Page 59 of Poison and Wine
“Was the invitation your idea or his?” When I nibbled on my bottom lip, he grunted. “Kavanaugh, why don’t you be a man and ask me to a business meeting rather than being a pussy and putting my sister up to it?”
While I expected Rafe’s remarks to anger Callum, he surprised me by merely laughing. “I’ve always heard you get more bees with honey than vinegar. I didn’t think you would possibly tell your sweet sister no.”
“I don’t suppose you’ve extended an invitation to my father?”
Callum sneered. “I have nothing to say to the man who tried to sell his daughter in marriage to a pedophilic abuser, not to mention attacking us this morning.”
Rafe’s dark brows shot up into his hairline. “He attacked you?”
“You weren’t aware?”
“Do I fucking look like I was aware?”
Callum and I exchanged a look. He’d been right when he said that Rafe hadn’t had a part in my father’s attack. “Alessio and some of your Sicilian relatives attacked our SUV as we were leaving for Boston. They ambushed us at the airport as well, but thankfully, we were able to reduce the threat,” Callum replied.
“My father fired on an SUV carrying my sister?”
“Yes, he did.”
Rafe’s expression turned menacing. “That fucking bastard.”
Callum chuckled. “My sentiments exactly.”
“And mine,” I piped up.
This time both Rafe and Callum chuckled. “Oh Kitty Cat,” Rafe mused.
“Well, it’s the truth,” I huffed.
Callum cleared his throat. “Anyway, after everything that has transpired, I felt it was better speaking with you, rather than your father.”
“I would remind you I’m not the head of the family,” Rafe said diplomatically.
“No one looks to Alessio for good decisions anymore. They know the future of the family lies with you, Raphael. Come to our reception so we can discuss how beneficial Caterina’s and my marriage will be for both of our families. If we are united, your father will have no choice but to condone the alliance.”
Before he could answer, I added, “Please, Rafe. I really want my brothers to be there and to be united with us.”
The corners of Rafe’s lips quirked up. “They say women are a weakness, and Kitty Cat, you certainly are mine. And the same can be said for Leo and Gianni.”
I laughed. “I love you.”
I knew Rafe wouldn’t repeat the endearment to me in front of Callum. It was a silly alpha thing that Made Man never show emotional weakness. “I’ll speak to the others. In the meantime, I suppose it wouldn’t hurt if you texted me the address of the reception.”
At my squeal of delight, Rafe chuckled. “I’ll see you Saturday.”
“Bye, Kitty Cat.”
Pursing his lips, Callum countered, “No goodbye for me?”
Rafe narrowed his eyes. “Fuck off, you thieving bastard.”
And with that, he hung up. “Did that go well?” I asked.
He laughed. “Aye. It went well.”
“If you say so,” I murmured as I fell back into my seat.
Chapter Seventeen: Callum