Page 54 of Poison and Wine
“I’ll have Seamus text you flight plans to get you and the others back to Belfast.”
As he nodded, I met Nera’s terrified eyes, I said, “Grazie.”
“Prego,” she replied, her voice barely audible over the jet’s engine.
I wish I knew how to communicate with her how well I was going to compensate her family. Hopefully, my look of gratitude coupled with my position was enough for the moment.
Without any return fire, I motioned for Seamus to start for the plane. I don’t know how the hell my crazy plan had worked, but miraculously it had. The minute I got on the jet, Quinn shut and locked the door for the pilot.
I barely had time to take a seat before we were rocketing down the runway. I would have to thank the pilot for not wasting any time. When I glanced out the window, I knew the answer for the rush. Alessio’s SUV had wheeled up.
Jerking my chin at the window, I said to Caterina, “Your father made it just in time to say goodbye.”
She paled. Her legs must’ve given way because she sank into a seat. “I never thought he would take it this far,” she said in a whisper.
“Truth be told, I didn’t either.” Tearing my gaze from Caterina’s, I eyed Seamus. “Did you?”
He nodded. “This was one of the scenario’s I envisioned happening. Obviously, it wasn’t the one I was hoping for.”
“Somehow I don’t think this is all about a father swooping in to save his kidnapped daughter,” I said.
Caterina shook her head with a rueful smile. “It’s not.”
“I suppose the best thing to do is let him cool off while reaching out to Caterina’s brothers,” I suggested.
“I would agree,” Seamus replied.
Once we were safely in the air and had left her father far behind, Caterina finally relaxed. Or I suppose I should say she relaxed as best she could in her wedding dress that overflowed the seat. She twisted several times while wincing. Since we had a long flight, I hated the thought of her being uncomfortable.
Rising out of my seat, I went over to her. When I took her by the hand and pulled her to her feet, surprise flooded her expression. “What is it?”
“Come to the bedroom with me. We need to get you out of that dress.”
Caterina’s eyes bulged before she snatched her hand from mine. “E-Excuse me?”
I rolled my eyes. “That wasn’t a come-on, Kitten. I was just stating facts.”
“Oh, right,” she murmured, as pink tinged her cheeks.
With a knowing look, I added, “You’re uncomfortable, aren’t you?”
“I am.”
“Did you seriously expect me to fuck you on this plane with my brothers within earshot?”
The flush crept down her neck. “No, but…”
“But what? You think car chases and explosions get me so hot I would abandon all my honor to ravish you?”
”With my father chasing us, I didn’t know.” She swallowed hard. “I didn’t know what you might have to do. You know, to make the marriage more legal.”
Bringing my fingers to her chin, I tipped her head up to look at me. “Regardless of whatever bullshit your father pulled, I would never do that. Ever.”
After staring at me intently, she nodded her head. “Thank you, Callum.”
“Come,” I ordered. After grabbing her bag, I then led her into the bedroom off the cabin.
When I closed the door behind us, she jumped. “Easy. I’m only going to unbutton your dress.” The moment my fingers touched the first button Caterina flinched. “Seriously?” I demanded gruffly.