His Stolen Princess - MINK Page 0,34

you doing okay?” I lean over to look at Cato’s side. The way he’s acting, you’d never know he was shot.

“It's fine.”

I lean back in my seat still worrying about it. The sounds of the helicopter are too loud to really talk. I’m almost thankful for it. I’m not sure what there is to say. I still can’t believe Cato shot himself. Actually, I can.

Cato takes my hand in his, holding it tight. He hasn't stopped touching me since he’s gotten me back. I can see the guilt in his eyes. He probably thinks it’s his fault I was taken, but nothing could be further from the truth. He’s the reason I’m alive. He’s the reason little Carter is safe. A shiver runs through me when I think about how they could’ve taken Carter instead of me.

I want to lean into Cato, but the things Antony said are still rattling around inside my head. Maybe it doesn't matter. Would it be so bad to be with Cato if he didn't love me? He could grow to love me one day. I know he’d be a good husband. An even better father to little C. It’s not as though I can take Carter from here anyway. This is his home. He loves Cato, and I would never take him away from someone that would protect him at all costs.

Cato’s finger goes under my chin, and he turns my head to look at him. He cups my face with both of his hands and pulls me in for a kiss. It’s not a soft one. It’s filled with need and possession. I kiss him back the same, because the truth is I want to be his. I’ll take him any way I can get him. I love him. I don’t want to spend another second denying it.

“Have I lost you?” His eyes search my face.

I shake my head.

He doesn't look like he believes me.

I rest my cheek on his chest as we fly the rest of the way home. He plays with my hair as I close my eyes for a moment.

“Lioness,” Cato calls to me. I slowly open my eyes and yawn.

“Get the door,” he tells someone before he scoops me into his arms and hops down from the helicopter.

“Cato! Put me down. You have a gunshot wound, for crying out loud. You shouldn’t be lifting me.”

“You got shot?” Santino half shouts, then smirks.

“You’ll wake her up,” Cato scolds.

“Hello. I’m already awake.” I try to wiggle to get down. It’s useless.

We enter through the back door. Carter is sitting at the counter in a hightop chair eating cookies. My heart fills with happiness when I see the chocolate smashed on his face. The kitten is wandering back and forth on the counter. Carter’s whole face lights up when he notices we’re home. When he smiles at me, I know I would kill as many Lantinos as it took to always guarantee his safety.

“Down,” I tell Cato again. This time he listens and puts me on my feet. I drop onto my knees as Carter runs over and gives me a hug. I pick him up, holding him tight. I won’t let myself cry right now.

“I missed you.”

“I missed you too.” I look back at Cato. “Will you grab the kitten, please? I’m going to take this chocolate-covered boy up to bed.”

He scoops up the kitten for me and follows me up the stairs and into Carter’s room.

I pick out some pajamas for Carter and hand them to him. “You should go have that checked out, Cato.”

“You can’t hide behind little C all night, lioness.”

“I am—” He kisses me, cutting me off.

“You’re wounded,” I argue against his lips.

“Sweet lioness, I’d have to be dead in order for me not to be inside you tonight,” he whispers softly into my ear so only I can hear.

I suck in a breath, my whole body heating.

“I’ll be back.” He turns and strides out the door.

Carter grabs the kitten and climbs into bed. I snag a book and crawl in with him. I’m home. He’s safe. Cato is getting fixed up. I don’t think I read more than two pages before we’re both out.

20

Cato

They slumber peacefully, both of them like dark angels sent to watch over me.

Santino creeps down the hall behind me, and I close the door.

“All fixed up?” He glances at the bandages on my torso.

“It’s nothing.”

“Good.” He nods. “I sent a team to do cleanup. All of Antony’s soldiers have been dealt with.