Page 26 of His to Keep
“I wish I knew. Danny gave me that impression too. He got me off the subject of Cara Drummond pretty fast.”
Perhaps she’s more perceptive than I am because I didn’t notice him deflecting.
“Why are you so hung up on Cara Drummond?”
“I told you, Gio. She’s innocent in all of this and I’m afraid she’s going to get hurt.”
“That’s really not your concern.”
Eilidh’s eyes flash with anger. “Of course it is. We’re both in a bad situation. You got me out and now…”
“You feel like you should be the one to save her?”
“Jason never laid a hand on me, but I saw how he hurt women. I have to at least try to help her.”
It’s clear Eilidh feels strongly about this. She’s not going to allow herself to relax and enjoy her new life while this other woman’s fate is in the balance.
“Okay.” I take my phone out and send a message to Niamh, asking her to arrange for someone to go and warn the Drummond girl that Henry is coming for her. When I’ve sent it, I turn the phone so Eilidh can see what I wrote. “Does that set your mind at ease?”
“Yes.” She catches me off guard by kissing my cheek. “Thank you.”
I turn to the window and watch as the plane taxis to the runway. It’s not until we take off that I feel I can breathe again. I need to be with family, people I trust, until I know Eilidh is safe.
“Tell me about the Dalglieshes.” I’m curious about the men who arranged our safe passage to Italy. I also want to distract Eilidh whose skin has turned a concerning shade of gray since we first lifted off the ground. It’s noisier than a standard passenger plane. The engine roars and there’s a rattling sound that’s unsettling, but most likely nothing to worry about.
“I don’t really know my mother’s side of the family. They pretty much cut us off when she married my dad. I do know Campbell Dalgleish is fiercely ambitious and he pushes his sons to broaden his influence. He’s like a Mafia don, but he hides it behind diplomatic niceties.”
“You think he’s involved in shady deals?”
Eilidh huffs out a breath. “The public would shit a brick if they ever found out the things he’s into.”
“And his sons?”
“Alasdair might be the next prime minister, but I can guarantee he’s killed men. Tristan’s more of a dealmaker and Joe’s an enforcer. He probably has a higher body count than you.”
“That wouldn’t be difficult. I’ve only killed twice.”
“Twice?” Is it insulting that Eilidh sounds surprised? It makes me wonder what sort of man she thinks I am.
“Yeah, once at my initiation into the family business, and I shot a guy during a raid on the docks once.”
“So, you’re not a ruthless killer?”
“Oh, don’t put on rose-colored glasses now, kitten. I’ve tortured my fair share of men when it would have been more merciful to put a bullet between their eyes.” My involvement in interrogations pales in comparison to Leo and Matteo, but I’ve dealt with my fair share of traitors too. “I don’t have any compunction about ending a life and I’ve stood by and watched it happen more times than I care to admit.” As she rests her head against the back of her seat, I stroke her hair. “I’m not a good man, Eilidh, but I’ll take care of you. Always.”
She closes her eyes, a soft smile on her lips. I put my arm around her shoulder and pull her closer. A few minutes later, she drifts off to sleep. I guess, if nothing else, she trusts that I’ll protect her. It’s enough for now. The rest can come later.
CHAPTER 10
Eilidh
The first thing I notice when we arrive at the airfield outside of Florence is how hot it is. As I step through the door of the plane, a wave of searing heat hits me in the face and for a moment I struggle to take a breath. It should not be this warm in September, not even in Italy.
“They’re experiencing an unprecedented heatwave,” Gio tells me. I think for a moment, he must have read my mind and then I realize I’m fanning myself furiously but ineffectually with my hand.
“No kidding,” I grumble.
“Yup. Theresa told me they expect it to last three days.”
