Page 44 of Tainted Blood

“She doesn’t need a year.”

“No, but it will be winter, and I didn’t think she’d like that. How do you feel?”

“I don’t need a lot of time,” she confesses. I’m a bit surprised by that revelation. There is something spurring on the change of heart, and I’d like to know what it is.

“You’ve got it, beautiful.” I kiss her hand and then tuck it under my arm, rubbing it lightly.

“May I have a word in private with you,” her father says.

“Connor, you stay with Calista. Watch her. Don’t let any of these pussies try anything.”

“Of course, Brother.” Her father smirks and shakes his head. “Follow me into my office.”

I do, and he closes the door. “Would you like a drink?”

“No, thank you. I want to be sharp.”

“Any sharper, and you could actually cut diamonds,” he remarks with a short laugh. “Anyway, I called you in here to talk about your intentions with my daughter.”

“I’m taking her back home with me,” I say, making my intentions known without a doubt that I’m not leaving her during this crazy time.

“What about her safety?” her father asks.

“She will be well protected and secured on our estate, which has been upgraded since my brother was taken last year.”

“That sounds good, but I want to make sure that she’s well protected anytime she travels.”

“And she will be. Every vehicle is armored, and she’ll have at least two guards with her at all times, even when I’m with her.”

“Also, I’d like to discuss her dismissal at the hospital. She won’t let me intervene, but I’d love to smash all their heads in, and they will beg for her care.”

“I understand completely. I plan on disposing of one of her classmates. It seems he drugged her during her night out.”

“What little son of a bitch is it,” he says.

“Don’t worry. I’ve got a plan for this little pussy. He already tried to claim that Calista was his. I’m going to destroy him and enjoy doing it.”

“I want to get my hands on the bastard.”

“When I get them, I’ll call you and you can come visit.”

“I like that idea.”

“She had a call from her friend in Chicago this morning. I don’t monitor the actual calls, but I do monitor the numbers after what happened. It was her friend Maggie. She hasn’t called in weeks, so I was a bit surprised. Also, you called this morning. Did she know you were coming?”

“No. I actually told her to behave tonight or I’d have to hurt all the bastards who put their hands on her. If you don’t mind, I’d like to talk to her now.”

“I’ll send her in. No fucking in my office. Understood?”

“Yes, Mr. Vitale.” I nod, and we shake hands. He leaves, and a moment later, she enters.

“Wow, I can’t take my eyes off you. You are perfection, Calista.”

“Thank you, Ian. You’re not so bad yourself.”

“So do you want to tell me why you’ve changed your mind?”

“Because there’s no point in denying who I am anymore, and there’s no denying who I want.” Her hands go straight into my hair, sliding them until they interlock. Her mouth lands on mine, and a kiss that I’ve waited so long to have is here. I groan against her eager lips, parting mine and taking her mouth with a dominating hunger that I’ve needed to feed. My hands cradle her ass, dragging her body against me.

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