Page 63 of Poison and Wine

“Enough!” I thundered, which caused Caterina to jump. “You and I will share a room, a bathroom, and a bed.”

With a huff, she rolled her eyes to the ceiling. “Fine. But I won’t like it.”

“I’m sure with your continued line of bullshit I won’t like it very much either.” Taking her by the arm, I led her across the hall to the kitchen. “I want to introduce you to Lorna.”

At the mention of another female, Caterina tensed. “Why do I need to meet her?” she questioned suspiciously.

“Because she’s our cook and housekeeper. She basically runs this house and us.”

A flicker of relief flashed on Caterina’s face. I fought the urge to laugh that she could’ve possibly thought I had a live-in mistress. Growing up with a father like hers, I’m sure Caterina was used to Alessio shuffling women around. I’d seen the same thing happen with my own. Keeping faithful was another way I planned to end yet another generational curse.

“You didn’t tell me you had a full-time housekeeper.”

“My apologies that I didn’t deem it as important as saving your ass from gunfire.”

She rolled her eyes. “I thought you expected me to do all that as your wife.” She turneded her head to me. “The whole ‘my mother put three meals on the table a day’ thing.”

“When university starts, I know you’ll be busy with your classes, so it’s best that Lorna keeps running things around here.”

“That makes sense.”

“There’s also the fact that Lorna takes care of my brothers along with me. As my wife, you’ll only be expected to take care of me.”

While I thought she might protest, Caterina shook her head. “I don’t mind doing things for your brothers. They’ve been exceptionally kind to me considering the situation.”

The mention of her taking care of my brothers sent an unusual feeling slashing through my chest. A green rage of jealousy blinded my eyes at the very idea she might be giving more to them than me. “You are mine, Caterina.”

She stared into my eyes before slowly shaking her head. “Why don’t you beat your hands on your chest to drive home the point?” she suggested.

With a smirk, I replied, “If that’s what it takes to get it through your head, then maybe I will.”

“Lucky me,” Caterina muttered.

Just as I expected, I found Lorna in front of the stove. I’d texted her we would be arriving late, and she could leave some food out for us. I should’ve known she would’ve insisted on staying to ensure we were all fed.

At the sight of me, she smiled. “Welcome home.”

“Thank you.”

Glancing passed me, Lorna stared at Caterina with interest. “And who is this?”

“This is my wife, Caterina.”

Lorna’s green eyes bulged comically wide. “Your wife?”

I couldn’t help grinning at her reaction. “Aye, as of today.”

Taking a tentative step forward, Caterina offered Lorna her hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Lorna eyed it somewhat contemptuously before she pulled a shocked Caterina into her arms. “It’s so very, very nice to meet you.” Peering over Caterina’s shoulder, Lorna demanded, “You left five days ago without even a girlfriend to speak of, and now you’re coming back with a wife?”

With a laugh, I replied, “It’s an arranged marriage.”

Lorna pulled away to peer at Caterina. “The angels sure were shining upon you to be blessed with such a beautiful wife.”

As red flushed Caterina’s face, she replied, “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, lass.” Although she let Caterina out of her embrace, Lorna kept her hands in hers. “Aren’t the two of you going to make some stunning wains together?”

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