Page 49 of Captive Mafia Wife

“Missing you like crazy!” Fiona giggles at her outburst. “It’s so boring here without my wild Freya.”

“God, yes,” Callum says. “I’m missing yer bad renditions of 70s songs. It’s so quiet here.”

“Aww!” Relief floods me, nerves dissipating at the sound of their words. “We miss you, too. Fiona, you’ll never believe what we did today. There is a Harrods. In Inverness! Och, and he has a CAT.”

From there, the conversation turns to me and Fiona gabbing at breakneck speed. The blokes throw in a chuckle or murmur of agreement where appropriate. I want to ask Callum a million questions about Glasgow, the law firm, the islanders, and the Kings, but it’s been so long since we’ve spoken that I choose to keep things light instead.

The topic turns to Christmas Day. Callum interjects. “Fredrick and I have spoken, Freya. We can make safe plans to join you in Inverness for Christmas. Would you like that?”

I stare at Fredrick in shock. I didn’t even think a visit would be possible. I’ve been decorating this place, thinking it would just be him and me. And Happy. “Are ye joking? That would be dead brilliant.”

“Can you handle feeding us with your staff off for the holiday, Freya?” Fiona teases.

“We’ll manage,” Fredricksays.

“Somehow,” I add. “Fiona, am I allowed to use the microwave?”

“Lord, no!” she laughs. “Cheffie still complains about the burnt popcorn smell.”

Fredrick gets brave, saying, “We’ll cook.”

“I’ll research a good number for a local pizza place in Inverness that is open for Christmas.” Callum laughs. “Under caution.”

“Please! Have ye so little faith? We’ve got this, don’t we, Fredrick?”

“Absolutely.” He lifts a fist for a bump. I tap it. We all talk for another hour, joking, laughing, and keeping things light. When I see them in person, I figure that’ll be the appropriate time to ask for updates.

I will also be able to ask Callum when his plans for my arranged marriage first began.

As they leave the call, my heart shatters in my chest. Of course, it will be lovely to have them visit. But everything will always be different between us now, won’t it?

We’re no longer the three musketeers. Now, it’s Callum and Fiona. And me and Fredrick. But for how long will it be Fredrick and me? How long will he let me stay here without giving in to his marriage demands?

The decisions we make, knowingly or unknowingly, shape our futures.

I ignored Callum’s fears, worries, and warnings. While partying isn’t wrong, I could have appeased him, encapsulating myself better in the Kings’ protection, so I wasn’t an easy target for the Hoax. And to reassure my brother, whoonly had my well-being at heart, I could have taken the car when he asked, kept my phone on me, and stayed on the grid.

If I’d been more careful, maybe I wouldn’t have made the mistake that changed everything.

I crossed that line.

And there’s no going back.

Chapter Thirteen

Freya

I don’t wanthim to see me cry. We’ve gotten so close so quickly; he has done everything to make me feel welcome, special, and beautiful. I don’t want to make him think I’m running away from him.

“I’m getting hot in all these layers. I need to—change. I’ll be right back.”

Knowing there’s something wrong, he follows me up the stairs. Silent. I enter my bedroom, holding the door open to him as an invitation. I flop down on the bed. He sits beside me where I lie.

Not wanting to talk about my pain, I grab his hand. “Tell me about your mother,” I say. “If that’s okay…”

He looks down at me. “I’d love to share with you. It’s a heavy story, though. Should we save it for another night?”

“Tell me.” He lies beside me, and I curl up on his chest, ready to listen.

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