Full Bloom

very useful in the past, haven't you?" Emily asked bluntly. "You've used them to cut a path for RI when more polite and civilized techniques didn't succeed in getting you what you want."
    "A firm such as ours occasionally has need of the kind of talents Jacob has," Gifford admitted calmly. "That doesn't mean I want him sleeping with my daughter."
    Catherine winced at the blunt words, but she nodded her head in agreement. "Jacob's simply not the right man for you, Emily. I suppose you think he's romantic or something, but the truth is you only got involved with him on the rebound. You were angry about the way we handled the Morrell situation, and when Jacob offered you an alternative, you apparently fell into his arms. I can understand how it happened. But your father and I have decided it would be best if you put a stop to your relationship with him. There's no future in it, and you'll only wind up getting hurt."
    The study door opened on silent hinges just as Emily's mother finished speaking. Jacob stood on the threshold, assessing the small group with cold eyes. Then he folded his arms and leaned against the door-jamb. There was no doubt but that he had heard Catherine's last words. But he said nothing, merely waited for Emily to react to her mother's unsubtle command.
    Emily felt a rush of glorious power pouring through her. This was the moment she had been waiting for, and it was satisfying that Jacob would be here to witness it. Too bad Grandmother Ravenscroft wasn't present. Emily had a hunch the old woman would have enjoyed herself. Emily faced her family triumphantly.
    "I will say this one more time. My relationship with Jacob is my own business. I won't tolerate any more interference in my life from any of you. I have had enough."
    Gifford and Catherine Ravenscroft scowled, first at Jacob and then at their daughter. Drake quietly sipped his whiskey and watched the small drama being played out in front of him as if he found the whole thing suddenly amusing.
    It was Catherine who tried to take charge of the situation. "I think this can be discussed some other time. Gifford, we should get back to our guests." She rose to her feet.
    Gifford moved to take her arm, his unreadable gaze sweeping over Jacob. "I think you're right, my dear. Emily, we'll talk later."
    "No," said Emily. "We'll talk now. I have something to say. I will keep it short."
    "It can wait, dear," her mother began warningly.
    Emily ignored her. "You will all do me the courtesy of listening to what I have to say. As it concerns the future of Ravenscroft International, I'm sure you'll want to hear it."
    Drake, Gifford and Catherine froze, their eyes suddenly riveted on Emily.
    "Good," Emily said with satisfaction. "I finally have your attention. Nothing like mentioning RI to make sure everyone's listening to me."
    "What are you talking about, Emily?" Drake asked coolly.
    She braced herself, aware of Jacob watching her. This was the moment she had been preparing for all evening. She had to play this right if she was going to succeed in protecting him. "It's quite simple. I've decided I've had enough family interference in my life. I am demanding that all of you stay out of my way from here on out. To ensure some peace and quiet for myself, I am going to give you all an ultimatum."
    "Emily, don't be ridiculous," Catherine said uneasily. She stopped talking, apparently unable to think of anything else to say. The men just stared at Emily.
    Jacob was very still in the doorway. Emily could not begin to read his mood, but that did not seem terribly important at the moment. She was riding high on her own strength and independence. For the first time in her life she was about to use a Ravenscroft tactic.
    "I know how you people work," Emily said, savoring the moment. "I've watched you for years and on occasion I've been the victim of some of your Machiavellian methods. I think I've finally learned some of the techniques. Pay attention because this is the bargain I'm going to make with you. I will give you my word of honor to let you continue voting my shares in RI as you see fit as long as you stay out of my life and as long as you leave Jacob alone."
    "Dammit, Emily, what the hell are you saying?" Gifford snapped furiously. His expression was one of outrage and astonishment. He would have started toward his daughter, but his wife caught hold of his arm.
    "You heard me," Emily stated firmly. "If any one of you tries to manipulate Jacob, if you try to