Page 56 of Poison and Wine
I swallowed hard. “I’m pretty sure my father’s actions were motivated by something sinister.”
“I agree. He would be a fool not to at least hear us out before attacking.” He gave me a pointed look. “Unless he thought he had a better option on the table.”
I furrowed my brows. “You think he had a potential marriage contract for me with another family?”
With a grimace, Callum nodded. “I received intel that Carmine’s last marriage contract fell through.”
My stomach lurched in my throat. “You mean after all this time he still hasn’t remarried?”
Disgust rippled across Callum’s face. “The delay was in waiting for his bride to come of age.”
I covered my mouth with my hand. “Oh God.”
“The sick bastard entered into a contract with a sixteen-year-old girl.”
Although I hated showing weakness in front of Callum, I couldn’t stop my body from trembling at the thought of Carmine. Callum immediately picked up my distress because he drew me closer to him, pulling me onto his lap. As his hand ran wide circles across my back, he pronounced, “You’re safe, Kitten. You’re my wife, and I won’t ever let that bastard lay one finger on you. I swear. ”
“But what if something happens to you?” I whispered.
“My brothers will protect you in my absence.” He cocked his brows at Quinn and Dare who were curiously eyeing my position on Callum’s lap. “Won’t you protect Caterina in my absence?”
As Dare nodded, Quinn replied, “You don’t ever have to fear that bastard.”
Tears threatened my eyes at their compassionate resolve. “Thank you,” I murmured.
When the tremors finally stopped echoing through me, I expected Callum to move me off his lap. Instead, he remained absently stroking my back. And for reasons I couldn’t possibly understand, I enjoyed the feel of his strong arms around me and the gentle touch of his hand.
Before I could get completely carried away with my feelings, I cleared my throat. “What should I say to Rafe when I call him?”
“Let him know you’re all right and invite him, Leandro, and Gianni to our reception on Saturday.”
“We’re having a reception?”
“It’s more of a party to announce our wedding to our Irish allies on the East Coast.”
Curiosity got the better of me when I asked, “Will we be taking a honeymoon afterwards?”
Callum smirked at me. “I didn’t think you’d be ready to consummate our marriage so fast.”
I scowled back at him. “I’m not. A honeymoon usually follows a reception.”
“Not in our case.”
“I wouldn’t have minded a little time away. Maybe a trip to the shore.”
He eyed me curiously. “How long has it been since you’ve been to the ocean?”
“Almost three years.”
“Perhaps if you behave yourself and play nice, I can convince Seamus to let us use his house on Center Beach.”
“You’ll only take me to the beach as a reward?” I huffed.
“Aye, if you’re a good girl.”
“Forget it,” I grumbled.
Ignoring his laughter, I started dialing Rafe’s number. When Callum ended the call, I demanded, “What is your problem?”