Page 129 of Thin Lines (Donati Bloodlines 2)

“A baby whiner,” Calisto joked. “What are you going toname him?”

Emma hummed, tickling the puppy’s belly. “Midnight, Ithink. Midnight is black and dark, like the color of his fur. Do you likethat?”

“He’s your puppy. You’re the only one who needs tolike his name.”

She met his gaze. “But I want you to like it, too. Doyou?”

Calisto nodded. “Yes, Emmy, of course I like it.”

Because she named him.

Calisto liked everything Emma did.

Quickly, Emma leaned forward and pressed a kiss onCalisto’s lips. He felt her smile against his mouth as she whispered, “Thankyou.”

He returned her smile. “You’re welcome.”

Straightening, Emma’s attention was back on the pup.“Best birthday gift ever, Cal.”

“You think?”

“I know. He’s perfect.”

“As long as you think so, then that’s all thatmatters. I still think he’s a whiner.”

Emma’s gaze narrowed. “A baby, I said.”

Calisto laughed, put his hands up, and stepped away.Clearly, Emma’s mamma bear had come out to play with her new companion. “I concede.By the way, there’s a whole box of dog things for him in the hallway.”

Squealing with happiness, and flashing another one ofher beaming smiles, Emma was already passing Calisto by before he even finishedhis sentence. The very sight of her excitement and happiness made the puppyworth it.

But he still wasn’t cleaning up after the puppy.

Nope.

“You’re much taller than they said you would be,Calisto Donati.”

Calisto shoved his hands in his pockets, keeping acalm demeanor as he approached the dark-dressed man sitting in the front pew.“And who is this ‘they’ exactly?”

“People,” the man said, smirking just a little. “Sit,young man.”

Calisto took a seat in the pew, and crossed his leftankle over his right knee. His posture screamed relaxed and trusting, but hiseyes swept the familiar church, looking for any trouble that might find him.

“Which do you prefer,” Calisto started to ask,“O’Neil, or Connor? I’ve been told you go by both.”

The Irish boss chuckled deeply.

“Mostly, people call me ‘boss,’ Calisto. But sinceyou’ve gone as far as arranging this meeting, and inviting me here,” the bosssaid, waving at the church, “… I will be amicable to you using my given name.”

“Connor it is,” Calisto murmured.

“Beautiful place,” Connor noted, glancing around thechurch.

“It is. I’ve attended this parish since I was a boy.It’s a peaceful, safe place for me.”

Connor nodded once. “I hear you. You would never ruin thisplace with violence or shame, certainly not by causing some trouble inside. AmI right?”

“Exactly right.”