Page 63 of Thin Lines (Donati Bloodlines 2)

Affonso knew it, too.

Calisto was the only person who had helped Emma whenshe lost her second child. It was Calisto who had continued to come around timeand time again to make sure she was okay. No doubt, he probably asked after herwhen she wasn’t around.

It was innocent enough.

Family worrying over family.

Affonso likely thought that his nephew’s closeness toEmma was yet another way to reel Calisto in again so that he could manipulatehim. The same way Affonso had tried to bring Calisto closer when Emma’s secondpregnancy was first announced.

Only that time, it hadn’t worked.

Emma stared at the knife in her hands, unsure in herheart. She didn’t want to question Affonso on her thoughts and draw hissuspicion or jealousies out.

“I’m sure Calisto won’t mind dropping whatever it ishe has to do tomorrow night,” Affonso said, spinning the wine in his glass.

“I wouldn’t know.”

Affonso smiled, but it came off cold. “I would. That’sthe thing about being the boss, Emma. I get the say on who does what. Besides,I don’t think he’ll mind. Seems you’ve turned into another one of my childrenfor him.”

Emma dropped the knife in her hand. “What?”

“He concerns himself with your welfare. It’s the samething he does with my children. Somehow, you’ve gotten on his radar. I don’t mind.That’s just one more person keeping an eye on you.”

Affonso essentially confirmed Emma’s beliefs withouther even needing to ask a thing. She wasn’t the least bit surprised.

“And since he’s family, I can trust Cal,” Affonsoadded. “He might hate me, but the man wouldn’t betray me. It’s hard to findpeople I can trust lately, if you know what I mean.”

Jesus Christ.

Emma let out a slow breath, willing her inner war tocalm. “Whatever you say, Affonso.”

Her husband smiled again. She returned it, but itwasn’t real.

Affonso had no idea what he was doing by puttingCalisto in Emma’s path like he was. She certainly wasn’t going to be the onewho explained it.

She still remembered the hands under her dress fromearlier. She couldn’t forget the kiss that took her breath away or the taste ofvodka on Calisto’s tongue.

No, she wouldn’t explain it to her husband.

She would just take advantage.

What was the difference?

Affonso had certainly used her.

“Again.”

A trickle of heat slid down Emma’s spine at Calisto’sdark, heady words whispering in her ear. Her fingers ached all of the sudden,and she had to stop herself from reaching behind and grabbing Calisto to bringhim closer. To get away from those dangerous thoughts, Emma put her fingersback on the ivory keys at the right position and bent them as she had beentaught, and then played another round of scales.

“Quicker next time,” Calisto murmured.

Emma shook her head, amused at his teaching. She didas he asked.

“I’m not nearly as good as you, Cal,” Emma said. “Youplay.”

“No. I try not to play for Affonso.”

Emma shot a cautious look in her husband’s direction.Affonso was thoroughly engrossed in the drink in his hand and the man at hisside. Ray and Affonso bent their heads together before laughter erupted fromthe other side of the room. Ray’s wife had gone in search of another bottle ofwine. Emma had somehow managed to make it through the dinner with her smileplastered on, but barely.