Page 77 of Thin Lines (Donati Bloodlines 2)

“He doesn’t even know me, Cal.”

“You wanted to know who he is,” Calisto repliedquietly. “This was a good time, huh?”

“Yeah, I know.”

“Then let’s go.”

Kelsey didn’t argue as Calisto led her across thelarge room. People stared, watching them together and probably whispering. Noneof them knew who Kelsey was, and even Affonso probably wouldn’t recognize thegirl. She had been three the last time he saw his oldest daughter, as far asCalisto understood it.

The people of the Donati famiglia likelythought she was Calisto’s date. He hadn’t corrected anyone when they asked. Hejust didn’t answer them. He brought Kelsey along to the dinner and party forher own benefit, and nothing more. She wanted to see her father—she wanted toknow who he was, beyond the headlines and the rumors.

Calisto’s words weren’t enough.

He understood her curiosity.

Sometimes, a person couldn’t be warned.

“Zio,” Calisto greeted politely, coming upbehind Affonso.

Affonso turned around fast, bringing Emma with him.His gaze landed on the young woman at Calisto’s side, and Kelsey’s hand wrappedaround his arm.

“Cal,” Affonso greeted, never taking his eyes off theyoung woman. “Who did you bring tonight? I didn’t know you were seeingsomeone.”

Calisto passed Emma a look. She was a mask of cool,calm composure, but something bright was burning in her eyes. It stung when sheturned it on him. It felt as hot as the red of her dress.

She was pissed.

So angry.

Calisto didn’t have the time to pick it apart. “Thisis … a friend, zio.”

Affonso laughed. “A friend with no name?”

Kelsey’s hand tightened on Calisto’s arm, but shestayed quiet.

“Kelsey,” Calisto said. “Her name is Kelsey.”

Calisto wasn’t even surprised to see Affonso’s lack ofreaction. He didn’t recognize the name, or some of his own features staringback at him from Kelsey’s face. She had her mother’s eyes, but the sharpcheekbones of her father, and a smaller nose.

“She wanted to meet you,” Calisto said. “I thoughttonight would be a good time.”

Affonso smiled at his daughter, still unknowing. “Whywas that?”

“Just because.”

Because if Affonso figured out who the girl was, hewas less likely to cause a fuss in front of all his people. He wouldn’t make issuesor shame Kelsey like he had done to his other daughters and their mothers whenthey tried to be near him.

Kelsey tugged on Calisto’s jacket and said, “Cal?”

“Mmm?”

“I’m good.”

Calisto gave his confused uncle a smile. “I’ll bearound if you need me, zio.”

Affonso waved a hand high. “Sure.”

Emma’s gaze still burned, but she had yet to say aword.