Page 81 of Papers Don't Lie

Callum smiles brighter. “I take it you’ve prepared Kai’s breakfast before?”

“Yes,” I admit. And he loved it every time. I arrange the table and occupy my seat.

“He’s lucky to have you, my child,” he says, leaning down to catch my palm between his. “You’re a gem.”

My chin hides in my chest, taking away my blushing cheeks from his eyes. “Thank you," I murmur.

He takes his hands away, looking down at the omelet with fries, ketchup, and sausages next to the salad I made. Callum shakes his head with a laugh, pointing at the plate. “What is this, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“It’s a personal recipe. Go in blind," I suggest. “You cut it in half first and then eat it as you usually would,” I say with a smile, waiting for him to take a first bite.

Callum eyes me hesitantly but mirrors the happiness on my face. He does as I said, cutting it in half and then taking a taste. He chews on it a bit, looking at me until a pleased murmur leaves his mouth. Kai’s dad points with his fork at the plate, nodding while he swallows the food.

“This is delicious, Esmeray. You might want to pass that recipe to Marina.” He winks, and I laugh, agreeing.

I’m glad to see him like this. He’s lighter than the first time I met him, constantly wearing a smile on his face like he’s living for the last time. I hope his health is improving.

“Good morning.” I hear a raspy voice from behind, and then two palms rest on my shoulders before his lips press onto the crown of my head. I give him a smile, watching him sit down next to me, his hair as ravished as his clothes. “I’m sorry I slept in," he apologizes to his dad, but Callum dismisses it with a flick of his hand.

“You should worry about not waking up with this breakfast your wife made instead,” Callum adds, taking another fork and stuffing it into his mouth.

Kai looks at me, giving me a smile that has my knees shaking. He raises a brow, and I nod, signaling for him to start eating.

We eat, and I’m surprised by how quickly the men empty their plates, almost as if it’s a contest. I still have some leftovers left, but I don’t think I can finish my plate with Kai’s intoxicating scent in my nose.

I glance at him from the corner of my eye, noticing how he pats his stomach. “Ten out of ten.”

“Your love makes me feel at peace,” his dad intervenes.“I could die happily now. Thank you.”

Kai immediately turns to stone next to me. “What words are those, Dad? You have three more sons who’ll get married and a long life ahead of you.”

Callum’s smile flatters a bit, and I wonder if I’m the only one who notices, but when I look at Kai, I realize it must’ve been in my head.

He smiles. “Of course.” He looks through his pockets and gives us two envelopes. “Also, someone left these for you.”

Kai and I glance at each other, my blood freezing in my veins.

What the actual fuck?

We both know who sent us those envelopes, and I’m afraid Callum saw the threats inside. This is the last thing he should worry about with his disease and his age.

Goddamn it, Carter.

“Did you… did you happen to open them?” I ask, not hesitating to take them away from his grasp.

He eyes me curiously but shakes his head. “No, but if I had to guess, it’s a wedding invite.“

I try to hold in the sigh of relief from escaping my lips, but it’s impossible. Good, he doesn’t know what’s inside. I keep the one with my name on it and give Kai his.

While the men engage in a conversation about the company, I open the envelope under the table, my fingers shaking.

Soon.

FORTY-FOUR

KAI

It’s been one month since Carter sent us the last threat but didn’t take any action, which worries me more than him actually doing something. I don’t know what he’s thinking and even after I hired someone to follow him twenty-four-seven, there’s nothing to catch our attention.

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