Page 67 of Dust to Dust

“Only if it wasn’t true.”

Callum’s jaw unhinged. “This shite is true?”

“Much like us, his empire was built on shady dealings.”

“I’ll be damned.”

My lips curved in a smirk. “When you’re ready to apologize, I’m listening.”

Callum barked out a laugh. “Bastard.”

“What are you guys doing?”

We turned to see Caterina approaching. Dark circles spread under her eyes, but she had a warm smile on her lips. Callum tucked her to his side. “You should be in bed, Kitten.”

“I’m starving.”

His brows popped wide. “Seriously?”

She grinned. “Yes, seriously. I wanted some pancakes.”

“I’ll wake Lorna.”

“You’ll do no such thing. I’m perfectly capable of making some pancakes.”

“Fine then. I’ll help you,” Callum said.

“Fanny-whipped,” I teased under my breath to which Callum scowled at me.

“Quinn, would you like some pancakes, too?” Caterina asked.

“No thank you. I need to go check on Isla.”

Caterina’s brows creased with worry. “What happened?”

After I related last night’s events, tears filled Caterina’s eyes. “I’m so sorry.”

“Thank you. I’ll tell her you were thinking of her.”

“I’d love to bring her a meal and come for a visit.”

I smiled at Caterina. “I’m sure she would like that, too.”

After she extricated herself from Callum, Caterina came to hug me. Her touch was one of the few that I welcomed and not just tolerated. Her voice came close to my ear. “She likes you, Quinn.”

Warmth spread through my chest. “And I like her. A lot.”

She pulled back to stare into my eyes. “I told her you did. Now go and take care of her as well as you have me.”

“I promise.”

When Caterina bestowed a kiss on my cheek, Callum grunted. A chuckle rumbled through me at his possessiveness. “Easy, mate. She’s not putting the moves on me.”

Like the ridiculous caveman he was, Callum wrapped his arm around Caterina’s waist. “I know that.”

“Then ease up before you piss on her leg.”

As Caterina giggled, Callum shot me a death glare. “Fuck you.”

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