I didn’t even turn the TV on. I was too busy just watching her as she slept soundly, and listening to her slow and steady breathing. Once again, she fit so perfectly against my front, curling into me as she was.
The relief I felt at hearing her say she wanted me too, was still making my heart thud faster than normal. I had been so afraid I would lose what I had already built with her if I confessed my feelings and she didn’t return them, but she did. That was everything, because at that point I couldn’t imagine my future without her being the largest piece of it, and I was pretty sure I never would again. I was starting to understand Dante’s insane possessiveness when it came to her, because I felt it too. Cara was mine, and no one was taking her from me.
***
I sat with Cara for around twenty minutes, ensuring she really was sleeping soundly. I hated to do it, but eventually I lay her down on the sofa, settling a cushion under her head and wrapping the blankets tightly around her. I needed to leave her, just briefly, so I could get into the meeting going on in the office, about Cara’s trip to Chicago. I wanted to know the specifics and I wanted to make it very clear I would be going with her.
After seeking Terza out in the kitchen, and asking her to stay with Cara while I was gone, I took the stairs up to the office in giant leaps. I wanted to catch them all and make my position clear while they were together.
As soon as I opened the door, the murmurs of conversation stopped and there was just silence. Four sets of eyes watched me as I entered.
“Sorry to interrupt,” I said as I closed the door behind me, then leant back against it. Rafe and Dario were both seated behind their desks, and Dante and Arran were spread out on each end of the large sofa.
“Everything alright?” Rafe asked.
“Yeah. Cara’s asleep downstairs. Terza’s keeping an eye on her for now. She told me about her trip to Chicago,” I began.
“Fucking reckless trip,” Dante grumbled, and the others all looked to him as if they were sick of hearing the argument.
“I don’t like it either, but I think Cara needs to do this,” Rafe cut in.
“I agree. I also think she’s right that she’s the best chance we have at getting any information about what Isabella was up to while Cara was out working her arse off day and night.” Dario added.
“So she is going?” I questioned.
“Aye. She is. Dante and I will go wi’ her, along wi’ a team of our guys,” Arran confirmed.
“I’m going too.”
“Cal…” Arran started, but I cut him off.
“I’m going, Arran. I know that Cara is comfortable and trusts the both of you, but she’s most comfortable with me. If Rafe can’t be there, I’m the best chance you have at calming her if she has anxiety and nightmares while you’re there. I won’t get in the way, and I’ll follow your lead, but I really think Cara will feel better if I’m with her too.”
“What about university?” Dario asked.
“I can do most of my lectures and reading online, and I’m already ahead anyway. I’ll just tell them I need to take some leave for family reasons,” I shrugged. It wasn’t like any of them could argue with me. I had never struggled in my education. I wasn’t naturally gifted, but I always worked hard.
“I don’t like it. It just means we have to worry about you getting yourself shot too,” Dante argued.
“I can take care of myself, and you bloody well know it, you miserable bastard!” I snapped. “I already told Cara I’m going with her, and she seemed relieved. She wants me there.” I looked to Rafe as I spoke, hoping he’d give in if he knew it was for Cara.
“Arran?” Rafe looked to my brother.
“I’ve nae arguments. The lad kens his own mind, and he’s right that Cara settles more wi’ him. I think it’s a good idea,” he nodded.
“Fine, but you follow directions, Callan. I do know that you can handle yourself, but we have no idea what exactly we’re facing here,” Rafe gave in.
“Fine by me. I just want to be there for Cara,” I agreed. “When do we go?”
“Tomorrow. Midday. I want it all wrapped up and my sister back here, safe, as fast as possible,” Rafe explained.
“I’ll be ready. Is there anything else I need to know?” I looked between them all, but no one spoke up.
“Yer up to date wi’ everythin’ we ken so far, brother,” Arran finally said.
“Good. I’ll get back to Cara then. She was exhausted, but it won’t stop her nightmares. Nothing seems to stop them.”
“We’ve moved her into the small bedroom, opposite yours, today. Arran and I brought all of her things down there. She told Rafe she’ll be more comfortable there, so you could maybe put her in her bed. She might sleep more soundly,” Dario explained.
