“Kade, I have my own money.”
“I know you do.”
Sam smiled. “But you need to make sure I’m taken care of, right?”
“I’m well aware that you can take care of yourself, sweetheart, but I kind of hoped you’d plan our wedding while I’m away and I wanted you to have all the resources available to you.”
Sam laid the envelope on the bureau. “First, well done with the acknowledgment that I can take care of myself. I appreciate the words, even if you feel the need to have security follow me constantly. Second, planning a wedding would certainly help distract me from the hopelessness I feel about you being gone. So, again, you are the most amazing man alive, and even though I’m not happy you’re going, I love you, love you, love you for making it as easy as it can be.” She pulled his head down for a heart-stopping kiss, and she groaned when he broke it.
“If you continue with this type of gratitude, you will be naked and I will be late,” he warned.
“Darn. Evil plan thwarted.”
Kade grinned. “I’m going to bring Con and Brodie back with me, so we can have the ceremony and then go home, if that works for you. I should be back here in five days, but I’ll let you know if that changes.” His phone buzzed and he checked the screen. “The car’s here. I need to go.”
“Okay.” Sam made a ridiculous attempt to hold back tears that were already streaming down her cheeks.
“Kade, honey,” Sam’s mother called up the stairs. “There’s someone here to take you to the airport.”
He peeked out of the room. “Thank you, Mrs. Moore. I’ll be right down.” He handed Sam a handkerchief then slipped his wallet into his inside pocket. He tapped his temple. “I’m only a call away.”
She dried her tears and nodded. “Will it work that far away?”
“We’ll know in a few hours.”
She nodded, squeezing her eyes shut.
“Please don’t cry, love. You’re breaking my heart.”
“Now you know my pain.”
He kissed her quickly and smiled. “Be a good mate and come and kiss me at the door. You can use the hanky to wave me off.”
Sam snorted, unable to stop the giggle. “Don’t make me laugh or I won’t let you leave.”
They made their way to the car and Kade kissed her longer than might have been wise, considering the longer he lingered, the harder it was for Sam to let him go. “I love you.”
“I love you too,” Sam said. “Please be careful.”
“Always.”
Sam waited in the driveway, waving Kade’s handkerchief until the car was out of sight, then made her way back inside and closed the door. “Mom! We have a wedding to plan.”
* * *
Kade waited until the car was well underway before he dialed Connall.
“Hey there,” Connall said. “How did Sam do?”
“She’s planning our wedding, so I’m hoping that will distract her. Is everything set?”
“Yep. The Gunnach plane is ready to go. Brodie, Alasdair, and I’ll be arriving within minutes of you.”
Kade checked his watch. “Good. I want this done, Con. No more mercy.”
“I’m with you.”
“Are you sure?”
Connall sighed. “Just because I’m nice doesn’t mean I’m willing to show these bastards my throat. Ármann’s become a problem. We’re gonna take care of the problem. Simple.”
“Okay. I don’t want you do to anything you don’t want to do.”
Connall laughed. “Like that’s ever happened. Just help me reel Brodie in.”
“Why?”
“Payton’s been getting pressure from Annis.”
Payton’s sister, Annis, was bound to Baldvin Daðason and currently living in Iceland with his family. Baldvin worked for Ármann, however, and Kade hadn’t determined where his loyalties lay.
“What kind of pressure?” Kade asked.
“She won’t give specifics. Not even to Angus. Brodie’s convinced Ármann’s pulling the strings, but for Payton’s sake, none of us want to jump to conclusions.”
“Aye. I’ll find something for Payton to do. She should probably get out of Scotland for a while.” Kade sighed. “Who’s watching Sam and her family here?”
Connall paused.
“Con?”
“Cole organized protection for her. It made the most sense and with her brother close, he’ll be able to double down on security,” Connall rushed to add.
“Aye,” Kade reluctantly agreed. “I don’t like it, but I see the logic.”
“I knew you would.”
“I’ll see you at the airport.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
KADE HUNG UP and tapped his cell phone against his palm. He’d have to find a way to hold Brodie back or there could be an international incident. On the other hand, his brother could kill a man in less than five seconds, and that might come in handy.
What might come in handy?
He grimaced. Nothing, love. Are you planning?
You’ve been gone for all of five minutes.
And your point is?
Sam giggled. Mom’s on the phone with our pastor.
Ah, so the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, then.
Oh, you are soooo funny.
He grinned. I have a very important question for you.
Oh, really? Ask away, my love.
What kind of wedding band did you have in mind?
Surprise me.
He couldn’t stop a grin. That would require some privacy.
Hello, pot. I’m kettle…
Kade laughed. Point taken. Just pulled up to the plane.
Please be safe.
Always. Ég elska þig, elskan.
I love you too.
Kade climbed out of the car and boarded the plane, taking one of the seats next to the window. His heart was heavy without Samantha and if he could finish his business in a day, he would. He doubted his cousin would make it that easy for him, however.
“We’re ready to take off, my lord,” Russell announced over the loudspeaker. “Please buckle up.”
Kade adjusted his seatbelt and smiled at Maureen as she finished buckling herself into the jump seat. An hour into the flight, Kade felt a little pent up and restless. Unusual for him during flights. He relished his time alone more often than not.
Samantha?
When he didn’t hear a response, he felt bereft. Maybe their connection was broken so far from each other.
Honey, I’m here. Sorry. I was on the phone and the woman wouldn’t let me get a word in edgewise. I couldn’t pause the conversation.
He sighed in relief.
It looks like we’re still connected, huh? Are you okay?
Missing you, he said.
Me too, baby. How was take-off?
It was fine.
Why do you sound so blue?
I just wasn’t expecting to miss you so much.
Her laugh sounded in his mind. I’m not sure if I should be offended by that.
Kade grinned. Why don’t you meet me?
Pause.
Don’t tempt me, Kade, because if I had my choice, I’d get on the next plane out of Savannah.
I’m sorry, love.
Pepper’s here, so I should go. I love you.
I love you too.
Kade felt much better knowing he could “talk” to Sam anytime he wanted. He pulled out his laptop and went about finishing some of the work he’d neglected over the past few days.
* * *
Samantha hugged Pepper and pulled her farther into the house. “How are you?”
Pepper smiled. “You mean, since last night?”
“Yes, missie, since last night.” Sam frowned. “Are you ever going to tell me what the heck is going on?”
Pepper grimaced. “I can’t, Sam.”
Sam let out a deep breath. “That’s the first honest thing you’ve said since I got back.”
“I know. I’m sorry. Things are
just really complicated at the moment.”
“Will you tell me soon?”
“I hope so.”
“Okay. Come into the kitchen. Mom’s been baking and you need some calories.”
“Did she make chocolate chip cookies?” Pepper asked hopefully.
“Enough to feed an army.”
Pepper clapped her hands. “Yay. Let’s go.”
Sam poured milk while Pepper put together a plate full of cookies, and they sat down at the table to go over options for dresses. Sam’s phone buzzed mid-chew. She grinned and answered the phone. “Well, hello, Payton.”
“Hullo yourself. I understand there’s to be a wedding.”
Sam grinned. “Yes. Are you going to come?”
“I haven’t officially been invited.”
“Oh, stop!” Sam admonished. “Get your butt on a plane. I’d like you to be one of my bridesmaids, if you’re open to that.”
“I’d love to, Sam. Thank you.”
“Oh! Can you do me a favor, please?”
Payton chuckled. “Pick up the ring?”
“Seriously, how do you do that?”
“It’s a gift. And yes, I’ll pick it up.”
“Thank you. Please don’t say anything to Fiona. I haven’t asked her yet, but I’d like her to be in the wedding as well.”
“I’m sure she’ll be honored.”
“Thanks. When can you get here?” Samantha asked.
“Well, the boys have both planes, so we either wait or fly commercial. I’ll talk to Fi once you’ve talked to her. Kade has asked that I book one of the local hotels. What do you think of the Gastonian?”
“Oh, it’s lovely, Payton,” Sam said. “It’s a popular place, though. It might be booked.”
Payton laughed. “A minor inconvenience. I’ll work on that and you call Fiona.”
“I’ll call her now,” Sam promised. “It would be amazing if you could get here within the week. We’ll need to fit you for dresses. Will Duncan let you come?”
“He’ll do whatever Kade tells him to.”
Sam smiled. “Well, Kade will do what I tell him to, so let Duncan know it’s decided.”
“I will. Let me know when you’ve spoken to Fi, and I’ll let you know what we’re doing about flights.”
“Perfect, thanks. See you soon.”
While Samantha called Fiona, Pepper grabbed more cookies and milk. Samantha smiled, relieved to see her friend was eating something. Once the details were given to Fiona, she hung up and lifted a cookie to her lips.
No!
Sam dropped the sweet with a squeak.
“You okay?” Pepper asked.
Almonds, love. You can’t have anything with almonds in them, Kade warned.
Right. I forgot.
“Yeah, I’m fine. Sorry. I can’t eat that.” Sam frowned and pushed the cookie away from her.
“But they’re your favorite,” Pepper pointed out.
“I know.” Sam grimaced. “I just found out that I’ve developed an allergy to almonds.”
“Seriously? That sucks.”
“I know.” Sam stood and washed her hands before returning to the table. “Such is life, I suppose.”
She took a deep breath. Honey, your heart’s racing. I’m okay. I didn’t eat it.
Yes, but you touched it. If you start to feel faint, please lie down and let me know.
Sam rolled her eyes. I feel fine.
Samantha, don’t minimize this. It could be serious. Tell me if you feel faint.
I will. But I really am fine. Sam smiled. You’re scowling, aren’t you? Don’t scowl, baby, it makes you look old.
Kade chuckled. I’ll keep that in mind.
Good. I have to get back to spending your money. I’ve asked Payton and Fi to be in the wedding. Is that okay?
Of course. I’ll let Duncan know.
Thanks. I love you.
I love you too.
Sam glanced up at Pepper, who was regarding her with confusion. “What?”
“You have a really weird look on your face,” Pepper said.
“Really? Sorry. It just sunk in that I’ll never get to eat my favorite cookie again.”
Pepper smiled sympathetically. “At least it’s not a wine allergy.”
Sam gasped. “Can you imagine?”
“No!”
Several minutes of giggling followed before the girls composed themselves and went back to the wedding planning.
* * *
Kade stepped off the plane, his concern for Samantha still heavy on his mind. He hated not being there to protect her.
“Kade!”
Kade looked up to see Connall walking toward him, Brodie not far behind.
“Did you set everything up?” Kade asked.
Connall nodded. “Aye.”
Kade nodded and followed his brothers to the car waiting on the tarmac. They climbed in and the driver set off toward their destination.
“What’s wrong?” Connall asked.
Kade sighed. “Sam nearly ate something she shouldn’t have.”
“But you stopped her,” Brodie stated.
“Aye.”
“Then why are you wound so tight?” Connall asked. “You know we’ve got this covered, right?”
“Aye.” Kade pinched the bridge of his nose. “I just don’t like leaving Sam alone.”
Brodie nodded. “I know.”
Kade smiled sympathetically. He didn’t know how his brother managed to stay sane. Ten years was a long time to wait for someone, especially if that someone was constantly dangled in front of you like a carrot to a horse.
Um…honey? I feel a little dizzy.
Lie down! Kade snapped.
I am.
Connall frowned. “Kade?”
“Sam’s dizzy,” Kade said.
“Is she lying down?”
He nodded. Do not move, Sam. You stay there until the dizziness passes. If you notice anything strange on your skin…
He couldn’t finish the sentence. If it got that far, without Cauld Ane medicine she’d be in real trouble. “I need to go back.”
No, you don’t, she countered. I’m fine. My skin looks fine. Better than it ever has, actually, and other than some mild dizziness, I’m fine. I shouldn’t have told you.
Sam.
I promise that if anything else happens, I’ll let you know. I touched the cookie for all of ten seconds and washed my hands right after. It’s nothing.
He dragged his hands down his face.
“Do we need to turn around?” Connall asked. “Because we will.”
“She doesn’t want me to.”
Kade, please. Do what you need to do. I’m fine.
“Damn it,” he snapped.
Kade, if you come back, I will not marry you.
He couldn’t stop his smile. Stubborn wench.
You’re just figuring that out?
All right, love, but you tell me if you notice any changes.
Of course.
And we’re already married, so that threat doesn’t work. But if you don’t keep me apprised, I will tell your mother we eloped.
Brat. Okay, go away, honey. Pepper went to work, so I’m going to take a nap.
Kade sat back and shook his head.
“Everything okay?” Connall asked.
“For now.”
Kade made a quick call as they drove to the center of town. The driver pulled up to Haarde Pharmaceutical, located in downtown Reykjavík. Kade wasn’t surprised that two of Ármann’s henchman stood sentry in front of the revolving doors. The driver opened Kade’s door and he slid out of the car and strode into the building, confident his brothers followed, along with the “muscle.”
Technically, Kade owned the building and the company housed inside, but had agreed to allow Ármann to run it, provided he followed the rules. Unfortunately for Ármann, he didn’t, and now Kade had to deal with his disloyalty.
Arriving at the top floor, he stepped into the lobby of the
executive offices to find Angus standing with Max.
“Max?” Connall frowned. “What are you doing here?”
“Backup,” he said with a grin. “Don’t worry, Niall can deal with the horses for a few days.”
Kade shook the men’s hands. “I take it this was your doing, Angus?”
“Aye,” Angus said. “I wasn’t letting the three of you come in here alone.”
“I appreciate it…even if it’s unnecessary.” Kade turned to the receptionist, who stood with her head bowed.
“Velkomin, herra minn,” she said as she curtsied. (Welcome, my lord)
Kade nodded. “Við munum fylgja þér.” (We will follow you.)
Ice blue eyes met his and she nodded. “Já herra minn.”
The men followed her to a large door at the end of the hallway. She knocked, and pushed the door open.
“Cousin!” Ármann crooned as he moved from behind his large desk. “Come in, come in. Velkomin.”
Kade studied the man standing before him. Ármann Haarde was five years older than him, the son of his father’s brother. Tall and blond like the Gunnachs, he had deep blue eyes that many women had swooned over, particularly when they were younger. That was where the similarities ended, however. Ármann could only be described as slimy, which is why Kade kept him close in order to watch him.
“I will make this short, hmm?” Kade said and glanced behind him.
Max had already “suggested” the receptionist leave them alone and Brodie flicked his wrist, closing and locking the door. It wouldn’t keep Ármann’s goons out for long, but Kade didn’t need much time.
“No need for all of this,” Ármann said. “It’s been so long since we all visited. Let’s be cordial.”
“You attacked my mate, Ármann. We’re done with cordial.”
“I did nothing of the sort.”
Connall handed Kade the file that had the proof and he handed it to his cousin. “I will not banter with you, Ármann. You are stripped of your position here, and will be dealt with in our courts.”
Ármann hissed in disgust. “You no longer have power here, Kade.”
Before Kade could respond, the door flew open and two men pushed their way in, guns raised. Connall and Max got them under control just as Brodie “removed” the gun from Ármann’s hand…pointed at Kade’s heart. Kade sniggered and wrapped his hand around his cousin’s neck. “We are done here. If you come anywhere near my woman again, I will find you. You and your family are no longer welcome. You have forfeited your right to trial by Council. Do you understand?”
Bound by Blood (Cauld Ane Series) Page 28
