be something the board would approve, wanting to move forward with helping kids in all aspects. I know they’ve been wanting to expand. It might be the perfect combination.”
“We’d need to convince Aggie. How difficult do you think that would be?”
“Not hard. I think if it means sticking it to Pa and helping kids, she’s going to be more than happy to take part in that.”
Killian gives it some thought and then asks, “Want me to approach her about it?”
“Yeah, because my guess is Pa is tracking everything I’m doing. We don’t want him to expect this move. If we can get the board involved once Aggie consents, then we can make a smooth transition, and Pa can’t have any control over what we do.”
“And this is what you want? To step down? You’ve put a lot of effort and time into the foundation.”
“I have, but I also know time shifts and life changes. I’m in a different place in my life, and I’m not sure I can dedicate the time I should to the foundation, while I know someone like Aggie can offer so much more. And with my name off it, Pa can’t use the foundation as leverage against me.”
Killian glances to the side, a contemplative look on his face.
“What are you not saying?” I ask him.
“Things are serious with Cora?”
“They are,” I answer.
He lets out a dry laugh. “Damn it, my worst fears are coming true.”
“What’s that?”
He brings his attention back to me. “That you’d move to the States, fall in love, and not come back home.”
“Surely you’re not saying you miss me.”
“I am. I miss my brother. I’m afraid you’re not going to come back here . . . because of our wanker father.”