Page 97 of Thin Lines (Donati Bloodlines 2)

Emma let the girls do their own thing when they neededto. Affonso didn’t say a word either way. She decorated the home using amixture of the decorations that had been packed away, and some new things shehad purchased leading up to the holiday. Instead of asking if Cynthia andMichelle wanted to join in to help string lights or hang wreaths, she let themcome to her willingly.

But even with the decorations, bright lights, andtinsel all around, the house still felt sad. Like it had its very own heartthat was broken.

So when Christmas morning arrived, Emma didn’t rush toget ready and make her way downstairs. It wasn’t like anyone else in the housewas particularly excited, and she certainly didn’t have anything to lookforward to.

Whatever gifts Affonso gave to her would be yet more bribes.

Something to keep her pleased, happy … quiet.

Once she was dressed, and her mask made of makeup andfake smiles was plastered on, Emma finally made her way downstairs.

She was the last one to wake up, apparently.

Emma was surprised to find her husband, his daughters,and Calisto chatting around the dining room table. The cook had been given theday off, which meant everyone had to fend for themselves if they wanted to eat,or Emma had to cook.

“It’s about time you woke up,” Affonso grumbled fromthe head of the table.

Calisto met Emma’s gaze, his expression passive. Thebarest hint of a smile graced his lips at her confused look.

“They’re hungry and incapable of cooking,” Calistosaid.

“I’m not incapable,” Cynthia replied. “Emma just makesthings better than I do.”

“Your opinion,” Michelle said. “But she does makegreat waffles.”

Emma smiled at that. “I can make waffles.”

“Hurry up then,” Affonso said. “The coffee is hot. I’mnot so inept that I don’t know how to turn the pot on. We’ll be in the livingroom opening gifts when you’re ready to join.”

“Sure,” Emma said, still watching Calisto out of thecorner of her eye.

He hadn’t mentioned that he would be there onChristmas morning. She was surprised to see him. It didn’t help that her firstreaction was to rub her thighs together to soothe the constant ache whenever hewas near.

As soon as Affonso stood from his seat, his daughtersfollowed suit and left the dining room. Calisto stood to join them.

Emma tampered down her desire at the sight of him inone of his all black, tailored suits. The man looked damn fine, and he knew it.

This was not the time.

Today was not a good day.

She went straight to the cupboards, thinking Calistowould follow the rest of his family to the living room where the tree was setup. Pulling out the things she would need to make the waffles, she didn’trealize Calisto had come up behind her until his hand landed on her hip.

Emma jerked at the sudden touch.

And sighed.

He made her so goddamn stupid.

“Merry Christmas, Emmy,” Calisto whispered in her ear.

“Merry Christmas, Calisto.”

“I’ve made it a tradition to join them on Christmasmorning and take the girls to Mass afterward. Affonso takes his own car. I’msure the girls wouldn’t mind if you joined us.”

Emma’s stomach clenched with heat and need. “Yeah,sure.”

“I have something for you.”