Page 36 of Poison and Wine
“No.”
“Then there’s no point. While it’s not what I would want for them, I understand what they’re being born into. After all, they’ll inherit it from both sides of their family.”
“I’m glad you can see it that way.”
With a teasing smile, I countered, “Maybe it’s more that I’ll be lighting candles to be blessed with only daughters.”
Callum barked out a laugh. “Do what you must, Sister, but considering the amount of sons in my family, the odds aren’t in your favor.”
“I suppose we’ll just have to wait and see.”
“Speaking of conceiving children, I feel we should discuss our wedding night.”
Apprehension rocketed through me. Of all the aspects of a marriage to Callum, the physical side unnerved me the most. After joining the order, I’d never imagined sex with anyone, least of all a man who abducted me. As someone with no experience with men, it was a matter of extreme apprehension. “W-What about it?”
“I just wanted to ease your mind that I won’t be expecting us to consummate the marriage on our wedding night.”
A gasp escaped my lips as surprise shuddered through me. “You’re not?”
“I’m a bastard, but not that big of a bastard to force a nun into sex with a stranger.”
As I processed his words, I couldn’t help thinking there was more he wasn’t saying. Although our families were different nationalities, rules were similar. In the mafia world, he would be my husband, and it would be within his rights to expect me to consummate the marriage. Even if I said no, it wouldn’t be considered rape. “It’s about your sister, isn’t it?”
His expression darkened. “What about her?”
“The reason you won’t force me on our wedding night–or any night for that matter–is because of what happened to Maeve,” I said softly.
“You owe more to the suffering of that poor girl than you can ever imagine,” he grunted.
It hit me then. The unusual kindness he and his brothers had shown me was also because of Maeve. I swallowed hard. “I realize how indebted I am to her, and for what it is worth, I’m grateful.”
“I’m glad you realize it.”
An uncomfortable silence penetrated the air after the mention of Maeve. I cleared my throat. “When can I sign the contract?”
“I’ll type up what we discussed and send it to our attorney tonight. I should have a copy in the morning.”
“Good.”
Before I could rise out of my chair, his hand came over mine. At the mischievous glint burning in his eyes, a shudder ran through me. “Until then, I know another way we could seal the deal.”
“How?”
“With a kiss.”
“I think a handshake would suffice.”
“You never know. I might throw something in the contract about a summer study abroad if you kiss me now.”
My eyes popped wide. “You’re trying to bribe me to kiss you?”
“I’m a businessman, Caterina.”
Leaning over, Callum slid his hands around my waist. The heat from his body singed my skin through my dress. Before I could shove him away, he rose to his feet, pulling me up with him. His whiskey-laced breath warmed my cheek, sending a shiver rippling through me. “Surrender a little of yourself to me, Caterina.”
“No! You don’t get to kiss me until we’re married,” I protested as I fought to escape his embrace.
“Says who?” he questioned, as he kissed a moist trail down my neck.