Page 55 of Dust to Dust

Iritiation rippled through me. Why couldn’t she understand? Although she fought tooth and nail against the life, Caterina understood. “It’s the bleedin’ way it’s done, and I’m not going against tradition,” I bit out.

Ignoring me, she stared straight ahead. Of course, it would be at that moment we pulled into her driveway. She grabbed her purse and slung the strap over her neck. “Thank you for the ride home.”

When I didn’t make a move to get out, she huffed and tried the other door. After finding it locked, she threw a look at me over her shoulder. “Open the door.”

The last thing on earth I wanted to do was let her go. Especially not when she was spitting mad at me. I knew if we allowed things to continue between us, it wouldn’t be the last time. I didn’t know how to be soft and tender with a woman. Sure, I could with Maeve and my mam, but this was different.

Isla was different.

“Let me out!” she shrieked as her hand frantically worked the door handle.

Shane wouldn’t do it. Not until he got the nod from me that it was okay. Instead, I shook my head.

“Isla, look at me.”

“I just want to go.”

“Look at me,” I commanded.

With a huff, she whirled around to pin with a heated stare. “What?”

In a booming voice, I said, “I’m sorry I’ve been a beast to you. I’m sorry I made you feel used the first night we were together.”

There was no denying she heard me and that Shane did as well. “You are?” she questioned softly.

“Aye. And I’ll work my arse off from now on out to treat you like the queen you are.”

Isla stared intently at me. The corners of her lips quirked. “Good. I’m glad to hear it.” She then jerked her chin at the door. “Let me out.”

This time I nodded at Shane.

“Goodnight, Quinn,” Isla said before she slipped out the door.

“Sweet dreams, Little Dove.”

With a mischievous grin, she replied, “I think I’ll go for a beauty and the beast fantasy.”

“You’re a cruel woman, you know that?”

She giggled before slamming the door. As she ran up the front walk and onto the porch, I caught Shane’s gaze in the rear view mirror. He had the nerve to grin at me.

“If you fucking tell anyone, especially my brothers about what you heard tonight, I’ll fucking castrate you.”

He chuckled. “Aye, boss. My lips are sealed.” Once Isla was inside the house, he put the SUV in reverse. “Can I just say one thing?”

“If it’s to give me any shite about what was seen or heard tonight, I’d keep your bleedin’ lips shut if you know what’s good for you.”

“I just wanted to say that she’s good for you. I like who you are with her.”

“And what am I like with her? A pussy?”

“Happy.”

Although I should’ve told him to mind his own fucking business, I didn’t. Instead, I merely grumbled, “Whatever.”

Inwardly, I couldn’t help smiling.

Chapter Fourteen: Isla

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