Page 36 of His to Claim

At some point, I know this perfect bubble we’ve created is going to pop. I just don’t expect it to be quite so soon. The kiss leads to a steamy encounter on the kitchen island and we’re still riding high on our releases when my phone rings. I yank up my sweats and grab it up off the kitchen table.

“Archer,” I answer, my gaze sliding down Carlotta’s slim legs. She’s just wearing my T-shirt and taking her on the countertop was the best dessert I could’ve asked for.

“It’s Miceli.”

“Hey, Miceli, let me put you on speaker.” I turn the speaker on and we both sit down at the table. “What’s up? Any word on Gallo?”

“That’s why I’m calling. The bastard has done a disappearing act. No one can locate him and that makes us nervous.”

I exchange a look with Carlotta. “So you want us to hang out up here a little longer?” I have zero problems with that and reach for her hand. We smile at each other and I’m already starting to think about how many wicked things we can do to each other for the next week. Hell, maybe even longer. I’m going to take her on every surface in this cabin.

“No,” he says, interrupting my dirty thoughts. “We want to keep Carlotta safe, so we decided the best option is to send her to Sicily to stay with our parents until Gallo can be handled.”

“What?” Carlotta practically screeches.

“Hi, Lottie,” Miceli says dryly.

“Don’t you ‘hi’ me,” she says, getting angry fast. “We’re perfectly safe up here and I don’t want to run all the way to Sicily and hide.”

“Sorry, sis. The jet is waiting and Archer is going to take you back to the city to pack a bag then go straight to the airport. No arguments. Your safety is our top priority, especially after Gallo managed to kidnap you earlier. Or, have you conveniently forgotten that?”

“Of course I haven’t forgotten,” she snaps. Then she immediately gentles her voice. “But, Miceli, I feel safe here.”

“I’m glad, but you’re going to Sicily.”

She’s steaming mad, of course, but I can’t go against Miceli. Carlotta is his sister and getting her out of the country is probably the best move. But this is the moment I’ve been dreading. Saying goodbye to Carlotta is going to suck in the worst way possible. Over the past few days, I’ve grown to like her so much. The more I get to know about her, the more time I want to spend with her. But that’s all coming to an end.

I glance down at my watch. “We’ll leave immediately,” I tell Miceli, and Carlotta slams a fist against the table, but I ignore her.

“Thanks, Archer. And, Carlotta?”

“What?” she grates out between clenched teeth.

“Behave yourself and we’ll see you in December for the holidays.”

Before she can make an angry retort, we both disconnect the call.

“Carlotta, he’s right. Whether you like it or not, going to Sicily is the safest course of action.”

“So you’re just fine with this?”

No, but what can I say?

“I have to be,” I tell her. “Your brothers put your care in my hands and I won’t jeopardize that for a few more fucks.”

The moment the words leave my mouth, I regret them. Instantly.

Shit.

Her dark eyes narrow, brows drawing down and jaw clenching. “Oh, right. We’re just fucking here so no big deal, right? Plus, hey, what a great way to get rid of me—do my brother’s bidding.”

“That’s not what I meant,” I say, trying to back track. “I don’t want to get rid of you. I’m enjoying our time together here and…” My voice trails off at the furious look on her face.

I keep digging myself deeper and I probably should shut up.

“I’m sure you are,” she says scathingly then stands up. “Good to know you had fun fucking me, but let’s go. My brothers have spoken.”

As she stalks away, I know better than to comment. At least if I don’t want her to rip me a new one. My little hurricane just landed and I need to batten down the hatches. It’s going to be a stormy ride back to NYC, that’s for sure.

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