Total pages in book: 122
Estimated words: 116662 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 583(@200wpm)___ 467(@250wpm)___ 389(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 116662 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 583(@200wpm)___ 467(@250wpm)___ 389(@300wpm)
Isaiah was about to suggest they go back regardless of Quinley’s assurances, but she right then knocked on his parents’ front door.
“If she gets worse, we’ll make our excuses and leave,” he made clear.
His mate waved away his concern—not being dismissive but reassuring. “She’ll be fine in an hour or so. Don’t worry.”
Don’t worry? He almost snorted. Next, she’d be telling him not to breathe.
The front door creaked as his mother pulled it open, beaming. “Merry Christmas, you two.”
They returned the sentiment as she hurried them inside. The welcoming scents of hot meat, vegetables, and gravy laced the air and went right to his belly. His cat rumbled a hungry growl.
Andaya hugged them both and treated them to air kisses. She gratefully took the gift bag from him, and her smile went to a whole new level of bright when he removed his coat and she saw his sweater.
“Oh, I love this. I should get one made for Koen.” Andaya’s smile faltered as she took his mate’s hand. “I’m sorry for last night, Quinley, I shouldn’t have—”
“You got a scare, it’s fine; I understand,” Quinley assured her, hanging her coat on a hallway hook. “You can make it up to me by feeding me extra dessert.”
Andaya grinned, clearly relieved. “That I can do.” She looked at him. “I can sense the beginnings of the bond. I passed on my congratulations to Quinley last night. Congrats to you, too, sweetheart.”
“Thank you,” he told her. “Where’s Dad?”
“Probably in that ugly armchair he won’t part with.”
“I’ve had this chair longer than I’ve had you!” Koen yelled from somewhere in the apartment.
“That doesn’t change the fact that it’s ugly and ratty-assed!” Andaya shouted as they began to make their way toward the living room.
Isaiah leaned into Quinley and lowered his voice as he asked, “You’re really going to exploit her guilt to get yourself some extra dessert?”
Quinley frowned at him. “It’ll make her feel better and it’ll make my belly fuller. How is that not a win-win situation for us both?”
He shook his head. “You can be so sweet it’s easy to forget you’re also devious as fuck.”
Her lips bowed up. “I know, I like it that way.”
In the living room, they exchanged greetings and well-wishes with Koen. Andaya and Quinley then disappeared into the kitchen so his mother could show her the appetizers that were almost ready to be served. And he would bet everything he owned that his mate would start snacking on food before it was brought out.
Returning to his chair—which, Isaiah had to admit, was ugly as fuck—Koen said, “I’m real glad you both came, son. I know you might have preferred to spend your first Christmas alone.”
Isaiah sank onto the sofa. “I also want Quinley to feel part of the family. This helps.”
His father gave a satisfied nod. “Before the ladies reappear—because God knows your mom will kill me if she hears me talking about it—I have to say I couldn’t be happier that another Vercetti is gone from the world.”
“You and me both.”
“How long do you think it will be before the last two brothers decide we’re responsible for Tommaso and his driver’s death?”
“Not sure. There are enough bounties on their heads that it won’t be immediately assumed we’re the guilty party. Not unless others in the pack knew of Tommaso’s plan to come after me.”
Koen glanced at the kitchen. “Did Quinley tell her family about last night?”
“No. She doesn’t want to spoil their Christmas, so she’s going to tell them tomorrow.”
“They’ll be furious that she was targeted a second time.”
“Not more furious than I am.” Isaiah flexed his fingers, his cat hissing at the memories of last night. “He almost got her, Dad. If she’d been stood just a few inches to the—”
“But she wasn’t. She’s alive, and she’s fine.”
“But not safe. And I hate that.” Isaiah cricked his neck. “I hate the idea of her living in fear.”
“She’s a tough one, your black-foot. Not in a feisty, confrontational, in-your-face way. It’s a quiet strength. It’s part of what makes her soothing to be around.” Koen paused. “Personally, I think the only one of you letting their worries get the better of them is you.”
Isaiah sighed, loathed to admit his father might be right.
“Forget all that for now. Enjoy your first Christmas with your mate.”
He set about doing exactly that.
Appetizers were eaten. Gifts were exchanged. Dishes were served. Christmas crackers were pulled. Visitors came and went. Evening snacks were passed around.
And yet, when the evening was almost over, his mate was again shoving food in her mouth. It didn’t seem possible that anyone could eat so much that regularly throughout the day.
Beside her on the sofa, his belly so full he felt like he’d burst, he watched in fascination as she devoured a sticky toffee pudding. “I don’t know how you’re still eating.”