Page 39 of Arranged Addiction

“But you expect that from me?”

“I expect you to do your job, Ms. Brennan.”

“I thought I was Mrs. Whelan.”

“Not yet.” I lean down, cupping her cheek. “But soon.” I kiss her lightly. She sucks a breath in through her nose and looks dazed when I pull back.

“Yes, sir,” she says very quietly.

It makes my heart race in my chest.

I force myself back behind the desk. I need to put space between me and her. This is going to be more difficult than I thought. I’m already crossing lines I shouldn’t get anywhere near.

“One more thing,” I say before dismissing her. “I just wanted to let you know that I will be taking care of Natalie’s funeral expenses. I’ve already reached out to her parents and made them aware of the arrangements.”

Her eyes widen. “You are? Seriously?”

“She was my employee. I feel like I have some responsibility toward her, and after what happened—” I leave that in the air.

Casey covers her face with both hands. Her shoulders shake, and I realize she’s crying. I sit back, slightly startled and at a loss.

Why is she reacting like that? I thought she’d be happy. I’m not paying for this funeral because I actually care about Natalie. She was just some girl who worked for me.

I’m doing it for Casey.

“Thank you,” she says, wiping her face and trying to smile, but she’s still crying. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“You’re upset. Do you need a minute?”

“No. I’m fine.” She takes a shuddering breath. “I’m totally fine. I’m sure her parents really appreciate it. One less burden to carry.”

“That’s the idea. If you need a break?—”

“Don’t worry. Email me the list of contacts and I’ll start scheduling meetings.” She pushes to her feet and composes herself. “Anything else, sir?”

“That will be all, Ms. Brennan.”

She nods and hurries out.

I watch her go. The door clicks shut once she’s gone, and I feel strangely alone.

I’ve never had to comfort someone before.

When she broke down just now, I didn’t know what to do.

There was no crisis, no problem to solve, no battle to fight.

Just a girl dealing with her grief.

And I just sat there.

Emotions are difficult for me. I was taught a long time ago that the future boss of the Whelan Clan has to be in control of himself no matter how he feels. I learned to suppress myself, but that also means I have no idea how to deal with them in others.

Now I have a wife.

And she cries.

I’ll have to figure it out.