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I scowled at him. I knew he was trying to bait me so I ignored him. "Any word on Nico?"
I'd lain awake most nights, unable to sleep as I thought of Nico. Luckily the doctors had stopped the bleeding, but he still hadn't woken as expected. He'd been in the intensive care unit since the incident, and the more he remained outside the manor grounds, the more chances our enemies had to take advantage of us while we were most vulnerable.
"Nothing. Vitals remain the same, but I'm heading that way now to check in with our guards and station some more."
I nodded. "Good thinking. Keep me posted. The hospital security is not enough to keep our enemies at bay. I think we can both agree that we need to bring Nico home as soon as possible."
"Agreed." Atlas rose, adjusting his sports coat. "Hey, it'll be alright. He'll pull through."
"I hope you're right." I stood, smiling wanly. "Let me know how your date with Logan goes too. Hopefully he's compliant."
"Ha! Logan? Compliant? That I'd like to see."
"He will be… after you break his leg."
Atlas howled with laughter, "It is more fun when they don't comply. Don't worry, he'll come clean about his money skimming, and by the time I'm done with him, he'll tell me where he's been stashing it. Leave it to me."
"Oh, I definitely will." While I didn't mind getting my hands dirty now and then, I didn't mind leaving the physical side to Atlas, who didn't seem to mind the blood and gore. I walked to the window, looking back outside at Catalina. "On second thought, maybe we should trade places."
He chuckled, turning to leave but paused at the door.
"Hey, go easy on her." He nodded his head towards the window. "You don't always need to be domineering. Just talk to her. You'll be surprised how agreeable she can be." He disappeared and I turned towards the window once more.
Agreeable? She's anything but agreeable! Downright defiant is what she is.
Yet, as I heard her laughter lilt through the garden as Ivar spoke with animated zeal, I knew that Atlas was most probably right. I hated to admit it, but there was something there that I didn't want. A small spark that ignited every time I looked at her.
As if she knew I was thinking of her, Catalina lifted her head, our eyes meeting, her gaze lingering for just a moment before the smile fell from her face and she glared at me for just an instant. She turned back to Ivar smiling, taking his arm, and guiding him away from the fountain they had been sitting on.
Taking a deep breath, I calmed the anger that was already brewing inside me and made my way outside. As Ivar caught sight of me, he immediately came over, and I smiled inwardly as Catalina's face soured.
"What do you need Boss?"
"I just wanted to speak with Catalina a moment."
"Of course. She's all yours." He turned to Catalina, kissing the back of her hand. "Until next time, Catalina."
She smiled brilliantly at him. "It's been a pleasure Ivar." She waved him goodbye then turned back to me with an icy stare.
"How are you today, Catalina?"
She placed her hands on her hips adamantly. "I am going out," she stated, her eyes challenging mine.
"Good morning to you too."
"Are you going to let me go out or not?" She glared at me.
I remained silent, considering her request as her steely gaze got more heated with her impatience. My mouth twitched with a hint of a smile. I was starting to enjoy pushing her buttons.
"Maybe you misunderstood." She stepped towards me, pointing a finger in my face, "I am going out, whether you like it or not!"
She turned and started to walk away before I grabbed her wrist and tugged her back, pressing her to me and holding her tightly about the waist.
Does she think that just because she looks so damn beautiful that she can just get what she wants? Stubborn woman, I should… Whoa Luca. Remember what Atlas said. Take it easy on her. Take it easy…. She will be… agreeable. Oh how I'd like to teach her to be agreeable!
I realized my jaw was tense, and as I looked down into her eyes, I saw a flicker of pain. I immediately loosened my grasp but held her firm.
"You can go out." I managed to say stiffly.
