Page 27 of Thin Lines (Donati Bloodlines 2)

“That, Cal. I don’t even want to walk that line.”

“I didn’t say anything that wasn’t true.”

Emma frowned. “That’s exactly my point.”

“Why do you need to be here today, again?” Calistoasked.

“Bloodwork.” Emma perched herself up on the edge ofthe patient bed. She tugged off her cardigan and set it aside. “Nothing tooinvasive today.”

“A needle inside your veins is a little invasive.”

Emma snickered. “Scared of needles?”

“Not really.”

“Sure,” she teased.

Calisto had never been a fan of pain, but he found itprovided a certain relief.

It was a high that couldn’t compete with anything elsehe experienced. That was why he fought bare-knuckled, why he drove fast,despite knowing he might crash, and why he still enjoyed looking at EmmaDonati—no matter her current status.

Pain felt good.

He might have been a fool for doing so, but as long ashe got what he wanted from it, he didn’t really care.

When he fought, he was given release. When he drove,he was given freedom. When he looked at Emma, he was given memories.

All of them brought a certain level of pain. All threemight kill him someday.

Calisto glanced at Emma, taking her in again when shedidn’t know he was looking.

He realized then that only one might actually be worthdying for.

Craziness, he told himself.You’re being crazy again.

Calisto wished it was as easy as simply putting Emmaout of his mind, but he quickly learned that it wasn’t the case. She was alwaysthere in one way or another. His guilt over delivering her to his uncle formarriage still ate him alive. Calisto still worried that she wasn’t happy, orthat she wasn’t being treated in the way she deserved.

That she wasn’t being cared for, attended to …

That she wasn’t loved.

“Ah, Mrs. Donati,” came a voice from the doorway.

Calisto found an older doctor he recognizedimmediately. The man was on Affonso’s payroll for certain things. Curtis Leawas a good man, if not a little crooked. He didn’t mind taking cash to stitchsomeone up, dig out a bullet, or write a few prescriptions and turn his cheekat the same time.

“And Calisto,” Dr. Curtis said, smiling. “I haven’tseen you in … a couple of years. How are you?”

“Tired,” Calisto said honestly.

The doctor chuckled. “Life makes us that way. Whatbrings you here?”

“Carter had other things to do. Calisto is driving mearound,” Emma explained.

“I see,” the doctor said. “You can wait outside,Calisto. There’s no need for you to be in here.”

Calisto didn’t need to be told a second time. He tookthe reprieve the doctor offered, and practically bolted out of the room.

He needed space.