Chapter Nineteen Quinn
A s I reclined on Isla’s sofa with her in my arms, I couldn’t remember a time I’d felt happier. It had to have been before the bombing, and the more I thought about it, nothing compared to the feeling of being with her.
Two days had passed since her assault. I’d only left her side long enough to check in at the club. The first night I’d offered to sleep in the guest bedroom, but Isla had refused. Instead, I’d stuffed myself into her Queen sized bed.
After an uncomfortable night, I’d wanted to order a new bedroom suite with a California King to accommodate my large frame, but I knew Isla would lose her mind. She’d already objected to me ordering out for lunch and dinner. So, last night I folded myself into bed once again.
Today she’d talked me into being a couch potato and watching movies. Since I was a huge fan of the cinema, I didn't have any objections. But she’d bypassed the latest action or dramas on Netflix. Instead, she’d gone for some period piece with irritating Brits. I had the feeling I was in for a day of torture. I even debated calling Caterina over to take my place.
Just as the pompous sounding arse of a hero was about to win the equally annoying lass, my phone rang. When I saw Callum’s name, I chose to ignore it. I knew he wanted to bring me up to date about the Jersey Bratva. For once, I didn’t want to have to deal with the business. I just wanted to be a normal guy and enjoy a day of ease with a girl.
After it continued ringing, Isla raised her brows at me. “Shouldn’t you get that?”
“I know it’s business, and I don’t want anything taking away my time with you.”
Her eyes lit up at my remark. “While that’s very sweet, I don’t want to be the one coming between you and your empire.”
I snorted. “My criminal empire?”
“You know what I mean.”
“Fine. I’ll go ahead and take it since he’ll probably just keep blowing up my phone.”
Jerking her thumb at the door, Isla asked, “Would you like me to go?”
“No. It’s fine.”
When I finally picked up my phone, it was now on the third missed call from Callum. He started up again, and I slid my finger across the screen. “Hello?”
“Are you not answering my calls?” Callum demanded.
“I was busy.”
“With Isla’s pussy?”
“Watch yourself,” I growled.
Callum chuckled. “Considering the bullshit you pulled yesterday morning, you owe me.”
“Please tell me you didn’t just call to give me shit for that?”
“Actually, I need you in a business capacity.”
“I don’t like the sound of this.”
“Caterina isn’t feeling well enough to attend the Green and Gold Gala with me tonight.”
“I really don’t like the sound of this.”
“I need you and Isla to attend.”
“I really fucking don’t like the sound of that.”
“Before you say no, I’m not talking about sending you on your own. I’ll be there as well.”
“Why aren’t you asking Dare? You know he’s a thousand times better in any social situation.”
“I need a female face in our party, and Dare has too many females to choose from.”
“Why do we need a woman?”
“Because we’re trying to sniff out investors for the casino.”
“Which is why you want to bring Isla?”
Her gaze shifted from the TV over to me. “What is it?”
“Callum wants us to attend a benefit with him tonight.”
Her eyes widened. “I’ve never been to one of those.”
“Would you be willing to go with me?”
“Of course.” She frowned. “But I don’t think I have anything to wear.”
“That’s okay. I can handle that.”
Her lips quirked up. “You’re going to handle a formal dress for me?”
“Trust me. I have connections.”
As Isla’s hands went to her neck, her amusement faded. “What about my bruises?”
“I’ll have a makeup artist cover them.”
“Let me guess. You have connections to one of those, too.”
“I do,” I replied with a smirk.
Isla playfully rolled her eyes. “Of course you do.”
“Does that mean you’re in?”
She grinned. “I’m in. But if it’s all the same to you, I’d rather Brooke do my makeup and hair.”
“Whatever you would like.” Speaking back to Callum, I said, “Okay, we’re in.”
“Great. Just come meet me at the house at seven.”
“We’ll be there.”
“Thanks, Quinn.”
“Yeah, yeah. You’re going to owe me big time for this.”
Callum chuckled. “Whatever.”
After I hung up, I rose off the couch. “Come on. I’m taking you shopping.”