Page 41 of Thin Lines (Donati Bloodlines 2)

Without asking, Calisto hooked his arm with hers,bringing her closer and moving her to his left side, away from the cars zoomingby on the street. It was an innocent enough gesture, but it still made Emmashiver. She could smell his cologne, teasing her senses in a way she couldn’texplain.

Like she was fucking hungry.

And needy.

Maybe Emma could finally understand what Calisto meantwhen he said he was disgusted with himself for the way he felt. She suddenlyfelt dirtier in her own body than she ever had before. It didn’t seem to make adifference that she was married and carrying her husband’s child, just beingclose to Calisto turned her on.

She knew that telling Calisto to keep his distance wasthe right thing to do.

Calisto’s hold around her waist tightened.

Emma decided not to say a thing.

“Where’s Matteo?” Affonso asked. “Your boy alwaysmakes for good conversation, Carl.”

Carl Calabrese laughed loudly, waving his fork full ofpancake over his plate. “I knew you liked him more than me, Affonso.”

“He’s young. A little mouthy, but decent.”

“Mouthy is one way to put it,” Carl replied.

Calisto smirked, but quickly hid it with his palm.Emma had still seen it.

“He’s off with that wife his,” Carl added, shrugging.“The baby is due in a few months.”

“Ah,” Affonso said. “And your wife?”

“She’s helping Courtney get settled into Chicago.She’ll do her final year of high school out there.”

“I heard she got into a bit of trouble,” Calisto said.

Carl chuckled. “She’s also young.”

Emma couldn’t help but notice how the Calabrese Donseemed to make excuse after excuse for his children. If there was anything thatwas good about Affonso as a father, he didn’t excuse his daughters’ badbehavior. Emma might not always agree with Affonso’s way of handling hischildren’s issues, but he made some kind of effort, no matter how bad it mightend up being.

“And how is married life the second time aroundtreating you, old friend?” Carl asked Affonso.

Affonso’s hand landed gently on the top of Emma’sstomach. “Well.”

“The second is always better.”

Emma shuddered, revulsion filling her to the brim.

Affonso chuckled, seemingly unaware of his wife’sdistress. “Especially when they’re younger, hmm?”

“Zio,” Calisto said quietly.

Emma forced herself to stay quiet, and nibble on aslice of toast. At least with her mouth filled, she wasn’t likely to tell herhusband to shut up. It wouldn’t lead to anything good if she did.

“Oh, calm down, Cal,” Affonso dismissed. “I’m joking.Emma knows. Right, Emma?”

“Sure,” she said.

Emma drowned out the conversation between Affonso, theCalabrese boss, and the other men who had come for the breakfast. Their talksof business, what to expect over the next year, and other things were boring.

The more Emma picked away at her food, the heavier herstomach felt, and then the nauseous feeling came back with a vengeance. Itrushed her throat, sending her flying up from her chair. The small ache in herback ratcheted up a notch, shooting straight around her sides and into herstomach when she stood.

“Emma?” Affonso asked.