Page 88 of Dust to Dust

I flushed under his compliments. “You’re too good to me.”

“I can never do enough, Little Dove.”

He took the necklace from the box and then unfastened it. “Turn around,” he instructed.

I did as I was told. I then shifted my waves to the left side so he would have better access to my neck. His breath warmed the bare skin of my shoulders. At his closeness, my heart began to thrum wildly.

Once the necklace was in place, Quinn snapped the clasp. After adjusting my hair, I hurried over to the massive antique mirror on the wall. At the sight of the glittering emeralds and diamonds, I not so eloquently murmured, “Wow.”

Quinn came up behind me, and I met his reflection in the mirror. “I think you’d put Cliodna herself to shame tonight.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever felt more beautiful.”

“You’re my beauty. Mine alone.” His hands came around my waist, pulling me back against him. He dipped his head to place kisses down my neck. When he reached my collarbone, he slid his tongue along it, causing me to moan.

A throat cleared behind us. When I whirled around, Caterina gave us a sly smile. “Just in case you two forgot you had an audience.”

I blushed as I worked to entangle myself from Quinn’s embrace. He started to protest, but at that moment, Callum came down the stairs. “Sorry to keep you guys waiting.” He then stared pointedly at Quinn. “More bullshit from Mikita.”

Quinn tensed next to me. “I don’t know what it’s going to take for him to get the message.”

“Rafe is working on something with Leo and Gianni.”

At the mention of those names, Caterina sucked in a harsh breath. Callum went over to her on the couch. “They’re not in any danger, Kitten. It’s just business.”

She frowned as she rubbed her belly. “I hope it stays that way.”

At what must’ve been my questioning look, Caterina said, “Rafe, Leo, and Gianni are my brothers who live in New York.”

“It has to be hard worrying about all the men in your life.”

She gave me a tight smile. “It is.”

Callum kissed her lips and then her tiny belly. “I’ve asked Dare and Kellan to stay home tonight, so they can watch over my girls.”

With a laugh, Caterina replied, “Considering she’s only the size of a raspberry, I’m not sure how much watching we’ll require.”

“Regardless, they’ll be here.”

She smiled up at him. “I appreciate you looking out for us.”

With one last kiss for Caterina, Callum turned to face us. “Let’s go.”

Apprehension bubbled within me, but I gave Quinn a confident smile as I slipped my hand into his.

Chapter Twenty-Three: Isla

When we pulled up outside The Copley Plaza hotel, my eyes bulged. “The gala is here?”

“Yes,” Quinn replied.

I practically bounced in my seat with excitement. “It’s famous! I’ve seen it in so many movies, but I’ve never actually been inside.”

“Tonight’s your big chance.”

With a grin, I said, “I can’t believe I’m going to a gala, least of all one at The Copley Plaza.” I grinned at Quinn. “I really feel like Cinderella now.”

He winked at me. “We’ll have to watch out for your shoes tonight then.”

---