Page 51 of Tainted Blood

“You come home late almost every night.”

“It’s not the same motherfucking thing. I still come home and wrap you up in my arms, Calista. Don’t test me. Get your ass packed so we can travel and deal with business, and so I can make love to you in Vegas.” She throws her arms around me, sending me backwards, and I laugh.

“Be careful, or we won’t have time for packing.”

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner? Did you not want to take me?”

“That’s not it. I just forgot about going and I got the reminder about it, so we both need to get our asses moving. Now, get your pretty ass up and stop being so paranoid. I love you. We’re in this together. Soon you’ll be Calista MacNamara.”

“I can’t wait.” She hops off me and runs to her closet to dig out her suitcases that we brought back with us. It doesn’t take either of us long to pack. About two hours later, we’re in the SUV and Jack’s escorting us to the airport.

“Let me know if you have any issues. I don’t like you going with the current situation.”

“I’m fine there. The surveillance in Vegas is ridiculous. If that pussy shows up, he’ll be marked before he gets ten steps off the plane.”

“That doesn’t mean I don’t worry. You’re my brother.”

“I know. You all stay safe. Remember, he’s not above killing all of you either. Mom was the only thing stopping him back then.”

“No, I think it was the excuse he used. We’re his blood—it’s the only thing holding him back. Push comes to shove, I think he’ll choose his life over ours, but no, he’s not going to come directly for us. You and John are his goals, but I won’t let that happen and neither will Saunders.”

“Are you softening on him?”

“I still might hate the bastard, but he loved Mom and it’s clear he cares for both of you.” That’s true. My real father calls me four times a week just to see how I’m doing. He sees John once a week because that’s what Jack allows, or that’s what he can spare since he’s extremely busy.

“I’ve always liked the governor,” Calista says, giving Jack a glare.

“Yes, well, he didn’t try to kill you.”

“Yeah, and he isn’t an asshole to me either,” she bites out.

“Well, I’m an asshole to everyone.”

“I’m surprised you managed to get such a sweet woman.”

“He forced her to marry him.”

“Explains everything,” she scoffs.

“She loves me.”

Calista rolls her eyes. “An asshole and delusional as well,” she adds.

“Keep it up, and I’ll tell your parents that you and Ian married in Vegas, even slip them some doctored wedding certificates.”

“You wouldn’t,” she gasps.

“Try this asshole.”

“Wow, you’re an evil one.”

“I just know how to deal with little brats.” He looks at me and says, “You have a lot to handle with this one. At least mine is sweet.”

“She’s sweet in other places,” I say, causing Calista to slap my arm and blush prettily. She’s silent for the rest of the ride. We arrive at the airport and pull onto the private tarmac. She gasps when we pull up to the jet.

“We’re taking a private plane for just the two of us?”

“Yes. Jack said we could use his jet.”

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