Would She Have Said Yes?
1120 Words
Ronan had his hand wrapped around Mallory's wrist as he walked her out of the house and stopped in front of his car. He let go of her wrist, inserted his both hands into his side pockets and darted his eyes around, taking a deep breath.
Mallory felt a quickening in her chest. That gesture of his. He was definitely angry.
She stayed quiet and just watched him for a long minute until he was finally able to pull himself together.
"Sorry about all of this." He said, his eyes on the ground. "I should've... I should've done this in private, maybe. You wouldn't be exchanging words with your grandma right now."
"Stop blaming yourself, okay? My grandma has always been like that, not just because it's you. And I'm sorry I turned down your proposal. I'm just not ready right now..."
"Hey, it's fine." He reached for her hand. "You don't need to explain anything. I should've waited, and I'm ready to keep waiting."
Mallory had a heart-thumping moment right there. Was he supposed to keep waiting? But Wilder...
'Wilder has a woman. They could be married' that hurtful voice whispered to her.
Hell no. She couldn't be his wife.
"Why don't we go out for a drink?" Ronan's words broke into her thoughts. "Besides, I think it's a bad idea to go in there right now."
Mallory glanced at the house. He was right. All her grandmother was going to do was nag and nag until she reacted. Then, it'd get messier.
"Okay. But, my kids..."
"They'll be fine. You can see them when you get back," he interrupted calmly, his brown eyes holding hers captive.
Right there, a question flashed through Mallory's mind. If she hadn't met Wilder at the office, would she have accepted Ronan's proposal?
She bobbed her head. Ronan took out his phone and called his friends, informing them of the change of plans. After which, he drove out with Mallory, knowing his friends would do same in no time.
****†****†
Ronan and Mallory arrived at one of his exquisite gardens, ordered some drinks and calmed their nerves with them.
Along the line, Ronan asked. "What would it take you to leave the Pemberton Synergy Group and come work for me, Mal?"
He kept his gaze on her as he lifted his glass to his lips where he took a swig.
Mallory tensed a little. Not again.
Ronan was the heir to a multi-billion Empire - AlchemyAegis innovation.
She started working with Pemberton Synergy before she met Ronan, and for the last couple of months, he had been trying to convince her to come work with him.
That wouldn't have been so difficult to do, but she just didn't want to feel indebted to him. Countlessly, he had also wanted to get an apartment for herself and the kids, so she could be free from her grandma. But again, she didn't want to be indebted to him.
So, what happens if she decides to end things with him? Wouldn't he take her job from her, as well as the house? She preferred managing on her own, at least until she was sure of what she wanted with him.
"I appreciate the offer, Ronan. But really, I'm fine with Pemberton Syner..."
"Damn it! Stop saying that!" He thumped the table, making some of the glasses rattle.
Mallory gasped and shrunk her shoulders in fright. Looking around, she was thankful they were in a private corner and were the only ones in sight.
Ronan closed his eyes and took a deep calming breath.
"Look, I'm... I'm sorry, okay? I'm just..." He paused and sighed. "I'm just not cool with you working for one of my competitors when you have me. You don't need to go through such stress, Mal." His tone was calmer now.
Mallory still looked fearfully at him. She didn't know what else to say so as to not upset him. Yes, he was working really hard on his temper, but he wasn't completely healed yet. And considering the fact that they were alone...
With jittering fingers, she reached for her glass and swigged some wine from it.
Ronan blamed himself for getting her scared. That wasn't his intention.
He snaked his fingers into his hair, stood up and walked round to stand before her. Gently, he reached for her hand and guided her to her feet.
"I'm sorry, okay?" He cupped her cheeks. "I love you so much and don't ever want to lay my hands on you - ever again. I just want you by my side, Mal. As my wife, my P.A, whatever you have to offer. I just..." He paused and sighed. "I just need you around. Don't you understand?"
Mallory gulped down nothing. Her heart thumped in her chest as she looked into his eyes.
Forcing a smile, she bobbed her head. All she wanted at that moment was to be away from him. Just for the time being.
"It's fine." She whispered.
Leaning forward, he kissed her forehead.
****†****†****†
Wilder and Safiya got ready and left for Rebecca's dinner which was taking place in the family's mansion.
Safiya had her hand wrapped around Wilder's as they walked into the living room.
Almost everyone was present, making it seem like they were late. Wilder's five cousins were there - including Arlo's mother - Mrs. Lorais.
"Oh, finally! My boy is here!" Rebecca laughed, the wrinkles around her eyes going deeper.
She was seated on the couch and swung her arms open to Wilder who excitedly went in for the hug.
"Hey, gamma!" He pecked her on the cheek.
The old woman's face couldn't help but get all redden.
She brought him to sit right next to her, then cupped his cheeks.
"My snuggle bug. I've missed being called that by you." She made a pout.
"What do you mean? We speak on the phone everyday."
"Doesn't matter. It hits differently when you call me Gamma to my face. You were supposed to come see me yesterday!"
"I know, I'm sorry. My flight came in late. And this morning, I had to report to the office."
"Yeah, I understand. How's it going for you?"
"Just fine, gamma."
Lorais Pemberton cleared her throat, shifting their attention for once.
"You know, the rest of us are still here, mum and have a lot to do." She added with a scowl she couldn't conceal on her face.
"Oh, give me a break, Lorais." Rebecca grumbled to her second child.
"Okay. Let's go get dinner."
She rose from her seat, and with Wilder holding her hand, they headed for the table which had already been set.
- Writer
