Page 38 of Fix You

“You told me I’d have to share your bed because there weren’t any guest bedrooms in the house,” she huffed.

While I narrowed my eyes at Callum for him deceiving Caterina, he had the audacity to grin at her. “It was partially the truth. The downstairs bedrooms are only equipped with twin bunk beds as a means to harbor some of our men during times we’re on lockdown.” He brought her hand to his lips. “It’s certainly not a good enough place for my wife to sleep.”

“But it’s apparently good enough for her brothers,” I mused tersely.

Silent fury flashed in Callum’s eyes. “The Parker House is mere minutes from here. I’ll be happy to put you all up to ensure you sleep in the manner you’re accustomed to.”

At Caterina’s pleading glance, I sighed. “While I’m grateful for your offer, there’s no need. We’ll be fine right here.”

Caterina grinned as she bounced on her feet. “It’ll be just like old times.”

Leo snorted. “I seriously doubt that. It won’t be like you’ll come climbing into one of our beds if you get scared.”

Caterina playfully rolled her eyes. Surprisingly Callum didn’t appear pissed at his remark. Instead the corners of his lips quirked up. “That reminds me of Maeve. She always would get scared and get in bed with one of us.”

At the mention of Maeve, I inwardly groaned. The last thing I needed was any comparisons between Maeve and Caterina. It only made me feel even more like a bastard for lusting after her.

Motioning his hand, Callum said, “Come on it. We’ll get you set up.”

As soon as we got inside the house, it was apparent that no one was leaving anytime soon. Conversation and alcohol flowed and new appetizers began to be passed around. Apparently Dare had taken a shine to me because he pulled me over to have a seat with him and some of his cousins.

Although I was used to raucous Italian parties, I became overwhelmed, especially when the conversations rattled along in Irish. Giving my apologies to Dare, I rose off the couch. Desperate for a smoke to calm me down, I made my way back to the roof.

Thankfully, I found it empty. As I walked over to the ledge, I couldn’t help taking in the view of the city. I’d just reached into my pocket for my lighter when a low growl jolted me on alert. Bypassing the lighter, I reached for my gun only to realize I’d unarmed myself during my meeting with Callum as a show of respect.

When I whirled around ready for hand to hand combat, Maeve threw up her hands. “It’s just me.”

“Fuck. I’m sorry,” I replied as I jerked my hands down.

“It’s okay. I guess I should’ve announced myself.” She grinned before motioning to my ankles. “Or I suppose I should’ve announced Murphy.”

Glancing down, I surmised the pint-sized assailant gnawing on my pants leg. “At the sound of his growl, I thought a pit bull was about to lunge at me.”

Maeve giggled. “His bark is certainly bigger than his bite.”

Bending over, I picked up the wriggling dog. “So this is Murphy?” I asked, through the long swipes of pink tongue against my cheek.

Maeve gave the dog an adoring smile–one I wished that I could’ve put on her face. After I put Murphy down, I asked, “What are you doing out here all by yourself?”

Cocking her brows at me, she countered, “I suppose I could ask the same of you.”

“I needed a smoke break. And you?”

She sighed, a shiver running through her. “Too many people in the house to sleep. I needed some peace and quiet.”

“And I thought it was just me being overrun with Irishmen.”

Maeve grinned. “I imagine it’s overwhelming to an outsider.”

“Yes and no. I mean, my family is known for throwing large, loud parties.”

“So Italians aren’t that much different than Irishmen, huh?”

“Actually Sicilians,” I corrected.

Tilting her head at me, she countered, “I see you’re as prickly about that as the Irish are about being from the North or South.”

I laughed. “What can I say? We Sicilians are proud of our heritage. We consider ourselves Sicilians first, Italians second.”

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