Page 81 of Thin Lines (Donati Bloodlines 2)

Something important.

She wanted him to be hers.

“Hey,” he said.

Calisto slid two fingers under Emma’s chin, and tiltedher head up. An uncertainty flickered across her features. The vulnerable sideof Emma was one of her best parts, he decided. The woman was strong as hell,and she didn’t show much off to the crowd. She had to know how beautiful shewas when she was unsure.

But she probably didn’t.

“I was jealous,” Emma admitted. “I shouldn’t havebeen.”

“Why not?” he dared to ask.

“You’re not mine. I can’t expect you—”

Calisto held up his other hand, quieting Emmainstantly. He knew what she was going to say. She didn’t expect him to befaithful to something that didn’t exist.

“Sorry,” Emma whispered.

“Don’t be. You’re right, I’m not yours. I can date ifI want to, fuck who I want to.”

Emma cringed. “Yeah.”

“But I’m not,” he said gently.

Her stare flew up to his, silently questioning again.

His confession came far too easy.

“I think about you too much to be worrying aboutsomeone else,” he said.

Emma blinked, and a sliver of wetness coated herbottom lashes. “Why, though?”

“I don’t know.”

Calisto hadn’t been able to give an answer for that, evento himself. He tried, but failed.

“That’s not a good answer, Calisto.”

“You got under my skin, Emmy. I liked that you werethere. I couldn’t cut you out, even if I tried.”

“How messed up is this?” she asked.

Calisto laughed. “My whole life has been something ofa mess. I’m not surprised I’ve found myself in yet another one.”

“Thanks.”

“But I don’t mind it,” he added.

Emma smiled just a bit, but it didn’t reach her eyes.Calisto could tell something else was bothering her. Whatever it was, it waspushing her fragile shoulders down with its weight.

“Emmy?”

“What?” she asked.

“You can tell me anything.”

“Can I ask you anything?”