Page 36 of Tainted Blood

“So, was that Claudia?”

“Yes, she’s making me want dessert.”

“We’ll stop at the little bakery we like before we head back to the house.”

We do just that, and it’s so tasty that we sneak bites of our cupcakes before we get back to the house, giggling all the way home. As we exit the vehicle, I smile and give her a one-armed hug. “Mom, you actually make me look forward to the party.”

“Ah, thank you, sweetheart. You are the only reason I love shopping. Buying you pretty things makes me so happy.” I give her a hug as we head up the steps and into the house.

“There are my two favorite people,” he says with a grin on his face. I’ve truly missed all of them.

“Dad, you’re going to get the boys jealous.” I smile and pat his forearm.

“Please, we already know,” my brother says, snagging the box of treats from my arms.

“Hey,” I gripe.

“Hell, if you’re the favorite, I might as well get something out of it.”

Chapter Fourteen

Ian

Finally, the day has come for Nora and Jack to tie the knot. A tinge of jealousy takes me by surprise. I’m not upset that they’re getting married, it’s more about the fact that I’m not. The last time Claudia spoke with Calista, she didn’t even ask about me while I want to know every damn detail of her life and have my men reporting back to me.

My man calls me for an early morning report. “Sir, she doesn’t leave her father’s house often and if so, it’s with one of her brothers or her parents.”

“That’s good. Any non-familial males making an appearance?”

“Yes, but we can’t get into the house to check.”

“Good work. I’ll get the rest of the intel another way.”

Before I can call her father, he calls me. “Hey, tell your pricks to keep their distance. My men almost nabbed them today when Calista caught wind of their presence and was frightened.”

“Frightened?” I snarled. The fact that she’d been upset by them makes my blood boil. He should shoot them in the fucking kneecaps for that.

“Yes. She’s aware that my men were there, but the extras were unknown, and she was worried that it was trouble. She told me when she got home today after an outing with her brother. Now, us men are aware of their presence, but I won’t have my daughter scared, unless you want me to tell her that you sent men to keep an eye on her because you don’t trust my men to protect her.”

“It’s not that.”

“No, you want pictures and recaps of her day,” he says with a chuckle.

Sir, I promise that I’m not trying to undermine you or even be perverted.”

“Calm down—I know. You need it for your peace of mind, especially with your father out there.”

“Exactly.”

“Any luck?”

“Not anything my brothers will divulge. They are worried about my recovery.”

“I’m sure they are, and so is Callie.”

That’s news to me. “Is she?”

“She won’t outright admit it, but you’re the only reason she wants to return to Chicago.”

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