Page 34 of Fix You

“I do?”

She nodded. “It’s in the way you slink around like you’re God’s gift to women.”

Crossing my arms over my chest, I countered, “I don’t fucking slink.”

“Yes, you do. It’s this whole predatory vibe you have.”

“Whatever,” I muttered with a grin.

Her eyes lit up at the sight of one of her brothers coming over. We hadn’t been introduced yet, but I knew he favored Callum. “Oh grand, you’re just the person I was looking for,” she said to him.

With a smirk, he replied, “What can I do for you, little sis?”

Always the rule follower, Maeve said, “Have you met Caterina’s brother, Raphael?”

He shook his head. “I haven’t had the pleasure yet.”

“Raphael, this is my brother, Dare.”

Narrowing my eyes at him, I replied, “You were one of the ones who helped kidnap my sister.”

While Maeve shrieked in horror, Dare’s jovial expression didn’t waver. “Aye, I was. I’ve apologized to her, so I suppose I should apologize to you as well.”

“I appreciate that. It appears Caterina has forgiven, so I will as well.”

“Did she tell you how she racked up my balls with a mop handle?”

Maeve ducked her head at the mention of her brother’s balls while I busted out laughing. “She did?”

Dare rolled his eyes playfully. “Don’t act all innocent. It was very evident that you Neretti boys taught your little sister self-defense. Not to mention giving her a gun that she used to shoot Callum in the thigh.”

Pride soared through me at his declaration. “That’s my Kitty Cat.”

“She’s our Kitten now, and I’m proud to call her my sister-in-law.”

Although it pained me greatly, I nodded. “I’m proud she’s a part of your family.”

Surprise flashed in Dare’s eyes for a moment, but he masked it. Turning to Maeve he asked, “So what was it you needed?”

Licking her lips nervously, she glanced past him to the dance floor. “Someone dared me to do another jig, so I needed a partner.”

He swept a hand to his chest. “It would be my pleasure.” Wagging his brows, he added, “I’ll tell the band leader to clear the floor for us, so we can show these ejits how it’s done.”

Maeve’s face paled as she grabbed his arm. “No, no!” she cried. Shaking her head, she added, “That’s not necessary. We can dance with the others like before.”

“What better way to answer a bet than to really lay it down.”

As he headed for the bandleader, Maeve turned back to me. From her expression, I knew she was about to call the bet off. Instead, she jabbed a finger at me. “I expect tongue for this!”

I blinked at her in disbelief before throwing my head back with laughter. As she stalked off, I couldn’t help murmuring, “You’re a hell of a woman, Maeve Kavanaugh,” I murmured.

Dare grabbed the microphone from the band leader. “Ladies and gentleman, as you all know, I’m a man of many talents.”

As whistles and catcalls went up among the crowd, especially from the women, Dare grinned. “One of those talents is Irish dancing. While all the Kavanaughs are talented, my sister is the true triple threat of our family. She’s agreed to dance with me again, but this time we need the entire floor. So playThe Blackthorn Stick,boyo!”

When Dare handed the microphone back to more applause and cheers, the dance floor emptied out. Although Maeve looked like she was about to throw up, she joined Dare. Just as the upbeat music began to play, she quickly ripped off her heels and tossed them to the side of the dance floor.

As she began moving effortlessly to the music, I became completely enthralled with Maeve. Her toned calves kicked to the beat. From time to time, her dress would swirl up, and I’d get a look at her thighs.

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