Catharine & Edward by Marianne Knightly Page A

brother, Cat made her way to Alex and took a seat beside him. He was leaning back in his chair, one of his index fingers absently rubbing his top lip. “Alex? Are you all right?”
    “Hmm? Oh, Cat,” he said, straightening in his chair. “How are you? Did you sleep?”
    “It doesn’t like you did. Are you worried?”
    “About all this?” he asked with a wave to the screens. “Only because we don’t know what the threat is, but we’re all leaving the bunker today. Rebecca’s happy about that.”
    Cat pursed her lips, then decided to ask. “Is she? She hasn’t seemed very happy lately.”
    Alex’s eyes sharpened. “How do you mean?”
    Cat shrugged. “Nothing really. I’m sure she’s just overwhelmed by everything going on, and the wedding dress and preparations. I’m sure it will pass.”
    Alex looked as though he wanted to ask her something, but decided against it. “I’m sure that’s it. She likes her work at the hospital, at any rate, so I’m sure she’ll cheer up once she’s there on her visit today. She was really upset at the thought of cancelling.”
    Cat smiled and reached over to give Alex’s hand a sympathetic squeeze. “Are you feeling overwhelmed by everything, twin?”
    The corner of Alex’s mouth quirked up. “Well, younger twin, I’m just fine.”
    Cat made a face. “I’m only younger by thirty minutes.”
    “Yes, and that’s thirty extra minutes Mama was in labor, in pain, because of you.”
    Cat rolled her shoulders back and put her hands on her hips while still sitting. “Those were the most exciting thirty minutes of Mama’s life, I tell you. I was the surprise, you know. Everyone knew you were coming.”
    “Children,” Gabriel said with a stern tone, even though a smile graced his face. “Thirty-five years and you’re still arguing about this?”
    “It’s Alex who can’t accept the truth, Papa. I really think you ought to speak to him. It’s not good to dwell on things for so long, don’t you think?”
    Alex and Gabriel laughed. Since Cat’s goal had been to make Alex stop brooding, she considered herself a success. “Well, if you men can’t see reason, I’m going to find everyone else.” She rose and gave her father a kiss on the cheek. As she turned to go, the door opened and Edward entered.
    As his eyes came to rest on her, she froze.
    Marcello – and she may, in fact, kill him for this – had clearly downplayed the ‘minor injuries’ Edward had. Bandages crisscrossed both arms and half of his neck. Butterfly bandages dotted his forehead and large bruises marred one eye and the opposite cheek.
    Who knew what more damage lay unseen underneath his clothes?
    She took a few discreet deep breaths while Edward greeted her father and brothers.
    Then he turned to her.
    “My Lady.” He gave her a brief nod, then turned to Marcello.
    Gabriel came over to her. “Catharine, why don’t get something to eat? I’m sure we’ll update everyone shortly.”
    She nodded and gave Edward once last glance before she left the room.
    If only she’d woken at his touch last night.
    If only she’d pulled him into bed with her.
    If only.
    Cat reminded herself that Edward was alive and whole, despite the bumps and bruises.
    For now, it would have to be enough.

    * * *
    E dward stood off to the side while the royal family entered the conference room, his expression impassive. Outwardly, he ignored the pain from the injuries he’d received. Inside, however, he ached at the sight of Catharine. He’d lost focus for one minute last night, one minute where he couldn’t help but think of her, and that minute had almost cost him his life later that night.
    But it may have saved hers.
    So, it was completely worth it.
    “All right,” Marcello said once everyone had settled. “Good news: everyone can leave the bunker once we’re done here. We also think we’ve got a better idea what these people are after.” His fingers tapped the large screen in the room and several images