Page 29 of Poison and Wine
“Like she had much of a choice,” Dare quipped under his breath.
I jabbed my finger at him. “Stay out of this.”
He held up his hands. “I was just trying to diffuse the situation.”
“I don’t need your help.”
“Just remember. She’s stealthy with round objects so protect your cock at all costs.”
At Caterina’s gasp, I growled, “Bugger off.”
He grinned. “I’ll go find the wine opener.”
After he left us, Caterina crossed her arms over her chest, which emphasized her perfect, round tits. I silently cursed Nera for picking out that temptation of a dress. It molded against each and every one of her sinful curves. “I will cook and clean for you only if I want or feel like it, and most of all, I will do it only if I feel respected. I won’t be some employee you bark orders to. A marriage is about being partners.”
“Your parents were partners?” I countered.
She scowled. “I would imagine that if we want any semblance of a happy marriage we shouldn’t look to our parents as examples.”
“Aye, I suppose you’re right,” I relented.
“Do my ears deceive me or did you just admit to being wrong about something?”
“Fucking hell, woman!” Jesus, how was it possible that after only forty-eight hours, Caterina knew how to push each and every one of my buttons? This wasn’t what I had envisioned when Seamus had concocted this marriage plan.
A triumphant fire burned in Caterina’s dark eyes, and fuck me, if it didn’t go straight to my cock. “It’s fine if you won’t admit it. I know that I’m right.”
I threw up my hands. “You know what? You can do whatever the hell you want, and I’ll do whatever the hell I want. The little we have to see or talk to each other the better.”
“I agree.”
It was then I realized my brothers had all come into the dining room. Their attention pinged back and forth between me and Caterina like they were front row at a tennis match.
Quinn grabbed my shoulder. “Let’s eat before it gets cold.”
“Fine,” I grunted before taking a seat at the head of the table. The others hung back, unsure of where to sit. I tapped the seat to my right. “Sit, Caterina.”
With her eyes locked on mine, she edged around the table to sit at the very end. Her brows cocked defiantly as she placed her napkin in her lap. I clenched my jaw as I pulled my hand back—a hand that was itching to pull Caterina over my knee before sending stinging slaps across both of her ass cheeks. I wanted nothing more than to see her pink-tinged skin with the imprint of my hands.
Instead, I rose out of my chair to pour a glass of whiskey. I didn’t care whatever aged bottle of wine was on the table. After throwing back half a tumbler full, I returned to my seat. My brothers had started passing food and digging in while Caterina’s mouth turned disapprovingly down.
When she didn’t start filling her plate, I huffed out an exasperated breath through my nose. “What’s wrong now, Kitten?”
“Aren’t we going to say the blessing?”
My brothers froze at her question. Their expectant gazes bounced to me. “We don’t normally return thanks.” Smirking at her, I added, “But knowing you like I do, I imagine we’re about to start.”
“If you don’t mind.”
I motioned my hand over the table. “Be my guest.”
As Caterina bowed her head, my brothers followed suit. After rolling my eyes, I tucked my head to my chest. Caterina’s voice echoed through the quiet room. “Bless us, O Lord, and these Thy gifts which we are about to receive through Christ Our Lord. Amen.”
“Amen,” echoed around the table.
Caterina raised her head, and the corners of her ruby red lips quirked up before she reached for the salad. When she caught my eye, she suggested, “Perhaps next time, you’ll want to say it since you keep reminding me that you’re the boss of this family?”
“I’ll pass.”