Page 77 of Poison and Wine
I took her hand in mine and squeezed it. “I’d burn the world down for you if you asked me.”
Despite the tears shimmering in her green eyes, she smiled. “You know your devotion and adoration has ruined me for any future men.”
With a laugh, I replied, “Just know that whoever you choose will have to answer to the five of us.”
She rolled her eyes. “Like any man will want to take me up on that.”
At that moment, Raphael strolled up to our table. The bastard gave us a warm smile. “I noticed your beautiful sister wasn’t dancing, and I thought I would ask for her hand.”
Before Maeve could respond, I shook my head. “She doesn’t care to dance.”
Rafe’s dark eyes regarded me coolly before he flicked his gaze to Maeve. “Is that true, Ms. Kavanaugh?”
When Maeve started to speak, I cut her off. “I’m the head of her family, so I speak for her.”
“She is of age, is she not?”
“Aye, but the answer is still no.”
“Callum, stop,” Maeve interjected.
Rafe’s expression darkened. “Your refusal insinuates that I’m not good enough to dance with your sister.”
“It has nothing to do with you.”
He raiseded a brow. “I’d love to believe that. But one might argue with your prior behavior towards my sister, you give me reason to believe that despite today’s meeting, you do not respect me or my position.”
“I don’t give a shite what you believe,” I growled.
With his jaw clenching, Rafe spat, “Perhaps we should settle this outside.”
“If that’s how you want to handle it.”
Before I could stand up, Maeve shot out of her chair. Thrusting her hand out to Rafe, she said softy, “I would love to dance, Mr. Neretti.”
Both Rafe’s and my eyes popped wide. Once he’d recovered, Rafe gave her a smooth smile. “Please call me, Raphael or Rafe,” he instructed.
“I’m Maeve.” Her cheeks flushed. She replied, “Just in case you didn’t know.”
When she started around the table, I grabbed her free hand. At her startled look, I said, “You don’t have to do this.”
“It’s okay.” When I continued staring questioningly in her eyes, she squeezed my hand. “I’m fine, Cal.”
Unable to trust my voice, I merely nodded. As Rafe led Maeve onto the dance floor, I moved out from behind the table to stand to the side. I wanted to be ready in case she needed me. More than anything, I wanted to be nearby in case Neretti tried anything. I didn’t care if it ruined the alliance. I wouldn’t allow him to hurt one hair on her head.
I was so focused on the two of them that I didn’t notice Caterina had appeared at my side. “What’s wrong?” she asked.
“Your fucking brother.”
Tilting her head, she surmised Rafe and Maeve. “They look good together.”
“He forced her to dance,” I growled in protest.
She shook her head. “Rafe would never do that.”
“I’m sorry to tell you, but your most perfect brother did.”
Caterina looked at me. “Just like I know Rafe would never force a woman to dance, you would never allow him to do that to Maeve.”