Page 94 of Dust to Dust

I shrugged. “Once again, why else would you want to get me away from Quinn than to warn me?”

“Quinn isn’t just my brother. He’s the enforcer in my clan. He’s a vital part in the success of our businesses.” He drew in a ragged breath. “We almost lost him physically two years ago, and it’s still an emotional battle. I can’t allow anyone or anything to screw with his head.”

A myriad of emotions swirled through me. Part of me was angry that Callum felt the need to threaten me not to hurt Quinn. Another part understood that despite his imposing appearance and menacing attitude, Quinn was truly vulnerable. At the same time, a shiver of fear crept up my spine that my mild-mannered self was having such a conversation with a clan leader.

Callum cocked his head at me. “Do you understand what I’m saying?”

“If I hurt Quinn, I’ll sleep with the fishes?”

Callum’s blues eyes bulged before a bark of a laugh came from deep in his chest. “I wouldn’t use that exact verbiage, but nothing good would come from using or hurting him.”

I frowned. “The last thing I would ever want to do was hurt Quinn. I care about him.”

Callum’s eyes searched mine. After what seemed like an eternity, he replied, “I believe you, Isla.”

“Good. I’m glad to hear that.” Throwing a glance over my shoulder, I surveyed Quinn’s almost eggplant-colored face. “I think it’s time we end our dance before Quinn has a stroke.”

Callum laughed. “I think so, too.”

Just as I started to untangle myself from his embrace, he stopped me. “I’m really happy Quinn has found you, Isla. You’re really good for him. He hasn’t been this happy since the bombing.”

“You really mean that?”

“I do. I hope he doesn’t fuck things up and keeps you happy.”

I laughed. “I hope for the same.”

He placed a tender kiss on my cheek. “Thanks for the dance.”

“Thank you.”

Quinn didn’t wait for me to meet him. Instead, he was at my side just as Callum started walking away. “Did you enjoy your dance?” he bit out.

“Not really.”

Furrowing his brows, Quinn asked, “Why not?”

“Well, because your brother threatened to hurt me if I mistreated you.”

Quinn’s blue eyes turned dark. “I’ll kill him.”

“Easy, now. He was only being the macho clan boss who was looking out for his younger brother.”

“I’m still going to kill him.”

“Please don’t. I want Caterina’s baby to have a father,” I pleaded.

He exhaled a sigh. “Fine. But only for the wain’s sake.”

“The what?”

He grinned. “Wain is Irish for baby or child.”

“Interesting. I think I’ll start calling Henry the wain. It lends a little cultural distinction to our house,” I replied with a smile.

“We’ll see if Brooke appreciates it.”

As we started off the dance floor, Quinn cocked his brows at me. “You’re not to dance with Callum or any of my brothers. Ever.”

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