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“Crystal,” he groaned, “you belong to me.”
She didn’t speak, only licked her lips and pushed against him, joining in the rhythm of their beautiful dance. Soon he felt himself swell and his balls draw up tight. One more thrust and he was there, his cock erupting inside of her, hot fluid filling her. She shouted his name, joining him with her own climactic finish.
Long minutes passed with Trent still buried deep, until Crystal mumbled something he couldn’t quite make out.
He kissed her cheek and her forehead, then asked, “What did you say, baby?”
“I said we are so late for dinner.”
He couldn’t help it. He laughed.
12
The meal consisted of perfectly cooked steaks; crisp, steamed vegetables; and then cannoli for desert. She’d never had cannoli before. She’d seen the tubular-shaped dessert on television, but to see and to taste were not at all the same. The flaky pastry shells were filled with sweetened ricotta. Mixed in were bits of chocolate. What more could a woman want out of life? There was no way she’d ever be able to live without the tasty treats now. Then again, she was beginning to think she’d never be able to live without Trent and Mac, either. Not good. Really not good. Her thoughts scattered as Trent’s father spoke, his deep voice commanding the attention of everyone at the table.
“I have an announcement to make.”
Everyone grew silent. Mrs. Dailey seemed surprised, and if Crystal didn’t miss her guess, she also seemed a little worried.
“Carmela will be taking over the winery.”
A winery, so that’s what the “family business” was. There was an audible gasp at the table from both brothers, and their mother’s face had leached of color. Crystal wasn’t a detective, but even she could see that the news wasn’t what any of them had expected. And she was more curious than ever as to just who Carmela was.
“It’s the right decision. Any objections?”
As if right on cue, a beautiful woman came striding into the nightclub, her vivid blue eyes zeroing in on their table. Both brothers and Mr. Dailey stood. The woman smiled when she saw Trent’s father; both brothers simply frowned. She spared them each a quick nod as Mr. Dailey kissed both of her cheeks and helped her to sit. They spoke in hushed tones, but Crystal heard her name mentioned and was curious what was being said. The woman finally turned her attention toward Crystal and smiled.
“I’m very pleased to meet you, Crystal. Dad was just singing your praises. I’m Carmela, the sister they both wished did not exist.” She grinned and waved a hand toward Josh and Trent.
Trent spoke immediately, not giving Crystal a chance to greet Carmela in return.
“Don’t put words into my mouth, sister,” Trent said. “I never wished such a thing.”
“Maybe not you, but Josh certainly.”
“Ah, such an intuitive woman,” Josh said, all teasing smiles gone, replaced by a stern mask. Suddenly he looked every bit as intimidating as Trent.
“It is very nice to meet you, Carmela, but maybe I should be going. This seems to be a private matter.”
Trent’s arm came around her shoulders instantly, his warm palm cupping the nape of her neck in a show of possession. “You need not leave, Crystal. If my father felt it inappropriate to discuss this in front of you, he would have made other arrangements.”
“Trent is correct,” Mr. Dailey said, his smile kind. “You’re more than welcome at this table.” As he looked over at his youngest son, however, he nearly growled. “Though I do wish for Josh to behave himself.”
Josh said nothing, his eyes never once leaving Carmela, as if he was keeping a very close eye on a cobra.
“Crystal, perhaps we should fill you in just a bit,” Carmela said, her shrewd eyes sweeping the lot of them. “I’m their sister and the eldest sibling. However, my mother died during childbirth, before Papa met and married Trent and Josh’s mother.”
Ah, so there was still some murky water under the bridge, Crystal thought. She felt immensely guilty for being privy to their family secrets. And the stricken look on Mrs. Dailey’s face showed clearly that Carmela’s words had struck a chord. Did Carmela truly not see that Mrs. Dailey would be hurt by denying her parentage? How could anyone so clearly intelligent be so obtuse?
On a whim, Crystal laid her hand over Mrs. Dailey’s, hoping to soothe the older woman, and she was surprised when Mrs. Dailey turned her hand over and squeezed her fingers, smiling gently at her.
Unfortunately, Josh had already seen his mother’s pain, pain that Carmela had caused. His frown grew angry and fierce. His words had the entire table gasping in surprise.
“The winery goes to a male heir. It has always been that way in the Dailey family. And since Trent does not wish to see to the day-to-day running of the business, I think I shall.” He paused, seeing that his words had done more than shocked Carmela; he’d also hurt her, as was his intention, no doubt. “You’re not needed here, Carmela. Go back to . . . where is it this month?” he asked, sneering at her. “London? Is that your latest hangout?”
“Dad has already decided,” Carmela spit out, her voice quivering just the slightest bit. “You have no say in the winery, not anymore. What’s more, you might want to be careful where you throw those rocks. You might just hit your own glass house.”
Josh stood abruptly and leaned across the table, so close to Carmela that Crystal could see his angry breath blowing the woman’s dark hair. “You may have convinced Dad that you’re an upstanding, moral woman, ready to run a million-dollar company, but I know you for who you really are. If you insist on taking over the winery, know this: I will fight you every step of the way. By the time I’m through, you will beg for mercy!”
