“Okay, ass.” I saunter over, sexy as possible under the circumstances, and settle onto his lap. My knuckles caress the taut stone of his cheek. “Alright, let me apologize, baby. I was mad at you until I realized the mistake I made.”
His brow lifts. “That’s not an apology, hen.”
“Oh, just listen. I’m sorry from the bottom of my heart for creating so many extra hurdles for you. My shortcomings caused you more trouble in your attempts to fix problems. Also, for your clan. Your family has been mine for ages, and I was an idiot to believe that I could always keep the rest of the MacKenzies at arm’s length.”
“Anything else?”
“Nope. I’m done. Erika’s off the table. My claws were extended when you confided in her instead of me. Though, I am kinda indebted to her now.”
“I regret that. Though in my defense, I didna tell Erika much. Just to watch ye and Mia. That’s all. I promise. Oh, and to buy concrete. But she didna know what it was for. I’m sorry.” He burrows his face in my neck, nudging me with kisses. “Nearly killed me last night when Da told ye the story.”
I feather my fingers through Leith’s hair. I press kisses on the crown of his head. “We were a hot mess last night. Although, when you came outside to sleep beside me—as I pretended to snore—I expected you to climb into the same lounge chair. Thanks for the blanket, but I was still pretty cold, yet too petty to admit it.”
We stare at each other. Our lust dissolves into laughter. Warmth spreads over me, making me feel light and nostalgic as butterflies catch flight in my soul. Just as I’m settling in Leith’s arms, he says, “I’m killing Fausto for ye tonight, Chevelle. Nae stopping me.”
Squaring my shoulders, I reply, “My mind is made up. Fausto dies by my hands only. Support me on this, please?”
Chapter 58
Leith
With the silly, auld-school handshake my wife thought up for us, I conclude the wee lie. Chevelle can murder Fausto. Does she have it in her? Nae. She’s plagued by bad dreams of her parents’ murders and holds it all in.
Though I’ll be the one to terminate that arsehole, I frame her cheeks in my hands. “Okay, Chevelle. I taught ye how to use a gun for a reason.”
She thanks me with a soft kiss. “Tonight, after it’s done, baby, I want you.”
“But we’re here right now,” I groan against her lips.
“Nevertheless, I need this rage resolved.” Chevelle chokes up. “Why did I let that bitch slip through my fingers, Leith? Why?”
“Ye’re not that person.” I huff, brushing the tears from my wife’s face with my knuckles. Ye never will be.
“I will tonight,” she sobs.
Nae, hen. “Then I’ll support ye.” Staring into Chevelle’s glittering eyes, I’ll right one mistake from the past. Though her adoptive mother is deid, I’m gonna kill Fausto DeCastillo myself. It’ll be the last time I sever our vow.
This evening we’re seated in front of my laptop in Da’s office. I’ve grilled Chevelle on Fausto’s schedule. The constant social media updates and his penchant for a routine made it effortless to piece together his comings and goings. Though I’ve hassled Chevelle, she hasn’t failed any response, telling me how we will be ready in his home.
I’ve grabbed our tea and settle back in the chair next to her. I hand her a navy-blue mug.
“Thanks.” She places it on the desk, taking my hands. “Stop testing me, Leith. I’ve passed with flying colors. I am ready.”
“Aye, ye’re on the ball.” I gulp the black tea. “Drink yer tea, hen. It’ll keep ye up.”
Holding her mug to her lips, Chevelle whimpers. “Gawd, I could use a bath right now. Babe, what will we do about our home?”
With a groan, Chevelle sips the tea. My gaze bounces over her. I tell myself not to stare as she drinks. I wait a few beats before speaking. “Ye’re just now asking?”
“Every time I had a moment to contemplate it, there was another metaphorical fire.”
“Dinna concern yerself, hen.” I place my index finger at the bottom of her mug, helping her tip back the rest of it. My wife seems ready to protest, so I add, “Not tonight. Focus on Fausto. Our biggest advantage right now is watching Disney+. When this is all over, I’ll have made everything right.”
“Awe!” Chevelle loops her arms around me. They become heavier by the second. The drug from