LoveinPurgatory

DeLaFuenteFamily#2

LexiBuchanan

Allrightsreserved.Withtheexceptionofquotesusedinreviews,thisbookmaynotbereproducedorusedinwholeorinpartbyanymeans

existingwithoutwrittenpermissionfromtheauthor.

PublishedbyHFCAPublishingHouse

http://www.lexibuchanan.net

ImageCopyright:MichaelStokesPhotography

FitnessModel:DiegoArnary

CoverDesign:RobinHarper,WickedbyDesign

Editor:SirenaVanSchaik

Editor:NadineWinningham

BETAReader:EmmaClifton,KathrinMagyar,LynneGarlick,SonyaCovert

Thisbookisawrittenactoffiction.Thenames,characters,places,andincidentsareproductsofthewriter’simaginationorhavebeenused

fictitiouslyandarenottobeconstruedasreal.Anyresemblancetopersons,livingordead,actualevents,localesororganizationsisentirely

coincidental.

ISBN-13:

978-0-9933238-5-0

Author’sNote

Thisworkispurefictionandalthoughthenamedtownsexist,anyreferencetoaChurch,Cathedral,

BishoporPriestinthesetownsISPUREFICTION,andhasbeenaddedforthebenefitofthestory.

This novel is not intended to be a slight on the Catholic Faith, a religion in which all the author’s

childrenarebaptized.

Prologue

Thanksgiving day was supposed to be a family affair with lots of laughter and happiness, but it

wasn’t…at least, not this year. Instead of happiness, all Emelia felt was heartache and longing. She
wantedtoseehimsmileather…wantedtoseehimlaughatsomethingshesaid,butshesawnothingbut
hisangerandturmoilwhenhelookedather.Shewasaloneinacrowdedroombecauseofherlovefor
Dante,herbrother—orsoeveryonethought.Shehatedthatshewastheonlyoneofthesevensiblingsto
knowthetruthabouttheirfamily,anditdestroyedhertokeepitsecret.

Emeliamanagedtohideherheartacheuntilshe’dsnuckintothesunroomandawayfromthefamily.

Then,thetearsflowedfromhereyesasshemadeherwaytooneofthesofashermotherlikedtokeepin
thebrightroom.

HermindwasfullofDante.Therewasanairofisolationabouthistallfigurethatkepthimjustoutof

her reach. She wanted to run her hands through his black hair, which was silky straight and always
gleamedinthelight.Hishandsomefacewasbronzedfromhisloveoftheoutdoors,andhissmilewould
lightuphisfacewhenshecaughthimoffguard.However,itwouldsoondimwhenherealizeditwasher.

AsEmeliatriedtomophertearsup,sheheardthecreakofthedooropening.Shedidn’twanttodeal

with anyone but, if she had someone to talk to, she wouldn’t feel so upset. It wouldn’t change anything
though,becauseherheartwouldstillbebrokenoverDante.

“Hey,it’sokay,”Sylvia,herbrotherEric’sgirlfriend,saidassheentered,andsatbesideher.“What

hasyousoupset?OrshouldIaskwhom?”

Emelialookedupandsighedasshemovedbackintoacornerofthesofawhenrealizationhit,andshe

froze.“Youknow?How?”

Sylviashookherhead.“Guessed.”

“And doesn’t it bother you that two siblings are in love with the other and not in a sibling way?”

Emeliaaskedwhiletearscontinuedtorundownherface.

Emeliaoftenwonderedhowshe’dgottentothisplace.Theonlyanswerthatsheeverreceivedwas

thatitwasherownfaultforkissinghim.

“Idon’tknowwhattothinktobehonest.I’veseenyouandDantetogetherandit’sobviousthatyou’re

bothhurting.”

Emelia nodded. “If Dante would listen, then we wouldn’t need to hurt.” Her Dante was damn

stubborn.

Sylviafrowned.“Whatdoyoumean?”

“Itdoesn’tmatter,”Emeliahiccupped,andwipedathertears,whichwouldn’tstopflowing.

Reachingforward,SylviatriedtosoothEmeliaassherubbedherarm.“Itobviouslydoes.”

Emelia grabbed Sylvia’s wrist as she wrestled with her decision. On one hand, she desperately

needed to talk…to tell someone, but on the other, it was hard to let go of the secret for fear of what it
woulddotoherfamily.“Youcan’ttellanyone,notevenEric.”

Assoonasthewordslefthermouth,Emeliaknewsheshouldn’thaveaskedSylviatokeepsomething

from Eric, especially since Sylvia looked uneasy. Emelia just wished she knew the right thing to do
withoutcausingsomuchchaos.

“I don’t want to start keeping secrets from Eric. It would hurt him deeply if he knew I was holding

somethingbackthatconcernedyouandDante.”

EmeliasnappedhereyestoSylviaandcouldseeitclearlywrittenonherface...no...“Heknows?”she

whispered,andhopedshewaswrong.

“Yes.”

“Oh,God!Hehasn’tsaidanythingtome.Whatdidhesay?”Shecouldfeelherthroatclosing,andit

wasgettinghardertobreathe.

“Calmdown,Emelia.Hehasn’tsaidanythingbecausehedoesn’tknowwhattosay.Helovesyouboth

andfeelstorn.”

Emelia wanted to curl up and hide for the rest of her life. She wished that Eric had talked to her.

Perhapsshewouldn’tfeelsotornupinsideifhehad,butmaybe,itwouldhavemadethingsworse.“What
amess.”

Emeliadroppedherheadbackagainstthesofa,turnedtofaceSylvia,andheldhergaze.“Itallstarted

withakiss,”Emeliaadmitted.“Therewasaparty,hereatthehouse,formytwenty-firstbirthday.Dante
hadalwaysbeenmysteriousandneveraroundasIwasgrowingup.Ididn’treallythinkmuchofit,andhe
wasn’treallyapartofthefamily.Infact,hemissedalotoffamilyholidayswhenIwasyounger.Hewas
theunknownbrother,butthen,justbeforemyeighteenthbirthday,IoverheardsomethingthatIshouldn’t
have.Aweeklater,Danteshowedup,anditwaslikeIwasmeetinghimforthefirsttime.Ifellinlove
withhimanddidn’tknowwhattodo.”

Shesighedandstaredoutthewindowasthetearsprickedhereyes.“Myyoungheartknewwhoand

whatitwanted,butIwasstupid.IthoughtifIwentforit,showedhimhowIfelt,he’dfallinlovewith
me. I thought,” she felt a lump in her throat as the memory burned painfully bright in her mind, “that
everythingwouldbehappilyeverafter,whichiswhy,onmytwenty-firstbirthday,Ikissedhim.Myheart
hadpoundedsohardinmychestaswekissed.Hewasshockedatfirst,butthenhe’dreturnedmykiss.It
wentonforawhile,andIfelthisneed…Ithoughtthatwasthestartofsomethingbeautiful,butthenhe
shovedmeaway.

“I’dneverseenhimsofuriousinmylifebeforethatnight.”Sheswipedatthetears…hisrejectionstill

hurt,evenafteralltheseyears.“Afterthat,thingschangedforme…forhim…forthewholefamily.There
will never be a chance of going back to before it happened. I’m not even sure I’d want to if given the
opportunity.”

Theyfellintosilence,whichwasfinallybrokenwithSylvia’squestion,“Whatdidyouoverhear?”

“God,”Emeliawailed,“Ineedtotellsomeonebecauseit’sahellofaburdentocarry.”Andthatwas

the truth. She’d spent years keeping everything to herself, but she couldn’t do it anymore. Maybe it all
neededtobeoutintheopen.

“I’dgonelookingforMomafterasquabblewithDiego.ShewasarguingwithDad.Iwaitedinthe

hallwayastheyargued,andI’mnotevensurewhatstartedit,but,astheycalmeddown,theytalkedabout
thepast.DadtoldMomhowmuchhe’dgrowntolovehereventhoughthey’dmarriedatthebequestof
Francesca,myfather’sfirstwife.Momhadsighedandsaidithadn’tbeenabequestbecauseFrancesca
hadbeggedthembothtomarry.”

Emeliahiccuppedthroughhertears,andcontinued,“Thentheystartedtalkingaboutanothermanand

howtheywerebothrelievedhewasnolongerathreatbecausehe’ddied.”

Sheshookherhead.Ithadfeltlikeabetrayal,toknowthatherentirelife…whoshethoughtshewas,

was a lie. She’d wanted to storm into the room and scream at them, but she’d been stuck, frozen to the
spot. She swallowed back the hurt and continued, “It turned out that my father had never slept with my
mother until long after she’d given birth to Diego and me. And when I say long after, I mean six years
after.Itwasafterthey’drenewedtheirweddingvows…afterthey’dfinallyfalleninlovewitheachother.

”So you see, all this time, I’ve been raised as a true daughter to Emiliano, when, in fact, I have no

bloodrelationtohimorhisownchildren.IcouldbewithDante,but,eventhoughmyheartbreaksallthe
timeforhim,Ihavenoideahowtotellhimthetruthwithoutcausingheartbreakfortheentirefamily.”

Shock, horror, sympathy and finally, support crossed Sylvia’s face as she listened. Emelia hadn’t

realizedhowmuchshe’dneededthelatter.

Shecouldn’tstopnowthatshe’dstarted,andthereliefshefeltthatsomeoneelsefinallyknewhelped.

“He’sapriestnowandIknowheloveshischurch…andhiscongregation,butIwanthimtobeselfish.I
wanthimtoloveme—tobewithme.Ineedthatwithhimbadlythatbeingawayfromhimisaphysical
pain.”EmeliasatupandgrippedbothofSylvia’sarms.“PleasetellmewhattodobecauseIdon’tknow
anymore.”

Sylvialookedsurprised,andsheopenedhermouthtoanswerbeforeshecloseditagain.Shelooked

asconfusedasEmeliafelt.Finally,sheasked,“Doesanyoneknow?Diego?”

“No.”Emeliashookherhead.“Ihaven’ttoldanyone.Onlyyou.”

“Youhaven’taskedyourmomaboutit?”

“I’vetriedsomanytimesbutIalwayschickenout.PartofmeisafraidthatImisheardwhatwassaid,

andanotherparthopestoGodthatIheardcorrectly.IwillalwaysloveEmilianoasmyfatherbecausehe
raisedmefrombirthashisown,butIneedwhatIheardtobetruebecauseofmyfeelingsforDante.Does
anyofthismakesensetoyou?”

Sylviasmiled.“Youmakeperfectsense,andIthinkweneedtotellEric.Helovesyouand,trustme,

althoughitwillbeashocktohim,itwilleasehismindoveryouboth.”

“Heworries,”shesmiled,“Iknow.IalwaysusedtogotoEricwhenIwassmall.Hewouldtellmea

storyorkeepmeawayfromKaseywhousedtostealmythingstomakememad.”

“Emelia?”

TheyturnedatthesoundofEric’svoice.

ChapterOne

Onemonthlater…

Nursingawhiskeyinhishand,Dantesatinthedarklivingroom.Ithadbeenalongdayoftryingtoact

asthoughhedidn’thavealotonhismindwhenhisheadwassofull—abouttoexplode.Abitlikehow
his heart had felt when he saw Kasey’s truck in the ditch during the snowstorm at Thanksgiving. He’d
feared for his siblings, but the relief he’d felt when Emelia came into view was nothing like it should
havebeenforasibling.Nothingcouldhavestoppedhimfromholdingherinhisarms…itdidn’tmatter
howwrongitwasorhowothershadlookedatthem.Allthatmatteredwasthathecouldtouchhertomake
sureshewasreal.

He sighed and took a long draw of his whiskey as he looked around his father and Lucia’s living

room. He always felt welcome, but the house never felt like home because he’d been away from the
familyasachild—completelybyhisownchoice.Atfirstitwasbecauseofhowangryhe’dbeenwithhis
fatherformarryingLucia…recently,ithadbeenbecauseoftheirdaughter.

Emelialivedtodrivehimcrazyandhewishedshe’dfindamanofherowntokeepherawayfrom

him. Perhaps the longing for someone who was forbidden—she was his sister after all…and he was a
priest—woulddisappear.Deepdownheknewnothingwouldreleasehimfromthefeelingshehadforher,
andthejealousyofseeingherwithanothermanwouldprobablykillhim.

Thesilencewouldgettohimoneday,but,sofar,thealcoholworkedfinetonumbhisheart.Atleast,

itdiduntilhelookedattheentranceofthelivingroomandsawthesilhouetteofEmelia.Shestoodand
observedhimwithoutmakinganymovecloser.

Hedidn’ttrusthimselfwhilehisemotionswereallovertheplace.Herscentwasstillinsidehimfrom

when he found himself beneath the mistletoe with her. It had taken everything in him to only peck her
cheek.

Shaking his head, Dante placed his empty glass on the side table. He stood and moved toward her,

cravinghertouchnomatterhowwrongGodsaiditwas.

Emelia was breathtaking. Wide eyes, high cheekbones that were accentuated by the tiny, curling

tendrilsescapingtheheavy,silkenmassofblackhair,andasmallframethatfitagainsthimperfectly.She
lookedmoredelicateandetherealthaneverinherleggingsandfittedshirt,andhewalkedcloserlikea
mancaughtinanenchantment.

Hisheartpoundedinhischestatthesightbeforehim.Shewastheonlyonetoevertempthimtobreak

hisvowtothechurch,anditwaswrong.Sowrong.

Heclenchedhisfists,avertedhisgazeandtriedtosteppast,butherhandonhiswriststoppedhim.

Hertouchwarmedhiminplacesthatshouldbedead.Whenshewasn’tthere,thoseplacesweredarkand
hidden—dormant until Emelia touched him. He used to be able to ignore them but now, he found them,
moredifficultthanevertoignore.

“We’reunderthemistletoe,”Emeliawhispered.

Itwaspuretorture.

“Emelia,”hegroanedinawhisperofdesperation.

Shemovedinfrontofhimandmethisgaze.Hisheartstoppedbeforeitstartedupafranticbeatashis

bloodpulsedthroughhisbody.Hisbodyhummed,hishandsshookashefoughttheurgetotouchher.

Nomatterhowmuchheknewitwaswrong,hecouldn’tfightit.HecurvedhishandoverEmelia’ship

andtuggedhercloser,hershirtgrippedinhisfist.

Shereachedupandcuppedonesideofhisface,tearsgatheredonherbeautifullonglashes.

Noonewouldknow.

Hedippedhishead,and,forthefirsttimeinoversixyears,hewasabouttosampletheonlywoman

whowouldeverholdhisheart.

Herscentwasunderhisskin,andthefeelofherhandsastheyrestedagainsthischestmadehisheart

poundfasterwithdesire.He’donlyeverfeltheartthrobbingdesireoncebefore,andthathadbeenonher
twenty-firstbirthdaywhenshe’dkissedhim,andmadehimseewhatwasrightinfrontofhim.Kissingher
andcravingmorewithherhadsenthimrunningtothechurch.

Butastheirmouthshoveredamereinchapart,Dantecouldn’tclosethatdistancebetweenthem,even

thoughhisbodyburnedtotasteher,andfeelheragainsthim.

Hishandtrembledinhershirtwiththedesirehefelt,butwhatmadehimcrossthelinewasthesightof

moretearsonherbeautifulface.Hecouldn’thandlehertearsanymore.

Theirmouthstouchedinawhisperofakissand,withthebrushoftheirtongues,thegrowlhe’dheldin

checkatthebackofhisthroatburstforth.HedraggedEmeliaagainsthimandkissedherasthoughhewas
drowning.Maybehewasandshewashislifeline.

ShiversofdesireracedthroughhimasEmeliawhimperedwhilehistongueexploredtherecessesof

hermouth.Nospaceseparatedthemashecontinuedtokissherhungrily,likeamanstarved.

Hecouldn’tstopnowthathe’dstartedand,ashislipslefthers,henibbledatherearlobebeforehe

searedapathdownherneckbeforereclaimingherswollenlips.

Emelia’s hands held his head in place while she returned his passion. Her mouth searched out his

tongue,asherbodymovedrestlesslyagainsthis,heighteninghisarousal.

Thethoughtofhavingherinhisbedwhiletheybothwrithedinpleasureasheenteredtheheatofher

bodybroughthimbacktoreality.

Hebrokefromthekissand,whenEmeliatriedtoholdhimtoher,heshookhisheadandbackedaway.

“Thatwaswrong,”hehissedbetweenclenchedteeth.

Itwaswrong,butnothinghadeverfeltsoright.

As he gazed at her through hooded eyes, he let out a shudder of need and drew in a sharp breath.

Emeliastoodwherehe’dlefther,unmovingastearsseepedoutofhereyesanddownherbeautifulface.
She’d paled since he’d stepped away, and her arms wrapped around her stomach as though to protect
herself.

Hewasapriest,andshouldfeelremorseforwhathe’djustdonewithhissister,buthecouldn’tget

there.Whathefeltforherwaswrongonsomanylevels,butEmeliawasstillthemostbeautifulwoman
he’deverseen,andhisloveforherwouldalwaysbeinsidehim.

Butasshestoodbeforehim,lookingdestroyed,hehadnoideawhattosayordototakeherheartache

away.Heknewthatshelovedhimjustasmuchashedidher,andthathewastheonlyonewhowouldbe
abletopleaseher,butthatwouldneverbepossible.

Nomatterhowmuchithurthim,heneededtobestrongforthebothofthembecauseheknewEmelia

wouldalwaysbearoundhim,wantinghim,ifhelether.Somethinghadtobedonetoputastoptoit—to
putastoptothetorturedfeelingsbetweenthem.

“That can’t happen again, Emelia,” he started, and had to take a moment to breathe and get himself

undercontrolbecausehewantedtoshout.Hewantedtolethisangerattheunfairnessoftheirsituation
spilloutfortheworldtosee,buthecouldn’t…and,intheend,hedidn’t.Hedrewinadeepbreath,the
wordscomingoutonasighthatshowedhowexhaustedandtorturedhewas.“Youknowwhythisisso
wrong.Weneedtostayawayfromeachother.”Hefoughttohidehisemotionsbeforeheopenedhismouth
again.“Youneedtofindsomeoneelse.Someonewhowill...loveyou,”hisvoicecracked.

NoonewilleverloveyouasmuchasIdo.

Emeliastumbledintothewallasshetriedtobackawayfromhim,tearsflowingfreelydownherpale

face.“You’llalwaysbethemanIlove,Dante,”shewhispered.“Igetwhereyou’recomingfrom...butit
hurtsmorebeingawayfromyouthanitdoesbeingwithyou.”

“Dammit,Emelia.”Inablinkofaneye,hestoodinfrontofherwithherfacecuppedinthepalmsof

hishands.“Don’t.”Hebrushedhertearsawaywithhisthumbs.“Webothneedtomoveonand,asmuch
as it kills me to say that, we don’t have a choice...I’ll always love you.” He kissed her forehead, and
lingeredwhilehebreathedherin.“I’mleaving.Idon’twantto,butit’swhatIhavetodo.”

He breathed deeply and walked away from her as Emelia’s sobs followed him all the way to his

bedroom.

Heclosedandlockedthedoor,andleanedagainstitwithhisheartinpieces.Andwhilehewasinthe

seclusionofhisroom,hefinallydidsomethingthathehadn’tdonesincehismotherdied…helethistears
fall.

Hewasinpurgatory.

ChapterTwo

Emelia lay curled up on her large window seat amongst the cushions and blankets while she’d

watchedeveryoneelsecomeandgointheyardbelow.She’devenwatchedasDantecarriedalargebag
tohisrentalandleavebeforetheotherswereup.

AfterDantehadleftherdownstairs,she’dlosttrackoftimeuntildaylighthadstartedtoseepthrough

the curtains, which was when she’d retreated to her bedroom with her heart in pieces—just like she
thoughtDante’swasin.

Whileshe’dbeengrowingup,thefamilyhadtalkedabouthowreligiousDantewas,butthedayhe’d

calledtoinformhisfatherhewasgoingintothepriesthoodhaddevastatedher.Thecallhadcometwo
weeksaftershe’dinitiatedthekissonherbirthday.

She’ddoneeverythingshecouldthinkofbackthentotalktohimandtellhimthetruthaboutherbirth.

Afterallelsehadfailed,she’dfinallywrittenhimaletter,whichsheknewhehadn’treadbecausehewas
stillconvincedthattheyweresiblingsthroughblood.

Astimewenton,Emeliahadconvincedherselfthatitwasforthebestthathehadnoideaabouther

becauseheseemedhappyinthechurch.Butthenthey’dhavefamilyget-togethersandtheconnectionthat
she’dfeltallthoseyearsagowouldbestrongerthanever.

Apartofherdidregretnotmakinghimlistentoher,becauseifshehadthen,perhaps,hewouldn’tbe

astorturedknowingthatshewasn’thissisterbyblood.Butanotherpartofherworriedthathisconnection
withGodwasstrongerthanhisloveforher,andthatterrifiedher.

Butwhileshehidawayinherroom,herheartheavywithsorrow,shehadnoideaastohowtomove

forwardwithoutDanteinherlife.

Shecouldn’tseeapathforherself…couldn’timaginethedaysspentathomewithhermotherfixing

herupwitheveryeligiblebachelorshemet.Shecouldn’tturnuponDante’sdoorstepagainbecausethat
wouldcreateevenmoredestructionofherheart…especiallyafterlastnight.

Shehadotherbrothers,theluxuryofcomingfromalargefamily,butshedidn’tknowwhoshecould

turn to. Her brother Eric had just gotten engaged to Sylvia, and knowing him, the wedding would be
quicklyarrangedsoshecouldn’tstaywithhim.

HerbrotherAidenwaslivingathomeforthetimebeing,soshecouldn’tgoandhanginEuropewith

him.Kaseylivedlikeapigandalwaystriedtoannoyher,whichreallyonlylefthertwin,Diego.

Shelovedallherbrothers,butshewasobviouslytheclosesttoDiego,whowasafirefighterinNew

York. He also had a revolving door of women. That would have to stop while she stayed with him,
though.Hewouldn’tlikeit,butshehadenoughonhimtomakehimdoherbidding.

AtleastwithherworkshecoulddoitfromanywherewithaconnectiontotheInternet.Shelovedto

read,andwritereviewsforthebooksthatsheread.Itwasapassionofhersthatshe’ddoinherspare
time.Herpaidjobwaslookingafterthesocialmediaforherfamily’shorsefarminMontana.Shewas
responsibleforthewebsite,andwoulddealwithanyinquiriesthattheyreceivedfromit.Sheupdatedit
nearlyeveryotherdayalongwithallthesocialmediaaccounts.

It had been difficult for her to begin with because her father hadn’t wanted to be brought into the

twenty-firstcentury.Hewashappynow,andconstantlyaskedherquestionsaboutit.

Not that they’d been struggling for business before, but because of their social media sites, they’d

receivednewbusiness,whichincreasedyearly.Eachoneofhersixsiblingsheldashareinthefarmand
theiryearlypayoutwasalwaysenoughforhertoliveoffforthefollowingyear,andthensome.

Whichwaswhyshewasseriousaboutgoingspendingtimewithherbrother.Diegomadehersmile,

soperhapsthatwaswhatsheneeded—herman-whorebrother.

As though she’d conjured him up, Diego stood just inside her bedroom door. Her locked bedroom

door.

“Hey,Sis.”Hegrinned,whichslippedashereallylookedather.“What’swrongwithyou?”

Emelia sighed at his words. He knew her well. “Nothing that a visit with you in New York won’t

cure.”Well,nothingwouldcurewhatshesufferedfrom,butatleastshe’dbefarawayfromherheartache.

“Me?”

ShejustmanagedtomoveherfeetbeforeDiegodroppedhisassdowninthewindowseatwithher,

andansweredwhatherbrotherprobablyhopedwouldbeno,witha,“Yes.”Shepushedherselfupintoa
sittingpositionandglancedoutofthewindow.“Ineedtomakesomechanges,”sheshrugged,andfaced
Diego,“andtodothat,Ineedtobeabletothink.SoIfigured,asI’mclosesttoyou,thatI’dheadback
withyoutoNewYork.”

Diegolookedworried,whichgaveherpause.Shecertainlydidn’twanttoscrewuphislife,although

shehopeditwouldcalmhislibidodown,whichshereallydidn’twanttothinkabout.

“Okay.”

“Okay?Isthatallyouhavetosay?”

“Whatelsedoyouwantmetosay?”Diegofrowned.“You’remysister,Emelia,soyoucancomeand

livewithmewhileyougetyourselfsorted...thereisoneconditionthough.”

Shegroanedandhithisthighwithherfootwhenhesmirked.

“Whatcondition?”

“Beforeyouleavemyplace,youhavetotellmewhat’sgoingonwithyou...andDante.”Hewatched

herthroughhoodedeyes,butshestayedsilent.“Ihaveeyesandthere’ssomething.”

“Ican’tpromiseanything,”sheadmitted,bitingherlowerlip,“butI’mdeterminedtostopbeingthe

wanderlustsister,andlooktothefutureinsteadoflivinginthepast.”

Diegoshookhishead.“Ihavenofuckingclueastowhatyoumean,butitcertainlysoundsgood.”

She smiled and reached out to him. Without any hesitation, Diego intertwined his fingers with hers.

“Thankyou.”

“Whatfor?”

“Forbeingyou.Foralwaysbeinghereforme.”

“Emelia,you’remytwin,whywouldn’tIalwaysbehereforyou?”

Emelia gave him a soft smile, and moved to curl up in his lap. “I guess I’m just feeling sorry for

myselftoday.Iloveyou,youknowthat?”

“I love you too, Sis.” He kissed her on the forehead. “But, do you think we can stop being mushy,

otherwise,I’mgoingtohavetocheckifmyballsarestillattached.”

“Eww,Diego.”Shesmackedhisthighashechuckledagainsther.“Ican’tbelieveyouwentthere.”

“Yes,youcan.”Hechuckledandcuddledhercloser.“Emelia?”hewhisperedagainstthetopofher

head.“Ifyoueverneedtotalk,youknowI’mhere,right?Imeanrighthere.Always.”

Shelovedherbrothersomuch,andwishedthatshecouldtalktohimaboutDante,andaboutwhatshe

overheardallthoseyearsago.Butsherememberedwhatitfeltliketorealizethatthemanwho’draised
herashisownwasnotherfather,andshedidn’twanttobethecauseofDiego’spainwhen,orif,heever
foundout.

ChapterThree

Dante had been back in Frederick, Colorado for a few days when he opened his front door, after

persistentknocking,tofindhisbrotherMateo,withbaginhand.

Mateomethisgaze,grinnedandsaid,“Forgiveme,Father,forIhavesinned.”

Dantesnortedandpulledhisbrotherintoahug.“Whydoesn’tthatsurpriseme?”

Noneofhisbrothersweresaints,soheknew,withoutadoubt,thathe’dbeintheconfessionalfora

heckofalongtimeifoneofthemeverreallywantedtoconfessbeforehimandGod.

“Youwon’tfindmeinthere,brother,”MateonoddedtowardthechurchandsteppedinsideDante’s

home,“butIdon’tmindshootingtheshitwithyou.”Heclosedthedoor,andaddedwithahopefullookon
histannedface,“Overcoffeeandcake.”

Dantechuckledandrolledhiseyes.“NowIknowthatitisn’tmeyou’vecometovisit.Youjustwant

toeatthecakethatBarbarahasmade.”

“OfcourseIhave.WhywouldIwanttocomeandseeyou?”Mateodroppedhisbag,andwrappedhis

armaroundhimastheywalkedtowardthekitchen,andthefreshsmellofbaking.

“Andtheresheis,”Mateoannounced.“ThewomanI’mgoingtomarry.”

Danteshovedhimawayplayfully,knowingthatMateomadeBarbara’sdaywhenheflirtedwithher.

Barbarainsistedoncomingtohishomeeverydaytobakeandtidyupforhim.Hehadn’twantedto

hurtherfeelingsbytellingherthathewascapableofdoingeverythinghimself,sohegavein.

Shelookedtobeclosetoeighty,andheknewthatshewaslonely,especiallyafterlosingherhusband

afewyearsago.

Mateo winked at him before going over to Barbara. He kissed her cheek and snatched one of the

cupcakesshewasbusyicing.

“You’relookingmightyfinethismorning,Barbara.Mybrotherlookingafteryou?”

HehidhissmileattheblushonBarbara’sfaceasMateocontinuedtoflirt.

“Oh, you hush up, young man.” Barbara swatted his hand away when he went to grab another cake.

“At least me being here keeps all the young ladies away,” she gave Dante a reproachful glance, even
thoughhewascompletelyinnocent—hedidn’tnoticethewomeninhiscongregation.“Pfft,thatMiranda
andMarie,thetwoM&M’s,they’dmakeabishopsin.”

Dante’s brows nearly reached his hairline, and one look at his brother had Mateo roaring with

laughter.“ThetwoM&M’s,huh?”Mateocommented.

“I’msorry,Father,”Barbaralookedsheepish,“butyou’veseenthem,andyoucouldn’tgetawayquick

enoughwhentheyhadyoucorneredinchurchtheotherweek.”

Mateowipedathistearsofamusement.“ThatIhavetosee.”

Heneededtochangethesubject.“So,what’sbroughtyouhere,withoutyourfiancée,Imightadd?”

AtleastthatgotridoftheamusementonMateo’sface,evenifDantedidhaveatwingeofregretfor

dampeninghisbrother’sspirit.

“She’sdoingsomethingwithherownfamily,soIthoughtI’dcomeandhangwithyoubeforewehead

to Ramon’s wedding.” Mateo dropped into a chair and warmed his hands on the cup of coffee that
Barbarahadjustpoured.“Ineed...”hepausedandglancedatBarbara,“Ijustneedabreak.”

Dante stared at his brother and nodded. He knew what his brother meant because he to needed a

break. He needed to be away from his family home and his church to think clearly without constant
interruptions.

Theholeinhisheartwasstillthere,andhefeareditwouldneverbewholeagain.He’dpickedhis

celluptotextEmeliasomanytimesthathe’deventuallylostcount,buthe’daskedforhertogoandlive
herlife.Itwouldkillhimtoseeherwithsomeoneelse,toknowthatshelovedanotherman,butitwas
whatshehadtodo.Itwassomethingthathehadtoletherdowithhisblessingnomatterhowmuchithurt
him.

He’dthoughtthatrunningtothechurchallthoseyearsagowasthecureforhispassionforhissister,

butitwasn’t.Itdidhelphimbackthen,buthethoughtthatprobablyhadmoretodowiththembeingapart
thananythingelse.Unfortunately,forthepastfewyears,Emeliahadvisitedhimonandoffanditmadehis
craving worse than ever. He hadn’t been able to bring himself to ask her to leave, or to ask her not to
visit,untilafewdaysago.

ThetearsonEmelia’sfacehadhurthim,andheknewthathewasintoodeepwithher.

When he joined the church, he’d kept his past sins concerning Emelia buried. It didn’t matter how

‘encouraged’he’dbeentorepentthem—they’dbeensomethingthathekeptlockedawayfromtheworld.
But,recently,he’dspentagreatdealoftimekneeledbeforethealtarinhischurchwhileheprayedfor
absolution...whichhadyettocome.

“WhenareyouleavingforLexington?”Mateoasked,breakingintohisthoughtswhilehefinallytook

theseatBarbaraurgedhiminto.

“Twodays.”

“Okay, message me your flight details and I’ll book on the same flight.” Mateo drained his cup of

coffee, and had to stop Barbara from filling it again. “I’m fine for now.” He smiled and she blushed,
again.

“I’llletyoutwobe,andgoanddustinthelivingroom.”

Dantewatchedhergo,then turned to look at his brother. “She’s great, but I wish she wouldn’t fuss

overmesomuch,”hewhispered.

“Sheobviouslyenjoyslookingafteryou,solether.Itprobablygiveshersomethingtodo.”

“That’swhyI’vekeptmymouthshut...whatgetsmeisthatshewon’ttakeanythingforeverythingshe

doesaroundhere.”

Mateoofferedawrysmile.“Shelovestakingcareofthepriest.Letherbe.”

“Idolikehavingheraroundbecauseitstopsunwantedvisitors,andsheadoresEmelia.”

“Sheobviouslyhasn’tbeenaroundEmeliawhenshehasPMS.”Mateochuckled.

DantestayedsilentandwouldhavecursedhimselfformentioningEmeliaifheactuallycursed.

“She’snotthatbad,”headmittedforsomethingtosay.

“Yeah,right?”Mateoscoffed.“Youhaveblindersonwithourbabysister.I’mtellingyouthatshehas

onehellofatemper.”Heshuddered.“Thelittlespitfirescaresmewhenshegetsstarted,andyeah,ifthat
makesmeapussysobeit.”Mateostoodtolookoutthebackwindow.

Dantewatchedhisbrother,andgrappledwithhisemotions.Heshouldn’taskbutheneededtoknow,

“HowisEmelia?”

Mateo glanced at him over his shoulder, and told him, “She went to New York with Diego. She

doesn’tknowyet,butDiegohasafriendwhohe’sgoingtotryandsetherupwith.”

Dante’sheartdroppedtohisfeetatMateo’sinformationbeforehefelthisangerrise.“Howcanheset

herupwithoneofhisfriends...SeriouslyMateo?WeallknowwhatarevolvingdoorDiegohasandhis
friendsaren’tmuchdifferent.”

MateoshookhisheadandfollowedDantewithhiseyesashepacedbackandforth.“Calmdown.He

isn’tlikeDiego.Apparently,hisfriendisveryselectiveaboutwhohefucks—hiswordsnotmine—and
he’s looking for someone to settle down with. Diego said he’s the only guy he’d trust with his twin.”
Mateogrinned.“Fingerscrossed,she’llbeoutofyourhairsoon.Nomoreunexpectedvisitsfollowedby
herrefusaltoleave.”

Dantedidn’tknowhowtorespondbecausehisjealousyknewnobounds.Hishandsflexedintofistsat

hissides,andhisbreathingcameoutsharpandchoppy.Hethoughthewashavingaheartattackwiththe
painthatlancedthroughhischest.

“Hey,areyouokay?”Mateofrowned,andsteppedtowardhim.

Dantesteppedback.“I’mfine...makeyourselfathome.Ihavesomewhereelsetobe.”

Withthosewordsspoken,Dantewalkedstraightoutofthehouseandgotbehindthewheelofhistruck.

Heturnedtheignitiononandpulledoutofhisdrive;hehadnoideawherehewasgoing—hejustdrove.

ChapterFour

“You are seriously driving me crazy, Em,” Diego growled while Emelia dashed around the kitchen

scrubbingthecountertopsclean.

“You’re a pig and I’m cleaning before I cook in here,” Emelia shot back. “And, what the hell is up

with‘Em’?Youhaveneverabbreviatedmyname...ever!”

“Well,Ifeellikedoingitnow.”Heleaned,withasmuggrin,againstthefridgeandwatched.

Sheknewhewastryingtomakeherstopandgiveup,orlaughathowridiculousshewasbeing,but

shefeltfilledwithangereversinceshe’dreallythoughtaboutDanteandwhathe’dsaid.

Themoreshethoughtabouthimtellinghertofindsomeoneelse,themoreshesawred.Asthoughshe

wasapieceofmeattobetossedaroundforotherstosample.

Ugh!

Nowaywouldhemakethedecisionforher.

“Ialsothinkifyou’regoingtobestayingherethatyouneedtorefrainfromcallingmenames,Em.”

Sheglaredoverhershoulderatherbrother.

“Emelia,dear,”hesaidinaperfectimitationoftheirmother.

Sheturnedawaysothathewouldn’tseetheamusementonherface.

“Okay,”Diegograbbedthecleaningclothfromherhand,grabbedherhips,andsatherinfrontofhim

onthecountertop,“that’senough.”

For once, her brother looked serious, and she knew that he wouldn’t let this go unless she came up

withagoodenoughexcuseforheractions.

Diegoleanedinclosetoherface,andstaredintohereyes—amovethathewouldalwaysdowhenhe

wantedtheuttertruthfromher.Shecouldn’tavoidhisgazethatway.

“You’ve been in a mood since before we left home, and I want to know why?” She knew that he

wouldn’tmoveuntilhe’dgottenananswerfromher,andithadtobeananswerthathebelieved.

Emeliastaredatherbrother,andreachedouttocuphisface.“Iloveyou...”

“OhmyGod!”

Atthesound,theyturnedtowardthevoiceasitspitout,“Youbastard.”

EmeliaarchedabrowandsmirkedatDiego,wholookedlikehe’dbeencaughtwithhishandinthe

cookiejar.

“Um...um...”

“Sandra,”shehelpedhimout.

“Sandra,look.Thisisn’twhat...youknowwhat,it’sexactlywhatitlookslike,andyou’reinterrupting

because I fucking love this woman in my arms.” His smirk grew into a huge smile…he was definitely
proudofhimself.

The woman gasped and grappled at words until Diego spoke again, “I’m not sure how you got in

here,”hearchedabrow,“butI’dlikeyoutoleaveanddon’tcomeback.”

“Ihateyou,”shecried,asrealtearsfloweddownherface.Atleast,Emeliathoughttheywerereal.

Diegocursedunderhisbreath,“Fuckme.”

“Idobelieveshealreadydid.”Emeliagiggled,enjoyingherbrotherbeingputonthespot.

“Look,Sandy...”

“Sandra,”Emeliacorrected.

“Sandra,”thewomancorrectedatthesametime.

“Ugh,Sandra.Inevermadeanypromises,andyoubasicallyknewthatitwasjustonenight.I’msorry,

butyoureallyneedtoleave.”

“Youreallyloveher.”

DiegolookedbackatEmeliaandshecouldseethathewassurprisedtohavethequestionasked.She

wasaswell.Whydidn’tthewomancontinuetohurlinsultsathim?

ButheansweredSandra,“Yes,Iloveher.ItfeelslikeI’velovedherallmylife.”HesmiledatEmelia

beforeheturnedbacktoSandra.

“Letmeshowyouout.”Heheadedforthewomanbutturnedbacktolookather,hisexpressionstern.

“You.Donotgoanywhere,Si...Sissy.”

Emeliashookherheadathim.Sissy,really?Well,itwasagoodsavefromsis.

ShewatchedashedisappearedwithSandra,butshetriedtoseewhatwasgoingonfromherperchon

thecountertop.

Hekepthisvoicelowandshecouldn’tseethedoorfromwheresheperched.Shelookedaroundthe

kitchenasshetriedtocomeupwithanexcuse.He’dbebackwithinminutes,andhe’dwantanswersfor
herbehavior.Shewasn’treadytotellhimthetruth,andshedidn’tthinkshe’deverbeready.Wouldthere
everbearighttimetotellhimthatEmilianowasn’ttheirrealfather?Shedidn’tthinktherewouldbe.

She’dacceptediteasilybecauseofherfeelingstowardDante,butDiegohadnothinglikethattofall

backon.She’dbreakhisheartwiththatdeclaration.Shecouldn’tdoit.Shemightnothavethechoicein
thelongrun,though.NotifEricdecidedwhatsheknewneededconfirmingandaddressingasafamily.

“You’restillthere,”Diegosoundedsurprised.She’dheardhimslamhisapartmentdoorshutandclick

thebolt.“Ithoughtyou’dhavegonehidingout.”

“I’mstillwaitingformyinterrogation.”Shesmirked.

“Hmm,”hemovedtowardher,“Ihadyousquirmingbeforesheshowedup.You’vehadtimetothink

upanexcuse.”

“You’rewrong.I’vejustbeensittingherewaitingforyou.”

Heleanedagainstthesinkoppositeher,andasked,“Pleasetalktome.Iknowthereissomething,and

ithappenedwhilewewerehomebecausethat’swhenyoustartedtolooksodamnunhappy.”

“It’snothing.Let’sjustleaveit.”

Hedidn’tsayanythingandjuststoodwatchingher.

“Dante.”

Thatonewordutteredfromhismouthcausedhertosuddenlymeethisgazewhileshewonderedwhat

he’dworkedout.

“Youlikespendingtimeathisplace,”Diegocrossedhisarmsoverhischest,“andnowyouarehere

insteadofthere.Didyoutwohaveanargument?”

“Justleave it, please.”She couldn’t holdhis gaze any longer,and looked offinto space. She didn’t

reallyseeanythingotherthanDante’sfacefromthatnight.Hehadblurredinhervisionashekissedher
foreheadbeforehewalkedaway.“He’shadenoughofmestayingthere,andsaidIshouldgetoutandmeet
people.”Shehadtearsinhervoiceassheadmitted,“Hemeantmen.”

“God,Emelia.I’mnotstupid,andIknowwhathemeant.Youcan’tblamehimreally.Iknowhe’sour

brother,butheisn’tonlyapriest,he’sfourteenyearsolderthanus,andIcanseewherehemaynotwant
you visiting for long periods. Don’t get your panties in a wad over it. I happen to agree with him.” He
offeredherawickedsmile.

Sheknewthatsmile.“Diego,pleasetellmeyoudidn’t?”

“Didn’twhat?”

“Ugh,”shejumpeddownfromthecounter,“youknowexactlywhatI’mreferringto.Youdidn’tfixme

upwithanyone,didyou?”

“Can you please remember that I’m not just your brother, I’m your twin, which is really special,

beforeIanswer?”

Sherolledhereyesandproddedhiminthestomachwithherfinger.“Tellme.”

“Gosh,Sis.”Hemovedawayfromher,butshefollowed.

Hewasn’tgettingawaywithleavinghertoflyblind.Notonlywasshenotinterestedinanyoneother

thanDante,butshehatedbeingsetup.

“Ifyoumustknowhe’saniceguyandhe’sreallychoosyastowhomhedropshispantsfor.”

Sheblinkednotbelievinghesaidthattoher.“Eww,youdidnotgothere?”Shehithisarm,“Diego!”

Helaughedandtriedtocatchherarmsastheyflayedinhisdirection.“Look,”heheldherarmsdown

athersides,“he’sagoodguy.Iwouldn’tsetyouupwithadick.Nowayinhell.”

“I’mnotinterested.”Allherenergyseemedtodeserthernowandshejustwantedtogocurlupinher

bed.

“Justmeethim.”

“Diego,”shefollowedhimashewalkedtowardthefridge.

Heopeneditandretrievedabeer.

Hehadabackupplan.Itwaswrittenalloverhisface.“Imighthaveinvitedhimandafewothers

overforpizzaandbeertonight.”

“Youdidnot?”

“Look,they’remyfriends.Ialwayshangoutwiththeguys.It’snobigdeal.”

“Ofcourseit’sabigdeal,youidiot...doesheknowthatyou’retryingtosetmeupwithhim?”

“No.”Hesippedhisbeer.“Ihaven’tsaidanything.Ifiguredyoubothwouldmeetherewiththeothers

andIplannedonseeinghowyoubothgotonfirst.”

“Hmm,I’mnotsurewhetherornotIbelieveyou.ButI’llletitgofornow.”

Emelianarrowedhereyesatherbrotherbeforeshewalkedawaytowardherbedroom.

Onceinside,withthedoorclosed,sheslidtothefloorandletthetearsfallasherhearttookanother

hit.

Shedidn’twanttomeetanyoneregardlessofwhatherbrotherswanted.Theonlypersonshewanted,

thatshecouldn’thave,wantedhertobewithsomeoneelse.Hewantedhertomoveonwithherlifeand
stayawayfromhim.Couldshedothat?CouldsheeverforgetaboutherloveforDanteandmoveon?

Shecouldtry,butsheseriouslydidn’tthinkanythingwouldwork.

ChapterFive

DanteknewwithoutlookingupthatMateowaswatchinghimeatoutofthecornerofhiseye.Ithad

beenhisbrother’ssuggestiontogooutfordinner,andhecouldn’thelpbutwonderwhetheritwastoget
themawayfromBarbara,whowouldlovetospreadanygossipsheheard,orsimplytogrillhimabout
whathedid.

Sofarthough,Mateohadyettoaskhimabouthisdisappearingactearlier,butDanteknewhisbrother

wouldaskhimthequestionsoon.Curiositywouldn’tlethimstayquiet.

Dantehatedthesilencebetweenthemwhiletheycontinuedtoeat,andinsteadofwaitingforMateoto

finishshovelingthefoodinhismouth,hestarted,“Aboutearlier.”

Mateoturnedhisheadtolookathim,buthestayedsilent.

“I’msorryIleftthewayIdid.”Danteplacedhiscutlerydown,havinglosthisappetitewiththoughts

ofEmeliawithanotherman.“Ijustneededtobealone.”

Howlamewasthatexcuse?

Hecursedtohimself,anddranksomeofhisdarkcoffeebeforehemethisbrother’sgaze.

Mateostillhadn’tsaidanything,butDantecouldseehisbrotherturnoverinhisheadtheconversation

thatthey’dbeenhavingwhenhe’dlostit.

“YouwerefineuntilwestartedtalkingaboutEmelia,”Mateopointedout.“Whywouldmementioning

DiegosettingEmeliaupwithaguymakeyouangry?”

“Iwasn’t—”

“Don’tlietome,Dante.”Mateopointedathimwithhisfork,whichheendedupdroppingtohisplate.

“You’resodamnstubbornthatit’sannoying.”Hepushedhisplateoutofthewayandleanedforwardwith
hiselbowsonthetable.“Look,Iknowyou’reapriest,butyou’remybrotherbeforeanythingelse.Right
here, in this café, I want you to forget about all the religious stuff and talk to me—brother-to-brother. I
wanttoknowwhatisgoingonwithyouasamanandasmybrother,becausethatperson,earlier,wasn’t
you. You’re the calmest of the lot of us.” He chuckled. “Shit, even I don’t act like that when Caprice
pissesmeoff.”

Afteralongpause,Dantesaid,“IhaveadifficulttimeimaginingEmeliawithaguy.Iknowshe’sonly

acoupleofyearsoffthirty,butit’sstillweird.”Hefiguredhe’dskimthetruthabouthisreactionbecause
he certainly wasn’t ready to admit his true feelings to Mateo. It was bad enough that he’d told their

brotherEric.

“Soyoustillthinkofherasourlittlesister,huh?”Mateoasked,andDantehopedhedidn’tseriously

expectananswer.

“She’sallgrownup,Dante,andconsideringthetimeyoutwohavespenttogetheroverthepastfew

years, I’d say that you, more than anyone, should know that.” Mateo raised a brow. “I know you’re a
priestandshe’soursister,butyoustillhavetwenty-twentyvision,sosurelyyouhaven’tmissedthefact
thatoursisterisonebeautifulwoman.Sheshouldbehappyinsteadoflookingsodamnmiserableallthe
time.”

Mateoshookhisheadandleanedbackinhischairbeforehecontinued,“Diego’sworriedabouther

andthat’swhyheagreedtotakehertoNewYorkwithhim.Hedecidedthathewantedherwherehecould
keepaneyeonher.IfIdidn’tknowbetter,I’dsayshelookedlikeshe’dlostherbestfriend...youwouldn’t
knowanythingaboutthat,wouldyou,brother?”

DantehadlistenedtoeverythingthatcameoutofMateo’smouth,buthecertainlyhadnoideahowto

respond.He’dnoticedEmeliaalotmorethanheevershouldhave,andhe’dletherslipintohisheartas
thewomanheloved,withnothingbrotherlyaboutit.

“Emelia has always been a loner,” he hesitated, his hands entwined together on the table, “and you

knowthat.Everyoneknowsthat.WedidhaveafewwordsbeforeIleft,andthat’sallI’mgoingtosay
aboutit.SheneedstostopwantingtoliveinFredrickwithme.NewYorkisamuchbetterplaceforher.
There’ssomuchgoingonthatshe’sboundtostartlivingthelifeofayoungwoman...insteadof—”

“Insteadofanun,”Mateointerrupted.

Ifonlyheknew.

“C’mon.Ineedsomefreshairafterallthatfood,”Dantesuggested.

“I’m with you.” Mateo tossed some cash onto the table before he grabbed his jacket, and let their

‘Emelia’conversationgo.

Hehoped.

Danteslippedonhisownjacket,andfollowedhisbrother,barelyregisteringtheworldaroundhim

sincehewaslostindeepthought.Hewassurehisbrotherwouldpickuponwhathe’dsaidaboutEmelia,
buthehadn’t.Notwantingtolietohisbrother,hestuckasclosetothetruthashecouldevenifjustthe
mentionofherbeingwithsomeoneelsetorehimintwo.

But,ashewalkedoutsideandthewindwhippedaroundhimatthestartofanotherblizzard,helooked

upatthethickcloudsandprayedforanswers.Hewasn’tsurewhatheneededanswersfor,butheneeded
somethingtostopfeelingthewayhedid.

Hewantedtobehappyforonce.Hewantedtobeabletosmile,laugh,andhavefunwithouthisheart

beingsplitapartbytheforbiddenlonginghefeltforEmelia.

“Doyouthink,”Mateostartledhim,“youcanprayinchurchinsteadofouthere?Thisdamnedsnowis

goingtomakeitdifficulttodrivesoon.”

Dantelookedaroundandrealizedtheparkinglotandroadswerealreadycoveredwithathicklayerof

snow.Theweatherhadtakenasignificantturnwithinthehourthey’dbeeninsidethecafé.

“You’reright,c’mon.”Danteunlockedhistruck,andoncetheywerebothinsidewiththeirseatbelts

fastened,hepulledoutofthelot.

DrivinginsomuchsnowbroughtbackthememoryofThanksgivingwhenEmeliahadgoneintotown

withMateoandhisfiancée,Caprice,andtheirotherbrother,Kasey,topicksomethingup.Kasey’struck
had gone off the road, and by the time he and Eric had found them, Dante had been so relieved that he
didn’tthink,andhadhauledEmeliaoutofthetruckandintohisarms.Hehadn’twantedtolethergo,and
he’dkeptheronhislapallthewaybacktotheirfather’shouse.Infact,hehadn’tlethergountilDiego
hadpriedheroutofhisarms.

Butashesteeredthecartowardhishome,herealizedthathe’dhavetoliveoffthememoriesforthe

restofhislife.

ChapterSix

“Diego, I’m still not sure about this.” Emelia walked over to where her brother had deposited five

large pizza boxes. Her stomach rumbled with hunger. “How many friends of yours did you say were
coming?”Sheliftedthelidoffoneand,closinghereyes,inhaled.

“Ididn’tsay...Three.”Diegonudgedherwithhiship.“Takeone.Thatracketyourstomach’smakingis

ridiculous.”

Shewasn’tabouttocomplainbecausethepizzasmelledlikeheaven.

Whileshegrabbedaslice,shewarnedherbrother,“I’mnotpromisingtostayaroundwhentheyget

here.”Shetookabiteofthecheeseandtomatopizzaandletoutasighofpleasure.“Thisissogood,”she
mumbled, her mouth stuffed with the richly flavored food. “As I was saying, don’t expect me to stay
aroundifIfeeluncomfortablebecauseI’mreallynotlookingtobehookedupwithanyone,okay?”

“Ihearyou,”hesaidashewalkedoutoftheroom.

“Diego,I’mserious.”

“Iknow,”heshoutedfromthefrontofhisapartment,secondsbeforesheheardothervoices.

Her belly was full of nerves at the thought of being set up with a guy, especially when her heart

belongedtoanother.Butshehadmanners,andshealsolovedhertwinandwouldprettymuchdoanything
forhim.Whichwaswhyshestillstuffedherfaceinthekitcheninsteadofrunningofftoherbedroomto
hideoutforawhile.

“Thegirlstuffingherfaceismysister,Emelia,”Diegosaid,whichnearlycausedhertochoke.

Whileshe’dbeenlostinthought,she’dhadnoideathatanyonehadcreptuponher.Sheturnedtoface

herbrother,andhidhersurpriseatthemengrinninginherdirection.

Theywereallaroundthesameheightasherbrotherwhowasaroundsixfeet,andallseemedtofill

out their jeans and T-shirts, rather well. Two of them had light brown hair, and the third was a dusty
blond.Herbrother’shairwasblack,andcloselyshavedagainsthishead.

“Sis,stopgawkingandcomeandmeettheguys.”Diegogrinnedandsodidthehandsometrio.

Wipingherhandsonanapkin,Emeliamovedtowardherbrotherandcouldn’tdecidewhichoneofthe

guysherbrotherhadtalkedabout.Theyallgaveheraonceoverthough.

Ifherhearthadn’talreadybeeninvolvedelsewhere,shemighthavebeeninterested.Shewasn’tblind,

justnotinterested.

“Sis,”Diegowrappedhisarmaroundhershoulders,“thisisMike,DavidandStuart.”

“Hi,nicetomeetyouall...there’s,um,lotsofpizza.”

“Wenoticed.”Stuartsmirked.

Emeliafeltuncomfortableaftertheintroductionsbecauseeveryonejuststoodaround,soshepinched

herbrotherinthesidetogethimmoving.

Heturnedandfrownedatherbuttookthehint.“C’mon,grabthepizza,andthere’sbeerinthefridge.I

don’twanttomissthebeginningofthegame.”

Everyonegotmoving,butshedidn’tmisstheinterestedglancesDiego’sfriendsgaveher.

Itwouldbealongafternoonifthatwashowitwentwiththem.Shehadstuffthatshecouldbedoing,

likereadingthenewhardbackbookshe’dboughtfromthelargeBarnesandNoblethatwasjustdownthe
street.She’dpasseditwhenshe’dgoneforawalkandhadlostherselfforhoursinitsaisles.

She’d even bought a book for Diego about the structure of the empire state building, something that

fascinatedhim.Shelovedherbrother,andtheirfamily,butsometimesshewishedthey’dleaveheralone,
andstopinterferinginherlife.

Theywereahappyfamily,andeveryonelovedbeingtogetherbackinMontana.Shejustwishedthat

shehadn’tstartedtofeellikeanoutcastbecauseofwhatshe’doverheard.

Ericwasright.Shedidneedtovisitwithhermother,andtalktoher.Erichopedthatshe’dmisheard,

she knew that, but she hoped, with everything in her that she hadn’t. If she hadn’t, then the only thing
standinginthewayofherbeingwithDantewouldbehischosenlifewiththechurch.

“I’ve been standing in front of you,” Mike started, “for about five minutes and you haven’t even

noticed.Imustbelosingmytouch.”Heofferedherasoftsmile.

“Iwaslostinthought,”sheblushed,“I’msorry,Ididn’tmeantobesorude.”Herbrotherwouldn’tbe

happyifheknewshekeptdriftingoffwhileinthemidstofcompany.

He grabbed another beer from the fridge, and held one out to her. Their fingers touched and his

lingered,butnosparksflewforEmelia.ShemetMike’sgazeandsmiled.Heseemedlikeaniceguy,but
shehadnocluehowtoactinthesesituations.Shecertainlydidn’twanttoleadhimon.

“Yougoingtocomeandwatchyourbrotherplay?”Mikeasked,soundinghopeful.

“Yeah,IlovewatchingKasey.”ShefollowedMikeintothelivingroomwheretheguyswerealready

spreadoutandreadyforthestartofthegame.

Kaseywassomethingtowatchontheice,itwasasthoughhewasadifferentperson.Ontheice,he

wasjustasaggressiveastheotherplayers,evenmoresoinsomecases,andofftheicehewashercaring,
lovingbrother…although,likeallbrothershecouldbeadickonoccasion.

TherewasonlyathreeyeardifferencebetweenherandKasey,soshe’dgrownupwithhimbeingthat

annoyingolderbrotherwhowoulddoanythingtogetariseoutofher.She,ofcourse,wouldruntotheir
olderbrotherEric,andaskhimtobeatKaseyup.Heneverdid,buthe’dgetKaseytobackoff,atleastfor
fiveminutes.

She loved her brothers, and no matter what, they’d always be her brothers, except Dante. They’d

never lived in the same house because he’d been away at school when she’d been born, and he’d only

comehomeandspenttheoddnightatthehousewhenhehadtotalktotheirfatheraboutsomething.

Sotheywerestrangersuntilthatdayshe’dkissedhim…andthen…whatweretheynow?Shewasn’t

surebutsheknewthatsheonlyhadtheloveofawomanforamanshecouldn’tlivewithout.Herheart
beatwildlyforDanteand,mindmadeup,sheplannedongettinghermaneventually,andonlyhopedthat
hedidn’tlovethechurchmorethanhelovedher.

ChapterSeven

Anotherweddingand,foronce,notonethathewasresidingover,whichmeantDantecouldsitback

andrelax,orpretendtoatleast.Hecouldn’tsettlecompletelybecauseheknewthatEmeliawasaround
somewhere,anditwouldn’tbelongbeforehehadtobeinhercompany.

Aftertheirexchangeovertheholidays,hewasn’tsureifshewouldwillinglyseekhimoutlikehewas

usedtoherdoing.Withtherebeingsomuchfamilyaround,theywouldn’tbeabletoavoidtheother.

EventhoughhiseyescravedthesightofEmelia,itwouldhurthimbeingsoclosetoherknowinghow

offlimitsshereallywastohim.Perhapsheshouldhavewornhiscollar,insteadofgoingwithout,like
Mateohadsuggested.Atleastthen,he’dhavemoreofareminderofjusthowforbiddenEmeliawas.

Yearsago,he’dbeensoclosetoclaimingherthathe’dbeenterrifiedoftheconsequences.Andnow,

because of the decision he made, he had to live with it, which meant he had to try and have a life that
didn’tincludeher.

Helaughedtohimselfwhileheknockedawhiskeydownhisthroat.He’dneverbeabletogetEmelia

outofhislife,evenifhetrulywantedhergone.Therewasaconnectionbetweenthemthatwouldalways
pullthemtogether.Fatecouldbecruelsometimes.

Onhisthirdwhiskeyinthirtyminutes,DanterealizedthathisbrotherErichadsatdownbesidehim,

butDantehadnocluehowlonghe’dbeenthere.Italsodidn’tgounnoticedthatwhenhedrainedhisglass,
Ericpointedlystaredathim,andtheglass.

“Idon’tneedtoaskwhat’swrongwithyou,doI?”Ericdrawled.

Dante covered the glass with his hand to prevent the bartender from pouring him another. He’d get

drunklater,andmaybegetanight’ssleepforonce.“Everythingisjustdandy.”

“Iknowyou,andnothingisright...whichiswhyyouneedtositdownandtalkwithEmelia.”

HiseyessnappedtomeetEric’s.“You’rekiddingright?Ineedtostayawayfromher.Ican’tbealone

inthesameroomwithher,Eric.”Pushingawayfromthebar,Dantepacedinfrontofhisbrother.“It’sthe
onlythingIcando,regardlessofhowmuchwe’rebothhurting.NomoreEmelia...I’mapriestandneedto
forgetabouther.”

Ericsatthoughtfullyforafewminutesbeforehesaid,“Ifit’sthefactthatyou’reapriestthatbothers

you,overthefactthatshe’syoursister,thenperhaps,youdon’tneedtotalkafterall.”

Dantefrowned.“That...doesn’tmakesense.”

Before he could question Eric more, Aiden joined them, and after a pause in which he looked both

DanteandEricover,hesatatthebar.“What’shappeningwithyoutwo?”

“Eric’sdecidedtoconfessallhissins,”Dantesaiddryly.

Eric sputtered and narrowed his eyes at his brother, while Aiden laughed. “We all know you don’t

havetimetolistentothemall.”

EricpunchedAidenonthearm.“You’veprobablygotmoresinsthanmewithallthepussythatgot

thrownyourwayinEurope.”

“Canwetalkaboutsomethingelse?”Dantemoaned,knowinghisbrothershadonlygottenstarted.

“Aslongasyou’renottouchingthepussy,what’stheproblem?”Aidengrinned,andstartedlaughingat

thepissedlookonDante’sface.

“Youtwoarebeinglousybrothersrightnow.I’mgoingtoseewhoelseIcanfind.”

Dantewalkedawayandhecouldheartheirlaughterfollowinghim.Normally,he’dbeabletolaugh

offthesexualinnuendosandphraseshisbrotherslikedtouse,butlately,hefoundhecouldn’t.Heneeded
adistractionbeforehelosthismind.

“Oh,there’sthepriest.”

The words grated on his nerves, more so because they’d come out of Caprice’s mouth, his brother

Mateo’sfiancée.Hewasofthetwomindstopretendhehadn’theardthecomment,butchanceswerehis
brotherwouldbewithher.

Thenheheard,“Don’tbeaninsultingass,Caprice,”comingoutofEmelia’smouth.

Hecouldn’tkeepthegrinoffhisfaceatEmelia’swords,whenheturnedandfacedthem.“Brothers,”

hepausedwhenhisgazerestedonEmelia,andhecouldn’tbringhimselftocallhersister,“Emelia...and
Caprice.” His manners, when around others were usually something that his mother would have been
proudof,buthewasonashortfuseatthemoment,andCapricewasabouttopushthelimits.

Diego had his arm slung around Emelia’s neck while he whispered into her ear. If you had no idea

who they were, you’d think they were lovers, but even though he knew that they were twins, he was
jealousofhowfreelyDiegogottotouchhisEmelia.

“You look different,” Caprice observed, which drew everyone’s eyes to him. “You don’t have that

whitethingaroundyourneckorthedresson.Youdidthatatthelastwedding.”

EmeliabrokeawayfromDiegoandspuntowardCaprice.HerfacewasamereinchfromCaprice’s,

andthewayEmelialeanedin,eyesflashingasherarmsflayedabout,itwasclearthatshewasfurious
withMateo’sfiancée.“Youaresorude,”shesteamed,“andignorant.”

CapricegaspedandbackedintoMateo,wholookedmoreamusedthananythingasheraisedhisbrow.

DanteglancedtoDiegoandrealizedhisyoungestbrotherwasenjoyingtheshowandthattherewouldn’t
beanyhelpwithEmeliafromthatdirection.

“YouneedtoapologizetoDante,rightnow,”Emeliademanded,herfistsclenchedathersides.

HeneededtodosomethingtopreventasceneatRamonandNoah’sweddingbecauseitlookedlike

Emeliawasallfireduponhisbehalf.

Ifhewasn’tsoinlovewiththestubbornwoman,he’dfinditamusing,butnowhehadtogoandgetup

closeandpersonalwithhertocalmherdown.

“It’s a collar, and a cassock...not a white thing and dress,” Emelia continued as she lectured the

woman.

HisbrotherswatchedhimasheapproachedEmelia.Theyprobablythoughthe’dbetheonetogether

wrathifheintervened,butonlyheknewotherwise.

“Emelia,”hecalledandsawherbodygrowstill.“C’mon,letitgo.”Hestooddirectlybehindher,and

slidhisarmaroundthefrontofherstomachsothathecouldmoveheraway.

Bestrong,hetoldhimselfasEmelia’sbackbecameplasteredagainsthisfront.Hishandflexedonher

stomachashefinallyhauledherintohisarmsandaway.

Whilehishearttriedtobeatoutofhischest,DanteheardCapricemumblingonandontoMateo.Why

didn’theprotecther?Whatkindoffiancéwasheforlettinghissisterthreatenher?

Capricedidhaveapoint,butwhileheheldEmeliaagainsthim,hedidn’twanttothinkaboutthem,he

wantedtoenjoythefeelofthewomaninhisarms.

Emeliawiggledandrubbedagainsthim,whichbroughtutterdelightandarousaltohisgroinarea.An

area,whichlaydeaduntilhelethisthoughtsdrift…

Itcan’thappen.Lethergo!

He released Emelia and stepped back—the air thick with something...he refused to call it arousal.

Mateowatchedhim,afrownmarredhisbrowbeforeDanteavertedhiseyes,puttingmorespacebetween
them.

AfterEmelia’soutburst,theyremainedsilent,butwithrelief,hespottedSebastianMcKenzieheading

towardthem.

With little or no explanation, Dante excused himself and moved quickly away before anyone could

decidetofollowhim.Heneededaclearheadand,rightnow,itwasfullofEmelia,andthewhiskeyhe
drankhadn’thelped.

Perhapsifhedrankmore,he’dbesonumbwithalcoholthatEmeliawouldbecomeadistantmemory,

andhecertainlywouldn’tgetanerection.Menlosttheabilitytoget‘itup’whenundertheinfluence,orso
he’dread.Asapriest,heledacelibatelife,andbeinghardasasteelrodwasn’tahugeproblem.Itwas
theurgetogosomewhereandyankhisownchangethatwastheproblem,andasinforhimasapriestin
theeyesofGod.

As he approached the fence, around the main paddock, he quickly rearranged himself to a more

comfortablepositionbeforeheleanedforwardandwatchedacoupleofhorsesfrolicaround.

He just needed a breather before he hunted out more alcohol. His body throbbed with unwanted

desire,whichcouldn’tgoon.

Inthesixyearssincehe’dgivenhislifeupforthechurch,hehadn’ttouchedhimself—masturbated—

not even once. The thought, and on occasion, the desperation in him to do just that had eventually been
overruledbyhiswilltostaytruetohisvows.Itwouldbethebiggestsinofalltonotonlymasturbatebut
todoitwithhissisterinhishead.

HewouldwatchRamonandNoahgetmarried,andthenhe’dplunkhisassdownatthebarandstay

thereuntilhewastoonumbtorememberhisownname.Perhapsthen,he’dbeabletoforgethers.

ChapterEight

“YouneedtodosomethingaboutDante,”Ericdemanded,standingnexttoherwhileshebrooded.

Shedidn’twanttogonearhimrightnowbecauseallhe’ddonewasignoreherallday,sinceherrun

inwithCaprice.Ithurtbeingignoredbytheonemanwhomadeherheartbeatfaster,butthereyouhadit.

“Emelia?”Ericsaid,hisvoicelayeredwithimpatience.

“I heard you,” Emelia turned to face her brother, “the first time.” She sighed. “You can’t seriously

expectmetogoandtalktohimwhilehe’sdrunk,canyou?”

“Webothknowwhyhe’sdrunk,andIcan’tleaverightnow.DiegohasgoneoffwithaguestandI’m

notsurewheretheothersare.”Ericdraggedhishandsthroughhishair.“Look,Iknowyou’rebothhurting,
and if there was a different way¸ then I’d choose it but there isn’t. He’s had far too much to drink and
needstobetakenbacktothehotel.”

ShewantedsobadlytogoovertoDanteandholdhimclose,butshedidn’tthinkherheartcouldtake

beingpushedawayfromhimagain.

“Ifhe’ssodrunk,howwillIgethiminthecar?”

“Icanhelpyoudothatandthenthedoormanatthehotelwillhelpyouinsidewithhim.”

Againstherbetterjudgment,shesearchedtheroomuntilshefoundDante...hervisionfillingwithred

whenthewomannexttohimleanedintohim,flashingherboobs.

She heard Eric chuckle as she marched over, and peeled the woman’s hand from Dante’s arm. “I’ll

takeitfromhere,”shesnarled,herfistcurlinginanefforttocontrolherrage…allshewantedtodowas
ripthewoman’sfingersoff.

“Youdon’thavetobelikethat.Ididn’tknowhewastaken,”shemumbled.

“He’stakenbyGod,sokeepyourhandstoyourself.”EmeliafacedDanteandmethisgaze.

He might be drunk, but his unwavering gaze burned into her soul. “C’mon, let’s get you back to the

hotel,”shemumbled,andreachedforhisarm.

Danteswayedwhenhegottohisfeet,andwouldhavefaceplantedthefloorifnotforEric’sgripon

hisarm.

Whenhe’dlookedather,he’dlookedtotallyDante,butasshewatchedErichelphimtothewaiting

car,shewasn’tsureifherDantewasstillinside.Dantesprawledoutonthebackseat,whichdidn’tleave
muchroomforherassheclimbedinafterhim.

“Perhapsthisisn’tsuchagoodideaafterall,”Ericobserved.

“Didn’tIalreadysaythat?”

“Ishouldhavelistened.”

“Eric,gobacktoSylvia.We’llbefine.”Withherwordsfinal,shepulledthedoorclosedandgavethe

drivertheaddressofthehotel.

AllthewhileshefeltDante’sdarkgazeonher.Itfeltlikehecouldseethroughherclothingtotheheart

andsoulofherbeneath.Theheatthatcamefromhimmadeherafraidtoturnherheadtolookathim,but
whenshedid,shewascapturedintheblacknessthatsurroundedhim.

The man sprawled beside her took up most of the backseat with how he sat. His back was in the

corner,withonelegouttothesideonthefloorandhisotherlegbentatthekneeasitrestedagainstthe
seat.Hergazemovedoverhiminaslowcaressthatshewasunabletoprevent.

Hissuitwasblack,andsowasthesilkshirtheworebeneath,whichhadafewbuttonsopenatthe

neck. His unruly black hair fell against his forehead and gave him a rakish look. As her gaze traveled
furthersouth,hereyeswidenedatthesightofthelargebulgeathisgroinbeforetheyquicklymovedback
tohisface.

Dante’seyeswereblackwithamixtureofangerandarousal,butshefeltbravebeingwithhimwhile

he was letting her caress him with her eyes. Her eyes dipped lower again and she searched out his
packagefrombetweenthefoldsofhisclothes…andsomepackageitwas.

Ittwitchedandgrewbeforehereyes,somuchsothatDantegroanedandfinallycoveredhimselfwith

hishand.AsEmelialickedherlips,shewishedthatitwereherownhandthatcoveredhim.

She was a twenty-seven year old virgin because that night they sealed their first kiss, she’d given

herselftohim.Shewouldsaveherself…eveniftheycouldneverbetogether.Thereasonsthatkeptthem
apartwerehuge,butthey’dneverstoppedherfromlooking,andlookshedid.

Justonce,she’dliketoknowwhatitwasliketobetouchedasawoman,andtotouchthenakedman,

himself.Sheknewwhattodothankstothevideosshe’dfoundonline,butshehadnoideahowitwould
feelwitharealfleshandbloodman.WithDante.

Both stayed silent as the car weaved in and out of traffic in downtown Lexington. Emelia’s heart

poundedinherchestasherarousalgrewthemoreshelookedathim.Helookedhalfasleepbuthisbody
wascertainlyawake.Hisarousalthrobbedbehindhiszipper,justlikeEmelia’sarousalthrobbedbetween
herlegs.

Butterfliesflutteredaroundinherbellywhileshepointedlystaredathisgroin.Shewonderedwhat

he’dlooklike.Whetherornothewasshaved.Wouldheweeponthecrownofhispeniswitharousal?
Shehadnoideabecauseshe’dneverseenoneupcloseandpersonal.Shedidn’thavetowonderabouthis
girthorlength,though,becauseshe’dseenthatforherselfbeforehecoveredhimselfwithhishand.

“Emelia,”hegroaned,roughly,“pleasestopstaring.”Heclosedhiseyesandlookedlikeheslept.

Shedidn’treallythinkhewasasleep,andthatwasprovenwhenthecarcametoastopandherdoor

was opened. Dante’s eyes snapped open as he shook his head, probably trying to shake off his
intoxication.He’dsuffertomorrow.

The doorman’s interruption brought Emelia’s gaze up to his, and she quickly took the man’s offered

handtohelpheroutofthecar.Dantewasn’tasluckyandmoreorlesscrawledoutbeforethedoorman
realizedwhatwaswrongandtookhisarmtogetDanteonhisfeet.

“Um,perhapsIshouldgetsomeonetohelpyouupstairs.”

“No,I’mfine...Ithink,”Dantemumbled,beforehestumbledintoher.

Emeliaslippedherarmaroundhiswaist,andtriednottonoticehowhefeltagainsther.Dante’sarm

wentaroundhershouldersbeforetheymovedtotheelevators.Onceinside,shekeptholdofhim,butlet
himleanagainstoneofthewallstotakesomeofthestrainoffher.

Alltoosoon,theyreachedtheirfloorwhenEmeliaaskedhim,“Where’syourroomcard?”

“Pocket,”Dantemumbled.

Luckily,sheknewhisroomnumberandshovedhimagainstthedoorwhileshehesitatedtosearchhis

pockets.Shemethisgazeandwasthrownbytheheatedlookinhiseyes.

Justgethimintohisroomandleave.

No matter how many times she told herself that, she knew that she’d have to putter around to make

surehehadwaterandpainkillersinarm’sreachofthebedbeforesheleft.Shehadtoleave.

Inhaling,shetoldherselftostopbeingstupidandtohurrybeforehepassedoutonher.“Behave,”she

warned,andstartedsearchingthroughhispockets.

“Alittlebittotheright,”Dantemoaned,andpantedwithhiseyesclosed.

Shequicklylookedathisfacebeforehereyesdroppedtohisgroinandrealizedifshewentabitto

therightthatshe’dbetouchinghisrigidflesh.

The room card in hand, she quickly withdrew, thrust the card, with shaky hands, into the slot and

maneuveredthemintotheroom.

Withabitofpushingandshovingshehadhimreadytofallbackwardontohisbed.“Let’stakeyour

jacketofffirst.”Hervoicewasoverlybrightassheslowlyslippedhisjacketoff.

Dantetriedtogethisbeltbuckleundonebeforehestartedonthebuttonsofhisshirt.Emeliarolledher

eyesathislackofcoordination.“I’lldoit.”Sheknockedhishandsawayandfelttheheatreachherneck
beforeitcrawledupintoherfacewithamixtureofarousalandembarrassment.

Pullingtheshirtoffhim,Emeliacouldn’thelpthekissthatsheplacedonthecenterofhisspine,and

shedelightedinhisresponse,whichwassomewherebetweenagrowlandagroan.Shewasn’tsurehow
she’dmanagehispants,butdepositingtheshirtonthechair,shemovedbackinfrontofhimandslowly,
withnervousfingers,madequickworkofhisbelt.

Asthebloodpoundedinherveinsshehadhispantsundone,andheardDantehisswhenherfingers

trailedoverthethicknesscoveredbyhisbriefs.Shegulpedafewtimesandletthepantsfalltohisankles.
“Ineedtogo,”shewhispered.

Shestaredathimandshookherhead.Whatwasshesupposedtobedoing?Everythinghadlefther

headwithnothingbutthehandsomemaninfrontofher.

“No,thiscan’thappen,”shewhispered,andshovedhimdowntothebed,sohewassitting.

She knelt and removed his shoes, socks and pants, and then she couldn’t move when he spread his

thighs.Shefoundherselfeyelevelwithhisgroin,andthehardpulsingerectionthathecouldn’thide.

Shehadtogetoutofthere!IfDantehadn’tdranksomuch,therewasnowayhe’dbelikethiswithher,

nomatterhowmuchthathurt,itwasthetruth,andsheunderstoodthereasonwhy.

Standing,shemethiswatchfulgaze.“I’mgoing.Youneedtosleepoffthatwhiskey,andIreallyhope

youdon’tremembertonight,otherwiseyou’regoingtobepissed.”Shebackedawaytowardthedoor;his
gazedidn’twaverfromher.

“I’mnotsureIcanwalk.”

Shefrozeathiswords.

“Can you get me some water, and maybe a cold, wet washcloth to cover my forehead, from the

bathroom?”

Shecoulddothat.

“Okay...getinbedandI’llgeteverything.”

Shegrabbedabottleofwater,andpulledacoupleofpainkillersoutofherpursebeforesheplaced

themonthebedsidetable.Thensheheadedintothebathroom.

It took her a minute to get the water cold enough, but when she had, she made sure the cloth was

soakedbeforeshewrungitoutwithherhands.

Walking back into the bedroom, Dante was lying on his bed...completely naked. As in no briefs,

naked.

Emelia’sbloodpoundedthroughherearsasshestaredathisbeautifulbody.Hislegswerespreadand

theanswertoherquestionaboutshavedornotwasthereforhertosee.Hewasn’t.Hispeniswaslong,
pasthisnavel,andsodamnhardthatshecouldn’tlookaway.Hisfistsclenchedthebeddingathissides.

“Emelia,”hegroaned,hiseyesclosed,hisheadthrownbackjustashisbodybowedoffthebed.

“Iwanttolickyou,”sheblurted,andwonderedwherethehellherbrainhadgonebecauseitsowasn’t

engagedrightthen,“soIknowwhatyoutastelike.”Shelickedherlipsinanticipation,hopinglikehell
thatheforgotwhatshe’dsaidwhenhewokeupinthemorning.

Her gaze trailed over his hard body, and she watched as Dante panted hard. He growled, his body

tensed,andstrained,andtheninshockedsurprise,hispenisjerkedwhilehisseedgraduallyspreadover
hisstomachandchest.

Emeliadidn’tthinkshe’deverbeenmoreturnedoninherlifeasshewitnessedhimintheheightofhis

pleasure,butsheneededtotouch.

Sobeforehestoppedreleasing,shekneltonthebed,andreachedouttotrailafingerfromthebulging

head of his shaft. His flesh trembled as she grazed along the rigidness, which gave her courage to
continue,andmassagehisballs.

Hemightbedrunkandpossiblyasleep,butheshowedwithhisnakedbodythathetrustedher.Would

herememberwhatheallowedtohappenwhenhewokeinthemorning?

Shehadtheopportunitytowalkawaybeforeanythingelsehappened.He’dhadfartoomuchtodrink,

andifherememberedanythingofthenight,shedidn’twanthimtohavethememoryofmakinglovetoher
whenhethoughtthatshewashistruesister.Itwouldbedifficultenoughforhimtoreconcilewhathe’d
donealreadywithoutaddinghertothelistofhissins.

Shewantedtobewithhiminthemostbasicofways,andseeinghimlikeshewas…hurt.Ithurtalot,

but she had to be the adult because she feared Dante no longer cared while the alcohol clouded his
judgment.

Butshewantedjustonetouchbeforesheleft.Justone.“I’mgoingtotouchyou.Iwanttoknowhow

youfeeltothetouchbeforeIgo.”

Shewaitedforhimtoobjectandwhenhedidn’t,shemovedevencloser,andtoldherselftoremember

tocleanhimupbeforesheleft.

Herhandwrappedlightlyaroundhimandshefelthistexture.Hewasrockhardstill,buthisskinfelt

silkyinherhand.Herfascinationwasfocusedontheslit,wherehisreleasehadspurtedfrom. So that’s
wheresheconcentrated,andrubbedwithafinger.Withinseconds,hestartedtoreleaseagain,covering
herfingers.

She’dseenablowjobonlineandwondered...beforehisseedfinishedreleasing,Emeliabentherhead

andsuckedtheheadofhimintohermouth.

ThesoundthatcameoutofDantewaslikeakeeningnoise,maybeananimalinpain,butshecouldn’t

stopandswallowedhisreleasewhileshecontinuedtopumpwithonehandonthebaseofhim.Herlips
sealedaroundtheheadasshesuckedhisessenceoutofhisbody.

Shehadnoideahowlonghe’dbeenreleasingbutbeforeshecouldmove,Dantehadheronherback

andunderhim.

ChapterNine

Thump.Thump.Thump.

The noise Dante thought came from inside his head, was someone banging on his bedroom door,

althoughhewisheditwasadifferentdoortheybangedon.

Thump.Thump.Thump.

“Dante...wakethefuckup,I’mstarving.”

HegruntedintothepillowwantingAidengone.

“I’mgonnagetthisdooropenedifyoudon’tanswer.”

Heck!

“I’malive,”Danteshouted,andgrippedhishead.

At least the headache he’d woken up with a few hours ago had faded to a dull ache, thanks to the

painkillers and water he’d swallowed. Even though he had no recollection of leaving the emergency
suppliesnexttothebed.

“Areyouokayinthere?”Aidenwouldn’tgiveup,buthereallydidn’texpecthimto.

“I’lllive.”Hefloppedovertohisbackandlaystillwhilehelethisstomachsettle.“Ineedashower

first.Gogetyourbreakfast,andI’llfollowyoudown.”

“Yousure?”

“Yes.”

Hesaidyes,buthewassurehewaslying.Fromthewayhisstomachrolled,hewasn’tsurehecould

standthesmelloffood—he’ddrunktoomuchwhiskeylastnight.Whattheheckwaswrongwithhim?He
likedadrinkofthehardliquorbeforebed,butyesterdayattheweddinghe’dgonewayoverboard.

Youknowwhy…

HesighedasEmeliapoppedintohishead.She’dbeenbeautifulinherplumcoloreddressthatfitted

herlikeasecondskin.Itwasheldupwiththinstrapsandhaddippedlowinthefront.Ithadtakenallhis
strengthtokeephisheadaboveherchest,buthewasonlyhumanandhisgazehadwanderedthereafew
timesuntilhe’dtakenhimselftothebar.Andnowhe’dspendtherestofthedaysuffering.

Theshowercalledtohim,andheknewthathe’dfeelbetteroncehe’dbeenunderthewarmwater;all

heneededwasthewilltomove.

Whilehelaidbreathingthroughhisnose,thesuddendraftthatwaftedacrosshimgavehimpause.His

handsautomaticallywenttohisgroinandthat’swhenherealizedhe’dlosthisbriefs.

Hisheartfrozeashetriedtorememberlastnight,butthelastrecollectionhehadwasofEricputting

himintothecar,afterthathismindwasablank.

Whyhadn’thekepthisbriefson?Heusuallysleptinpajamapants,buthe’dneversleptinthenude

before.

The confusion was annoying as he quickly sat up and dropped his feet to the floor, his head in his

handswhilehetriednottopuke.

Ashepeeledhiseyesopen,hespottedhisbriefsontheflooralongwithawashcloth.

He groaned because he really couldn’t remember, and he’d obviously been drunk, so who the heck

knewhisreasoningthenightbefore.

Oncehefeltthathisstomachwassettledasbestasitwasgoingtobe,hestoodandmadehiswayinto

thebathroomandturnedtheshoweron.

Afterhe’demptiedhisbladder,hereallylookedathimselfinthemirror.Somethingwasdifferent,he

felt...lighter,maybe.Hefrownedasamemoryteasedhim,butofwhat,hecouldn’tquitegrasp.

Perhapsoncehefeltmorehimself,he’dbeabletoremember,oratleastthinkstraight.

As he stepped into the shower, it didn’t take him long to wash and wake up some before he was

dressedinjeansandaT-shirt,likeanyotherguy.Hewasn’tanyotherguythough;hewasapriestwho
wishedhe’dhadthesensetopackacoupleofhisblackshirtsandcollar.Atleastinuniform,he’dhavea
muchlargerbarrierbetweenhimandEmelia.

He wondered if she’d be at breakfast, or if she’d be suffering because of alcohol like he was. He

frownedandhopedshedidn’tsuffer.ThethoughtofEmeliasufferingdidn’tsitwellwithhim.

Leavingtheroom,heranahanddownhisdrawnface,andforthefirsttimeinhislife,hefelthisforty-

oneyears.

“Abouttime,”Aidencommented.“ThoughtI’dhavetosendasearchpartyafteryou.”

“Haha,funny,”hedrawled,withouthumor.

“You got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning?” Diego frowned, and pulled the chair out

besidehim.

Withoutmakingabigdealoutofanything,DantetooktheofferedseatandtriednottolookatEmelia,

whohesatnexttoo.

Hepouredhimselfacoffee.“Thanksforlastnight,Eric.”

“Whatfor?”Ericasked,puzzlementonhisface.

“Forgettingmebacktothehotel.It’sbeenaheckofawhilesinceI’vedrankthatmuch.”

Dantelookedaroundthetableandwonderedwhyeveryonehadgonequiet.Hedidn’tmissthequick

glancethatEricthrewtowardEmeliabeforehereplied,“Um,you’rewelcome.”

Whatwasgoingon?

HeturnedtolookatEmelia,hergazesuddenlydroppedtoherbreakfast.Sherefusedtomeethisgaze,

andperhapshestaredtoolong,becauseDiegonudgedhim.

“Ignoreher.She’sbeenmoodysinceshegotoutofbedthismorning,”Diegoinformedhim,andgained

aglarefromEmelia.

Diego grinned at his twin because he’d won and got her to look up, although she looked like she

wantedhisblood.

“Emelia,”Dantetriedtodiffuseheranger,“didyouhaveagoodtimelastnight?”

Hereyeswidenedbeforetheyflitteredawayfromhis.Hercolorheightened,andshelookednervous.

Why would an innocent question warrant her embarrassment? She never did anything wrong, so he

couldn’timaginethatsomethinghappenedafterheleft.

She cleared her throat. “The best night of my life,” she whispered and met his gaze before looking

away.Shedroppedhercutlerybacktotheplateandstood.“Ican’teatanymore.I’mgoingtogoandmake
sureIhaveeverythingtogetherbeforeweleave.”

Withonefinalglanceathim,Emeliadisappearedwithoutwaitingforareply.Itwasalmostasthough

shewasrunningfromsomething,orsomeone.Hefrownedandwatcheduntilshedisappearedfromview.

WhenhelookedbackatAiden,Diego,andSylvia,theycontinuedtoeat,butitwashisbrotherEric,

who held his gaze, which was full of questions. He had questions as well, but he had the feeling that
Emeliawastheonlyonetogivehimanswers.

“What’sgoingonwithyoutwo?”Diegoasked,hismouthfullofbreakfast.Hegrinnedandwashedit

downwithcoffee.“Shewon’ttalktome,andIknowyouhadanargumentbackhome.”

Hisheadfelttoofragiletothink,eventhoughheknewhewouldn’tbeadmittingtothetruth.“Itwas

betweenus,andthat’swhereit’sgoingtostay.”

Diegonarrowedhiseyes,nothappywithhisresponse,buthe’djusthavetodealwithit.

Dante briefly met Eric’s gaze while he picked up the cup of coffee that had been placed in front of

him.Noonesaidanythingelseandheenjoyedthesilence.

Hisstomachrolledwhenthedarkbrewslippeddownhisthroat,butheknewthatitwouldhelpbring

himroundfasterandthat’swhatheneeded.

Theconversationaroundthetablestartedagainanditflowedwhilehesatwithhiseyesclosedandlet

everythingaroundhimdimwhilehethoughtbacktothenightbefore.

He seriously couldn’t remember anything after Eric shoved him inside a car, but Eric and Emelia’s

responsedidn’tgelwithhim.Whenhewasn’tfeelingsofragilehe’dhavetoaskEric,butfornowhe’d
letitgo.Hewassotiredwitheverythingandfeltthathisbatteriesneededcharging.

Justwhenhefeltmoresettled,Diegoannounced,“Emeliahasadatewithafriendofmine.”

At those words, he seriously thought his stomach would rebel when it clenched in revolt. His heart

poundedandhesnappedhiseyesopeninshock,andfellonthethoughtfulgazeofEric.

“You’veseriouslysetherup?”Aidenasked,beatinghimtothequestion.

“IhadsomefriendsoverforpizzatowatchKasey’sgame,andoneofthemaskedherout.Shesaid

yes.”Diegoshrugged.“He’sagoodguyand,inthefouryearsthatI’veknownhim,he’snotoncedonethe

one-night-standthing.Plus,heknowsthatifhehurtsherhe’llhavetodealwithme.Ialsothreatenedhim
withtherestofyou.”Diegogrinnedandwolfeddownthelastofhisbreakfast.

Dantejustwantedtothrowup,nowmorethanever.HeavoidedlookinginEric’sdirectionbecausehe

couldstillfeelhisgazeonhim.ItwasasthoughhewatchedandwaitedforDante’sreaction.

Over the years, he’d managed to control his reaction at hearing Emelia’s name, especially when

connectedtoanotherguy.Itdrovehimcrazytoimagineherwithsomeoneelse,butatthesametime,he
knewthatitwasunfairofhimtowishheralone.Theycouldneverbetogethersowhyshouldn’tshebe
allowedtobewithanotherman,regardlessofhowmuchithurthim?

“Dante,youokay?”Aidenquestioned.“You’vegonepale.”

“I...I’mfine...butIthinkI’mgoingtoheadbackuptomyroomandcrashforafewmorehours.I’llsee

youallsoon.”

Hegotthegoodbyesoverwithandheadedtotheelevatorwithhisheartinhisthroat.HisEmeliahad

finallydecidedtomoveon,anditwassomethingthathewasgoingtohavetolearntolivewith.

Perhapsintimehe’dbeabletomoveonandstopthinkingabouther,whenheshouldbethinkingabout

hischurch.

ChapterTen

BreakfasthadbeenevenmoredifficultthanEmeliahadthoughtitwouldbe.She’dmanagedokayuntil

Dantehadshownupandsatbesideher,thankstoDiego.Hertwinknewthattherewassomethinggoingon
betweenDanteandher,buthehadnoclueastowhat,whichwaswhyhetriedtogetthemtogether.

Diegomeantwell,butitdidn’thelpheronebitandputhermoreonedgethanshealreadywas.Until

he’djoinedtheminthehoteldiningroom,she’dhadnoideaastowhetherornotherememberedlastnight
andwhathadhappened.Fromhisreactiontoher,itwasclearthathehadn’t.Infact,asfarasheknew,
ErichadseenhimbackandbothsheandErichadbeenfinewithhimbelievingthat.

Sighing heavily, Emelia thought back to when she’d snuck out of his room last night. She’d been

embarrassed,butshe’dalsobeenintearsbecausehe’dfallenasleepstraightaway.She’dknownthenthat
hewouldn’tremember.Perhapsthatwasforthebest.

Nothing that had happened in his room would change anything between them. All it did was give

Emeliamemoriesofhimtokeepherwarmatnight.

Sheonlywished...

Bang.Bang.

Shejumpedatthesoundofsomeoneknockingonherdoor,butshequicklywenttoansweritandfound

Ericwithafrownonhisface.

“Whatthehellhappenedbetweenyoutwolastnight?”Ericdemanded.

Emeliasteppedback.“Youbettercomein.”

Shehadn’tfinishedpackingbutthatwouldhavetowaitnowthatEricwantedanswers.She’dhaveto

skimthetruthbecauseshewasn’tabouttotellanyone.

Her mother always said that she had an open face, meaning the truth was always written there. For

once,shehopedthathermomwaswrongbecausesheknewthatEricwouldn’tbefooled.

“Emelia!I’mnotgoinganywhereuntilyou’veansweredme.”Hepacedbackandforthinfrontofher

windowbeforehestoppedandglaredather.“DownstairsyouwantedmetoletDantepresumethatIwas
theonetogethimbackhere.Why?”

“Itwaseasierthatway.”Sheshruggedasifthatwasthesimple,andonly,answer.

“Nothingiseasywhenitinvolvesyoutwo,”hemumbled.

“Eric,please,justletitgo.It’soverwithnow.There’snoreasontostresshimoutaboutthewhole

thingwhenhecan’tevenremember.”

Eric’seyesnarrowedandEmeliacringed.She’dgiventoomuchaway.

“Hmm.” He sagged into the one chair in the hotel room, rested his elbows on his knees and put his

head in his hands. “I don’t know what the fuck to do, you realize that? All my life, I’ve been good at
makingsplitseconddecisions,butwithyoutwo,IfindthatIcan’tevenmakeone.”

Emelia felt close to tears with how her life had gone. Last night, with Dante, had been the most

amazingnightofherlifesofar,andshewouldn’tforgetitorregretitforaslongasshelived.Ahugepart
of her felt sad that Dante couldn’t remember what had happened between them. A smaller part was
thankfulbecausesheknewthatitwouldhurtDantetoknowthathe’dbetrayedhisvows.Thefactthathe
thoughthertobehissisterwouldtakeabackseatonceheknewwhatthey’ddone.

“Yoursilencesaysnothing,buteverythingatthesametime.”Ericheldhishandouttoher,andwhen

shetookhold,hepushedherdowntositonthebed.“Youneedtogohomesoonandtalktoyourmom.As
difficultasit’sgoingtobe,thetruthhastocomeout,andthesoonerthebetter.”

“I’mafraid,”Emeliawhispered.

Ericreachedoutandcaughtalonetearasitslippeddownherface.“I’llgowithyou.”Hewrapped

his arm around her shoulder and gave her a hug. “I’ll be there for back up.” He smiled. “They’re our
family Emelia, and even though it will hurt Diego the most, the rest of us will be hurt and angry to
discover that Dad has lied to us all these years. It needs to come out, and then Dante will be able to
decidewhetherornothewantstostayinthechurch.”

Emeliacouldn’tholdhersobinanylonger.“That’swhatI’mafraidof.”ShemetEric’sgaze.“Whatif

hechoosesthechurch?”shecried.

Ericpulledheragainsthim,andjustheldherwhileshecontinuedtocryherheartout.“Idon’tknow,”

hewhisperedhonestlyagainstthetopofherhead.“Butnomatterwhat,I’llalwaysbehereforyou.Diego
andyouwillalwaysbepartofmyfamily,myheart.Don’teverforgetthatEmelia.”

“Iwon’t.”ShepulledawayandreachedforaKleenexonthedressingtabletomopherselfup.“I’lllet

youknowwhenI’mreadytogohome...but...canwekeepitquietaboutDanteandme.Imean,Idon’teven
knowifthere’llbeaDanteandmeyet.”Sheshrugged,andtriedtoholdherselftogether.

“Yeah,oneshockatatime,”Ericagreedandkissedthetopofherhead.“Don’twaittoolong.”

“Iwon’t.”

Withonelasthug,helefthertoherownthoughts.

She’dlistenedtoEric—itwasareliefthathewasonhersideandwillingtohelpherdealwiththeir

familybecauseshesureashelldidn’twanttodoitalone.

Feelingoverwhelmed,EmeliadroppedintothechairthatErichadvacatedandcurleduptogazeout

thewindow.ShewasonahighfloorandtheviewoversnowyLexingtonwasbeautifulwiththemountains
inthebackground,butherminddriftedbacktothenightbefore.

Howcoulditnotwhenshe’dtouchedDanteinawaythatshe’dcravedforsolong?

HerDantewasbeautifulandsexy.Hisbodywastoned,whichshe’dbeenabletomakeoutthroughhis

dark chest hair that led to the hardness of his groin. She’d never seen anyone so hard before. She
chuckled,shehadn’tseenanyonenudebeforesowhatwasshethinking?Dantewasthefirstmanforherto

seenude,andshecouldn’tgettheimageoutofherhead—shedidn’twantto.

His penis had risen, hard and thick, from the thatch of dark hair that lightly covered his groin and

balls,andithadreachedpasthisnavel.Shewetherlipsassherememberedthesilkyfeelofthehardness
beneathherfingers,andthetasteofhimashe’dreleasedinhermouth.

Sheprayedwitheverythingthatshehadshewouldgetthechancetobewithhimagain,andthathe’d

besoberbecauseshewantedhimtorememberhertouch.Shewantedhimtorememberthepleasurethat
hegaveherbyallowingherhandsandmouthonhim.

AllshecouldhopeforwasthatDantedidn’trememberlastnightuntilshe’dhadthechancetotalkto

hermom,andeveryonefinallyknewwhatsheknew.Otherwise,itwouldbeevenmoredifficultforhimto
handlethananythingelse.

ChapterEleven

“Father,youhavetodosomethingaboutthem.Ifinditembarrassing.Don’tyou?”Barbaraasked,her

handsonheramplehipswhileshestaredathimacrossthekitchentable.

Dantesighedheavilyandknew,although,Barbarafoundthewomenembarrassing,thatshealsofound

themamusing.Therestofhiscongregationprobablydidaswell.

Shakinghishead,hepulledoutthechairinfrontofhim.Oncehewassitting,hehelpedhimselftoa

fresh coffee, wishing it were something stronger, and finally met Barbara’s angry gaze. “I try to avoid
conflict,orratherthatkindofconflict,thebestIcan.Youknowthat.”

“ButFather,theywillcontinuetocomehereunlessyousaysomething.It’sbesttakingthebullbythe

horns,andgettingitoveranddonewith.You’llregretitifyoudon’t.”

HealreadyregrettedbeingfriendlytothetwoM&M’s,asBarbaralikedtocallthem.Hehadn’tbeen

overly friendly, just the same as how he was with the other parishioners. The only difference was that
they’dtakenittomeanthatthepriesthadacaseofforbiddenlustforthem,andhadkickeduptheirgame
oftryingtogethimalone.

Theonlypersonhe’deverhadacaseoflustforwaswellandtrulyoutofbounds,whichwaswhyfor

thepasttwoweeks,sinceRamon’swedding,he’davoidedtalkingtoDiego.

He’dbeendesperatetohearaboutEmelia’sdatewithafriendofhertwin,buthe’dforcedhimselfto

notthinkaboutitbecausehe’dgototallyinsaneifhedid.

Itwasn’teasywhenhisdreamsatnightstarredEmelia.Hefelthertouchonhisbarebodyalltheway

tohissoul.He’dmanagedtowakehimselfupbeforethedreamshadgonetoofar,butoneday,hewasn’t
surehe’dbeabletobringhimselftowakeupuntilhe’dseenwherethedreamtookhim.Asitwas,he’d
wake up sporting an erection from hell with his balls aching for release—a release he hadn’t allowed
himselfsincehe’dbecomeapriest.

“Father,areyoustillwithme?”

He blinked a few times to rid himself of the images in his head because getting hard at his kitchen

table,whiletalkingtoBarbara,wasn’tthebestthingtodo.Notonlythat,itwasuncomfortablehavingthe
throbbetweenhislegswhenhecouldn’tdoanythingaboutit.

“I’mwithyou,andI’lltalktothemwhenIseethemagain.”

“Good.”Shesmiled.“Becausethey’vejustwalkeduptothefrontdoor.”

“Barbara,”hegrowled,andlookedathersmugexpression.

“Wouldyoulikemetogetthedoor,Father.”Shewipedherhandsonatowelandwatchedhimfrom

thecornerofhereye.Shemaybeinhereightiesbuttherewasnothingwrongwithherhearingoreyesight,
unlessshechoseotherwise.

Herubbedahandacrosshiswearyfaceandhidthesmileatherantics.Thelastthingheneededherto

seewashisamusement.

“I’ll get the door.” He stood, and raised a brow at Barbara. “I do believe you were about to add

buttercreamtothecake...anddon’tinviteourgueststostayforteaandcakes...please.”

“Iwon’t,Father.”

Hesighedashemadehiswaytothedoorbecauseallhewantedwastobeleftalone.Thesedays,he

evenstruggledtogetthroughMass.Hisheartwasheavy,hissoulconflicted,thathedidn’tfeellikethe
right person to lead his congregation…and even if he was, the loss was so deep, he felt it in his
bones…anexhaustionsogreatthathedidn’tknowhowhecouldmoveforward.

And as he opened the front door, he wondered how long he’d be able to carry on being a priest in

Frederickwhenhedidn’tthinkhisheartwasinitanymore,whichhe’dneverseenhappening.

“Father,”theM&M’sgushedandsteppedcloserasthoughhewasabouttoinvitetheminside,despite

thefactthatheblockedtheirentry.

“Helloladies,whatcanIdoforyou?”Hecringedinsideathisopenquestion.

“Could we come inside, Father? It’s cold out here,” Miranda asked. At least, he thought it was

MirandabecausehewassousedtohearingM&M.

“I’m sorry, but that isn’t possible.” He frowned with resignation. “You are both young, unmarried

women,whichmeansI’mnotallowedtohaveyouundermyroof.”

They giggled. “Father, you can come to my place, and I certainly won’t mind having you under my

roof.”

Danteclosedhiseyesandcountedtotenwhilehefelthisembarrassmentcreepupfromhisnecktohis

face.Hehadtobeblunt.Hefrownedhisbestpriestlyscowlandsaid,“I’mapriestanddedicatedmylife,
throughvows,toGod.”Hepointedtothesky.“Ifyou’relookingforahusband,thenIsuggestyoutakea
triptoDenver.”Hegavethatafewsecondstosinkin.“Now,ifyou’llexcuseme,IhavemoreofGod’s
businesstofinish.”Hepaused.“Unless,ofcourse,youbothwouldliketofollowmetothechurchand
confessallyoursins.”

Heheldhimselfincheckalthoughlaughterbubbledupinsidehim.

Theyblanchedatthesuggestionlikeheknewtheywould.“Wehavesomethingtodo.”Theybacked

away.“Sorrytohavebotheredyou.”

Withthat,DanteclosedthefrontdoorandturnedtofindBarbaraloiteringinthebackground,hereyes

litwithamusement.“Thatneededtobedone...anditwas...amusing,”shechuckled.

Herolledhiseyesandprayeditwouldbetheendofthat.

Thathadn’tbeentheonlytimeinhissixyearsofthecollartobeconfrontedbywomen,andusuallyhe

hadthediplomacytoputitatanend.Somethinghadgottenlostoverthepastfewmonthsthough,andhe

wasn’tsurehe’dbeabletofinditagain.

Heleanedagainstthewoodendoorandstaredintospacewhilehetriedtolethismindsettlebeforehe

endedupwithamigraine.

“Father?”Barbarawhispered,aquestioninhervoice.

Heglancedupandrealizedshewasconcernedforhim.“I’mfine,Barbara.”

“Areyouamindreadernow,Father?”

“I’msorry.Whatdidyouwanttoask?”Hefollowedherbackintothekitchenandwonderedhowlong

itwouldbebeforesheleftforherownhome.

He valued Barbara, but over the past couple of weeks, he’d felt more unsettled than he ever had

before.Hehadnoideawhy.ThebusinesswithEmeliahadbeenongoingforalongtime,longerthanhe’d
beenapriest,sohewasn’tsureifthatwasunsettlinghim.Allheknewwasthathe’dstartedtocravehis
ownspace,andhadbeguntoresentitwhenothersinvadeditregardlessofthereasonwhy.

“Youareamindreader.”Shepipedsomebuttercreamaroundthetopofthemuffinsthatshe’dmadein

blue—his favorite color. “I’m worried about you. You don’t seem happy anymore. I mean, before the
holidays,youusedtosmileandjoininalotofthings,butnowthereisasadnessthathangsoveryouand
I’mworriedbecauseitisn’tlikeyou.”Shesighed.“I’vewantedtosaythatforaweeknowsoI’mgladto
finallygetitout.”

Hehadnoideahe’dchangedsomuch,atleastoutwardly.Inwardly,heknewthathewasdifferent.He

feltdifferent,butthenhisheartwasbrokenandwouldn’tbewholeagain.

“Ihadnoideaitwassoobvious,”headmitted.“I’mtired,Barbara,andafterseeingmyfamilyover

theholidays,somethingscametolightwhichpreventsmefromsleepingwell.SoI’mpermanentlytired,
anddon’tseemtofindtimetocatchupduringtheday.”

Barbarastudiedhimforafewminutesandheknewshewasweighinghiswords,andthenhesawthe

minuteshebelievedhim.

“Wellnow.I’mabouttoheadhomesoIsuggestyoulockupbehindmeandgostraighttobed.Stay

there until tomorrow, or your stomach wakes you.” She smiled, and placed the cakes into a plastic
container before covering them with the lid. “There now.” She grabbed her jacket from the back of the
kitchendoor,andwavedtosomeoneoutside.“Myrideishere.I’llseeyouonMonday,andplease,take
bettercareofyourself,youngman...Father.”

Hewatchedhergoanddecidedtodowhatshe’dtoldhimtodo,whichwenttoshowjusthowtiredhe

was.

Soafterhe’dlockedup,hedraggedhistiredbodyupstairsandstrippedbarebeforeclimbingbeneath

thecovers.

“Mmm,”hemoanedandarchedintothetouchagainsthisengorgedflesh.

Goosebumpsroseonhisskinasherfingerstickleddownhislength,overhisballs,andbetween

hislegs.Emeliarubbedandmassaged,whichdrovehispleasurehigher.

It had been so long—years—since he’d been touched; just a few more touches and he’d be

releasinghisseedalloverhisbelly,butwhatshewasdoingfeltsogoodthatheneverwantedherto
stop.

Her fingers threaded through the hair of his groin as a growl built at the back of his throat and

then...and then...he felt her tongue lap at the crown of his hardened dick seconds before he felt her
mouthwraparoundhimwithanunbearablywet,warmsuction.

Everyinchofhisbodywasawashwithpleasure,andhehadnochanceashisorganeruptedlikea

volcano...

Hiseyessnappedopenwhilehishipsarchedupbeforedroppingbacktothebed.Heraisedhishead

andwatchedwhilehecoulddonothingtostopthepleasurethatspreadalloverhisstomachandchestas
hecontinuedtospurthisseedeverywhere.Hepantedandgrippedthecoveringonthebedtopreventhis
handfromwrappingaroundhimself.

Whynow?

Withonelastkick,hisfleshrestedagainsthisstomachwhilehedroppedhisheadbacktothepillow

andtriedtocatchhisbreath.

Whatwasthat?

He’dneverhadsuchawetdreamaboutEmeliaoranyonebefore,andithadfeltsoreal—asthough

she’dbeenintheroomwithhim.

Itshouldn’thavehappened,butsurelyitwasn’tasin.Hecouldn’texactlycontrolwhatjusthappened,

andhecertainlydidn’ttouchhisownflesh.

Hewasinsomuchtrouble.

ChapterTwelve

EmeliahadavoidedDiegoforthepastfewdays,butassheheardakeyinthelocksecondsbeforethe

dooropenedandbangedshutbehindhim,sheknewthatwasabouttoend.

Diegohadbeenworkingshiftsatthefirehouseandshe’dmadeherselfscarcewhensheknewhe’dbe

home.

Shewasn’tstupid,andknewthathewantedtoknowwhatwasgoingonwithher.He’dbeenbugging

hersincethey’dreturnedfromRamon’swedding,evenbeforethatreally.

Insteadofhiding,sheneededtotakeatriphometoMontanaandtalktotheirmom.Sheknewdeepin

herheartthatwhatshe’doverheardwasthetruth,eventhough,onoccasion,shedoubtedthewords.

Thereasonwhyshe’dhesitatedthoughwasbecauseshe’dbeopeningupawholelotofhurtforDiego

andtheothers.Ericknewthetruth,buttheirbrothers,Aiden,Kasey,Mateoand,ofcourseDantedidn’t.
They’dbeenledtobelievethattheirfatherhadhadanaffairwithLuciawhiletheirmotherFrancescahad
beendying.Itwasbecauseofhisfather’squickremarriagethatDantelefthome,andneverreallywent
backtolive.

Evenasachild,she’dnoticedtheanimositybetweenfatherandson,whenDantehadpoppedinfora

visit.

There was going to be a lot of heartbreak when the truth became clear, and what about their Uncle,

Elias McKenzie. He hadn’t spoken to Emiliano since his sister, Francesca, had died because of how
quicklyhe’dmarriedEmelia’smother.

Itwasahugemess,andifitweren’tforherneedtohavethetruthoutandintheopen,she’dletitbe,

eventhoughitconstantlyplayedonhermind.Ifsheweren’tinlovewithDante,perhapsitwouldn’thave
beensodifficulttoknowthetruthwhennooneelsedid.Butthatwassomethingshe’dneverknow.

Whileshe’dtriedtocomeupwithasolutiontoherproblem,Diegohaddroppedhisbagtoonesideof

thefridgeandmovedintoherlineofsight.

“So,”heleanedbackagainstthecabinet,hisanklescrossedandhisarmscrossedoverhisstomach,

“we’reinthesameroom...foronce.”

Emeliatriedtoplayitcool.“We’reusuallyinthesameroom.”

“Usually. Yes, we are.” His gaze stayed unwavering on her while she squirmed. “You’ve been

avoidingme…foraweek,Emelia.EvenMike’sseenyouonce,butme,yourtwin,notsomuch.”

Herbrotherwasn’thappy,andthathurther.Sheneededtobeashonestasshecouldwithhimbefore

hegotexasperatedwithher,whichhadhappenedacoupleoftimesinthepast.Theyhadn’ttalkedfora
monthwhenthathappenedbecauseDiegocouldgetgoodandpissed.

“EverytimeIseeyou,allyoukeepaskingmeiswhat’swrongwithme.I’msorryI’vebeenavoiding

you, but you’re making me feel worse with your constant questions about what’s going on.” Emelia
walked to stand in front of him. She hesitated and then unwrapped his arms so that she could wrap her
own around his waist and rest her head against his chest. “I love you, Diego.” She sighed. “There is
somethinggoingonanduntilit’ssorted,pleasetrustmetohandleit.IwishIcouldtellyou,butIcan’t.At
least,notyet.”

SilencefolloweduntilDiegobrokeit,“Iloveyoutoo,andthat’swhyI’mconstantlycheckingonyou.”

Hesighedandsqueezedhertighter.“ButIpromisetostopquestioningyou...fornow.Anditdoesn’thelp
whenMikeisaskingmeaboutpastboyfriendsbecausehesaysthatwhenyouwerewithhim,hegotthe
feelingyouwerewishinghewassomeoneelse...he’swrongisn’the,Sis?”

Shefeltbad.Mikewasagreatguyandshe’dmanagedtokeepitplatonicwhenthey’dgoneout,but

withhindsight,perhapssheshouldn’thaveevenaccepted.She’dbeenfedupoflovingsomeonewhoshe
couldn’tbewithsoshe’dagreed,andnowshe’dprobablyhurtMike.

“IlikeMike,Diego.”

“I’mhearingabutinthere.”

“Idon’twantaboyfriend.IfIwaslooking,thenMikewouldbeagreatguytodatebecauseheactually

hasrespectforwomen.”

“Ouch,Sis,”heputheratarmslength,“youdidn’tneedtobesobrutal.”

Shesmiled.“Recognizedyourselfwiththat,huh?”

Herolledhiseyesandmovedtogrababeerfromthefridge.“DoyouwantmetotellMike?”

“Diego, I’m not ten. I’ll tell him myself when I see him tonight. We’re supposed to be going to the

movies,butI’lltellhimbeforehandandgivehimthechoiceofjustbeingfriendsorstopseeingeachother
completely.”

“Hmm.”Diegotookalongdrinkfromthebottle.

“Whatdoeshmmmean?”

“I’mgoingtofindoutwhat’sgoingonwithyou.”

“Youpromised.”Shenearlystampedherfootatherinfuriatingbrother.

“I didn’t say I was going to ask you. I just said I was going to find out. I have my ways.” Diego

smirked,andshecouldseebythelookonhisfacethathewaspleasedwithhimself.

“Yeah,well.Youwon’tbefindingoutfromme.”Shesmiled.“Idohaveaquestionforyouthough.”

Hegroanedandnarrowedhiseyes.“I’mwaiting.”

“Whyhaven’tyoudatedsinceI’vebeenhere?”Hewaseitherworkingorathisapartment.He’dnever

goneoutatnightwhileshe’dbeenthereunlessshe’dbeenwithhim.

“Youkidding?”hescoffed,“Idon’tdate,Sis.”

Sherolledhereyes.“YouknowwhatImean.Unlessyou’reuptosomethingatwork,thenyouhaven’t

liveduptoyourreputationinjustoverthetwoweeksI’vebeenhere.”

Diegochosenottomeethereyes,whichtoldhersomethingreallywasgoingonwithhim.Perhapsshe

wasn’ttheonlyonewithasecret,althoughshedidn’tthinkhiswasasexplosiveashers.

Emeliasteppedintoherbrotheragain,andkissedhischeek.“I’mnotgoingtobugyou,asI’vejustgot

youtostopbuggingme,butyoucantalktomeanytime,Diego.”Shesmiled.

“Iknow.”

Shebackedoffandwatchedashewalkedtowardhisroom.Hecalledoverhisshoulder,“I’mgetting

changed.Doyouwanttochillandwatchamoviewithpizza?”

“I’dpreferMexican,butI’vejusttoldyouthatI’mmeetingMike.”

“Ifthatchanges,letmeknow.I’mallyours.”Hegrinned.

Once he disappeared into his room, she leaned against the island in the center of his kitchen, and

restedherchinonherhands.

AsshelookedaroundDiego’sapartment,shelovedthewallthatshefaced,whichhadframedpictures

ofeveryoneintheirfamily,butitwastheoneofDantefromwhenhewasordainedthatalwaysdrewher
gazethelongest.

He’d always made her heart flutter, and she doubted it would ever settle when in his presence, or

whenshethoughtabouthim.

She’dfinallydecidedthatenoughwasenoughandshewouldtravelhomeovertheweekendtotalkto

hermom.ShehopedthatEriccouldalsomakeitbecauseshereallydidn’twanttofaceeverythingalone.

Ericwasthesecondeldestandshe’dalwayslookeduptohim,sosheknewthatshe’ddowhateverhe

advisedonceshe’dhadthedreadedconversationwithhermotherandfather.Emilianowouldalwaysbea
father to her, regardless of her feelings for Dante. He’d always been there for her and Diego, and she
knewthathealwayswouldbe.

Notadayhadgonebythatshe’dfelttreateddifferentlysinceshe’doverheardthem,nineyearsago

now.Theywerestillherfamily,andsheonlyhopedthatbydoingwhatshewasabouttodo,shewould
helpDantecometotermswiththelovehehadforher.

Shejustwasn’tsurethathe’dbewillingtoleavethechurchforher,orwhattherestoftheirfamily

wouldthinkifhedidandtheirfeelingsweremadepublic.

ChapterThirteen

That morning made three times since he’d woken up while in the middle of an orgasm with the

thoughtsofEmeliastillfreshinhishead—thoughtsofhermouthonhisfleshwhileshesuckedhisrelease
fromhisbody.Eachtimehewokeupwiththedisappointmentthatshewasn’treallywithhim.Itmadehim
feelanoverwhelmingsadness.

Thentheguiltwouldfollow.

Hewasapriestand,untilthefirsttime,he’dnotreleasedhisseedinoversixyears.Itwasnowonder

thatoncehe’dstartedhecouldn’tstop.

Butwhywoulditstartnow?

Overtheyears,he’dhadstrongcontroloverhisbodysohecouldn’tunderstandwhyhe’dsuddenly

startedwakingupinthethrallofanorgasm.Itwasasthoughsomethinghadhappenedoverthefewdays
they’dspentinLexington...butthatwasn’tright.

Orwasit?Youweredrunk…

He froze when the thought hit him. Was it Eric who took him back to the hotel, or was in Emelia?

They’d looked at each other before Eric had answered him when he’d thanked him over breakfast the
followingday.

“Father,what’swrong?”Barbaraasked,breakingintohismusing.

“I’m fine.” He was distracted, but managed a smile for her before he headed toward his office. “I

havesomethingstodo.Justremembered.”Heclosedhimselfinsideandignoredherstartledglance.

As he dropped his weight into the old leather chair behind his desk, he was assailed with so many

memories,excepttheonethatheneededthemost.

Hesaggedforwardandplacedhisheadinhishands,andtriedtorememberthatnight.He’ddrunkso

muchtotryandforgetthewoman,theforbiddenwoman,thewomanheloved.Herememberedthefirst
drinksbuthelostcountoftheonesafterthat.He’dbeenfullywastedbythetimeEricshovedhissorryass
intothebackseatofacarandthen...then,Emeliahadsatbesidehim.

She’dbeenunabletotakehereyesfromhim,andhisfleshhadhardened,somuchso,thathecould

havepoundednails.Ithadbeenatthatpointthathe’dcoveredhimselfwithhishand.Hewasn’tsurethat
ifhehadn’tbeensodrunkastowhetherornothe’dhavepouncedonherbecausehisdefenseshadbeen
down.

Hegroanedandleanedbackinhischair,thethrobinhispantsdistracting.

ItwasEmelia...Itwas.Ithadtobeforhimtorememberthecarjourney.Orwasitreallyadream—a

hopefuldream,anddidshehelphimtohisroom?

“Ohno.”WashisdreamofEmelianotreallyadream?Washerememberingfact?

HefeltsicktohisstomachatthethoughtofbeingwithEmeliaandhavingnoconsciousrecollectionof

it.Buthisstomachreallyrolledwhenherememberedwhytheycouldn’tbetogether.

Grabbinghiscell,hequicklyconnectedwithEricandhopedhewasaroundbecausehefelthissanity

slipping.

Not only was Emelia his sister, but if that wasn’t bad enough, he was a priest. Dedicated to God.

Being with anyone was a sin. The only reason he hadn’t been on his knees in his church begging for
forgivenesswasbecausehe’dkepthishandstohimselfwhenhisfleshhadjerkedwithhisrelease.

Technically,hehadn’tmasturbated,butheknewhe’dbeenskirtingtheline…ifhimandEmeliahad…

doneanything…howcouldheconfessthatsin?

“Dante?”Eric’svoiceechoeddownhiscellandbroughthimbacktowhyhe’dcalled.

“Eric,Ihaveaquestionforyou?”

“Not,howareyouoranything?Just,Ihaveaquestionforyou.You’velostyourmanners,brother.”

“I’msorry.”Hesatbackandlookedoutofhiswindowatthesnowcomingdown.“I’mgoingoutof

mymindandneedtoknowthetruthaboutthenightofRamon’swedding.”

TherewassilenceattheotherendeventhoughDantethoughthe’dheardamumbledcurse.

“Youdidn’ttakemebacktothehotel...Emeliadid?”Danteasked,buthealreadyknewtheanswer.

“Iknewyou’dremembereventually.”

“Whydidyouletmethinkthatithadbeenyou?”

“Emelia,forwhateverherreasoning,preferredthatyouthoughtitwasme.Probablysoyouwouldn’t

worry.Forsomereason,shealwaysthinksaboutyoufirst.”

Justlikehedidher!

Dante’sheartsankbecausehehadagoodideawhyshedidn’twanthimtoknowthatithadbeenher.

“Doyouknowanythingelse?”heasked,hopingErichadreadbetweenthelines.

“Truthfully, no I don’t. But I suspect something more happened between you both at the hotel, and I

don’tsupposeyourememberandwanttofillmein.”

Dantebreathedheavilyandwonderedjusthowmuchmorehadhappenedthanhecouldremember.

“Idon’tthinkso.”

“Youdon’twanttofillmeinoryoudon’tthinkanythingelsehappened?”Ericasked.

“Both,”Dantemumbled.“Irememberthecarandthat’saboutit,butIwasn’tsurewhetherornotit

wasfactasyouledmetobelieveyou’dbeentheonetogetmebacktothehotel.”

Ericsighed.“Look,Emeliahasn’tsaidanythingtome,butI’llbeseeinghertomorrowwhenwemeet

atthehouseinMontana.Asyou’renottalkingtoher,I’lltellheryouwereaskingnowthatyourmemory
iscomingback.”

Hewasagrownmanbutactedlikeanadolescent.Evenso,hehadtotalktoher,andthankstoEric,he

knewwhereshe’dbeforafewdays.

“Imighttakeatriphome...butdon’tmentionanythingtoEmelia.”

“Iwon’t.Ineedtogoandchange.I’mtakingSylviaouttodinner.Youlookafteryourself.”

“Iwill.Youtoo.”

TheyfinishedthecallandDanteheldhiscellinhishandsotightlythathethoughtitwouldcrack.He

tookadeepbreaththroughhisfrustrationinsteadofsmashinghiscell.

Emeliawasstubbornand,ifshedidn’twantanyonetoknowanything,youcouldguaranteethatnoone

wouldknow.

Except he needed to know. He needed to remember. The fact that he couldn’t remember drove him

crazy.Regardlessoftheirsituation,ifhe’dtouchedher,madelovetoher,thenhecravedtorememberthe
feelofhersurroundinghim.

He’dgotohell,buthewasalreadytheretothepointthathespentmoretimethinkingaboutEmelia

thanhedidhischurchandthepeoplethatreliedonhim.

He’dhadabaptismtodotheotherSunday,andafterwards,whenhe’dbeenaskedtoholdthebabyso

her parents could take a photograph, all he’d been able to think about was never having a child of his
own.

Heknewhisdefensesweredown,andtheyhadbeensinceChristmas,butithadsuddenlyhithimin

thegutandhehadn’tbeenabletostopthinkingaboutEmeliaholdingtheirsonordaughterinherarms.

Apainfuldream.

Forawhile,he’dbeenfeelingdistracted,moresothanheusuallywaswithEmelia,butthedistraction

hadstartedtomoveovertohiswork.Hefoundthatitwasn’tassatisfyingasitoncehadbeen.

Hehadn’tevenbeenintotowntojusttalktothepeoplewhoknewhim,whichwasn’tlikehim.He’d

alwaysbeenaroundandavailable,butthelastmonth,hehadn’thadtheenergytodoit.Itwasnowonder
Barbaraconstantlyaskedhimifhewasokay.

Somethinghadtogive,andtheboulderinhisbellytoldhimitwasn’tgoingtobeaseasyashe’dlike

to get back on track. He also knew that the best thing to do would be for him to let go of whatever
happenedwithEmelia.Hejustdidn’tthinkhewasstrongenoughtodothatwiththecravingsthatlived
insideofhim.

ChapterFourteen

MorningsinMontanawereusuallyearly,andloud.Notthatdaythough.Emeliahadbeenexhausted

whenshe’darrivedthenightbeforethatshe’dtoldherparentsnottowakeherupandthatthey’dseeher
whentheysawher.Shewasgladshe’dhadtheinsighttosaythatbecauseshe’dsleptlikealog.Allher
sleeplessnightshadcaughtuptoher,andsheknewthatshe’dcrashhard.Andshedid.She’devenmissed
Eric’sarrival.

Ifithadn’tbeenforthedelayhehadattheairportinLexington,hewouldhavearrivedwithinthirty

minutesofherflightandshewouldhavewaitedforhim.Butno,he’dhadafewhoursdelay.Itwouldn’t
havestoppedhimfromgettingupearlytohelparoundthefarm.Helovedtheoutdoors.

Fightingbackayawn,andwithaheavysighandastretch,shepushedthequiltbackandclimbedfrom

thesnugwarmnessofherbedtopadovertothewindow.

Thesnowhadbeencomingdownratherheavilybythetimeshe’dreachedthehouse.Herfatherhad

promised to use the SUV to go and collect Eric because the vehicle was made for adverse weather
conditions.

But, as she looked out at the snow covered landscape, there were only light flurries even though a

thicklayercoveredtheoncecleareddriveway.ThatwasthebeautyofherfamilyhomebeinginMontana,
andshewouldn’tchangeitfortheworld.

As she followed one of the flakes with her eyes, she couldn’t help the overwhelming sadness that

suddenlycameoverher.Later,she’dbeupsettingherfamilywithherquestions,andithurttothinkthatit
wasbecauseofherselfishneedtobewithDantethatmadehergoforthwithwhatsheknew.Ifitwasn’t
forhim,shedidn’tthinkshe’devergothroughwithit.

A chill crept through her thin pajamas, so she pulled back from the window and went into her

bathroom, where she emerged fifteen minutes later fresh from a warm shower. Emelia felt better after
beingundertheheavysprayofwaterandhopedthat,afteralargecupofcoffee,she’dhavethecourage
thatsheneeded.

IthelpedthatErichadcometobewithher,butsheknewwhenDiegofoundout,he’dbepissedather

fornotconfidinginhim.WhileshecontinuedtoponderaboutDiego,sheslippedherlegsintopantiesand
jeansbeforeshequicklyfastenedabrainplaceandpulledashirtandsweateron.Thicksockswenton
herfeet,followedbyherpurpleUGGS.

Herhairwasdampsoshebrusheditoutbeforepilingitontopofherhead.Shehadnointentionof

goingoutanywheresoitwouldhavetodobecauseshecouldn’tbebotheredwithahairdryer.

Withaquickglanceinthemirror,sheleftthesanctuaryofherroomandwentlookingforcoffeefirst,

thenshe’dfindherbrotherbeforeanythingwassaid.

“WhatdoyoumeanthatDanteishere?”Emeliafumed.

Shehaditallplannedoutinherhead.She’dtellherparentswhatshe’doverheard.They’dconfirmit.

Thenshe’dgoandfindDanteandtellhim.Ofcourse,shedidn’tthinkitwouldbeasstraightforwardas
she’dlike,butshecertainlydidn’tthinkhe’dcometoMontana.

“He knows you were the one to take him back to the hotel,” Eric admitted. “He remembered and

calledme,whichishowheknowsweweremeetinghere.”

“Wait. What?” Her mind whirled as she felt the blood drain to her toes. “He remembers?” She met

Eric’sgazeandwantedhimtotellherhewasjoking.

“He remembers the journey in the car or at least, that you were the one with him and not me. He

doesn’trememberanythingelse,whichmakesmewonderwhatelsethereisforhimtoremember.”

Shewasn’tgoingthere.Noway.“Ican’t.Pleasetryandforgetthat.”

Ericstaredatherlongandhard.“Iwantyoutopromisemethat,whilehe’shere,you’lltellhimwhat

happened.Heneedstoknow,Emelia?”

Thesilencesettledbetweenthemwhilesherealizedthatshedidn’thavemuchchoice.Nomatterhow

embarrassingitwouldget,sheowedDantethetruth.

“Ipromise.I’lltellhim.”Shepickeduphersecondcoffeewithinthehour,andsatonthesofaacross

fromwhereErichaddroppedhisass.“So,anyadviceastohowtogoaboutthis?DoIjustblurtitoutto
Mom? Or do I get them both together and blurt it out with you in the room as well? Or...ugh, I don’t
know.”

Sherestedherfeetonthecoffeetableandwaited,wonderingwhatEricwasthinking.

“Ithinkyou’dbemorecomfortabletalkingtoyourmomalone.AmIright?”

Sighing,shenodded.“I’vealwaysfounditeasiertalkingtooneparentalonethanthembothtogether,

andthistimeisn’tgoingtobeeasy...I’msonervous,Eric.”

“Iknow,Sis.”

Hereyessnappedtohisandhesoftlysmiled.“You’llalwaysbethattome,andthemoretimeI’ve

thoughtaboutyouandDante,themoreIrealizethatyouwerebothmadetobetogether.Justbeprepared
fortheothers,especiallyDiego,tonotbeashappyorunderstandingasIam.”

“Iknow.There’sprobablyalotofupsetahead,whichiswhyI’vealwaysbeensotornaboutsaying

anything.”ShebitherlipandtookthecupofcoffeethatEricpassedtoher.

“Itwon’tlast,andeverythingisalwaysbestoutintheopen.”

Sheheardfootstepsheadingtowardthekitchen,andthenthesoundofsomeonequicklyrummagingin

thecupboardforaboxofcereal.Theflakescouldbeheardastheboxwasshooktojudgeiftherewas
enoughinthebox.Everyonedidthat.

“We’lltalklater,”shesaidquietlyjustashermomenteredthelivingroom.

“Morning.”Luciasmiled.“You’rebothupearly.”

ChapterFifteen

Hercherryredlipswrappedaroundhisfleshwhilehergazeheldhis.Hiseyesflutteredandclosed

whenhefeltthefirstswirlofhertonguearoundtheheadofhisdick,andjustthesoundofhermoan
whenshetastedhisprecumwasenoughtonearlyhavehimcominginhermouth.

He groaned and arched off the bed with the pleasure that coursed through his body...so much

pleasure…

Danteshotupintoasittingpositiononhisbed,hisgaspheavyinthesilenceoftheroomwhilehis

heartpounded.Alightsheenofsweatcoatedhisskinwhilehelaybackdownandclosedhiseyestotry
andpullhimselftogether.Atleast,hehadn’twokenreleasingalloverhimselfliketheprevioustimeshe’d
hadtheeroticdreamabouthimandEmelia.

His flesh burned with need as his fists clenched at his sides and his legs twisted in the covers that

were tangled around his feet. He continued to pant and started to fill his head with thoughts of his
brothers.Anythingtotryandlessonhowtensehisbodywas.

Ericenteredhisheadfirst,becauseheknewthathewasalreadyatthehouse.Hewouldtalktohim

oncehe’dhadhismorningcoffeeandputsomethinginhisstomach.Outofallhisbrothers,Ericwasthe
closesttohim.Allhisbrothersmeanttheworldtohimandhe’dbethereifanyofthemeverneededhim,
butErichadalwaysbeentheonethathe’dgonetowhenhe’dneededtotalkorwhenhe’dhadenoughof
hisowncompany.

Hisfistsreleasedthedeathgripthatthey’dhadonthebedashisbodystartedtoeasewhilethinking

abouthisbrother,butsoonthoughtsofEmelia,beautifulEmelia,filledhishead,again.Whatwouldthe
othersthinkiftheyknewofhisloveforher?WouldtheybeasunderstandingasEricwas?Orwouldthey
bedisgusted?

Thenightbefore,he’darrivedlateduringtheearlyhoursofthemorning.Therehadbeenablizzardin

Denver,whichhadpreventedtheflightfromtakingoff.Atleasthe’darrivedinonepieceafterthebumpy
journey. Planes weren’t his favorite thing, and flying over the Rockies often resulted in a more than
smoothflight.

Hesighedandtwistedhisheadtoglanceattheclock:eleven.Ithadbeenalongwhilesincehe’dslept

passedeight.He’dbeenexhausted.

With his body under control, he felt able to head to his bathroom without his erection causing him

issues.Andashesteppedunderthehotstreamofwater,therestofhisbodystartedtorelax.

Tension had been his constant companion for weeks, more so since he’d talked to the bishop, who

residedinDenver.

DantehadmadethearrangementsforanotherPriesttotakeMassinFrederickwhilehewasgone,but

theBishophadrequestedabriefmeetingwithhimbeforehe’dcaughthisflight.

Shampooinghisdarkhair,hegroanedwonderinghowmuchthebishophadsuspected.BishopColin

Sommerhadbeentherewithhimsincebeforehe’djoinedtheseminary.Thebishopknewhimbetterthan
the others in the clergy, so he’d know that something bothered him. He didn’t have many friends in the
priesthood,morelikeacquaintances,apartfromColin,thatwas.

Colinwouldknowhehadn’tbeenexactlytruthful.Hehadn’tliedaboutneedingtovisithisfamily,he

justhadn’texplainedthatitwasEmeliathathehadtotalkto.

Pullingonawell-wornpairofbluejeansthathunglowonhiships,andalongsleeved,paleblueT-

shirt,hethenstoodandlookedathimselfinthemirrorontheinsideofhisclosetdoor.

Unless you knew his profession, you’d think he was like any other guy...but he wasn’t, and until

recently,ithadneverplayedsoheavilyonhismindbefore.

DantedraggedhisbrownbootsonandlefthisroomwonderingifEricandEmeliawerestillaround

orifthey’dgoneintotown.

HisquestionwassoonansweredwhenheheardEric’sroaroflaughtercomingfromthekitchen—the

heartofthehouse.Hehesitatedbeforeheentered,andhadalleyesonhim.

Luciawasthefirsttobreakthesilence.“Dante,it’sgoodtoseeyouagain,andsosoon.”Shestepped

uptohimandwrappedhiminherwelcomingembrace.

Theirrelationshiphadsettledovertheyears,althoughhe’dneverbeenabletofullyforgiveher,and

hisfather,forwhattheydidbackthen.Withhowinlovehisparentsseemedtobe,hisfatherhadstillhad
anaffairwhileDante’smotherhadbeendying.HisfatherhadtohaveconsideringthatDiegoandEmelia
hadbeenbornnotlongafterhismother’sdeathorhisfather’sremarriage.

“It’sgoodtobeback,”hefinallyansweredwhenhesawthefrownonLucia’sbrow.

Heneededtostopgettinglostinthepast.

Hisfatherpattedhimontheback.Erictuggedhimclose,andthenitwasEmelia’sturn.Henoticedher

slight hesitation but doubted anyone else had. And then she wrapped her arms around his neck and
pressedclose.Hedroppedhisfaceintothecurveofherneckandinhaledwhilehepressedhercloser.
Thehugwasoveralltoosoon,andsheavoidedeyecontactasshewentbacktohercupofcoffeeatthe
table.

He glanced at Eric and saw the frown on his face, so Dante looked away quickly, not wanting to

contemplatewhathisbrotherwasthinking.

“Heardyouhadbadweather,”Ericstarted.“Thinkit’ssupposedtohitherelaterthisevening.”

“Yeah,I’msurprisedtheymanagedtotakeoff,”hecommented,andpouredhimselfalargecupofthe

ItaliancoffeethatLuciawaspartialto.

Hisfatherchuckled.“HewasafunnyshadeofgreenwhenIcollectedhimfromtheairport.”

“Oh,no.”Emeliajumpedupandmovedovertohim.Asheturnedwithhiscoffeeinhand,hemanaged

toplacehiscupbackdownasshereachedforhim.“Areyoualright?Iknowhowmuchyouhateflying.”
She hugged him tightly before stepping back. She fiddled with the coffee pot and poured herself more,
whichtheybothknewwasanexcusetobenearhim.

“I’mfine...Infact,Ihadthemostrestfulnight’ssleepthatI’vehadintwoweeks.”HewatchedEmelia

closelyoverthebrimofhiscoffeecupwhilehetookasipoftheaddictivedrink.

His heart beat frantically when Emelia wouldn’t meet his gaze, and a blush covered her delicate

features.

Soitwasn’tallinhishead?Hejustwishedthathecouldremembermoreofthatnightotherthanjust

hertouchonhisflesh?Orwasitforthebestthathecouldn’tremember?

“Everyone always sleeps better here. Think it’s the altitude that you don’t get in other parts of the

states,”hisfatheradded.

Dantedidn’tremindhimthathelivedoutsideofDenver,whichwasalsoatahigheraltitude.

“Sit…I’llgetyousomebreakfast,”Luciaoffered.

Hemovedtotakehisusualseat,butsaid,“Youdon’tneedtogotoanytrouble.”

“Pfft.It’snotrouble.”Luciabusiedherselfwithtakingthingsoutofthefridgebeforesheturnedthe

burneronthestove.

HisattentionwasonhisfatherwhilehewatchedEmeliafromthecornerofhiseyeasshejoinedthem

at the table. He took in a deep breath and tried to focus on things other than her. He asked, “Where’s
Aiden? Thought he’d be around.” Initially, he’d just thought about Emelia and, of course, Eric. He’d
forgottenthathisbrother,Aiden,hadstayedinMontanaforawhile.

“HehasameetinginNewYorkwithoneofhissponsors,soheheadedoutacoupleofdaysago,”his

fathervolunteered,aworriedlookonhisface.“SomethingisreallybotheringthatboyandIwishIknew
what.”

“He’lltellyouwhenhe’sready,andnotbefore.Youknowwhathe’slike,”Ericsaid.

“Howcomeyou’revisitingwithoutSylvia?”DanteaskedEric,changingthesubject.

His brother wasn’t one for visiting every other week, so him being at the house now with Emelia

causedbellstoringinhishead.

Emeliaspentmoretimeatthefamilyhomethananywhereelse,butEric,notsomuch.

Dantedidn’tmissthequickglanceEricpassedtoEmeliabeforeEricoffered,“Iwantedtocatchup

with Emelia about being a bridesmaid for Sylvia, and I hoped Aiden would talk to me.” He shrugged.
“HadnoideathatAidenwouldn’tbehere.”

“IwonderwhyAidendidn’tsayanythingaboutNewYork.Diegodidn’tmentionhimbeingintown.

Unless,ofcoursehedoesn’tknow.”Emeliafrownedintohercup.

“Well,” Dante started as Lucia placed his breakfast of bacon and French toast in front of him,

“whateverisgoingonwithhimwilleventuallyworkitselfoutorhe’lltalktooneofusaboutit.”

“Wonderfulwordsofwisdom,Father,”Ericsmirked.

Hisstomachfellwhenthereminderofhistitlelefthisbrother’smouth.Itwasthecueheshouldhave

neededtowalkaway,buthisconscience,andthelovethathewouldalwaysharborforEmelia,wouldn’t

lethim.

Hewincedatakicktohisshin.“Luciaaskedyouaquestion,”Erictoldhim,annoyanceclearinhis

voice.

“Sorry.Izonedout.”HefacedLucia.

“Iwasjustaskingifyourbreakfastwasokay.”Shesmiled.

“Mmm,” he mumbled around his mouthful of the French toast. Once he’d swallowed it down with

coffee,hereplied,“Thisisgreat.Thanksformakingmyfavorite,andnoonemakesFrenchtoastlikeyou
do.”

“Thankyou.”Luciabeamedathiscompliment,herhandslidingintohisfather’s.

“Isayitasitis.”HefinishedhisbreakfastandfinallymetEmelia’sgazefullon.“Canwetalksoon?”

Emeliahoodedhereyesandnoddedinresponse.

He didn’t miss the look that passed over Lucia’s face, or the frown that marred her brow as her

worriedgazestayedonherdaughter.

Ericclearedhisthroat.“Lucia,areyoubothsurethathavingtheweddinghereisgoingtowork?We

don’twanttostopbusiness.”

DantesighedatEric’sabruptchangeofsubject,but,atleast,hisbrotherhadsnaggedLucia’sattention.

“Don’t you dare think about having your wedding anywhere else, unless Sylvia wants it where she

grewup.ButI’dbeinsultedotherwise.”SheraisedabrowandwaitedforErictoagree.

“Don’tworry.IjustwantedtocheckbeforeSylviafinalizedtheinvitations.”

DantetunedoutthebanteraboutweddingsandwhenhemetEmelia’sgaze,heindicatedwithhishead

tofollowhimout.

Shenoddedinacknowledgement.

ChapterSixteen

Nothavinganyprivacyinthehouse,theonlyplacethatDantecouldthinkofwashisbedroomtotalk

toEmelia.Theycertainlyneededprivacy,hejustwasn’tsurehowwiseitwas.

Wiseornot,that’swhereheledEmeliato.

Hisroomwasliketheothersinthehouse,andhehadhisownbathroom.Hehadalargeking-sized

bedthattookupalotofthespace,buthehadalargefittedclosetdownonesideofthebedroomwithbuilt
in drawers. His favorite comfy reclining chair took up one corner of the room, close to his bed, which
waswherehe’dspendmanyanight,readingoronhislaptopwhilehepreparedsermons.

Theroomwasjustfineforwhatheuseditfor,but,withEmeliaintheroom,itseemedtoshrink.

Whileshestoodatthebedroomwindowlookingdowntothecourtyardbelow,headmiredherandfelt

painlancethroughhisheartatthethoughtofherbelongingtoanothermanwhenshewashis.

Butsheisn’tyours...

Emelia’sdarkhairfloweddownherbackinlong,glossy,blackwavesthathisfingersitchedtotouch.

Soheshovedhishandsintohispocketsanddroppedtotheedgeofthebed.

“Em,willyousit?”heasked.

Withoutsayingaword,shetookaseatinhischairandmethisgaze.Althoughhereyeslookedwary,

henoticedlongingaswell.

Closinghiseyes,heinhaled,thensnappedthemopenandwatchedher.Hedecidedtobeblunt,and

admitted,“Irememberyourtouch...yourhands...yourmouth.”

Sheflushed,butheldhisgaze,sohecontinued,“I...Ireleasedinyourmouth.”Heclenchedhisfistsas

his own words left his mouth, and his arousal threatened to cut off circulation. He only hoped that she
hadn’tnoticed.

He wanted to pull her close when her eyes glazed with tears, but he forced himself to stay put. He

restedhiselbowsonhiskneesandlethishandhangbetweenhisthighs.Hewantedhertothinkhewas
relaxedwhenhewasanythingbut.

“Em,pleasesaysomething...Ineedtoknow…”

Shewipedalonetear.“Whatyourememberhappened.Ididn’tmeantotouchyou...Icameoutofthe

bathroom with a wet cloth and you’d gotten, um, naked.” She looked away. “You’d climbed onto the
bed...and I’m not sure whether you were dreaming or not, but you looked in pain.” She glanced at his

groin.

He groaned and met her startled gaze. “This is so inappropriate and it happens all the time when

we’retogether.”Notonlywashiserectionembarrassing,itwaswrong,buthecouldn’tbringhimselfto
apologize.

Emeliaglancedathisgroinagainbeforehergazeliftedtohis.“It’snosecretastohowIfeelabout

you,Dante.AndIshouldfeelguiltyfortakingadvantageofyou,butIcan’t.Iwantedtofeelyouundermy
handsandthenwhenyou,um...attheend,Icravedtotouchyou.”

She killed him with her confession, so he confessed, “I wake nightly remembering, but what I can’t

remember,andlongto,iswhetheritwentanyfurther.”Hewatchedhertense,andthensighed.

Emeliawetherlipsandadmitted,“Youwrappedmeupinyourarmsandpinnedmebeneathyou,”she

offeredawaterysmile,“butyoupassedoutcold.”

Hesighedinrelief,contenttoknowhehadn’tbrokenthemostsacredofvows,butconflictedoverhis

desireandneedtobewithher.Thiswashishalf-sister.Hisfather’sdaughter.Heknewitwasallkindsof
wrong,but,Godforgivehim,hestillcravedher.

“Iwishyouhadn’tfallenasleep,Dante,”shewhispered.“Iwishyou’dhavemadelovetomesothatI

wouldhaveknownwhatitwastrulyliketobewithyou,”sheadmitted.

Thehonestyinhereyesdestroyedhisheart.Heknewhowshefelt,andhehadafeelingthatifthey’d

madelove,hewouldhaverememberedit,regardlessofhowdrunkhe’dbeen.

Theirsituationcouldn’tgoon…

“Asmuchasitkillssomethinginsideofme,youhavetoliveyourlife,Emelia.Youhaveto.”

“You’retheonlyoneI’lleverwant,andifIcan’tbewithyou,thenIdon’twanttobewithsomeone

else.”

“WhataboutthefriendofDiego’s?”heasked,hisfistsclenchedtight.

“He’sokay,butheisn’ttheonethatIwant...howlongareyoustayingfor?”

He let the change of subject go because, if he didn’t, he wasn’t sure what would come out of his

mouth,sohereplied,“Acoupleofdays.”

Emeliastood.“Weneedtotalkagainbeforeyouleave.There’ssomethingthatyouneedtoknow,butI

needtotalktomymomfirst.”

He frowned, wondering what he needed to know, and agreed, “We can talk. We can always talk,

Emelia.”

ShenoddedandwipedhertearswithaKleenexbeforeshestartedtomakeherwaypasthim.

Dantereachedoutandtookherhandwithhis.Shedidn’tturntohim,butwaited,sohesaidquietly,

“Thankyoufortellingme.”Whenshestilldidn’tlookathim,Dantestoodclosebehindherandburiedhis
faceinherlongcurls.HeinhaledasEmeliacaughtherbreath.

I’mgladthatIdidn’tmakelovetoyou,becauseifthathappened,Iwouldhavewantedtoremember

everysingleminuteofit.

“Youbettergo.”

“Iknow...butyouneedtoletgoofmeifyouwantmetoleave.”

Heclosedhiseyes,inhaledheragaintopullherscentintohislungs,andfinallyreleasedherhand.

Emeliahesitatedbeforeshelefthimstandinginhisroomwhilesheclosedthedoorbehindher.

Hehadnocluehowlonghestoodinthemiddleofhisroom,butthedampnessonhisfacecauseda

handtolifttowipeatit.Hemovedhishandawayandlookedatthewetnessthatcoatedhisfingers,and
that’swhenherealizedthathewascrying.

Hisfeetmovedandthenhewasinthebathroom,staringathisreflectioninthemirror.

Reachingout,heturnedthefaucetonandsplashedhisfacewithcoldwaterbeforehegrabbedatowel

anddriedoff.

Asheglancedathisreflectioninthemirror,helookedsick,oratleastlikesomeonewhohadaloton

hismind.

ChapterSeventeen

“Eric,”Emeliashoutedtheminuteshe’dspottedherbrotherheadingintheoppositedirection.

Hecametoastopandswiveledaroundonhisbootedfeetwhilehepinnedherwithhisstare.“What’s

wrong?”heasked,andfrownedwhenshestoppeddirectlyinfrontofhim.

Theminuteshe’dleftDante,Emeliaknewthatitwastimetofindhermomandaskwhatsheknew,

eventhoughitfilledEmeliawithastrangemixtureofhopeandfear.Shehadto,andshehadtodoitnow
becauseDantewastorturedwithhisfeelingsforher.Itwouldn’tchangethefactthathewasapriest,butit
wouldtakethesisterelementaway.HeronlyhopewasthatDantewouldlistenafterwards.

“Emelia,”Ericgrippedhershoulders,“snapoutofitandanswerme.What’sgoingon?”

“I’mgoingtofindmymomandtalktoher,now.Ihaveto.CanyoudistractDad?”

“Wow,slowdown.”

Shecaughtherbreathandadmitted,“I’vejustspokentoDanteaboutthatnight,andIneedtotellhim

everything,butIcan’tuntilI’vetalkedtomymom,sopleasedistractDad.Chancesarethey’llbetogether
somewhere.”

Eric sighed. “I’ve been thinking about this, and I think it’s best if he’s present as well because it

concernsthemboth.”

Ofcourseitdid.

She’dbeensoconcentratedonjusttalkingtohermomthatshehadn’treallyentertainedthethoughtof

talkingtothemboth.Hermomwastheeasieronetotalktoandalwayshadbeen,butshelovedthemboth
andreallydidneedanswers.Emelianoddedherhead.“You’reright.”

Ericchuckled.“Ialwaysam.”

Emeliarolledhereyesandelbowedhiminthestomach.“Iwillneversaythosewordsagaintoyou.”

“C’mon,let’sfindthem.”Heshookhishead,andturnedherbackaround.

Herfeetfeltlighterasshemovedclosertotheirfather’sofficebecause,althoughtalkingtoDantehad

embarrassedhersomethingwicked,he’dgivenhertheconfidencetotalk,andaskforthetruth.

Ericknockedontheofficedoorandwaitedtobegivenpermissiontoenter.Thereweren’tmanyrules

inthehouse,butjustwalkingintotheirfather’sofficewasoneofthem.

“Weneedtotalktoyouboth,”Ericsaidonentering.“Isnowagoodtime?”

Shefeltondisplayashermomanddadstaredatthembeforeherdadasked,“Iseverythingokay?”

“Ijustneedtoaskyousomething,andIwantEricwithme,”Emeliaadded,andtookaseatonthesofa

besideEric.

“This is why you’re both here at the same time, and it’s nothing to do with your wedding?” Lucia

statedwhilelookingatEric.

“That’sright,”Ericconfirmed.

Asthoughhermothersensedthatitwasherwhoneededtospeak,sheturnedinEmelia’sdirection.

“Emelia,honey.”Shesmiled,offeringencouragementlikeshe’ddoneallEmelia’slife.

Emeliaclearedherthroatanddebatedwhereorevenhowtostarttheconversation,butsettledonher

eighteenthbirthday.

“JustafterIturnedeighteen,”shepaused,andfidgetedwiththepurplepolishonhernailswhenshe

realizedtheroomwassoquietyou’dhearapindrop,“I’dgonelookingforMom.”

Erictookherhandandsqueezed,shesmiledandcontinued,“Ifoundher,butyouwerebotharguing,

andthenyoustartedtalkingaboutsomeonedying.SoIdidn’tletyouknowIwasthere.Ididn’twantto
interrupt.”

Hermompaled,andgraspedthenecklaceatherthroatwhileholdingherhusband’sgazebeforeshe

lookedbacktoEmelia.“Goon.”

“IneedtoknowifwhatIheardistrue?DidFrancesca,Eric’smom,begyoubothtomarrywhileshe

was...sick?Isittruethatdadisn’tmybiologicalfather?Whatreallyhappenedbackthen?”Emeliagushed
everythingoutsoquicklythatshewasn’tsureifshe’dbeencoherent.

Thatwasuntilshelookedatherparents,andrealizedthatthey’dheardeverythingshe’dsaid.They

bothsatinshock,andthetearsonhermother’sfacemadeherhearthurt.Sheknewthattherewouldbe
tears,butithurtknowingthatshewasthecause.

Shehadtokeeptellingherselfthatshehadn’tcausedthemess,becauseithadalreadybeendecided

beforeshe’devenbeenborn.

Herfatherwalkedaroundhisdeskandpulledhiswifeupandintohisarms.“It’salright,honey,”he

consoled her before he pulled her down with him on the opposite sofa. “My name is on your birth
certificate,”hewhispered,hisvoicehuskywithtears.

“You’llalwaysbemyfather.Apieceofpaperwillneverchangethat,butIdoneedtoknowthetruth.”

Shewipedatatear,andhopedthatshewouldn’tcontinuetobeafaucet.

Herfathernodded.“Inmyeyes,youandDiegowillalwaysbemine.”Hesmiledathermombeforehe

turnedbacktoher.“I’venevertreatedyoudifferently,andIneverwill,butyou’veaskedforthetruthso
weoweittoyou.”HelookedatEric.“You’veknown?”

“SinceThanksgiving.”

“Okay,”herfatherstartedasheturnedbacktoEmelia.“Youknowthatyourmotherwasgoodfriends

withmyfirstwife,Francesca?”

Emelianodded.

“Lucia had been dating someone. She was in love…or thought she was, but he grew increasingly

violent. By the time she realized how extremely violent he was, she was pregnant by him. Francesca
knew…shealsoknewthatsheonlyhadashorttimeleft.Toprotectherfriend,andherfriend’sbabies,
shebeggedmetomarryLucia,toclaimherchildrenasmine.Irefusedatfirstbecausethethoughtofbeing
marriedto anyone otherthan Francesca mademe sick to thestomach.” He wrappedhis arm around his
wife.

“Sheeventuallyworemedownbecauseshesaidthatshecouldn’tgopeacefullyuntilsheknewthat

meandherchildrenwouldbelookedafter...emotionalblackmail...myselfandLuciaagreed…Ilovedyour
mother,Eric.Shewasmylifebeforeshedied.”

Ericclearedhisthroat.“Iknow.”

“Of course when you,” he looked at Emelia, “and Diego were born, it caused so much conflict

between me and Dante, and you, Eric, but Francesca had sworn us to secrecy. No way could your
biologicalfatherfindoutaboutyou.MyheartwasbrokenbackthensoIdidn’treallycare,whichIshould
have.PerhapsifIhad,thenI’dstillhavethefriendshipwithFrancesca’sbrother,EliasMcKenzie,which
Ioncehad.Itwouldn’thaveruinedmyrelationshipwithmyoldestsonifI’dbeenhonest,either.Ihave
regretsaboutthattimeinourlives,butwejustcouldn’triskitbackthen.

“Overtheyears,IfelldeeplyinlovewithLucia,andthat’swhenwerenewedourweddingvows.I

love your mother, Emelia, with all my heart...and Eric, your mother is still in my heart and she always
willbe.”

EmeliasniffledintoaKleenex,andstoodtoaccepthermother’sarmsaroundher.“I’msosorrywe

never told you.” Her mother kissed Emelia on her cheek. “We nearly did so many times after we knew
he’ddied,butastimewenton,itbecamemoredifficult.Everyoneseemedsettledintheirlivesthatwe
justleftit.”

“Weknownow,”Emeliapulledaway,andlookedatEric.

Hehadn’tsaidmuchandhewasoldenoughtorememberthattimeintheirlives,butasshelookedat

himnow,helookedasthoughhewasfightingbackhisanger.

“Eric?”shereachedforhisarmand,afterheglancedather,helookedathisfather.

“Ourlivescouldhavebeendifferentifyouhadtoldusthetruth.Weallmissedourmother,andIknow

DanteandIthoughtyou’dbeenhavinganaffair,”hepaused,andEmeliasawtheangerhetriedtohide,
“whileourmotherhadbeendying,”heshouted.

EmeliafeltnumbwhileshewatchedEricgetangrierbytheminute.Hehadeveryrightto.Beforehe

couldcarryon,sheasked,“WhoismineandDiego’sbiologicalfather?”

Silencefollowed,andwasfinallyansweredbytheirfather,“Hewasaviolentman,andwegotword

thathe’ddied,whichiswhatyouoverheardnineyearsago,”herfatheranswered.“Ifyoureallyneedto
knowmoredetails,wewilltellyou,butthatissomethingIwantyoutothinkverycarefullyaboutfirst
becauseonceyouknow,itisn’tsomethingthatcanbeunknown.”

Shegaspedwhentheofficedoorwaspushedopen,andDantestoodthere,hisexpressioncloudedin

anger.

AstunnedsilencefollowedbeforeshewatchedDantepullhimselftogether.“Emeliaisn’tmysister?”

heaskedsoquietlythatshedidn’tthinkanyonecouldhear.

“Ofcoursesheis,”herfatherstated,atraceofangerinhisvoice.

“No...sheisn’t,”Dantegrowled.

“Howmuchdidyouhear?”Ericasked.

“Fuckingeverything.”

Emelia’seyeswidenedinshockedsurpriseathearingthecurseleaveDante’smouth—atruesignthat

hewasangryandupset.

Emeliawasgladthathe’doverheardeverythingbecauseitmeantthatshedidn’thavetoworkupthe

couragetotellhim.Ifonlyshecouldgetherlegstomove,shecouldgoandofferhimcomfort.Helooked
sickatwhathe’dheard…sickandangry.

“Why?” Dante asked. “Dammit to hell, answer me,” he shouted. “All these years I thought you’d

betrayedmydyingmotherwithLucia.Whythehelldidyouletmebelievethat?Fromthemomentthatyou
toldusaboutLuciaandherpregnancy,ourrelationshiphasneverbeenthesame.DoImeansolittletoyou
thatyoudidn’tcare?”

“That’snottrue,”theirfatherstarted,tearshoveredonhislashes.“You’remyson,andIloveyou...I

promisedyourmother.Itwasherlastrequestbeforeshedied.Itwasn’tapromisethatImadelightlyor
thatIwaswillingtobreak.”

DantelookedreadytobreakwhenEmeliatookasteptowardhim.Herheartbroke,ashetookastep

awaywithoutevenlookingather.

“AsIgotolder,becameaman,youhadplentyoftimetotellmethen,toexplain...exceptyounever

did.”

Dantelookedreadytobreak,soshetookanothersteptowardhim.Whenshemovedtotouchhim,he

finally looked at her. “Don’t, Emelia. I can’t deal with you right now.” His black eyes looked straight
throughher—hardanduncaring.

Themanstandinginfrontofherwasn’tthemanthatshe’dfalleninlovewithallthoseyearsago.He

wasn’t the man that she still loved. There didn’t appear to be any sign of her Dante when she held his
gaze—itwasempty.

Hisjawclenchedtightlyashisgazelefthertoglareathisfatheragain.“Whatabouttheothers?I’m

presumingyou’regoingtotellthem.”Itwasn’taquestionthatcameoutofDante’smouthbutademand,
like:youwilltellthem.

“Dante?”

“Em,notnow,”hesnarled,andshetookastepback—hurtandheartbroken.

Ericcameupbesideherandpulledherbacktowardhim.“Leavehimfornow,”hewhispered.“He

needstoleteverythinghe’sheardsinkin.Givehimtime.”Erictookherintohisarms.

Shewasgladforthesupport,andsnuggledagainstEricbecauseshe’dneverneededcomfortingmore

thanshedidthen,whilethetruththatshe’dknownforyearshadfinallybeentold.

ThedeepesthurtcamefromDante’srejection.Sheknewthatithadtobeoneheckofashockforhim

todiscoverthetruthafteralltheseyears.

Itstillhurtthough.

ChapterEighteen

Dante’s head throbbed with what he’d overheard. He’d had no intention of listening in on the

conversationuntilhe’dheard‘biological’,andthenhe’dbeenfrozeninplace...andhe’dlistened.

WhyhadEmeliaandEricbeenintheroomforthediscussionwithouthim?Hadhebeenexcludedfor

somereason?

He looked at his father, and asked, “Were you planning on telling me or was this just Emelia and

Eric’sshow?”

“No!” Emelia cried, and it was like a knife to the heart. He’d pushed her away when she’d needed

holding,likehisbrotherheldhernow.

She’dwantedtoconsolehimaswell.He’dseenitonherfaceclearasday,butheknewthathe’dfall

apartifshetouchedhim.

“No,Dante,”shetriedtomovetohimbutthearmErichadwrappedaroundherwaistpreventedher

fromgoinganywhere,“Iwantedtotalktothemfirst,andthenIwasgoingtocomeandtellyou...Ineeded
whatIoverheardconfirmedbeforeItoldyou.”

Wait.What?

“Whatdoyoumeanoverheard?”hebitoutbetweenhisclenchedjaw.

“AboutDiegoandmehavingadifferentfather,everythingyoujustoverheard,really.”

Hecouldn’teventhinkaboutitbecausehisheadswamwithwordsthatcameathimallatonce.His

firstthoughthadbeentorun,andhewishedthathe’ddonethatsohedidn’thavetofaceeveryone.Hewas
apriestandsupposedtobeabletoforgive,buthenevertrulyforgavehisfatherforthebetrayalofhis
mother.Howcouldheforgivenowwhenthetruthtothoseliescouldhavesenthislifealongadifferent
path?

“Howlonghaveyouknown?”heaskedEmelia,andwhenshestayedsilentandchewedonherlip,he

looked at his father and Lucia and then to Eric, but no one volunteered the answer. “How long?” he
growled.

“Aboutnineyears.”

HetookastepbackatEmelia’sconfession,andifitwasn’tforthelookonherface,he’dhavethought

thathe’dmisheard,buthehadn’t.“Nineyears?”hehissed.

“Itriedtotellyouafter...butyouwouldn’ttalktomeoranswermycalls,andthenIdiscoveredthat

you’dgonetothechurch,andtriedagain.Itwassohard.You’retoodamnstubborn.”

“Andyou?”heasked,Eric.

“SinceThanksgiving,”Ericanswered.

“Ineedtothink.”Withthatheturnedandlefttheroomasquicklyashe’denteredwithoutanyideaas

to where he was going. His thoughts were running faster than he could and he knew he couldn’t outrun
them.Buthecouldoutrunhisfamily.

Hisroomwasoutofthequestion,andheknewthatEricwouldcomeafterhim.He’dheardEmeliaas

she begged Eric to go after him so he wasn’t alone. Even after he’d pushed her away, she was still
thinkingabouthimandhowhewasfeeling.

Emelia…

He’d wanted nothing more than to have her arms around him, and to accept the comfort that she’d

wantedtogivehim.Heshouldn’thavepushedheraway.

As well as having a lot on his mind, it was obviously filled with Emelia because he found himself

standinginthemiddleofherfavoriteplaceinthehouse—thesunroom.

“Everyonecomesheretothink,”Ericdrawledasheenteredandclosedthedoorbehindhimself.

“WhyEric?Whydidn’tshetelleveryonebackthen?”

“Youheardher.Yourefusedtolistentowhatshehadtosay.”

“Fuck,”hecursedandtuggedathishairwhilehenoticedhisbrother’sfrown.

As a rule, he never cursed, or at least he hadn’t since he’d become a priest, but now he wanted to

screamorcurseor,maybeeven,punchsomething.

“You can’t blame Emelia for all this. She was only eighteen when she overheard the truth—too

young...Idon’tgetwhyyou’renotrelieved.ThefeelingsyouhaveforEmelia,althoughnotideal,arenot
wrong.”

Dante moved to the window and looked out while he tried to calm down, and he admitted, “I am

relieved about that. Some part of me must have known, but it doesn’t really make any difference in the
longrun.I’mstillapriest.”Heletthesilencesurroundthembeforeheadded,“Myrelationshipsuffered
withouroneremainingparent,Eric.”Heturnedtofacehisbrother.“Formanyyears,Icouldhardlybein
theroomwithFatherbecauseofwhatIthoughthe’ddone.Isufferedforyearswiththeknowledgethatour
fatherhadanaffairwhen,inactualfact,hehadn’t.HelostagoodfriendinouruncleElias.Welostour
cousins.Liveschangedbecauseofwhathappened.”

Feelingweary,Dantedroppedintoachairandrestedhisheadagainstthebackofitwhilehegazedup

at the glass ceiling. He couldn’t see anything because the snow had covered the roof, so he closed his
eyesandrubbedathistemple.“IgaveeverythingupwhenIrealizedIhadfeelingsforEmeliaandthought
shewasmysister.Iranscared,Eric,andforwhat?”

He lifted his head and met Eric’s gaze as his brother answered, “You have a real chance at

happiness…more than you thought you’d ever be allowed, and you need to think about what you want
more—Emeliaorthechurch.”

Tearscameoutofnowhereashepressedhisfingerandthumbagainsthiseyelidstotryandstopthem

fromfalling.“Iwishitwasthateasy,”headmittedquietly.

“Itis,”Ericstatedbeforehelefthimalone.

No,itwasn’t.

He felt so tired that his body wanted to stay where he was, but he needed to move, and leave the

house.

Homecalledhimandwastheonlyplacethathe’dbeabletothinkproperly.Hisfamilywouldn’tbe

around,makingiteasiertogethisheadintheplacethatheneededittobe.Heneededtheclearairandthe
quietofFrederick,andhecertainlyneededtobesomewherethathisfamilywasn’t.

He felt hollow inside, as though everything had gone poof with what he’d heard...turning his head

towardthedoor,heheardfootfallsoutsidejustbeforethehandleturnedandhisfatherwalkedinside.

Hewatchedashisfatherwalkedcloserandtooktheseatoppositehimwithoutgivinghimachoiceas

to whether or not Dante wanted to talk. “I need you to understand something,” his father started and
pausedwhenhecouldn’tgoon.

His father looked his sixty-five years, when he usually looked ten years younger. His face was

strained with raw emotion running through him. So when he’d pulled himself together and continued,
Dante listened, “I fell in love with your mother when I was fourteen years old, and I never looked at
anyoneelse.I’dhavegivenhertheworldifshe’dasked,andwhenshediedIkeptthepromisethatImade
toher.Itseemedsoimportanttoherthatsheknowherchildrenandmewerelookedafterwhensheleftus.
Neitherofusconsideredwhatthatpromisewoulddotothefamily—toyou,oureldestson.

“For a long time, I let life pass me by, and in truth, if it hadn’t been for Lucia, I’d have probably

followedyourmotherbecauseIwasworkingmyselfintotheground.LuciamadesureIate,andshemade
suremysonshadfoodonthetable,carriedonwithschool.Luciamadesurethateveryonekeptmoving
forward.”

His father paused to wipe at his eyes, and Dante didn’t know how he was supposed to feel at his

father’swords.

“Luciaheldusalltogether,”hisfathercontinued,“Whenyouaskedmetosignthepapersforschool,I

had no idea it was for you to board at an all boys catholic school. It wasn’t until Lucia was heavily
pregnantandputonbedrestthatIrealizedhowmuchshedidforusall,anditmademesitupandfinally
takenotice.”HeofferedDanteawrysmile,“Ifyouremember,Ivisitedyouatschoolandtriedtogetyou
tocomehome,butyourefused.You’reasstubbornasme…and,I’msorryIwasn’tthereforyouwhenyou
neededmethemost.”

Dantesatforwardandrubbedathisforeheadagain,hisheadachegettingworse.“Thingswouldhave

beensodifferentifyou’datleastconfidedinme,andmaybeEric.Weweretheoldestandmoreableto
understandwhyyoumarriedapregnantLucia.Everythingcouldhavebeensodifferent.”Helookedaway
beforehemethisfather’sgazeagain.“Iprobablywouldstillbeintherestaurantbusiness.”

“What?Ithoughtyoulovedbeingapriest...youdon’t?”hisfatheraskedinmoreshockthanbefore.

Whatwashereallysaying?

Hehadn’tbeensettledinthecollarforagoodwhile,butthatwasbecauseofhisfeelingsforEmelia.

“Dante?”

“Irantothechurch...aftersomethinghappened.Somethingthat,atthetime,Ithoughtwaswrong.So

verywrong.”Hesighed,heavily.“AndnowI’velearnedthatitwasn’twrongafterall.Well,notaswrong
asIthoughtitwas.”

“Youaren’tmakingabitofsensenow.”Hisfatherfrowned.

“IknowI’mnot.”Dantestoodandshovedhishandsintohispockets.“I’mgoingtoheadhome.Ineed

timetothinkabouteverything.”Hemoved,andplacedhishandonhisfather’sshoulderandsqueezed.“I
loveyou,Dad,andeventhoughithurtsalotforthetimethatwewasted,Idounderstand.Irememberyou
and Mom before she got sick. You’d have given her anything, and sometimes I used to think that if you
couldhave,you’dhavetradedplaceswithhersothatshecouldlive.”

Hisfathercoveredhishandandpatted,andwithonelastsqueeze,Dantewalkedoutandwenttograb

histhingssohecouldleavequickly.

ChapterNineteen

“Whyareyoustillinbed,”Diegogrumbledbeforeheopenedhercurtainstoletinthebrightsun.“Are

yousick?Momneversaidanything.”

She hid under the covers when her brother let the light into her room. She’d just woken up at his

abruptentry,andwasn’tinthemoodforanything.Infact,shefeltsoclosetotearsatthesightofhertwin,
shetriedtofightthembackbeforeDiegoremovedthecover,whichsheknewhe’ddo.

Ithadbeentwodayssincesheknewtheabsolutetruth,andsinceDantehadleftwithoutonewordto

her. She’d messaged him, and it hurt that he hadn’t even read them. Eric had left to go home to Sylvia,
whichleftEmeliaathometobetherewhenherparentstoldtheothers.

MateoandKaseyhadarrivedthenightbefore,andAidenwouldhaveflownhomewithDiegoashe

was still in New York. But now she had to stay quiet until her brothers were called in to their father’s
office.

Shecertainlywasn’tgoingtobetheonetotellanyone,notafterDante’sreaction,whichstillhurtdeep

inherheart.

Thelongingtogotohim,sothathewasn’talone,wasstrong,andsheknewthatitwouldn’tbelong

before she gave in and turned up on his doorstep with her bags. He’d have to deal with her then—no
avoidance.

“Sis,”Diegogentlycalled,soundingunsure,whichwasn’tlikehim.“Emelia,c’monoutfromthere.

Youhavemeworried.”

She felt him sit on the bed at her hip just before the covers were peeled back from her face. “I’m

okay,”shewhispered.

Diegofrowned.“Youdon’tsoundtoogood.”Heplacedthepalmofhishandoverherforehead.“You

don’thaveatemperature.Whyareyouhidinginhere?”

“I’mnot.”

Hearchedabrowasthoughtosay,‘yeah,right’.

“Okay,maybeIam.”Shepushedherselfupandrestedherchinonherknees.“I’mgladyou’rehere.”

Thatwasthetruthaswell.ShealwayswantedDiegowhenshewasupset,andhertwinneverbothered
withwhatothersthoughtwhenheheldher.Hewasalwaysaffectionatewithher.

She climbed from the bed and crawled onto Diego’s lap, wrapping her arms around his neck. She

sighedandfeltthateverythingwouldbeokaywithhisarmsaroundher,protectingher.

“Emelia,youknowI’malwayshereforyou,butyoureallyhavemeworried.Doesthishaveanything

todowithwhyMomandDadhavecalledusallhere?”

He stroked down her back, but held her tightly against him with his other hand. And then, when he

kissedhershoulder,shestartedtoquietlysobagainsthim.

“Fuck,Emelia.”

Minutespassedwhileheheldherandeventuallyhersobsturnedtohiccups,andDiegolaughed.

“I’msorry.”Shewipedathertears,blewhernoseandlaughedwhenDiegowinced.

“Ineededthat.”

“Dammit,Sis,you’relikeafaucetrecently.IknowIpromisedyounottokeepaskingwhat’swrong,”

hestood,andmovedherbacktoherbedbeforeheranhisfingersthroughhishair,“butIneedtoknow.
I’llkeepittomyself,butIwanttoknow.”

WhenDiegogotinoneofhismoods,sheknewthathereallywouldn’tletitgo.Shecertainlycouldn’t

tellhimeverything,butshecouldgivehimabittokeephimhappy,atleastfornow.

“DoesthishaveanythingtodowithDante?”heasked,butshesensedangerbehindhisquestion.

“Kindof.”

“Shit.Whatisitwithyoutwo?Youbothhaveanargumentandthensulkliketeenagersuntiloneofyou

makesthefirstmovetomakeup.”Hemovedandstooddirectlyinfrontofher,hishandreachedoutand
tippedherfaceuptomeethisgaze.“Thishastostopbecauseitmakesyousodamnsad.”Hefrowned.
“Youdon’tgetlikethiswhenwefallout.Yougetpissed.What’sdifferent?”

“I don’t want to cry again. Let’s leave it for now, I’m going to follow Dante to Denver and get our

differencessortedout.”

“Abouttime,”Diegogrumbled,andashelookedoutofherwindow,startedtogrin.“Comeandlook.”

Hereachedhishandouttoher,hisgazestayedfocusedoutsidethewindow.

Shejumpedfromthebed,grabbedherrobeandlethimdragherinfrontofhim.“Whatarewelooking

at?”

“Aiden.”Hesmirked.

Aidenleanedagainstthevet’sSUVandtalkedtoherassheloadedhergearintotheback.Afoalhad

beenbornearlierandtheirfatherhadcalledSarah,thevet,toassist.ButwhywouldDiegobeinterested
inwatchingAidenwithher?

EmeliaturnedtolookatDiego.“Idon’tgetwhatI’mlookingat.”

“Emelia,youfrightenmesometimeswithhownaiveyouare.Look!”

Shewatchedandrealizedtheirolderbrotherwasinterestedinthevet.“She’smarried.”

“I know, and so does he. I’ve seen him watching her a few times, and she blushes whenever he’s

close.Shehasn’toncementionedherhusbandsoI’mnotsurewhat’sgoingon.”

Emelialightlypunchedherbrotherinhisstomach.“Behave.”

“Whatme?”Hegrinned.“I’malwaysonmybestbehavior.”

“Yeah,right.”Shewasabouttoaddmorewhentherewasaknockatherbedroomdoor.“Comein.”

Mateowalkedinandsaid,“Iknewyou’dbeinhere,”toDiego.“You’rebothnearlythirtyandstill

invadeeachother’spersonalspace.”Heshookhishead,butshedidn’tmissthesmilethathoveredonhis
lipsashemovedtowardthem.

“Hey,Mateo.”Shewrappedherarmsaroundhiswaistandheldhimtoherashisarmswentaround

hershoulders.

He kissed the top of her head and, keeping an arm around her, dragged her with him as he joined

Diegoatthewindow.Hepeeredoutandsmirked.“Onlyheartbreakinthatdirection.”

“Shewearsaweddingband,butissheactuallymarried?”Diegowonderedoutloud.

“She’smarried.IbumpedintothematoneoftheglitteryeventsIhadtoattendafewweeksago,and

herhusbandisanarrogantasshole.ButAidenneedstostayawayfromherandtostopthinkingwithhis
dick,”Mateoadded.

“Hey,”EmeliaelbowedMateointhestomach.

Heletgoofherandrubbedwhereshenailedhim.“What’swrongwithyou?”

“He’sthinkingwithmorethanhisdick,”Emeliaanswered.

“Canwechangethesubject?”Diegomoaned,“Idon’twanttothinkaboutEmeliaanddicks.Infact,I

thinkI’mgoingtopuke.”

Sherolledhereyes.“Growup.”

DiegolaugheduntilMateointerrupted,“We’rewanteddownstairsinDad’soffice.Hehassomething

totellus.”

Diegofrownedandturnedtoher.“Youbettergetdressed.”

Sheshookherhead.“It’snotmethat’sneeded.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”Diegofrowned.

“Iknowwhattheyhavetosay,andIdon’twanttobethere...butI’llbewaiting.”Shereachedupand

kissedDiegoonthecheek.“Iloveyou.”SheturnedtoMateo,“Iloveyouaswell.”

After she’d planted a kiss to Mateo’s cheek, she shoved them out of her room with puzzled

expressionsontheirfaces.

They’dknowwhatwaswrongwithhersoonenough.

Emeliaforcedherselftowalkinsideherbathroomandclosedthedoor.

Shehopedtheconversationwouldbeeasierthistimearoundforherparents,butshehadherdoubts.

They were up against four of them, and they all had a right to be pissed with their confession. It was
Diegowhoworriedherthemost.HewasabouttofindoutthatEmilianowasn’ttheirbiologicalfather,
andshewasn’tsurehowwellhe’dtakethatbitofinformation.

Asshesteppedintotheshower,sheletthehotwaterpoundintoherskinwhilesheemptiedhermind

ofeverythingforabriefperiodoftime.

IthadbeenanhoursinceDiegoandMateohadgonedownstairs,andEmeliahadn’theardanyraised

voicesordoorsbeingslammed.Sothatwasgood,atleast,shehopeditwas.Partofherwishedthatshe’d
insistedonbeingthere,buttheotherpartwasrelieved.

Shedidn’twanttoseeDiegolookatheraccusinglybecauseshe’dknownandhadn’ttoldhim.Butshe

knewthathe’drootheroutoncetheirparentshadansweredhisquestions.SheandDiegowouldalways
lookfortheotherwhenupset.

Itwassomuchbiggerthananythingthey’ddealtwithbefore,soshehopedthatDiegohandleditwell.

Shewasn’tsurehowshe’dbeabletohelphimotherwise.

ButsheknewwhatshehadtodowithDante,andoncesheknewhertwinwasokay,she’dbewiththe

man she loved. It wouldn’t be easy because Dante was stubborn as hell, but she was optimistic for a
future with him. She honestly didn’t want to think about a future without him because that wouldn’t be
somethingthatshecouldaccept.

Sudden shuffling outside her bedroom door drew her attention so, without waiting, she moved and

yanked the door open and found Diego. She pulled him into her room and led him over to the chair,
pushinghimintoit,assheperchedontheedgeofherbed.

He looked shell-shocked and she didn’t know what to do to snap him out of it, but then he met her

worriedgaze.

“Youknew,”heaccused,quietly.

Shenodded,andfeltthatallfighthadlefthim.

“Aiden’sknownsincehewasakid...howlonghaveyouknown?”

“What? What do you mean that Aiden’s known? I don’t understand.” Her mind was spinning. How

couldhehaveknown?Hewasonlyachildwhenitallhappened.

“AidenwashidingintheclosetwhenhismombeggedDadandMomtomarry.Heheardeverything

but didn’t really understand. He admitted to forgetting about it after his mother’s death, and that it had
beenalongtimeuntilhethoughtaboutit.Whenhedid,hewasn’tsurewhetherornothe’ddreameditup
soheleftit.”

“PoorAiden...howareyou?You’retooquietandthat’sfrightening.”

He sat back and looked relaxed, but she didn’t let that fool her. Diego was the brother to act first,

insteadofthinking.

“I’mnumb...I’malsooldenoughtoknowthatEmilianoisstillourfather.Heputhisnameonourbirth

certificates;he’snevertreatedusdifferentlythantheothers.There’sasmallpieceofmyheartthathurts
becausehedidn’tfatherus,butIknowhelovesusandalwayshas.It’sweirdbutitisn’t,ifthatmakesany
sense?”

“Itdoes,”Emeliawhispered.

“Howlonghaveyouknown?”Diegoraisedabrowandwaited.

She might as well go for broke. “I overheard them talking when I was eighteen,” she admitted. “I

wanted to tell you so badly, but I wasn’t one hundred percent sure that what I heard was fact so I kept
quiet.Thenitjustwentonanditbecamehardertotalktoanyone,soIdidn’tbotherandtriedtoignoreit.I
couldn’tanymore,whichiswhyIaskedthemaboutittwodaysago.”

“Sothat’swhywegotthecallandtheytoldusnow.”

Emelia nodded and braced herself for her brother’s anger, which never came. It still could, but he

reallywasquiet.

Her anger and upset had happened so long ago, and the other day, it was Dante’s rejection that had

brokenherheartmorethananythingtheirparentshadtosay.

UnabletokeepherdistancefromDiego,Emeliastoodandclimbedontohislap.Hehesitatedandthen

wrappedhisarmsaroundher.

“I’msorryIdidn’ttellyou.Iwasupsetatthetimeanddidn’twantyoutosufferaswell,especiallyas

youweregoingthroughan‘Ihateeverything’time.Ididn’twanttoriskyourejectingFather,andthen,like
Isaid,ithadbeenleftsolongthatIdidn’twanttobringitup...doyouforgiveme?”

“God,Emelia.” He kissedher forehead. “Idon’t even have tothink about thatbecause, of course, I

forgiveyou.You’remysister,mytwin.Thatmeansmoretomethananything.”

ShestillfeltuncertainbyDiego’slackofresponsetowhatheheardbecausesheexpectedhisvolatile

selftoappear.Butno,hewassubdued.

Allshecouldhopeforwasthatshewasaroundwhenitreallysankinwithhim.

ChapterTwenty

DantehadavoidedtheBishop’scallssincehe’dbeenbackinFrederickandheknewthatitwouldn’t

be long before he received an unexpected visit from him. He didn’t know what to say or admit. He
certainly couldn’t talk about Emelia to anyone, which drove him crazy, and he didn’t want to bring up
withthebishophisthoughtsonleavingthechurch.He’dneverbeensoconfused.

Butforthepastthreenightssincehe’dlefthisfamily’shome,he’dwokeninthenightsweatingand

tangledinhissheetswithdreamsofEmelia.

He’dbeenacoldbastardtoherwhenhefoundoutthetruth,butoncehe’dgothimselfundercontrol,

he’dtalktoher.Hehadto.Hisconsciencewouldn’tallowanythingelse.Whathe’dsay,hehadnoclue,
andhehopedthewordswouldcomewhenshestoodinfrontofhim.

Theydidn’t…

Hecameoutofhisofficeandwasabouttowalktowardthekitchenwhensomeonebangedonthefront

door.Withhisfoulmood,hewastemptedtoletBarbaragetthedoor,butsighedandopeneditwide...and
there she stood. He closed his eyes and opened them again to make sure she wasn’t a figment of his
imagination.

“Letherin.”Barbarashuffledatthesideofhim,nudginghimoutoftheway.

Emelia blinked back tears as she turned to hang her coat on one of the pegs beside the door, he

couldn’t stop his eyes from roaming over her soft curves. His body reacted like it usually did around
Emelia,becominghardanduncomfortablebehindhiszipper.Hethankedhisluckystarsthathissweatshirt
droppedbelowhisgroin.

Quickly averting his eyes before Barbara caught him, he let Emelia be fussed over by the older

woman.They’dbothgottenalonginthepast,buthewasn’tsosurewhatwouldhappenthisvisit.

WithEmeliashowinguplikeshehad,Dantehadanideaastohowshewantedthevisittogo,hejust

neededtobecertainthatitwaswhathereallywantedbeforehemadesuchahugedecision.Shemade
himafraid.

What scared him was the knowledge that all Emelia would have to do was touch him, and then he

wouldn’tbeabletoholdbackwhenheknewtheyweren’trelatedbyblood.Heknewinhisbloodthatthe
whitecollararoundhisneckwouldn’tmakeadifferenceintheend,healsoknewthathe’dfightit.Hehad
to,otherwise,hewouldn’tbeabletolookanyoneinthefaceatMass.Hecertainlywouldneverbeableto
preachabout‘sinning’whenhe’ddonejustthat.

“Father,areyouunwell?”Barbaraasked,andreachedforhisforehead.

“I’mfine.Pleasedon’tfuss.”

“Yoursisterlookslikeshecoulddowithahugaboutnow.”Shefrowned.“Sowhileyou’redoingthat,

I’llgoandmakeanicecupoftea.”ShedisappearedintothekitchenwhenhefinallymetEmelia’sgaze.

Without a word said between them, he took that one step forward and pulled her against him. He

wrapped his arms around her shoulders and buried his face in her neck, sighing in pleasure when she
wrappedherarmsaroundhiswaistandheldtight.

Theystoodwrappedtogetherinalovingembraceforsolongthatevenwhenthewhistleblewonthe

old-fashionedteakettle,whichBarbarainsistedonusing,itdidn’tdisturbthem.

Emeliafeltsogoodinhisarmsthathefearedhe’dneverbeabletolethergo.Heneededtoapologize

toher,butnotoutinthehall.Barbarawouldleaveshortly,maybesoonerifshethoughtEmelianeededto
talk,andthenthey’dbealone.

Notsuchagoodidea.

It didn’t matter. They’d be alone later, regardless of any intervention on Barbara’s part. He still

couldn’t bring himself to release her. She smelled so good that his nose ran along her neck while he
inhaled. Emelia gasped, and then pressed her mouth against his neck and moaned. The vibration sent
desireracingtohisdick,whichswelledevenmore.Hewasafraidthethingwouldburstthroughhispants
togettoherwithhowhardhewas.

Sofarhe’dmanagedtokeephimselfincheckwhileshewasinhisarms,butallitwouldtakewould

beforhertomoveatinybittotherightandshe’dfeeleveryhardinchofhim.Thatimagecausedhishold
onhertoslacken,andthenheclearedhisthroatwhilesteppingback.

“You’ll be chilled,” he started, “having been outside in the snow. Let’s go and warm you up.” He

casuallywrappedanarmaroundhershouldersandledhertothekitchen.

Hehadn’tmissedthesurpriseonherfacewhenhe’dmentionedwarmingherup.Heknewwhatshe

thoughthemeant,anditkilledhimbecausethatwaswhathewishedhe’dmeant.

Inthekitchen,Barbarahadalreadypouredheracupoftea,whichforsomereasonshethoughtEmelia

likedwhen,inactualfact,shehatedthestuff.Therewasasliceofchocolatecakeonaplatebesidethetea
and,ofcourse,thatwasthefirstthingEmeliazeroedinon.

“Oh,myfavorite.”

Hereluctantlylethergoonceshe’dsatherselfdownatthetable.BarbarabeamedwithhavingEmelia

athertableandheknewitwasbecauseshehadsomeonenewtotalkto.Sheobviouslygotboredwith
himafterawhile,buthecouldn’tblameherwhenhe’dhardlysaidtwowordstohersincehe’dreturned
home.

“I must have known you’d be here today when I baked that cake. It’s funny though because, as I

whisked the mixture, I was thinking about you and how it was your favorite cake.” Barbara shook her
head,smiledandjoinedEmeliaatthetable.

Emelia broke a piece of cake off and popped it into her mouth, and then she looked up at him and

smiled.Shereachedforhishand.“Sitwithus.Don’trushoff.”Herfingersgrazedhiswristandhisbody
brokeoutingoosebumps.

Hedroppedintotheseatbesideherandtriedtoconcentrateontheconversationgoingon,butallhe

couldthinkaboutwasthatEmeliawasinhishome.

Beforeheknewtheyweren’trelated,hehadbettercontroloverhisbody’sreactiontoher,butsince

thebigconfession,noteventhefactthathewasapriestcouldsubduehowhereactedtohercloseness.

“Father,areyoualright?”Barbaraaskedagain,herworrywasclearinhertone.

“I’mfine.”Hepickedhisteacupup,tookasip,andtriednottowince.

Hewasmostcertainlyacoffeedrinker.

Emeliachuckledand,whentheireyesmet,herswerefullofamusement.Sheofferedhimasmallsmile

and he was transfixed. Her olive skin had more color from when he’d opened the door to her, and
althoughshewasamusedathimforhavingtodrinkthetea,shelookedhappy.

“That’smyride.”Barbarainterruptedhisthoughtswhenshemovedfromthetable.

“I’llwalkyouout,”heoffered,andstoodtohelpBarbaraintoherjacket.

“It was lovely seeing you again.” Emelia gave Barbara a hug. “Thank you for taking great care of

him.”

“You’rewelcome...ofcourse,he’sgoodontheeyessothat’sabonus,”Barbarachuckled,andslidher

armintohissohecouldleadhertothefrontdoor.

EmeliahadglancedathimatBarbara’scommentandshe’dlooked...sad,maybe.

He shook his thoughts from his head and opened the door. Once Barbara was settled inside her

friend’scar,heinhaledandexhaledslowlywhilelookingaroundatthewhitenessthatsurroundedhim.

They’dhadsomuchsnowthatthecombinationofsnowandsunwasblinding.

Itdidn’ttakelongforthecoldnesstoseepthroughhissweatshirt,soheturnedandmadehiswayback

insideandshutthecoldout.

Herubbedhishandstogetherandstampedhisfeetacoupleoftimestotryandgetthebloodflowing.

Thefewminutesoutsidehadfrozenhimthrough.ButthenEmeliawasthere.

She took his hands into hers and rubbed them back to life, although he thought it was probably the

womanherselfwhowarmedhimbecauseshecertainlywarmedhisheart.

“You’rejustascoldasIwasfrombeingoutside,andatleast,Ihadajacketon.”

Hesmiled.“It’sbeenaverylongtimesinceIwaschastisedfornotwearingajacketoutside.”

She looked up, and when their eyes locked, the world spun for Dante. His heart pounded and he’d

neverbeensotemptedtotakethatlaststeptojointheirlips.Hiseyesdrifteddownwardsandsettledon
herbeautifulmouth.Hewatchedasshelickedherlipswithnervousness,nodoubt,buthecouldn’ttake
hiseyesfromher.

Theywerelockedintoacocoonoftheirownmaking,andDantewishedthattheycouldstayinside—

awayfromtheworldandallthewrongfulnessofwhathecravedwitheverybeatofhisheart.

“Dante,”Emeliawhisperedsoquietlythat,ifhehadn’tbeensoconsumedwithwatchingherlips,he

probablywouldn’thaveheardhisname.

HiseyessnappeduptoEmelia’s,andheclearedhisthroat.“Weneedtotalk.”

Shenodded,hishandsstillinhers.

Heintertwinedtheirfingersandsqueezed.“C’mon,we’llgointothelivingroom.”

Normally,he’dsettleintohischairinthecorneroftheroom,nexttohisbookcaseandreadinglamp,

butwhileheheldEmelia’shand,heneededtokeepherclose.Whichwaswhyheledhertothesofaand
pulledherdownbesidehim.

Herestedbackanddroppedhisheadagainstthesofawhilehestaredupattheceiling.Nothingwasup

there,butinhismindhesawEmeliasmilingupathimthroughheavilyliddedeyesasshebentandtook
himintohermouth.

Heshotintomoreofasittingpositionandwincedattheuncomfortablepositionofhisdickbehindhis

zipper.Thebestthingtodowouldbetogethisapologyoverwithandheadovertohischurch...hejust
wasn’tsureitwouldworkoutthatway,orifheevenhadthehearttodothat.

“Em,Ineedtoapologizetoyou.”Hemetherworriedgaze,andusedhisfreehandtocupherface.“I

rejected you back in Montana. I wouldn’t let you close enough to offer the comfort that I saw on your
face.” He paused and admitted, “I wasn’t sure I’d be able to let you go if I let you close...do you
understand,Em.IcraveyoulikeIdomynextbreath,andIwassoupsetthatI’dhavesaidhelltoitand
takenwhatIbadlywanted...whichwasyou.”Hechuckled,andsighed,“I’veevenstartedcursing,which
I’vemanagedtorefrainfromfornearlysevenyears.”

“You said wanted, as in past tense…“ Emelia questioned while he continued to caress along her

cheekbonewithhisthumb.

“Thereisnothingpasttenseaboutmyfeelingsforyou.”

Tohissurprise,Emeliamovedandquicklystraddledhim.Theapexofherthighspressedagainsthis

throbbing erection that strained behind his zipper. His hands landed on her thighs, which he gripped as
thoughhewasabouttopushheraway,excepthecouldn’tbringhimselftodothat.

“Look at me, Dante,” Emelia begged. “Please.” Her breath fanned his face, which told him that she

wasabreathawayfromhim.

Heopenedhiseyesandsawallthelovethatshehadforhimclearasdayreflectedinhers.

WhenEmeliawiggledonhislap,hisbreathcaughtandhishandspressedherdownagainsthimashis

hipsarchedinpleasure.Hewassohardthathewasafraidhisdickwouldsnapintwowithhowhewas
positionedinhispants.

“Youhavetostoptemptingme,”hehissedbetweenhisclenchedteeth.“Youfeeltoogood.”

Emeliaslidherhandstohisshouldersandrotatedherhips,whichsentanotherboltofluststraightto

hisgroin.Ithadbeensevenyears,atleast,sincehe’dlasthadsex,andthenithadbeenunsatisfying.But
withEmeliaontopofhim,hispleasurewassoclosetothepinnaclethatheneededtostopher.Tomove
herfromontopofhim,butashiseyescaresseduphertorso,hiseyeswidenedatthesightofherhard
nipplesthroughherT-shirt.

She moaned and threw her head back while she rubbed against him. “Help me...Dante, please...so

close.”

Hepantedandgrowled,knowingitwaswrong,butitfeltsoright.Hishandsslidupherthighs,and,

whenhegrippedherhips,hehelpedherridehim.

Hisdickwassohardandtherewasacontinuoustingleashereleasedprecum.Hecouldn’thaveheld

offhisreleaseevenifhe’dtried.So,asheheardacatchinEmelia’sbreathingbeforehewitnessedher
eyes flutter with pleasure, he closed his eyes and let the sound of his woman’s orgasm wash over him
whilehespilledintohispants.

Heheldherdownonhimashefinallymethersatisfiedsmile.Herhandsslidtothenapeofhisneck

andcausedhisbodytoshudderinpleasurebeforeshedroppedherforeheadtohis.Shechewedonherlip
asthoughshewantedtosaysomethingbutdidn’tknowhow.Heknewherbetterthananyone.“Myfirst
man-madeorgasm,”shefinallywhisperedagainsthislips.

Hiseyespoppedwide.“Noonehaseverbotheredtopleasureyou?”Thethoughtofherwithanyone

otherthanhimmadehisbloodboil,buttothinkthatshe’dbeenwithsomebastardwhodidn’tknowhow
topleasurehermadehimwanttocauseharm.

Emelia shook her head and wrapped herself around him. The most natural thing in the world was

whenhewrappedhisarmstightlyaroundherback,withonehandcaressingherbeautiful,silkyhair.

Sheburiedherfaceagainsthisneck,andadmitted,“I’veneverletanyonetouchme,Dante.”

Hishandstilledatherconfession.“What?”

“Ifellinlovewithyou.Ineverlookedatanyoneelse.”

“Letmegetthisstraightinmymind.You’veneverbeenwithaman?You’restillavirgin?”

“Yes.”

“Em,lookatme.”

Shetippedherheadbackagainsthisarmand,reachingup,caressedhiswhisker-coveredjaw.“The

thoughtofanyonebutyoutouchingmemademefeelsick.”Shesmiled.“WhenIgavemyhearttoyou,it
wouldhavebeenlikebeingunfaithfultoallowanyoneelsetotouchmeinthatway.Ijustcouldn’tdoit.”

Hisbloodthrummedthroughhisveinsatthethoughtofmakinglovetothewomaninhisarms,hejust

wasn’tsurehecouldaslongashestayedamanofGod—apriest.

“Weshouldn’thavedonethat,”headmitted.

Emelialookedhurtandtriedtopullawaybuthisgriptightenedasheclarifiedwhathemeant,“Isaid

that we shouldn’t have done that. I didn’t say anything about regretting it. I don’t, Em. I should, but I
don’t.”

“Idon’teither...Iloveyou,Dante.Somuch.”Shesettledagainsthim.

Hekissedheronthetopofherheadandadmittedwhatshealreadyknew,“Iloveyou,andIhavefor

years.”

“Iknow,”shewhisperedashepickedherupinhisarmsandcarriedhertotheguestbedroom.

She was tired, and probably hadn’t slept much since the discussion back in Montana. As he looked

downathersnuggleddowninthebed,herealizedthatitwouldbesoeasytojoinher.

ChapterTwenty-One

Forthefirsttimeinmonths,Emeliahadsleptallnightwithoutwakingonce,untilmorning.Atfirst,she

thoughtitwasearlymorningwithhowdarkitseemedbehindthecurtains,butasshepaddedovertothe
windowandlookedout,sherealizedanotherblizzardwasinfullforce.

She loved the snow when there was nowhere to go, but she desperately wanted to watch Dante at

SundayMass,whichwaswhyshe’dwornadressthatreachedherknees.Itwasfitted,butdidn’treveal
anyflesh,asitwasaturtleneckwithlongsleeves.She’dwornthick,blacktightstokeepherlegswarm
whenshesteppedoutsideinthesnow,alongwithknee-highblackboots.Otherthanherdress,whichwas
purple,sheworeblackandprobablylookedasthoughshewasheadingtoafuneral.

SundayMassalwaysfollowedwithrefreshmentsinthehallnexttothechurch,soshedidn’twantto

letDantedown.Shewantedhimtobehappythatshewasthere,insteadofworried.Shewantedhimto
knowthatshelovedhim.

Hecausedhersadnessandshewishedwithallherheartthathe’dlistenedtoherbackwhenbecause

they could have been married before he joined the priesthood. Their relationship would have been
acceptedintheeyesofGodthen.ButaslongasDantestayedapriest,therewasnohopeforthemtobe
together.Hecouldnevermarryher,giveherchildren,wellthatkindofcameunderthenosexrule.

If she didn’t stop thinking, she’d give herself a headache. As it was, her stomach churned, but that

couldbelackofnourishmentandhidingintheguestbedroomwouldn’thelpsolvethatproblem.

She’d been disappointed when she’d woken and found where Dante had left her. She knew that he

wouldn’thaveputherinhisbed,butfindingherselfwhereshedidhurt.She’dhavetogetoveritbecause,
eventhoughthey’dbroughteachotherpleasureonthesofa,sheknewthatDantehadstrongmorals.You
didn’tfighttokeepyourfeelingsburiedforyearswithout.

Finallyreadytofacetheworld,Emeliamadeherwaydownstairs,andstoppedwhenshewitnessed

the sexy man in the kitchen dancing while he made breakfast. She leaned against the doorjamb and
watchedhimwithasmileonherface.

He really was a handsome, sexy man and, dressed all in black like he was, he made her heart beat

faster.Hestoppedmovingaroundwhensheletoutagroanwhenherotatedhiships.

Hisheadswiveledtowardherandhiseyeswidenedwhenhecaughtsightofher.“Howlonghaveyou

beenstandingthere?”

“Longenough.”Shesmiled,andmovedfurtherintotheroom.

“I made you breakfast, although we’ll have to eat it quickly and head over to the church.” Dante

placedFrenchtoastandsyruponthetableandshrugged.“WhatcanIsay,myfavorite.”

“Iknow.”Shetookabiteandsmiled.“I’mkindapartialtoitaswell.”

He smiled and she sensed a slight hesitation in him. He seemed relaxed as he ate his breakfast, but

therewassomethingthatshecouldn’tputherfingeron.“Iseverythingokay?”

HepausedwithasliceofFrenchtoastonthewaytohismouth,whichhedroppedbacktohisplate.

“Afterwhathappenedonthesofa,I’mnervous...andtheneedinmetobewithyoucompletelyfortherest
ofourlivesisveryclosetothesurface.”Hehadpaledwhilehespoke,whichworriedherandbrought
tearstohereyeswhenhecontinued,“Ihavetogiveasermontodayaboutsinandabsolution,whileIsin
onadailybasis,withthoughtsofyou...andthereisnothinginnocentaboutthem.”

A long silence followed while Dante seemed lost in thoughts of his own, and Emelia wondered

whethershe’devergettheopportunitytospendherlifewiththemansheloved.

HelovedbeingpartoftheCatholicChurchandthatwasclearforanyonetosee.Thatwouldbewhy

thepeopleofFredericklovedandrespectedhim.Hegavehisallforthepeoplethatreliedonhim.

“Weneedtoleave,”heannounced,andmadeherjump.

ShecaughtherbreathtosteadyherheartasthethoughtsshiftedtothefeelofDanteunderherhands.

Hermindwouldn’tletherforgethowhefeltagainstherwhenshe’dstrokedhistorridfleshorhowhe
tastedwhenhe’dreleasedintohermouth.He’dbeenevenmorebeautifulthen.Sincethatnight,apulse
hadthrobbedinsistentlybetweenherthighs.

“Emelia,”Dantegrowled.

Her eyes snapped to him by the door and she realized she’d been caressing him with her eyes. His

fistsclenchedtightlyathissides,andhiswholebodywasriddledwithtensionasshefinallylethereyes
restonhisgroinandthehugebulgethattwitchedandgrewevenlargerbeforehereyes.

“Ineedtoputahandfulofsnowinmypants,”hemumbled.

Emelia blinked and then started laughing as she walked toward him. “I wouldn’t mind putting the

snow down for you,” she chuckled, “after all, it was the, um, hardness in them that had me lost in
memory.”

Hequicklypulledhisjacketonbutwouldn’tmeethergaze.

Shewouldn’tbeignored,eventhoughshesensedheneededtoignorehertokeephimselfincheck.

Againstherbetterjudgment,sheteased,“Iwasrememberinghowarousingitwastorunmyfingers

overyourhardflesh...howmuchyoumademetingleandthrobbetweenmythighswhenyouspilledyour
seedintomymouth.”

“Fuckinghell,”heroared,andslammedoutofthehouse.

Well,thatwasareaction.

She frowned and bit her lip as she slipped into her own jacket and followed him outside. Second

thoughtshadhithertheminutehe’dcursed,andthenmiserysetin.

Dante walked in front of her mumbling to himself, and the bits she caught reminded her of a prayer

she’doncebeentaughtthataskedforabsolution—tobesetfreeofallsins.

Sheshouldhavekepthermouthclosed.

KnowingthatDantefeltthesameaboutherasshedidhim,andafterwhatthey’ddoneonthesofathe

nightbefore,hadgivenhertheconfidencetoteasehim.Itwasn’tsomethingshe’deverthoughtofdoing
before.

HewasaCatholicpriestwhobelievedinwhathe’dagreedtodomanyyearsbefore,andbecauseof

her,hewasbeingpulledintwodirections.

Asshesteppedthroughthedoorsofthechurch,sherealizedthatshehadtobetheonetowalkaway.

Shehadtobetheonetomakethedecisionforthemboth.Shewouldlistentohissermononelasttime,
and make the most of her last day with him without causing him to break one of his vows, and then,
tomorrow,shewouldflytoDiegoinNewYork.

Helpingherselftocoffeeandachocolatechipcookie,Emeliabecameoverwhelmedwithsadnessand

sighedheavilyintohercup.Shedidn’tlookupwhenshefeltDante’seyesonher,andshehadfelthisgaze
sincethey’dcomeintothehallafterMass.Ifshemethisgaze,shewouldn’tbeabletohideheremotions
andwouldprobablygiveawayhertruefeelingsforhim.Shecouldn’tletthathappen.

“So,”amanshedidn’tknowdrawled,“you’rethepriest’ssister?”Hegaveheraonceover,andhis

eyesshowedthathelikedwhathesaw.

He appeared harmless, so she smiled and introduced herself, “Emelia De La Fuente.” She held her

handouttohim.

“SeanMiller.”Heshookherhandandlingered,tighteningwhenshetriedtopullherhandfree.

“I’mnewintown,butIsurewouldn’tmindyouasatourguide.”

Shesmiled.“Sorry,I’mplanningonheadingouttomorrow.”

“Anywherewarmer?”Hegrinned.

“NewYork.”

Helookeddisappointed.“YouliveinNewYork?”

Shewasn’tgoingtogetintoherfamilywithastranger.“Yeah,withmybrother.”

“Ihavetwoolderbrothers,”hevolunteered,andhelpedhimselftoasliceofthelemondrizzlecake

thatsheknewBarbarahadmade.

“Ihaveafewmorethanthat.”Whenheraisedhisbrowinquestion,sheglancedacrossthehalland

mettheangryeyesofDantebeforesheturnedbacktoSean,andadded,“Six,oneofwhichismytwin.
TheoneIlivewithinNewYork.”

“That’sapitybecauseyou’dsurebrightenupmylifearoundhere.”

ShesmiledinreturnandwatchedhimwhilehetalkedtoBarbara,whohadseenhimtakeasliceofher

cake.Theolderwomannevermissedanopportunitytomeetthenewarrivalsintown.Evenifshehadn’t
seenhimwithherowneyes,sheknewbecauseDantehadtoldher.

Seanwasahandsomeman.NotastallorwithabodyaswellcaredforasDante’s,butheappeared

harmless,andboyishlycutewiththewayhisblondhairfloppedintohiseyes.

“I want a word with you,” Dante hissed, and wrapped his hand tightly around Emelia’s elbow.

“Excuseus.”Hisfingersdugintothefleshofherarmashedraggedheroutofthehallandthroughthe
coldsnowbacktohiscabin.

ChapterTwenty-Two

AsDantewatchedEmeliaflirtandchatwithSean,helostallreason.Hemightbeapriestbuthewas

aman,andheknewwhatSeanhadbeenthinking.Dantecouldn’tletitcarryon.

Emelia was his and no other man would touch her or flirt with her. His blood pounded though his

veinsatthethoughtandatwhathe’dwitnessed.Ifhelethergo,thenhe’dhavetowatchthatrepeatedly
untilshefoundamantocallherhusband.

No.No.No.No!

Heslammedthecabindoor,pushedherupagainstitandslammedhismouthdownontopofhers.He

heldherheadinplacewhilehedevouredhermouth.Histonguepushedforaccess,andwhenshegaveit,
theybothmoanedinpleasureastheirtonguesswirledasone,inapassionhehadn’texperiencedbefore.

Emeliagrippedhiswaist,andkepthimclosewhilehishandsroameddownhersidestogripherhips.

Herubbedhisarousedfleshagainsther,andtriedtogetcloser.Heneededtotouchskin.Heneededto
feelherarousal.Tasteit.

Hismouthwatered…

She’savirgin.

Hegroanedandforcedhimselftobreakfromthekissandplacedachastekisstoherlips.“Notagainst

thedoor,”hetoldherwhenshewhimpered,wantingmore.Hisforeheadrestedagainstherswhilehetried
tocatchhisbreath.“Ourfirsttimeisn’tgoingtobeagainstadoor.Idon’twanttohurtyou.”

“There’sgoingtobeafirsttime?”

Hecouldn’tblameherforasking,buttheminutehe’dcompletelylostallreasonbackinthehall,he

knewthattherewouldbe.“Thereisgoingtobeafirsttime,andthere’sgoingtobealotmore.Ican’tbe
twopeopleanymore,Em.”

“IwasgoingtoleaveyoutoyourchurchtomorrowandheadbacktoNewYork.Ididn’twantyouto

hatemeformakingyouchoosebetweenus,”Emeliasoftlycried.

“I’dhavefollowedyou.”

Emeliashookherheadandwrappedherselfaroundhimwhileheheldhercloseagainsthishardbody.

Shebelongedwithhim,andaslongashehadherbyhisside,heknewthateverythingwould,oneday,

beokay.

“Em,listentome.”Hemovedherawaysothathecouldlookintoherface.“Iwantyoutopackabag.

Enoughfortwonights.”Hekissedherontheforehead,knowingthatifhewentforherlipstheywouldn’t
be going anywhere. “Hurry. It’s a couple of hours drive, and then I’ll have you all to myself with no
interruptions.”

Hesmiledatthebemusedexpressiononherface,andadmittedquietly,“I’mnotsurewhat’sgoingto

happeninthelongrunwithmeandthechurch,butonethingIdoknowisthatI’mnotpreparedtoloseyou
tosomeoneelse.You’vealwaysbeenmine,andthat’sthewayit’sgoingtostay...Now,quicklygopacka
bag.I’llleaveanoteforBarbaraandthengrabmyown.”

“Okay.”

Shehesitatedbeforedashingtherestofthewayupstairsashewatchedhergo.

Hisbodyachedforherand,butforthefactthatthecabinbelongedtothechurch,he’dhavehadher

underhiminhisbed.Hecouldn’tdothat.He’dmadethedecisiontobewithEmelia,andheknewjustthe
placetoshowherwhatshemeanttohim.Ifhedidn’tgetamoveon,she’dbereadytoleavebeforehe’d
evengottentohisoffice.

Withasmileonhisface,hemadehiswaytohisofficeandsatbehindhisdesktowriteaquicknoteto

Barbara.Heletherknowthathe’dtakenEmeliaupintothemountains.Ashesatthere,hiseyeslandedon
thephotographthatwastakensevenyearsagoofhimwiththebishop.

Dantewouldmissthechurch,andthepeopleofFrederickwhohadalwaysmadehimfeelwelcome,

butheknewhewouldn’tbeabletostay.NotifhewantedtostartsomethingnewandlastingwithEmelia.
Althoughhe’dhavetoputarequestinviathebishoptoRomeinordertoleavethepriesthood,hecould
stillbeofusetothecommunityatlargewithEmeliabyhisside,wherevertheysettled.Hewasn’tsure
he’d be able to walk away from a life of religion, and he knew that Emelia would support him in
whateverhedecidedinthefuture,justlikehewouldher.

Collectingthephotograph,heplaceditinsidehisdeskdrawerandquicklywrotethenoteforBarbara,

whichhewouldtakewithhimandleaveinhermailbox.Shewastheonlyonewhowouldworryifhe
weren’taroundforafewdays.HehadMassTuesdayevening,sohe’dhavetobebackforthat.

But,ashewalkedupstairsandintohisroom,thethoughtofhavingEmeliaalltohimselfinhisown

cabincausedpinpricksofdesiretoracethroughhisbloodandhardenhisdick.

Groaning,hetossedhisclothesoffandreplacedthemwithjeans,shirtandasweaterbeforeheshoved

hisfeetintohisbrown,walkingboots.HewantedtobearegularguyforEmelia,andhemightaswellget
usedtowearingeverydayclothesagain.

Hegrabbedabagfromthebottomofhisclosetandthrewsomeclothesinsidebeforehegrabbeditup

andmadehiswaydownstairs.

Onhiswaydown,hespottedEmeliaatthebottom,lookingupathimwithsuchalovingsmileonher

facethatitwasallhecoulddonottorunandpickherupinhisarms.

Shemethimashetookthelaststepdownandburiedherfaceagainsthischest.Hedroppedhisbag

andtangledhisfingersintheglossy,darkhairthattraileddownherback.

“Arewereallydoingthis?”sheaskedhimsoquietlythathebarelyheardher.

“Yeswereallyare...Em,youdowantthis,right?”

Shetippedherheaduptohisandofferedawrysmile.“Foralongtime.”

“Iloveyou.”

Hedidn’tgivehertimetoreplytohisdeclarationoflovebecausehehadtheirjacketsonandthemin

histruckwithinminutes.

Ithadtakenjustunderthreehourstogettothecabinthatheowned.Itwasoneofthefewluxuriesthat

the church afforded him since it was part of his estate from the farm. Although he’d given much of his
wealth to the church when he took his vows, his father had insisted that he keep some aside, and the
church had agreed. Inheritance was not something the church took, even though priests took a vow of
poverty.

Hepushedasidethosethoughtsashe’ddriventhough.Thetriphadbeenpleasant,althoughhe’dbeen

impatientforthelasthour.Emeliahadfallenasleepnotlongintothetrip,whichhadlefthimtimetothink.
Hehadn’tchangedhismindaboutEmelia,anyofit.Hejustknewthatthebishopwouldtryandtalkhim
outofthedecisionhe’dmadetobewithher.Whileheknewhisownmind,heknewthathe’dbemadeto
feelguiltyforwantingtobewithher,andforwantingtogiveuphislifetoGod.

He’dalwaysbeenreligious—nevermissingchurchonaSunday,goingtoanallboys’Catholicschool.

While his mother had been dying, he’d found comfort in the church and in prayer, and he’d insisted on
going every night on his way home from school. Once his mother had died though, he’d hardly been at
homebecausehe’dboardedatschool.

Andthen,jumpaheadmanyyears,hislifehadbeenfilledwithfaith,buthehadn’tbeendedicatedtoit.

He looked toward his future…maybe even dreamt of children of his own. He’d been working toward
openingarestaurantuntilthefatefulnightwhenEmeliahadtakenhimbysurpriseandkissedhim.Herlips
hadbeenjustassweetattheywerenow.

She’d been inside him since that night, and even though he’d run to the seminary and had become a

priest,she’dalwaysstayedwithhim,andsohadtheguiltbecausehe’dthoughtshewashissister.

Hesmiledwhenhethoughtofthereliefthathefeltknowingshewasn’trelatedtohim,butitmadehis

head spin. All the pain and heartbreak from back then could have been avoided if only he’d known the
truth.He’dbeenfourteenandconsideredhimselfoldenoughtoknowwhatwasreallygoingon,butthe
factthathehadn’tbeentrusted,hurt.Alot.

ThepastwasforgottenasEmeliaappearedinthedoorwaytothebedroomwearingoneofhisshirts.

Hisheartmissedabeatashiseyescaressedher.Hershapelylegswerebareandhewasalmostsorrythat
sheworehisshirtbecauseitobstructedhisviewofherdeliciouscurves.Buthisshirthadneverlooked
thatgoodonhim.

She’d brushed her hair out, and it flowed over her shoulders and caressed the top of her breasts,

whichcausedhisdicktoswell.

Sheslowlywalkedtowardhim,andhefoundthathewasfrozentothefloor,whilehismouthhadgone

paperdryattheseductiveglintinhereyes.

Whenshestoodinfrontofhim,hebroughthishandsuptotouchher,butshedroppedtotheground.

“Em,”hechokedoutandhadtoclosehiseyesatthesightofheronherkneeswithherfaceeyelevel

withhisdick.

Hewasforty-oneandhadneverhadhisdicksucked…atleastifhedidn’tcountthenightEmeliahad

donejustthat.Unfortunately,thememorieswereblurryfromthealcohol.ButthesightofEmelia,now,as
ifshewasabouttodothathadbecometoomuch.Hisfleshwashardandthrobbedwitharousal,somuch
so, that he’d probably come the minute she touched him. Just like he had a feeling that was what had
happenedthenightafterRamon’swedding.

“Iwanttodothissobadly,thatyou’llhurtmeifyoustopme,”Emeliawhispered,ablushcoatedher

cheeks.

Hesqueezedhiseyesshut.“Iwanttobetheonetopleasureyou.”

“Oh,you’llbepleasuringme.”

Hiseyessnappedopenandmethersparklingones.“Justthesightofyoulikethisisarousingtome.”

Sheunfastenedhisjeansandshovedthemdownpasthishipsalongwithhisbriefs.“Mmm,andknowing
thatyourpenisissohardbecauseofmeisintoxicating.”Shekissedthetipofhimandheclenchedhisjaw
together so he didn’t release. “I love the taste of you.” She swirled her tongue around the flared head,
lappingupalltheprecumthathecouldn’tstopreleasing.

“Em, it’s been years since I’ve been with anyone. Since I was touched...and I’ve dreamt of you so

oftenthatIdon’tthinkI’mgoingtobeabletoholdoff.”

“Thendon’t,”shemumbledassheslidhermouthdownthelengthofhim,orasmuchofhimasshe

could.

He’dalwaysbeenbiginlengthandgirth.WithEmeliathough,hedidn’tthinkhe’deverbeenashard.

Hegaveintoher,andtangledhisfingersintoherhair,massagingherscalpwhilehiseyeslockedonto

hermouththatgavehimsomuchpleasure.

The wetness from her mouth coated his dick, and when she withdrew, his flesh glistened. His legs

trembledand,asEmeliacaressedhissackwithhersmallfingers,shegaveapowerfulsuck.Hetriedto
pull her head away, but she wouldn’t move and sucked again...he lost it and spilled his seed into her
mouth.Shecontinuedtosuckandswallowaroundhisshaft,acceptingeverythinghegaveheruntilthere
wasnothingleft.

“Stop,please,”hebegged,thesensationofhermouthonhimafterhe’dreleasedwasabouttodrophis

asstothefloor.

Shereleasedhimfromhermouthandsmiledupathim.“Ididthatright?”

Hehalfgroanedandlaughed.“I’veneverhadanyonedothattomebefore,butwithhowitfelt,I’dsay

itwasmorethanright.”Hepulledhertoherfeetandliftedherintohisarms.

Theybothmoanedwhenhisdickrubbedbetweenherthighsasshewrappedherlegsaroundhiswaist.

“You’re naked under there?” He knew without asking because her wetness coated his rapidly growing
erectionasshewiggledonhim.

“Makelovetome,Dante.”

Hedidn’tneedtellingtwice,andtriedtoshuffletothebedroombutnearlylosthisbalance.“I’mgoing

tohavetoputyoudowntohitchmyjeansup,otherwise,I’llcauseusbothaninjury.”

ChapterTwenty-Three

Emeliawascluelessreallywiththewholesexandseductionthing,butinsteadofwaitingforDanteto

makehismove,shewentwithherhearteventhoughshehadabellyfullofnerves.

ThenerveshadsoonchangedtobutterfliesofdesirewhensherealizedhowmuchDantereallywanted

her,andnothingwouldhavestoppedherfromtastinghim.She’dtastedhimthenightofRamon’swedding,
buthe’dthoughtitwasadreamatthetime.Therewasnowayhe’dthinkthatthistime.

Ashecarriedhertothebedroom,hisjeansrubbedagainsthermostsensitivespot,causingadelicious

frictionasshemoanedintohisneck.

ShemorethanaffectedDanteashishandstrembledonherbottomandtheshallowpantshewasdoing

causedherwholebodytotinglewithawareness.

Sensingthechangeinatmosphere,Emeliamovedherfacefromhisneckandrealizedtheywereinthe

mastersuite,whichiswhereshe’dgottenundressed.

SheexpectedDantetodrophertothebed,buthedidn’t.Instead,heclimbedonthebedwithherinhis

arms and laid her down carefully with her head against a pillow. He was a truly caring man, and she
lovedhowthehardnessofhimcouldbefeltalongeverysoftcontourofherbody.Theroughnessofhis
clothingagainstherdidn’tpreventherlegsfrombeingwrappedaroundhiswaistasshepressedonhis
bottomtogethimcloser.

Herestedhisarmsateithersideofherhead,andbrushedherhairbackfromherfacewithhisfingers.

“YouarethemostbeautifulwomanthatI’veeverseen—insideandout,Em.I’veneverlovedanyonethe
wayIdoyou.”Hedippedhisheadandgentlykissedherwaitinglips.

Tearshoveredonherlashesandwhenoneescaped,hecaptureditwithhistongue.“I’mafraid.”He

methergaze.“I’mafraidofhurtingyou...”Hedroppedhisforeheadtoherchestandshefelthimashe
inhaledandexhaledbeforeheliftedhisworriedgazetohers.“ItwillkillmeifIhurtyou.”

Her heart squeezed at his confession. “I love you. Only you, and I want you inside me. I’ve saved

myselfalltheseyearsforyou,soyouaren’tgettingfreeofmenow.”Shesmiled.“Andifithurts,youcan
kissitbetter.”

Hiseyeswidenedafractionbeforetheylitwithamusement.“Iliketheideaofkissingitbetter.”

“Iwasratherhopingyou’dliketheideaofslidinginsideme.”

Hegroanedandpressedlightlyagainsttheapexofherthighssoshecouldfeelthebulgeinhisjeans.

“DoesthattellyouhowmuchIwanttobeinsideofyou?”

“Mmm...canwegetnaked?I’vewantedtoseeyounakedforsolong.ThenightofRamon’swedding

doesn’tcountbecauseyouhadyoureyesclosedandcouldn’twatchmetouchyou.”Shesmiledwhenhe
twitchedbehindhiszipperatherwords.

“Ishouldkeepmyjeansonuntilyou’reready.”Hedidn’tsoundtooconvincing.

She laughed. “You’re kidding me right? I want to see everything, Dante. Every. Naked. Piece. Of.

You.”

Withsomemaneuvering,shemanagedtoslipherhandsdownthebackofhisjeansandteasedhisskin

withherfingers.Hearchedagainstherashiseyesrolled.

“You’regoingtokillme.”Heremovedherhandsandliftedthemaboveherhead.“Keepthemthere.”

Withaslowkissonherlips,heslidfromthebedtohisfeet.

Withinseconds,hewasnakedand,witheyesthatglitteredwiththepromiseofawholelotofloving,

wrappedhishandaroundhishardfleshandslowlystroked.

Shequicklyremovedtheshirtthathadkepthernakednesscovered,tossingittothefloor.Apersistent

throbhadstartedbetweenherthighsanditcausedhertowritheonthebedashereyesstayedfocusedon
Dante’shand,orratherthelargepenisthathestroked...thatshewantedtotouch...thatshewantedinsideof
her.

Aloudgaspdrewhereyesuptohis,andsherealizedthathewantedherjustasmuchasshewanted

him,andthatheprobablyalwayshad.

Danteheldhergazeashemovedslowlytothefootofthebed.Kneelingbetweenherfeet,hegrasped

heranklesandkissedeachoneinturn.“Sobeautiful,”hemurmured.Hekissedalongeachleg,andbythe
timehereachedtheapexofherthighs,helayonhisstomach,hiseyesfixedonhermoundandthesmall
amountofhairthathidherbundleofnerves.

Beforeshecouldevenfeelanyembarrassmentathavinghimsoclosetoherprivatearea,thatnoone

elsehadeverseenotherthanadoctor,henuzzledagainstherandinhaled.Shegaspedatthepleasureof
histouchandnearlyjumpedfromthebedatthefirstswipeofhistonguebetweenherlips.

Thesensationthatranthroughherhadbeenunexpected,andleftherquiveringformore,whichDante

must have known because he repeated the movement over and over again until she clutched the quilt
beneathher.

“Youtastedelicious.”Hekissedhermoundbeforehekisseduptowardhernavel.Hesmoothedhis

hands over her skin until he cupped her breasts. “These feel amazing,” he whispered as he dipped his
headtoswirlhistonguearoundeachofhernipplesinturn.

Herwholebodyquiveredwiththefeelofhismouthandhandsonherskin,causinghertoarchfrom

thebed.Hisgroincameagainstthewetnessbetweenherthighs,andatthefeelofhimsohard,rubbing
againstherwasalmostoverwhelming;shepantedandmoanedwitharousalatfinallybeingnudewithhim.

Sheneededmore,andDantewasgoingsoslowthatshewasn’tsurehowheheldhimselfincheck,

becausethefeelofhisrigidpenisagainsthermostsensitiveplacedrovehercrazywitharousal.

“Slow,”hegroanedandliftedhimselfup,supportinghisweightwithhishandsoneithersideofher

shoulders.“Slow.”

“Areyoutellingmeortryingtoremindyourself?”Shearchedagainsthimandwatchedhiseyesclose

withpleasureassherubbedherwetnessagainsthim.

“Bothofus,”headmittedandsealedherlipswithhis.

As their taste burst and mixed together, she felt Dante’s erection enlarge just before he broke from

theirkissandpantedwithhisforeheadrestingagainsthers.

He appeared to catch his breath before he smiled and kissed his way back down her body to settle

oncemorebetweenherlegs.

Thistimehedidn’tgoeasy,andwhilehelickedandtickledaroundherclit,heinsertedafingerinto

hertightchannel.Atonepoint,shethoughthegrowled,buthedidn’tstopasthepleasureranthroughher
blood.

Therewasatightnessbetweenherthighsthatshe’dneverfeltbeforeassherealizedthathestretched

her with his fingers. Of course, he’d have to do that considering the size of his penis. He wouldn’t fit
otherwise.

Shegiggled,whichdrewhiseyesuptohers,butshemissedhisexpressionbecauseapleasurelike

nothingshe’deverfeltbeforestartedtobuildatthebaseofherspine...andthenasDantereachedupto
rubanipplebetweenhisthumbandfinger,shesawstars.Herbodyshookandconvulsedunderhimasthe
sensationofhisfingersslippingdeepercausedhereyestodriftclosedasshemoaned.

ShestillhadsmallripplesofpleasurerunningthroughherwhenDanteraisedhimselfupandoverher.

The blunt head of his shaft slipped inside her entrance and he met her gaze as he thrust into her virgin
sheath.

Thepainattheintrusioncouldn’tbedisguisedwhenhereyesclosedandtearsranfrombeneathher

eyelids.

“I’msosorry.”Dantekissedhertearsfromhercheeks,butmorestillseepedfrombeneathherlashes.

“Baby,I’msorry.Ididn’twanttohurtyouforanything,”hewhispered,holdinghimselfstillinsideher.

“It’sokay.”

Heshookhishead.“No,itisn’t.”

Shesmiledandwipedathertearswithherfingersbeforeshereachedupandcaressedhisface.“Itis

okay,Dante.Iknewitwouldhurt,butthefactthatyou’reinsidememakesitworthwhile.”

“I’mafraidtomoveincaseIcauseyoumorepain.”

Dantehadatorturedlookonhisface,andalthoughsheknewhehatedthefactthathe’dhurther,she

alsoknewthatheheldonbyathreadbecausethesensationofbeinginsidehermustfeeldeliciousalong
hislength.

“Youneedtomove.”Shesmiledtoofferencouragement.

“IfImoveImighthurtyouagain.”

“Thepainisn’tasbadnow...moveslowlysoIcanfeeleveryinchofyou.”

“Mmm,”Dantedroppedhisforeheadtoherswhilehebreathedheavily,“I’mafraidthatifImove,I’ll

come.Nothinghaseverfeltasgoodasthisdoesrightnow.”

Shesqueezedhervaginalmusclesandfelthisreactionintheshudderthatovertookhisbody,andthe

finesheenofsweatthatcoatedhisdeliciouschest.Ithadn’tbeentoopainfuleither,soshediditagain.

“Em,Idon’thaveacondomon,andifItrytoleaveyourbody,I’mgoingtocome,”Dantepanted.“I’m

sorry.”

Shedidn’tevenhavetothinkwhenshesaid,“Iwanttofeeleveryinchofyouasyoumovewithinme

withoutacoveringoflatex.Iwanttofeelyourreleaseasitleavesyourbodyandspillsinsideme.”

“Em,”hegruntedandslowlypulledbacktothetip,“I’llmakeituptoyou.Ipromise.”Hefilledherto

burstingagainandgrippedherhipsasherockedandrotatedhisown.Witheachrotation,herubbedher
clit,whichsentsmallburstsofpleasurethroughhersystem.Butassheclenchedaroundhisflesh,shefelt
himswellsecondsbeforehegruntedandgaspedwhilehisshaftjerkedandspilledhisseedintoherwarm
channel.

Shegaspedherselfastinytremorscontractedhermusclesaroundhim,asthoughhisreleasegavehera

smalloneofherown.

“Emelia,myEm,”Dantewhisperedashewrappedherupinhisembrace,notaninchbetweenthem.

“I’mtooheavy,”hemumbledandtriedtorise,butEmeliatightenedherlegsaroundhiships.

“No.Ilovehavingyouthisclose.I’vewaitedsolong,Dante.”

He nuzzled against her neck. “Let me slide out of you before I get too hard. It will hurt you before

you’vehadtimetoheal.Iwanttokeepyouclosethough,afterI’vetakencareofyou.”

Shedidn’tknowwhathemeantbythat,butshereleasedhim,andalthough,shedidhavepleasurefrom

him being inside of her, she knew that she would be tender for a time. She could already feel him
hardening again, so she let her hands slacken from around his neck and enjoyed the feel of him as he
slippedfree.

Dantegaspedandquicklykissedherlipsbeforehejumpedfromthebed.“Don’tmove.”Herantothe

bathroomand,hardlyaminutelater,reappearedwithawashcloth.“Evenifithadn’tbeenyourfirsttime,
I’dhavecleanedyouup.”Whichiswhathedid,andthenplacedakisstohermoundbeforehetossedthe
clothintothebathroom.

“Mmm,”hesighed.“Ilovethese.”Hekissedeachnipplebeforehepulledherintohisarmsastheir

legsentwinedandEmeliarestedherheadagainsthisshoulder.

EmeliafeltcontentinDante’sembrace,andthefeelofhisbareskinagainsthersdistractedherfrom

thediscomfortbetweenherlegs.Theywereasonenowandshewasdeterminedthatnothingandnoone
wouldcomebetweenthem,evenifshedidn’tfeelasconfidentaboutthatasshe’dlike.

“Whatareyouthinkingabout?”Danteasked,caressingherback.

“You.”

Shefelthimsmileagainstthetopofherheadandtippedherheaduptomeethisgaze.“AmIreally

yours?Areyoureallygoingtogiveupthechurchforme?Becauseifyou’renot,youneedtotellmenow.”

Hecoveredherlipswithhisfinger.“Iloveyou,Em.Theonlyreasonwehaven’tbeentogetherbefore

isbecauseIrantothechurchwhenIthoughtwhatIfeltforyouwaswrong.Sowrong.Butknowingthatit
wasn’twrongatallmakesmeangry,andnotjustbecausewecouldhavebeentogether.Itmakesmeangry
becauseIcouldhavehadadifferentrelationshipwithmyfatherandyourmother.Iknowwegetonokay
now,butittookyearstogetwherewearetoday,andthatpissesmeoff.”

“I’msorryyouwereliedto,andI’msorryIdidn’ttryhardertotellyouthetruthbackthen.”

“Itwasmyownfault.Iwouldn’tansweryourcalls,andIneverreadtheletteryousent.Iwasadamant

thatIwouldn’thaveanythingtodowithyou.Ifigureditwastheonlywaytodealwithwhathadhappened
—byignoringit.Ididn’tforgetthough.HowcouldI?Somyanswerisyes.Iwillinglywillgiveupmy
positioninthechurch,andIwon’teverlookback.”

“Howdoyouknowthat?Whatifinyearstocomeyouhaveregretsandblameme?”

He shook his head. “No. Don’t ever think that. You aren’t listening to me. I only ran to the church

becauseIthoughtIwasinlovewithmysister.IthoughtthatIwascommittingasinandtheonlywayto
absolvewastogivemylifetoGod.Backthen,Ithoughtitwassowronganddidn’tknowhowtodeal
withwhatIfeltforyouwhenIthoughtitwasn’tallowed.Iwillneverregretleavingthechurchforyou.
Andreally,I’mleavingformeaswell.

“Mydream,asyoumightremember,wastohavemyownrestaurant,andIstillhavethemoneyfrom

thesaleoftheoneIwasintheprocessofsettingup.SoIcandothat,butIwanttodoitinawaythat
meansIcanstillhelpthecommunitywhereverwedecidetosettle—anoutreachprogramorsomething.
ButEmelia,I’llbehappyaslongasyou’rebymyside.”

Emelia smiled through her tears. “I wasn’t sure you’d be able to give the church up, but as long as

you’redoingitforyouaswell,thenI’llacceptthat.”

“Good.”

“Myonlyworrynowisourfamily.IwishIknewhowthey’dreact,butIdon’t.It’sworrisome.”

Dantesighed.“We’llthinkaboutthatwhenweneedto.Let’sjustenjoyourtimetogether.”

“Mmm.I’vewaitedyearsforyou.”Emeliasnuggledcloserandcouldn’tmistakehishardarousalthat

pulsedagainstherhip.“Youhavealotoflosttimetomakeupfor.”

“I’msorrytodisappointyou,butwewon’tbemakingupforlosttimeforafewdays.Ineedyoutobe

completelyhealed,asmuchasit’sgoingtofrustrateme.”

Shegiggled.“I’msurewecanbecreativeastowhatwecando.”

ChapterTwenty-Four

Becreative,Emeliasuggested.Oh,Dantecouldbecreativewhenhewantedtobe,andhewasglad

thatEmeliawasonboard.

He’dgonefromnosexforsevenyearstohavingsexonthebrainashepulsedwitharousalagainst

Emelia. Her scent filled his senses to the point that she was all he could smell. Her skin was like silk
beneathhisfingers,andhecravedtouchingher.

Buthehadn’tliedaboutnotmakingupforlosttimeuntilshe’dhealed,whichgavehimtheideafora

bath.Hepressedakisstothetopofherhead,andwhispered,“I’mgoingtorunusabath…it’llhelp.I
promise.” He kissed her again, and slipped from the bed, but not before he noticed the smile playing
aroundEmelia’slips.

He forced his eyes from her. All he wanted to do was climb back on the bed and hold her, but she

neededtakingcareofsohemovedhisasstothebathroom.ThetubinhiscabinwasJacuzzistyle,which
wouldbegoodtohelpwiththetendernessthatEmeliamustfeel.Hehadnoexperiencewithcaringfor
someoneaftertheirfirsttime,buthe’dbedamnedifhedidn’tpamperthewomanheloved.

When he thought about going back to Montana to announce to their family that he was leaving the

priesthood,andthereasonwhy,hefeltnauseous.Albeit,Emeliawasn’tthesolereasonforhisdecision,
shewascertainlythedecidingfactor.

Switchingthejetsonnowthatenoughwaterwasinthetub,hewalkedbackoutandsmiledwhenhe

caughtEmelialyingonherside,facinghim.Heknewwitheverybreathhetookthathewouldneverregret
leavingthechurchforthewomanwhoheldhisheart,body,andsoul.

“Areyouokay?”sheasked,soundingsleepy.

He moved closer and picked her up into his arms. “I’m just fine.” He smiled softly. “Your bath

awaits.”

“You’regoingtojoinme,right?”

“Iam.”

Inthebathroom,heclimbedintothetubwithEmeliainhisarms,andkeptherwrappedupinhimuntil

hewassettled.Thenherearrangedhisgirlsothatsherestedagainsthischest,betweenhislegs.Hisarms
aroundherstomach,anchoringthemtogether.

Thearousalshecausedhimwasnothingcomparedtothepleasureofhavingherinhisarmslikeshe

was.Hertrustinhimwastotal,justlikehiswasforher.

Ashereachedforasponge,Emeliachuckled,whichhadhimsmiling.“You’rearoused?”

“Iam.Thisbath,though,istohelpwiththetendernessyoumustbefeelingbetweenyourlegs.”Helet

thespongegoandusedsomeAloeVerasoaponhishands,asheslippedthemoverherstomachtosettle
onhertrimmedmound.

“Mmm,thatfeelssonice,”shemumbled.

Hegrinnedagainstthetopofherhead,andslippedhisfingersbetweenthelipsofherpussyinagentle

caress. “Tell me if my touch is uncomfortable…be honest, Em. I couldn’t help hurting you inside, but I
don’twanttohurtyouagain.”

Emeliatookhishandthatlayagainstherstomachandbroughtituptohermouth,wheresheplaceda

gentlekissonthepalm.“ThepainofyourtouchwhileI’msosensitiveisnothinglikethepainofwanting
you,andnotbeingabletobewithyou.”

Hisbreathcaughtatthebackofhisthroatashislipspressedadeepkisstothetopofherhead.He

couldn’tcontroltheemotionthatheradmissionbroughtsohestayedsilentuntilhewassettled.Hecould
showherthough.

He dipped his head down, nuzzled into the side of her neck, and let his fingers slip toward her

opening.Emeliacaughtherbreathathistouchsohehesitated,butshewrappedherhandaroundhiswrist
andurgedhimtogoon.

“Areyousure?”hewhispered.

“Yes.”

He kept his face buried in her neck while he lathered his hands up with the moisturizing soap, and

gentlymassagedaroundheropening.

She enjoyed his touch and spread her legs slightly. The soft sigh that escaped her lips was all he

neededtoassurehimthathewasn’tcausingherpain.

“Ihurtaswell,Em,”headmittedquietly.“Notbeingwithyouhurt,butitfeltsowrong,andthatmade

the hurt worse.” He brought his hand back up and held her tightly in his arms while they enjoyed the
sensationoftheJacuzzi,andeachother.

MinuteswentbyastheysoakedinacomfortablesilencebeforeEmeliabrokeintohisthoughts,and

asked,“Whenarewegoingtotellourfamily?”

Hewinced,notreallywantingtogothere,buttheydidn’thavemuchchoice.“Iwanttospendthetwo

nightsherewithyoubeforeIhavetoheadbackforMassonTuesdayevening.ThenI’mgoingtomakean
appointment with the bishop, and talk to him about my leaving. It isn’t going to go down too well with
him.He’sknownmefrombeforeIbecameapriest…butknowingthatIfinallyhavetheonepersonthatI
thought I never could is enough for me to go forward with what he suggests. I’ll be totally honest with
him.”

Emelia turned and, with some maneuvering, straddled his thighs and caressed along his arms. “I’ll

alwaysbeheretosupportyou.Youknowthatright?”

“I know.” He smiled and caressed her face. “There is the possibility that the bishop may petition

Romeonmybehalftohavemyordinationvowssevered.TheSignatura,otherwiseknownastheSupreme

CourtoftheVatican,aretheoneswhowouldreceivetherequest.”Hecouldn’tkeeptheworryfromhis
face, when he added, “We have to be prepared that nothing will be done. It’s the Vatican, Em, and
anything like my case could end up in the trash. They may never free me from my vows.” The more he
thought about it, the more worried he was. He would still leave if he was refused, but he wouldn’t be
allowedtomarry.They’dhadenoughtoworryaboutovertheyears,surelyfatewouldn’tbesocruelasto
refusehisrequest.

“You’remoreworriedthanyouwantmetoknow.”

Hesighed,pulledheragainsthim,anddelightedwiththefeelofheragainsthim.

“Abit.It’sabigstepsoIexpectthebishopwillhavesomethingtosay,butIwantyou,Emelia.I’ve

beenwithoutyouforyears,toolong,andalifetimewithoutyouisunbearable.You’reinsideme,here.”
Hereachedupandpressedthepalmofhishandagainsthisheart.“You’llalwaysbeinhere,nomatter
what.”Hekissedherontheforehead.

Emelialeanedforwardandkissedhimoverhisheartbeforeshemethisgaze.“Iloveyou,andwantto

spendtherestofmylifewithyou.Please,makenomistakeaboutthat.”

“Iwon’t…but,let’swaituntilI’vespokentothebishopbeforeweheadtoMontana.Iwanttobeable

togivethemanswers,andrightnowIdon’tknowhowtoanswerthem.”

“It makes sense…I wish I knew how everyone would take you leaving the church to be with me. I

nevergrewuparoundyou,butIdidtheothers.”

“Don’tworryaboutourfamilyfornow.”He’ddotheworryingforthebothofthem,becausehehada

feelingthatconvincingtheirfamilywouldbethebiggesthurdleofall.

ChapterTwenty-Five

DrinkinghercoffeeonthefrontporchwithanamazingviewoftheRockies,Emeliafeltreallyhappy.

Soveryhappy,andthemanresponsiblehadjustcomeupandwrappedhisarmsaroundherwaistfrom
behind.Dantewassoloving,andsheregrettedmissingoutonallthoseyearswithouthim.

Butashenuzzledintoherneck,shetoldherselftostoplookingback.Theycouldonlymoveforward.

“Whatareyouthinking?”Herestedhischinonhershoulder.

“Aboutyou.”

Hechuckled.“Hopeit’sagoodthought.”

Emeliapressedbackintohisbodyanddelightedwhenhegaspedatthecontact.“Oh,yes.Verygood

thoughts.”Sheplacedhercupofcoffeeonthebalconyrail,beforeturninginhisarms.Reachingup,she
cuppedhisfaceinthepalmofherhandsandsmoothedherthumbsoverhislips.“Iloveyou,Dante.”

Hiseyesdippedtohermouthbeforehemethergaze,andleanedforwardtoplaceasoftkisstoher

lips.Shesighedinpleasure,butitsoonturnedtoafrowntomatchDante’s.“What’swrong?”

“EverytimeIthinkaboutspendingtherestofmylifewithyou,thethoughtthatImightneverbefreeto

marryyoukillsme,becausethat’swhatIwantsomuch.I’mnotsureifit’severgoingtohappen.Areyou
prepared for that? For the possibility that I might never be free to marry you?” When Dante finished
speaking,hiseyeswerered-rimmed,andhisfacehadpaled.

EmeliarealizedthatDantereallywasafraidthatshewouldn’twanthimifhecouldn’tmarryher,butit

wassofarfromthetruth.Sheassuredhim,“Iloveyou,Dante.Myloveisn’tdependentonwhetherornot
youbecomefreetomarryme.Ifthatdoesn’thappen,then,aslongaswe’relivingourlifetogether,I’ll
always be happy.” She leaned forward and kissed him. She pulled back slightly, their lips a mere inch
apart,andwhispered,“Andthegoodthingaboutushavingthesamesurnamemeansthatanychildrenwe
havewillalsohavebothournames.We’llbeafamily,Dante,andthat’sthemostimportantthing—thatwe
haveeachother.”

AllshehadeverwantedwastobewithDante,andapieceofpaperwouldn’tmakeanydifferenceto

herfeelingsforhimoranychildrentheymighthave.

AsshewatchedDante,heseemedtobefightingemotionsofhisown,whichwaswhyshewrapped

herselfaroundhimwhiletheystoodinsilence.

Thesunhadn’tlongsincerisen,andwhileshewatchedthewinterbirdsswoopdownoverthefrozen

lake,hermindwentovereverythingthattheywouldhavetoovercome.Breakingthesilence,sheadded,
“Something we haven’t considered, as well, is that we both have the same father listed on our birth
certificates.I’mnotsureifthatissomethingthatcanbeundone.”

“I’dforgottenthatpart…andgoingbacktothepartaboutkids.I’dlovetohavechildrenwithyou,Em.

You’llmakeawonderfulmother.”Hekissedherforehead.“Doyouwanttogoout?There’sasmalltown
closeby.”

ShethoughtaboutDante’ssuggestion,butshewantedtobeselfish.“Canwestayhere,lightthefire,

andcuddleinfrontofthetelevision,andputagoodmovieon?”

“Wecandothat.”Hekissedheragain.“Let’sgoinsideandwarmup.”Dantekeptanarmaroundher

shouldersastheywalkedbackinsidethecabin.

ItwasaluxuriouscabinthatDantehadownedforyears,sincebeforeherantothechurch.Theywere

luckytohaveplumbingandalltheotherthingsthatweretakenforgrantedonadailybasis.Shelovedthe
openplanatthefrontofthecabin,and,asshetookhersnowbootsoff,shepaddedoverinherstocking
feettothefloortoceilingwindowandlookedbackouttothelake.Shelovedtheviewandcouldimagine
herselflivinginDante’shomewithhim.

Itsaddenedhertoknowthathe’dhavetoleaveFrederickbecausesheknewthatheloveditthere,but

nowaycouldtheycreatealifetogetherintheparishwherehe’dbeenthepriest.Thecabinwasonlya
fewhoursfromFrederick,soeventhatwouldn’tbeanoption.

Theyneededafreshstartwhereneitherofthemwasknown,andalthoughitmadeherheartbeatfaster,

sheknewthattheycoulddoanythingwhentheyhadtheotherforsupport.

Asitwas,herbodyachedforhimtofillheragain,butifshewashonest,thethoughtofhisthickpenis

slippinginsidehermadeherwincewhileshestillfeltsore—italsoarousedhertoamazingheights.

She hadn’t expected him to be so long or thick, not that she’d spent time imagining…well, maybe

some.

Withherbodyfulloffrustration,sheturnedfromthewindowandsmiledwhenshesawDantealready

sittingonthesofawatchingher.

“Youlookedlostinthought,again.”Heraisedabrow.

“I’msorry,”shemovedtowardhimandcuddledintohisside.“Ican’thelpit.There’salottothink

aboutandmymindkeepsdrifting.”

“They’rebigdecisionsaswell,”hecommented.“Butnomatterhoweverythingworksout,wewillbe

togetherintheend…Let’sforgetaboutitallfortherestoftoday.We’llbebackinFredericktomorrow,
and then we can start dealing with everything we need to do.” He pulled her closer and she sighed in
pleasureashiswarmthenvelopedher.

Butnomatterhowcloseheheldher,shecouldn’thelpfeelsadnessthathewasleavingthechurchfor

her. He may have gone to the church as an escape, but she’d seen him in his church and with his
congregationandhelovedit.Justliketheylovedhim.

Towalkawaywasaverybigstepforhimtotakeandshewonderedwhetherheeverwouldblameher

forhisactions.

“No,Em.”

Herstartledgazesnappedtohisandafrownmarredherbrow.“What?”

“You’re an open book. You might be the main reason for me leaving but I’m doing it for myself as

well.Pleasedon’teverdoubtthatIwillregretmydecisionbecauseIwon’t.HowcanIwhenI’llhave
everythingI’veeverwantedwithyou?Iloveyou.Stopworrying.”Hekissedthetopofherhead.

She smiled softly, and met his gaze. “I’ve longed to spend time with you, lying cuddled on the sofa

whilewewatchamovietogether.BeingaloneknowingthatIcantouchyou,kissyouwhenIwanttoo.
Beingherewithyoumeanseverythingtome,Dante.”

Hishandslippedtothenapeofherneckandtuggedhercloser.“Youmeaneverythingtome,Em…

Everything,”hewhisperedjustbeforetheirlipsmet.

ChapterTwenty-Six

Onaheavysigh,DanteplacedEmelia’sbagontheendofherbedintheguestbedroom.Theirtime

togetherhadcometoanend,andheregrettedbeingbackinFrederick.AlthoughEmeliahadtoldhimshe
understoodthattheycouldn’tshareabedroomoncetheywerebackinthecabin,he’dfeltherpullaway
fromhimandknewhe’dhurther.Shestillsmiledandtalkedasthoughtherewasn’tanyproblematall,but
therewassomethingreservedabouther,andwhileBarbarawasinthekitchen,hedidn’twanttoconfront
Emelia.

They’denjoyedtheirtimeaway,andhe’dlovedbeingabletospendthetimewithher.Shewashis

everything, and he just wished that everything was over with—the bishop, their family, the keeping his
lovesecretfromtheworld.Itplayedonhismindandhedidn’tlikehavingEmeliaseparatefromhim.

He’dsinnedenoughoverthepastcoupleofdays,hedidn’tthinkheshoulddoitundertheroofthat

belongedtothechurch.Asitwas,he’dbespendingallhissparetimeaskingforforgivenessathisown
alter.

Once he’d walked away and it was official, then he wouldn’t look back. While he still wore the

collar,therewasasmallamountofguiltoverwhathe’ddonewithEmelia.

Justthethoughtofherunderhisfingersandmouthwasenoughtocauseanerectiontostrainhispants.

Itwaswhenherememberedthefeelofhersilky,wettightnessenvelopinghishardfleshthatmadehim
catchhisbreath.Hegrippedthefootboardofthebedbeforeheturnedanddroppedhisasstothemattress.

Heslouchedforwardandrestedhisarmsonhisthighswithhisheadinhishands,feelingtheweightof

theworldonhisshoulders.

Sunday after Mass, he hadn’t stopped to think and reacted to another man flirting with Emelia, and

nowhehadtolivewiththeconsequences.Oh,hedidn’tregretbeingwithher,hejustwishedthathe’d
hadthesensetowaituntilhe’dspokentothebishopandgoteverythingsortedandhislaicization,where
histiestothepriesthoodwouldbesevered—performed.

He hadn’t wanted to break his vows while he still thought of himself as a priest, but his love and

jealousyforEmeliahadtakenprecedence.Helovedher,sowhywouldn’ttheyhave?

He’d left the bedroom door ajar so, when he heard it open further, he raised his head and found

Emeliastandingwatchinghim.“You’vebeenuphereawhile.Iwantedtomakesureyouwereokay.”

“I’mfine.”Heheldhishandouttoher,andwhenshegraspeditwithhers,hepulledherdowntohis

lap,muchtoherstartledsurprise.

“Ithoughtyousaid…”

“IknowwhatIsaid,andImeanthat.Wecan’tsharearoomunderthisroof,Em.Butyoulookedlost,

andIsureneededyourarmsaroundme.”

“You feel bad about what’s happened between us, right?” Emelia asked, but she didn’t seem

surprised.

“I don’t regret what we did. I guess now that I’m back here, and knowing that I have Mass later, a

slitherofguilthasslippedinsideofme.”Hesmiledandkissedheronthenose.“Butitallstartedwithme
gettinghardthinkingaboutlovingyou.Ican’tgetSundayeveningoutofmyhead.”

Shesmiledsoftly.“Ican’teither,andIsowishthatwecouldhavemadeloveagainbeforewecame

backhere,”shesaidquietly,butthenadded,“Imeanwithyouinsideme.”Sheblushed.Theyhadn’tmade
loveagainbuttheyhadexploredeachother’sbodyseveraltimesovertheshortholiday.

Hisgazeheatedandittookalotfromhimtoactcalmwhenhisbodywasreadytoincinerate.“Metoo,

but there’ll be plenty of time for us to be together. I promise, Em.” He stood and made sure she was
steadyonherfeet.“Let’sgoandhavesomecakewithBarbara.Iknowshe’sitchingtotalktoyou.”

“She’sinlovewithDiego.”Emeliagrinned.

“Iknow.Mateousuallycauseshertoblushaswell.”Heledherdownstairsand,ontheway,headded,

“Idon’tknowwhysheneverquestionsmeaboutourbrothers.”

Shechuckled.“I’magirlandlovetogossipwithher.”

Danterolledhiseyes.“Thengossipaway.I’llgoandcheckmymessagesintheoffice.”

“Oh,noyoudon’t.”Shegrabbedhisarmanddraggedhim,withherlaughing,intothekitchenwhere

theyfoundBarbaracuttingintoascrumptiouschocolatecake.

“Areyoutwohorsingaround?”Barbarasmiled,andtookherusualseatatthetable.

EmeliajoinedherandpointedlyglaredatDante.“Sit.”

“Yes,Ma’am.”Hegrinnedanddidwhathewastold.

Hetookasipofthesteamingcoffeethatwasalreadywaitingforhim,buthenearlychokedonabitof

thecakewhenBarbarasaid,“I’msogladyou’vecomeforavisit.Idon’tknowwhatyou’vedone,but
you’vemadehimsmile.”ShenoddedatDante.

“He was missing his family, I think.” Emelia offered him a soft smile and turned back to Barbara.

“Anyway,howhaveyoubeen?”

“Oh,it’snotthatlongsinceIlastsawyouandeverythingisthesame.I’mnotgettinganyyounger,but

theFatherheregivesmesomethingtogetoutofbedforeverymorning.Ifitwasn’tforhim,Idon’tknow
whatI’ddowithnothavinganyfamilyofmyown…anymore.”

HisheartsankandhismoodtookanosediveatBarbara’sheartfeltconfession.Washebeingselfish,

justthinkingabouthimself?Whatwouldhappentoherwhenhepackeduphisbelongingsandleft?

Emeliaglancedathim,buthecouldn’tmusteranykindofresponseandsatinsilencewhileheletthe

conversationcarryonaroundhim.

HecaughtEmeliaglanceathimfromthecornerofhiseyeseveryfewminutes,whichtoldhimthatshe

knewwhatbotheredhim.Hejustneededtothinkaboutothersfornow.

Deepdown,heknewthathewasbeingunrealistic.Therewouldbeanewpriestlivinginthecabin,so

he’dprobablybegratefulofthecookingthatBarbaracameanddid.Regardlessofherage,shewasgreat
companyonthedaysthathebecamefedupwithhimself.

He’daskthebishoptotellthenewpriestthatshecamewiththepositionintheparish.Colinmightnot

bespeakingtohimbythen,butDanteknewthatthebishopwaspartialtoBarbarahimself.He’dmether
onseveraloccasionsanditwasclearthattheyenjoyedeachother’scompany.

“Father?”

HeclearedhisheadandmetBarbara’senquiringgaze.“Sorry,Ipowernapped.”

Barbarachuckled.“Thoughtyou’dswitchoffwhenIaskedEmeliaaboutyoungSean.Hetookaliking

toyoursister.”

Asshewatchedhimclosely,hetriedtomaskhisemotionattheideaofSeanandEmelia.Itwasnot

goingtohappen.“Idon’tknowaboutthat,”hesaiddirectlytoEmeliabeforehesmiledatBarbara.“She
doesn’tneedtobehookingupwithhim.”

Emelialitupathiswords.

ButBarbaraadded,“Pfft.She’sabeautifulyoungwoman,andshe’salwaysalone.Sheneedsanice,

youngmantostepoutwith.”ShesmiledatEmelia,“Youtellhim.”

DantewatchedEmeliablush,andsmiledintohiscupofcoffee,confidentinherloveforhim.

“Pleasedon’tworryaboutme,Barbara.IcanassureyouthatI’mfine.Ihaveenoughgoingoninmy

lifewithoutsteppingoutwithSean.”EmeliapattedBarbara’shand.“Ilovespendingmytimeherewith
Dante…becausethemountainsremindmeofhome.”

“Mmm,Iknowwhatyoumean.WhenWaltwasalive,welivedforafewyearsinDenverandhatedit.

Sobusy.Afriendsuggestedthatwetryuphere,andwenevermovedagain.”Barbaradriftedoffintoher
memories.

EmeliaturnedtoDanteandheldhisgazeformereseconds,butitwasenoughtoseehowmuchithurt

thatshecouldn’tbehonestwithBarbara.

“I think I’ll go upstairs and get some rest.” Emelia turned to Barbara. “Thank you so much for the

coffeeandcake.I’llseeyoulateratMass.”ShebentandkissedBarbaraontheheadbeforesheturnedto
himanddidthesame.

Hisbreathcaughtinthebackofhisthroatathertouch,whichwasgentle.Hecouldn’thelphimselfor

howhisgazefollowedhereverymovement.Hewatchedherheadtowardthestairs,andnoticedtheway
shedraggedherfeeteversoslightly—hershouldershunched.Hewashalftemptedtofollowtomakesure
thatshewasokay.

Hefrowneddownintohiscoffeewhenherealizedhe’dbeenstaringather,andhehopedthatBarbara

wouldthinkitwasoutofworryandnothingmore.

“Becareful,Father.”

HeraisedhisheadandrealizedthatBarbarawouldn’tmeethisgazeassheputherjacketon,butshe

did before she walked out of the door. “I wasn’t born yesterday, and you need to think about what you
wantmore…Seeyouthisevening,Father.”

Thehotcoffeeonhislegcausedhimtojumpupandshakehispantlegwhilehetriednottocurseas

thepainprickledwherethecoffeehadburnthim.Thatwouldteachhimfornotpayingattentiontowhathe
wasdoing.Thenagain,itwasBarbara’swordsthathadstunnedhimbadly.

Nowaythey’dgivenanythingaway,andshecertainlywouldn’thaveheardthemtalkingupstairs,or

didshe?

Hedabbedatthemessonhispantsandsathisassbackdownwithaheavysigh.

Beforeeverythingwassorted,he’ddrivehimselfcrazy.

ChapterTwenty-Seven

It was with a heavy heart that Emelia found herself home in Montana without Dante. She’d really

wantedtostayandbethereforhimafterhe’dspokenwiththebishop.He’dwantedherhomesafe,incase
wordgotoutandsomethingwassaidinfrontofher.Hewantedtomakesurethatshewaswellawayfrom
itall,andshewas.Shewasmiserable.Sheworriedabouthim.

Eventhoughsheknewinherbloodthathisheartwassetinstoneabouthavingafuturewithher,there

wasanigglingofdoubtburiedinsideher.ThebishopwouldargueandtrytoguiltDanteintostayinga
priest.Thatsheknewwithoutevenbeingtold.

Asshepoundedthebreaddoughontotheflouredcountertop,shehopedthatitwouldhelpgetridof

the frustration and helplessness she felt. It hadn’t worked so far, in fact, she was getting madder and
madderthemoreshepounded.

Thedoughwasalreadysmooth,butsheflippeditup,backdownandcontinuedtokneadituntilher

arms ached and she didn’t have the strength to carry on…and, that’s when the tears started…great, big,
racking sobs shook her body. All her fear for what would happen with Dante after his visit with the
bishop.Allherfearatthereactionherfamilywouldhavewhentheyadmittedtheirrelationship.Allher
fear that the future she’d looked forward to over the weekend wouldn’t be possible. All of it came out
throughthesobsandtearsrainingdownherface.

“Emelia?”

Sheheardhername,butshecouldn’tmoveasthefearrippedthroughherbody,andthat’swhenshe

feltAidenpullherintohisarms.

“I’vegotyou.Justletitout,Sis.”

Hearinghimcallhersis,shecriedharder.

She buried her face into his chest and let him hold and comfort her. He held her so tightly that she

knewshewassafewithAiden,andshewanteddesperatelytotellhimwhatwasgoingon.Everything.

Shecouldn’t.

Notyet.

NotuntilDantewaswithher.

She’dpromisedhim.

IfonlyEricwashere,thenshe’dhavesomeonetotalkto.Butnowshehadtosufferinsilenceuntil

Dantereturnedtoher.

Aidenstrokedherback,andpulledbackslightly.“Feelingabitbetter?”

Hersobshadturnedintohiccups.“Iamnow.Thankyou.”Sheofferedhimawaterysmile,stepping

outofhisarms.

Hewouldn’tlethergotoofarandlooselygrippedherwrists.“Notsofast.”Hefrowned.“Youdon’t

gettocryallovermeandthenactasthoughyouhaven’tjustdonethat…Iloveyou,Emelia.Pleasetalkto
me.”

“Ican’t.”

Hewasthoughtful,andthenasked,“Doesithaveanythingtodowiththeconfessionsofourparents?”

“Notreally.”ShewipedhereyesandsniffledintoaKleenex.“I’lltalkwhenIcan,butI’mfinereally.

Alothasbeenhappeninginmylifelately,anditallcaughtuptomeatonce.ButI’llbefine.”

“Ifyou’resure.”Hereleasedherwrists,buthisexpressiontoldherhewasn’tsureatall.

“Iam.”Shesmiled.“Imustlookasight.”Turning,shemeanttowalkaway,butAidencaughtholdof

heragain.Shewatchedhimoverhershoulder,aquestioninglookonherface.

“Comeandtakeawalkwithme.”

“Idon’t—”

“Don’tthinkandsay,yes.”Aidengrinnedandshecouldn’trefuse.

The fact was, she loved walking around outdoors, and she also loved the snow, which was still

comingdown.

“Ithinkitmightjustbewhatthedoctorordered.”Shegrinned.“Letmegowashupandchange.Oh,

no.I’mmakingbread.”Sheglanceddownatthedoughandwonderedjusthowtoughthebreadwasgoing
tobe.

“Don’tworry.I’llsetittorise.Gochange,”Aidensaid.

“Okay.I’llmeetyoudownhereinafewminutes.”

Without a backward glance, and with a smile on her face for the first time since she’d parted from

Dante,shedashedupstairstoherroom.

Straightintothebathroom,shesplashedcoldwaterontoherfaceand,oncedried,headedtowardher

closet.Aidenhadgivenherachangeoftopictooccupyhermind.Dantewouldbeburieddeepuntilhe
arrivedinadayortwo,butnowthathertearshadstopped,shewouldn’tleteverythinggetontopofher
again.Theoutbursthadbeenabuildupofeverything,andnowshe’dletitallout,shefeltmuchbetter.

Tossingherclothesinthehamper,shequicklychanged,andpulledtightsonbeneathherjeanstokeep

herlegswarmoutsideinthecoldweather.

Heading downstairs, she stopped when she caught sight of her mother in deep conversation with

Aiden.Astheyglancedupstairswhentheyheardher,sheknewbytheembarrassedlookonAiden’sface
thatthey’dbeentalkingabouther.

Shesighed.“I’mfine…beforeyouask.”Kissinghermomonthecheek,sheadded,“Ireallyam.Itwas

just a build up of everything, but I’m okay. In fact, I’m more than okay and I’m looking forward to my
walkwithAiden.”

Her mother pulled her into a hug, and released her after she’d held Emelia’s gaze. She obviously

didn’tfindanythinginhereyestoworryaboutasshesteppedbackandsmiled.“Okay.I’lltrustthat,if
youneedtotalk,you’llcometome.”

“Iknowyou’rethere.Ipromise.”

“Good…Then,IguessIbettergoandseetothebreadthatsomeonestarted.”

Emeliachuckled.“Sorryaboutthat.”

“Pfft.”Hermomshookherheadanddisappearedintothekitchen,butshouted,“Wrapupwarm.”

EmeliarolledhereyesatAiden.“Wewill,Mom.”

“Wherearewegoing?”sheasked,grabbingherjacketandhatfromthestandbythedoor.

“Noidea,justwantedtosaysomethingtostopthewaterworks.”Hesmirked.

“Ishouldhaveknown…regardless,I’mgladyousuggestedthisand,Ithinkweshouldgoandsayhello

toSarah.”

Aiden’seyessnappeduptohersbeforeheavertedthemtohistaskofgettingintohisoutdoorgear.

ShequicklyturnedherbacktoAidenandpulledherbootsonsohecouldn’tseethegrinsplittingher

face.Hewasanopenbook,andcouldn’tstayawayfromtheyoungvet.Emeliadidworrysomebecause
theyallknewthatSarahwasmarried,eventhoughtheyhadyettomeetherhusband.Noreasonwhythey
shouldhavemethim,butshewascuriousastowhySarahblushedaroundAidenwhenshewasalready
taken.

Fullybundledup,shefollowedAidenoutsideandinhaledthefresh,butverycoldair.Sheusuallyfelt

goodbeinghomeand,apartfromherannoyanceatDanteformakingherleavewhenshewantedtostay,
shewasnowdeterminedtohavefun.Luckily,ormaybeunluckily,forAiden,hewastheonesheplanned
onhavingfunwith.Andastheywalkedclosertothestables,sherealizedthefunwasabouttostartwith
howmuchAidenhadpickeduphispacewhenhespottedSarahinthestableswiththeirfather.

Withagrinsplittingherface,EmeliacaughtuptoAidenjustbeforehesteppedintothestables,and

slippedherarmaroundhistosnuggleintohim.Aidenturnedandfrowneddownather,butheendedup
returninghergrin.

“Feelingbetter,Sis?”

“Oh,yes,”sheansweredandlethergazelandonSarahbeforesheofferedherbrotherawink.“Most

definitely.”

“Dad,” she greeted, and smiled when he wrapped an arm around her shoulders to keep her close

beforesheturnedtoSarah.“Hi,Sarah.It’snicetoseeyouagain.”

“Youtoo,Emelia.”

SarahturnedtoAiden,blushingwhensheheldhisgaze.Herblushdeepenedwhentheyshookhands,

andEmelianoticedhowslowtheywereatbreakingthatconnection.

Hmm.

Sarahwaslovelywithherdarkauburnhair,loosedownherback,andalightsprinklingoffreckles

overthebridgeofhernoseandcheekbones.Shehadafreshlookabouther,andherslimbuildwashidden
behindfittedjeans,knee-highboots,andathickfleecejacket.She’dcertainlysnaggedAiden’sattention,

anditwasobviousthatitwasreturned…but,shewasmarried.

Emelia’s father cleared his throat, and with a glance at his face, she noticed the look that passed

betweenhimandAiden.Theirfatherwasn’thappy.

“Whereareyoutwoheading?”theirfatherasked,andEmeliasighedinreliefatthedistraction.The

atmosphereinthebarnhadbecomestifling.

“Forawalk.Clearthecobwebsaway,”sheanswered.“Andonthatnote,Ithinkwe’llleaveyouboth

tothehorses.”Emeliareachedupandkissedherfatheronthecheek,andfelttearshoveronhereyelashes
when she noticed a similar look on his. She gave him another kiss, and whispered for his ears only, “I
loveyou,Daddy,”beforesheplacedyetanotherkisstohischeek.

Stepping back, she quickly left the barn and gulped in more fresh air to calm her racing heart.

Emiliano would always be a father to her because he’d raised her from birth. Telling him ‘I love you,
Daddy’ took her back to her childhood, and her nightly ritual of saying just that. But it was her way of
lettinghimknowthatherfeelingsforhimhadn’tchanged.

“Hey,areyouokay?Youhightaileditoutoftherelikeyourasswasonfire.”Aidenstoodinfrontof

herwithafrownmarringhisbrows.

“JustthinkI’moveremotionalatthemoment.ButI’mokay…whataboutyou?”

“Me?”Heaskedashiseyesshiftedawayfromherface,andheshuffleduncomfortablyinplace.

Emeliarolledhereyes.“I’mnotblind,Aiden.IsawtheexchangebetweenyouandSarah.”

He held her gaze before he looked off into the distance and let out a heavy sigh. “There’s nothing

goingon.”

Itwasonthetipofhertonguetodisagree,andsheprobablywouldhaveifshehadn’tseentheanguish

onhisface.Soinstead,shewrappedherarmsaroundhiswaistandrestedherheadagainsthischest.“I’m
hereforyouifyoueverneedtotalk…oranything.Pleasedon’tforgetthat.”

Hisarmseventuallycamearoundherand,ashekissedthetopofherhead,hewhispered,“Iwon’t.”

ChapterTwenty-Eight

Dantewaitedinthereceptionroom,justoutsideofthebishop’soffice.FatherDavidThompson,the

bishop’srighthandman,glaredathimfrombehindhiswire-rimmedframes.

Forsomereason,Fr.Davidhadtakenaninstantdisliketohimmanyyearsago,andalthoughhewould

alwaysbecordial,hewouldneverbewelcoming.HewouldmakeDantefeellikebeinginhispresence
wasachore.

Dantehadneverdoneorsaidanythingtohimtomakehimactthewaythathedid.Fr.David’sattitude

hadpuzzledhimforsometime.

Hetriedtoclearhismindandlookedaroundtheroomhewasin,butwishedhehadn’twhenhiseyes

landedonapictureofthePope.Thatwasallheneededwhenhe’dcometobreakhisvowsofordination.

Thenervesthathadbeenwithhimsincehe’dputEmeliaonaflighttoMontanahadnowsettledinto

thepitofhisstomachlikearock.

If was the love of Emelia that kept him grounded and in his seat while his palms dampened with

stress,andhisheartthumpedagainsthisbreastbone.

He’dboughtherapresentwhenhe’dfirstarrivedinDenvertomeetwiththebishop,andeventhough

heknewheraswellashedidhimself,hefeltunsureastogivingherthegift.Atleast,untiltheirliveshad
beensorted—moresohislife.

AndthenwhenFr.Davidannounced,“TheMostReverendColinSommerisreadyforyou,”Dante’s

heartnearlystoppedbeforeitpickedupitsbeatingagain.

DanteroseandignoredFr.Davidashewalkedintotheofficeknowinghislifewasabouttochange,

hejusthopedthatthedisappointmentheknewthebishopwouldfeeldidn’thurttoodeeply.Hewassure
thebishopwouldconceiveitasbetrayal.

Walkingintotheoffice,hegreetedthebishopwithadipofhisheadandplacedakisstothesacred

ringbeforehewaswavedintoachairoppositehisdesk.

Theofficewasasoldasthecathedralitself,andspannedoverahundredyears.Theroomhadalways

beendark,justlikeitwasnowwiththedarkgreenwallsanddarkmahoganywoodencoving.Thecurtains
werehalfpulledoverthewindows,whichcutoffalotofthelight.

Ashesatinsilenceandwaitedforthebishoptostarttheconversation,Dantesmiledathowneatasa

pinthebishopwas.Dantehadoftenwonderedhowthebishopstayedcreasefree.Notonewrinklecould

be found on the bishop’s black cassock that was edged with red piping to match the buttons down the
front,theredsasharoundhiswaistand,ofcourse,thezucchetto.Theredskullcap.

HelookedjustasDanterememberedfromhistimeasateenagerbackinMontanawhenhe’dsneakin

to see how long it would take the priests to find him. That was how he found Bishop Colin Sommer,
althoughhehadn’tbeenabishopbackthen.Eventually,he’dopenedupabouthismother’sdeathandthat
hadbegunakindoffriendshipbetweenthem.

“You’re not happy,” the bishop started, and Dante snapped his eyes to him as he continued, “You

haven’tbeenhappyforaverylongtime.AsmuchasI’vetriedtoencourageyoutoopenuptomelikeyou
wouldhavedonebeforeyoutookyourvows,youneverhave.Sotalktome,Dante.TalktomeasColin,
yourfriend,andthen,whenyouneedmeto,we’lltalkasyourbishop.”

Dante had no idea what was going on because they’d always kept the respect of position between

them.

“I’vesurprisedyou.Istillhaveitatmyage,huh?”

Helaughedinreliefandamusement.“Youdo,Bis…um,Colin.”

“That’sbetter.You’vealwaysbeenabletotalktomemoreeasilyasColinthanBishopColin,sotalk

tome,Dante,andletmehelpyou.”

DantesighedandlookedthroughthecrackinthecurtainsbeforehefocusedonColinagain.“Ithought

IknewwhatIwantedtosayandhowtosayit…but,nowthatI’msittingherefacingyou,Ihavenoclue
howtosaywhatIneedtowhenIknowthatyouwon’tbeabletohelpme,eventhoughIwishyoucould.”

“Dante, I’ve known you, what…about twenty-five years. A long time. Longer than I’ve known the

majorityofpriestsinthisDiocese.Talktome.”

Danteclosedhiseyesandcenteredhimselfbeforetheysnappedbackopen,andheadmitted,“You’re

right, I haven’t been happy in a very long time. More so recently. For a while now, I’ve wondered
whether the decision I made to join the seminary was one that I shouldn’t have made.” He paused and
gainedencouragementatthenodthatColinoffered.

Sohecontinued,“Emeliaisn’tmysister.”

“What?”Colinquestioned,takenbysurprise.

“I always thought that she was my half-sister, until recently, and there lies the problem.” He met

Colin’sgaze.“IfellinlovewithEmeliayearsago.”

HestayedsilenttogiveColintimetoworkoutthetimeline,andColin’seyeswidenedwhenitmust

haveclicked.“Youran?”

Dantenodded.“Idid.IthoughtitwassowrongtohavethefeelingsthatIdidforawomanthatwasmy

half-sister.IhopedwhenIturnedtothechurchthatthefeelingswoulddisappear,thatI’dbeabsolvedof
the kiss we shared. It’s been heavily on my mind since then, but now that I know there is no blood
relationship between us, I can’t switch my feelings off anymore. They’re there, and…I want to be with
her. I want to grow old with her by my side. I’ve spent years tortured with a love that I thought was
forbidden.I’mnotpreparedtospendanotherdaywithoutherinmylifeasthewomanIlove.”

Asenseofreliefwashedoverhimashefinished.He’dfinallyadmittedthetruthtotheonepersonhe

shouldhavespokentoallthoseyearsago.Theonepersonwhowouldhavetonowactashisbishopin

dealingwithwhathe’djustconfessedtohim.

“Now,”Colinleanedforwardandrestedhisarmsonhisdeskwithhishandsintertwined,“it’smyturn

toconfess.”

ThatsurprisedDante,whofrownedatColin’swords.

Confesstowhat?

“I knew when you came to me, asking to join the seminary, that there was something wrong. Young

men your age, who are in the process of building their dream, don’t suddenly change their mind.” He
smiled.“ImaybeoldbutI’mnotoblivioustoliferegardlessofpopularbelief.”Heglancedathisclosed
officedoorbeforehefacedDanteagain.

“Iremembertryingtogetyoutotalk,andyoutalkedabouteverythingotherthanyourfamily.WhenI

didguideyouinthatdirection,youneveroncementionedasister.Ididwonder,butbecausetheseminary
seemedtobewhatyouwanted,Ihelpedyou.Inhonesty,Ifiguredonceyouwerethere,thecounselingand
classes would have caused you to come back to your senses and you’d leave. But they didn’t and you
didn’t. And then you took your vows.” Colin sighed and sat back in his chair, looking his seventy-four
years.

ItwasthefirsttimethatDantehadheardColin’sthoughtsonhimandhedidn’tknowwhattosayin

response.Dantewasstrongwilledwhenhechose,whichwaswhynoonecouldswayhimfromthepath
thathesuddenlywanted.

“Asyourbishop,Ishouldsendyouforcounselingandtellyouthatyouwillneverbefreebecauseit’s

your job to your congregation to stay true to them. That you will never be free of your vows.” Colin
pausedandcaughthisbreath.“Idon’thavethestrengthanymoretoargueortogetangrythatyouwantto
leave your vows behind. I also feel guilty for not doing more to dissuade you from the path that you
seemed to want even when, deep down, I knew you were using the seminary as an escape from
something.”

He’d expected to see the anger that Colin was occasionally known for but this had been a truly

enlighteningexperience.

“Whathappensnow?”

Colin sighed. “You have to resign from ecclesiastical office, which you can do while you are here.

Youcansithereandtypeupyourrequest.”

“Ihavethatwithme,”Danteadded.

“I should have known that…we will have to fill in a questionnaire that will be sent to Rome as a

petitionforanindultoflaicization.Youwillalsoneedtoapplyseparatelyforadispensationfromyour
vows.Intruth,thelaicizationwillprobablybegranted,butthedispensation,whichwillfreeyoutomarry,
maynotbe.I’vehardstoriesthattheserequestsmaynotevenmakeittotheSupremeCourtoftheVatican.
Doyouunderstandwhatthismeans,Dante?You’llneverbeabletomarryinaCatholicChurch,orhave
anythingtodowiththefaithinanactiverole.Canyouacceptthat?”

He already knew that because he’d been online searching for information so that he wouldn’t be

caughtoffguard.“Yes.”Itwouldn’tpreventhimfromworkingatoutreachcenters,orfromfollowinghis
originaldreamofopeningarestaurant.Thistime,he’dhaveEmeliabyhisside.

Thenthebishop’swordshithim‘nevermarryinaCatholicChurch’.“Somarriageisallowed,butnot

inaCatholicChurchevenwithoutadispensationbeinggranted?DidIhearthatright?”

Colinnodded.“Ishouldn’tevenbetellingyouthat.Butyes.Ifthedispensationisn’tgranted,thenas

longasthemarriagedoesn’ttakeplaceinaCatholicChurch,youcanbemarried.You’llbegoingagainst
everything that you’ve been taught and your own faith, which I know you still believe in. Can you do
that?”

“Idon’tthinkI’mreadytoanswerthatjustyet.Maybeintime,butfornow…”hisvoicetrailedoffas

hetriedtothinkofhisanswer,“Ijustneedtime.”

“I’m going to be very sorry to lose you, Dante. I’ve dedicated fifty-three years to the church and

you’retheonlypriestthatI’veevermettoreallychallengeme.Oh,there’sbeenothersoverthetime,I’m
sure.Butyou’retheoneI’mgoingtoremember.Ifithadbeenanyoneelsesittingwhereyouare,saying
whatyouhave,thenI’mnotsureIwouldhavereactedthesame.Infact,IknowIwouldn’thave.”

“I’m going to miss you as well.” And he would, more than he thought he would when he walked

throughthedoorstohavethismeeting.

“Handmeyourletter,andwe’llgetthequestionnaireansweredsothenyou’llbefreetoleave.”

“Thankyou.”

ChapterTwenty-Nine

Aidenhadgoneintotownwiththeirfather,soEmeliawassupposedtobecookingupastorminthe

kitchenwithhermom,butallshewasdoingwasmooningoverthecheesesauceforthelasagnaasshe
stirreditwithawoodenspoon.

Hermomwasinthebackgroundputtingtogethersomepiesfordessert,andEmeliahadn’tmissedthe

looksfromthecornerofhermom’seye.Hermomhadyettocommentonherlackofenthusiasm,butshe
knewthathermotherwouldn’tstaysilentforlong.

On the odd occasion, they’d both been mistaken for sisters with their matching eyes, and long dark

hair. Her mom had aged well and her skin still looked as young and healthy as Emelia always
rememberedfromwhenshewasachild.HermomwassevenyearsyoungerthanEmiliano,andatfifty-
five,shelookedtobeinherearlythirties.Emeliaoftenhopedthatshelookedasgoodwhenshereached
hermom’sage.

Butonasighwithherattentionbackonthecheesesauce,sherealizedthatithadstartedtogolumpy.

She quickly turned the burner off and removed the saucepan to the table, close to where her mother
worked.

“Thesauceisready,”shesaidunnecessarily.

“Hmm,Icanseethat.”Hermomsmiled.“Itlooksgood.Niceandthick.Perfectforthelasagna.”

Emelia poured the sauce over the rich Italian dish, and inhaled the delicious fragrance that wafted

underhernose.Itwasoneofherfavoritemeals.Itwasonethatshecouldmakeinhersleep,whichwas
whyshe’dchosenthatveryonetomakewhileshewassodistracted.

Dantehadn’tcalledinthethreedaysthatshe’dbeenhome,andherattemptstocontacthimhadgone

unanswered.Hissilencemadeherworryandcausedanervouskindofpaininherstomach.Hermindwas
playingtricksonher,andkeptmakingherthinkthathe’dhadsecondthoughtsandthattheirtimetogether
reallyhadn’tmeantanythingtohim.

Allsheneededwasonewordfromhimtoacknowledgethathestillfeltthesameasher.

Thatshehadn’ttogiveuponhimbecausehehadn’ther.

Butwhyhadn’thecalled?

Whywouldn’theanswerhercalls?

“You look like you’re going to be sick,” her mother commented, and placed a hand to Emelia’s

forehead.“Youdon’tfeelhot.”

“I’mfine.”

“If you’re fine, why is your hand clenched tight against your stomach?” Her mom caressed her face

withaworriedlookinhereyes.

“I hadn’t realized that it was.” She looked down and forced her hand down. “I’m fine.” She turned

away.“Letmeputthelasagnaintheoven.”

Emeliabusiedherselfwiththelasagnabeforeshecleanedthedishesshe’dused.She’djustfinished

puttingthemawayintothecupboardwhensheheardthefrontdooropen.

“They’rebackearly,”hermomcommented,frowning.

“I’ll go see.” She wasn’t really interested in more conversation with her family, but she knew her

momwasminutesawayfromconfrontingher…and,sheknew,thatshe’dblurtallherheartacheouttothe
onepersonsheshouldhavetalkedtointhebeginning.

Dryingherhandsonatowel,shemovedtowardthefrontdoorand,whenshesawwhostoodinthe

entrance,herheartstopped.

Dantelooked…haggard.Hisfacewasdrawnasthoughhe’dsufferedahugelossbut,ashiseyesmet

hers,shefeltherheartstarttobeatagain.Hisjoyatseeingherlithiseyes,andthatwasallsheneededto
movetowardhim.

Within seconds, she had wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him tight against her. She

needn’thaveworriedbecauseDanteheldherjustastightlyaroundthewaist.Heburiedhisfaceinthe
curveofherneckandinhaled,likeshedidwithhim.Hesmelledofherman,theloveofherlife…and,
home.Hewashersandshewouldneverlethimgo.

“I’vebeensoworriedaboutyou,”Emeliawhisperedintohisearandfelthimshudderagainsther.

“I’mherenow…Iloveyou,andI’vemissedyousomuch,”hecountered.

Emeliafeltclosetotearsthatshehadtoblinkhardsotheywouldn’tfall.Shesteppedbackslightly,

herhandscaressedDante’sfacebeforeshereachedupandwhispered,“Iloveyou,”andplacedatender
kisstohislips.

ThegaspbehindthemcausedEmeliatostill,andDanteraisedhisheadtolookbehindher.Sheknew

itwashermom,but,atleast,itwasn’tthewholefamily.

She slowly turned and was relieved when Dante kept a hand on her hip, but the look on her mom’s

facewasn’toneofhappiness.

“Whatisgoingon,Emelia?”sheasked,hervoicefullofanger.

Atnearlythirty,shestillfeltthesameasshedidattenwhenfacedwithhermom’sanger—scared.

“CanwegointothekitchenandI’llexplain,”DanteofferedwhileEmeliaheldherbreath.

“Iwasn’ttalkingtoyou,”hermomhissed.

EmeliafeltDanteflinchathermother’swords,andthatgaveherthestrengththatsheknewshe’dneed

forthisdiscussion.Heneededhertobeonhisside,andnottogiveinbecauseofhermother’sanger.

“Please,Mom.Wedoneedtotalk,anditwouldbebetterifweweren’tstandinginthedoorway.”

Hermomhesitatedandthenturnedherbackonthemwhilesheheadedforthekitchen.

“Thisisn’tgoingtoowell,”Dantecommented.“Justremember,nomatterwhatissaid,thatIloveyou,

Emelia.Canyoudothat?”

Sheturnedandquicklykissedhimonthelips.“AslongasyourememberhowmuchIloveyou,thenI

candothat.”

“You’reremarkable.”Dantecaressedherfacebeforehesmootheddownfromhershouldertotakeher

handtightlyinhis.

Withatug,hegothermoving.Theywalkedintothekitchenandjoinedhermomatthekitchentable.

Emeliaraisedabrowwhenshesawthathermomhadplacedtwomugsofcoffeeonthetableforthem.

EmeliafollowedDanteintoherchair,andsaid,“Thankyou.”

“Don’tthinkthatI’vesoftenedbecauseI’vepouredyoubothadrink.Iloveyoubothbut,this,”she

wavedherhandbetweenthetwoofthem,“Ican’t.You’rebrotherandsister—”

“Butwe’renot,Mom.Growingup,IonlysawDanteaboutonceayear,overtheChristmasholidays

andsometimes,noteventhen.Otherthanthoseshortvisits,hewasneveraround.Hewasn’therelikethe
others.”SheglancedatDante,whocradledthewarmcupofcoffeeinhishands,hiseyesonher.“WhenI
fellinlovewithhim,”sheturnedtohermom,“Iknewthathewasn’tmybrotherbecauseI’dheardyou
andDadtalking.Regardlessofage,I’vebeeninlovewithhimforyears,likehehasme,exceptwhereI
knewthatwehadnobloodbetweenus,Dantedidn’t,soheleft.”

“IloveEmelia,Lucia.IhaveforaslongasIcanremember.Itriedtofightit,andIthoughtIwasdoing

okaywiththat,untilrecently.Ican’tfightmyfeelingsforheranymore,whichiswhy,”hegrippedherhand
tightly,“I’mleavingthepriesthood.”

Afterafewminutesofsilence,hermothernodded,andsaid,“WhenIsawyoubothatthedoor.Ithit

mewhyEmeliainsistedontheothersbeingtoldthetruthaboutEmeliaandDiego’sbirths.Itwasbecause
shewantedyoutoknowthetruthfromus.Wasn’tit?”

“Yes…I couldn’t handle what I felt for Emelia when I thought she was my sister, so I joined the

seminaryandwaseventuallyordained.Ican’tchangemyreligiousupbringingandIwouldn’twantto,but
Ican’tstayinthechurchwhenIwantalifewithEmeliabymyside.”

Hermomwipedatthetearsonherface,andshookherheadwhenEmeliatriedtogotoher.“I’mfine.

Ihonestlydon’tknowhowIfeelaboutyoubothbeingacouple.Itcameoutoftheblue.Nowarning.ButI
can’t ignore the love that I saw before or what you’ve said. I just don’t see this going very well once
Emilianofindsout.Heraisedyouboth.”

Dantescrubbedahandoverhisfaceandhisshouldersslumpedforward.Theyknewthattheirfamily

wouldn’tjustacceptthemasacouple,andEmeliaknewthattheirfatherwouldhavealottosay,andmore
sotoDante.

Whenwouldthisbeoverwith…thetelling?

She slipped her hand into Dante’s and offered what comfort she could. She knew that it would be

neededoncetheirfatherandAidenreturned.

“Doyouwantmetotellyourfather?”hermomoffered.

“ThanksLucia,butno.I’lltellhim.Idon’twanthiswrathonyou.”

“Mom,can’tyoubehappyforus?”

“I’mhappythatyou’vefoundsomeonewholovesyou,but…”

“Youwishitwasn’tme?”Dantefinished.

“Pleasedon’tputwordsinmymouth,Dante,”shesnapped,andthensighed.“I’msorry.Thisisgoing

toupsetEmiliano,soyes,Iwishhisupsetcouldbeavoided…Attheendoftheday,Iloveyouboth,you
must know that. I know we haven’t been close, Dante. But I’d like to think that we became friends of
sorts.Ijustdon’tknowhowIfeelaboutyoubothbeingtogetherlikethis.IwishIdid.”

It hurt Emelia that they didn’t have the support of her mother, but she should have expected it. She

knewitwasadifficultsituation,andhadhopedforsupport.Allshecoulddonowwashopethatitwould
comeintheend.

Butfirst,sheneededtocallDiego.Sheneededtobetheonetotellhimbeforeoneoftheotherstold

him,ortheirmothertoldhimforthatmatter.

ChapterThirty

“Diegowasn’thappy,buthelistenedtowhatIsaid,andthentoldmehewasgoingtogetaflightout

sowehadsomeoneinourcorner.”Emeliasighed,andsaggedintoDante’sembrace.

Afterthesceneinthekitchen,they’dgoneupstairstoDante’sroomsothathecoulddumphisbagsthat

he’dbroughtwithhim.

He’dclearedoutthecabinofhispersonalbelongingsbeforehe’dleftforDenverandfeltdrained.He

hadn’tjusthadtofaceColin,whohadmadeitaloteasierthanheshouldhavedoneforDantetowalk
away,buthe’dhadtofaceBarbarabeforehe’dleft.

She’dcried,buthadn’tbeensurprised,soatleastheleftheronagoodnoteaswell,andonlybecause

hepromisedtokeepintouchwithherviaemail.Hecoulddothatforher.

“I’mafraid,”Emeliawhisperedagainsthischest.“Everyoneisgoingtobesoangrywithus.”

He clasped her tightly against him. “Em, please don’t be afraid. At the end of the day, they’re our

family,andwilleventuallygetusedtousbeingtogether.”

“Iknow.IguessIwashopingforsunshineandroses,youknow?”

“Iknow.”Hekissedthetopofherhead,andfeltcomfortablewithherinhisarms,eveniftheywerein

hisfather’shouse.

“Willyoutellmenowhowyourmeetingwiththebishopwent?I’vebeensoworried,andtriedtocall

you…”

Emelia looked at him for answers, and he realized by ignoring her calls, he’d really hurt her. “I’m

sorryfornotanswering.Iwentto,butcouldn’tintheend.Ididn’thaveanyanswersandIreallyneededa
clearheadtotalktothebishop.”Hepressedhercloser.“WhenItalktoyou,myheadissofilledwith
thoughtsofourtimetogetherthatIcan’tthinkaboutanythingelse.Youdistractme,andI’mreallysorry
thatIworriedyoubecauseofthat.”

Emeliakissedhischest.“Idistractyou,huh?Ilikethat.I’llneeddistractinglater…webothwill.”

“Um,thatisn’tsuchagoodideaunderthisroof.”There’snowayhecouldcomfortablymakeloveto

Emeliawhileinhisfather’shouse.

“You’reright,”Emeliamoanedintohischest.“Seriously,though.Iwanttosleepinyourarmstonight.

Wewon’tgetuptomischiefunderthecovers,butIneedyourarmsaroundme.”

“We can do that,” he agreed, against his better judgment. In truth, he wanted to feel her nude body

against his again, but it wouldn’t be right where they were, so he changed the subject, “Back to the
bishop.”

“Hmm.”Emeliasatupandstraddledhislap.

Hishandscaressedherthighswhilehewatchedhowherdarklocksfellaroundhershoulders.How

thefrownonherforeheadanddarkenedeyestoldhimjusthowworriedshewasforthem.ButhisEmwas
heartandsoulbeautiful,andhewouldloveandcherishherfortherestofhislife.Heknewthatwithout
evenhavingtothinkaboutit.

Clearinghisthroat,hequicklyrepeatedhisconversationwiththebishop,whichdidn’ttaketoolong.

Thepartthathewasn’tsureabouthowhefelt,hekepttohimself:theycouldbemarriedbutnotinthe
CatholicChurch.

Everymomentofhisforty-oneyearshadbeenspentasaCatholic.He’ddevotedyearstothechurch,

firstasa childwhenhe attendedMassas analterboy, andthe lastfewyears asapriest. Howwashe
supposedtomarryinanyotherchurchbutaCatholicone?Nomatterwhatelsehehadgivenup,thatwas
theonethingthathurtthemost.

“Whatareyouhiding?”

Hehadn’trealizedthatEmeliawatchedhimcloselywhilehewaslostinthought,butshehadandshe

knewhimbetterthananyone.Atleast,nowthatsheknewhowmuchhelovedher.

Hehadtotellher,shewouldn’tbehappydownthelinewhenshefoundoutthathe’dkeptitfromher.

“IftheresponsefromRomeregardingthedispensationisnegative…Iwillstillbeabletomarryyou…”

“Seriously?”

Henoddedasaprofoundsadnessfilledhim.“JustnotintheCatholicChurch.”

She gasped. “Oh, no…Dante.” She moved closer. “I’m so,” she cupped his face, “sorry. With how

muchofyourlifehasbeenspentdevotedtotheCatholicChurch,Iknowthatmusthurtyou.Alot.”

“Itdoes…Em,Iloveyou.Youknowthis,butI’mnotsureI’mgoingtobeabletogothroughwitha

marriage—”

“Shush,”shecoveredhismouthwithahand,“Everythingwillworkitselfout.Iknowthatyoulove

me,justlikeyouknowhowmuchIloveyou.Wemightnotbeabletomarrybecausewebothhavethe
samemanlistedasourbirthfather.”Hiseyessnappedtohers,andshesmiledsoftly.“I’mjusttryingto
showyouthattheremaybemoreobstacleswithusmakingthelovebetweenuslegalthannotbeingable
tomarryinyourchurch.”

“Idowantyouasmywife,Em.Ineedyoutoknowthat.”ItwashisturntocupEmelia’sfaceinhis

handsand,withagentlecaressoverhercheekbones,hebroughtherclosetohimforasweetkiss.

“Idoknowthat.”Emeliasettledagainsthischest,andappearedtosnuggledowntosleepwhenshe

whispered,“Aftereveryonehasbeentoldaboutus,canwegotoahotel?IneedtobeasclosetoyouasI
canget.”

“WhataboutDiego?Isn’thearrivingtomorrow?”DantewouldgiveEmeliaeverythingifhecould.As

muchashewantedtomakelovetoEmeliaagain,hedidn’twanttoalienatehisfamilymorebyleaving
withher.Thesituationwasn’tideal,buthewassurethatthey’dbothbehappieriftheirfamilyspenttime
aroundthem,whiletheywereacouple.

“Youdon’tthinkit’sagoodidea…youthinktooloudlysometimes.”

Hemoaned.“I’llhavetorememberthatinthefuture.”

“IthinkIprobablyspoketoosoonbecauseitwouldn’tbeagoodideatodisappearafterwe’vetold

them.Atleast,Idon’tthinkitwouldbe.Ugh,justremindmethatIagreedwithyouwheneverythinggoes
toshitlater.”

“Havefaith,Em.IknowwhatyourmomsaidaboutDad,butjusthavefaithinhim.”

HeheldEmeliawhileshefellasleepinhisarms.Hisfaithwasn’tasstrongashewantedEmeliato

believebecausehewasworried.Whereashehadn’tbeenaroundwhileEmeliawasgrowingup,hisdad
hadbeenthereforbothofthem,sooutofeveryoneitwouldbemoreawkwardforhimtoacceptthanthe
others.Anditdidbotherhim.Itbotheredhimalot.

ChapterThirty-One

Withastretch,Emeliacameawakewithastart.Shelaystill,wonderingwhatdisturbedhersleep…

andthenshehearditagain.Shouting.

What?

Sheshotuponthebedandlookedaroundinthedimlight.Wherewasshe?

Dante’sroom.

ButnoDante.

Shescrambledfromthebed,andcheckedthebathroomandrealizedthathewasn’tinside.

Therewasmoreshoutingandthensilence.

Sheknewitwascomingfromdownstairs,andthattheshoutinghadeverythingtodowithDanteand

her.

To shake the sleep from her system, she splashed her face with cold water and quickly dried. She

slippedherfeetbackintoherboots,whichDantehadobviouslyleftbyhisdoorandleftthesanctuaryof
hisroom.

Therewascertainlyaheateddiscussiongoingondownstairs.ShecouldhearDante,theirfather,her

motherandAiden.HerheartsankwhensherealizedDantewasinwiththeirfamily,buthewasalone,or
washe?

SheheardAidenshout,“Dad,givehimabreak.”

“Why?”herfatherasked,thefightseeminglytohavedisappearedfromhim.

Emelia,atthatpoint,enteredherfather’soffice,andmeteachgazeinturn,untilshesawhowmuchthe

conversationhadobviouslytakenoutofDante,andwenttohim.

“Areyouokay?”

Henoddedanddraggedhishandsoverhisface.“Yeah.”

“Youshouldhavewokenmeup.”

Heshookhishead.“Youwereexhausted.IhopedthatIcouldsaveyoufrombeinghereduringthis…”

Hethrewhisarmsaround.

Emeliacaughthishandsandheldtight.“Ishouldhavebeenherewithyou.Thisconcernsmeaswell.”

“I’msorry.”Hetuggedhercloserandkissedherforehead.

Theirfingersintertwinedassheturnedtofacetheirfamilyand,mostespecially,theirfather.Whenshe

methisgaze,shecouldn’tcontrolthetearsthathoveredonherlashesatthelookofdisappointmentonhis
face.

“Emelia, I don’t know what to say,” he started. “I understand what you’re both saying to me, but I

raisedyouboth,andthis,”hewavedhishandsinfrontofhim,“isdifficulttoaccept.”

Dante had obviously had his say, so now it was hers. It was her turn to defend her feelings for her

man.

“Ilovehim,”shewhispered.“I’vebeeninlovewithDantesincemytwenty-firstbirthday.I’dknown

forthreeyearsthatweweren’trelatedsofallinginlovewithhimwasn’twrong.”Shefeltatugonher
handandglancedatDante.

“It’sokay,Em.I’vealreadytoldthemeverything.”Thelookofconcernonhisfacemadeherwantto

wraparoundhim,butshecouldn’t.

Notyet.

“They haven’t heard the words out of my mouth.” She smiled and turned back to her father after a

quickglanceatAiden,whoappearedmoreamusedthananything.“Dad,Iknowthisisweirdforyou,but
itisn’tforus.Wenevergrewuptogether.We’renotsiblingsinanyway…notevensharedmemories.We
don’twanttoloseanyofyou,”shecriedsoftly,andletDantepullherintohisarms.

“You won’t lose us, honey. I know I’m struggling with this right now, but no one will be losing

anyone.”Herfather’svoicecrackedandherheartachedforhim.“Givemesometime,andyourmother.”

Emeliapulledawayandlookedatherfather.“Okay.Wecandothat.”

“Emelia,itisn’tjusttherelationshipyoubothhavethatiscausingmydistressrightnow.Danteshould

havecometome,notthechurch.I’mhisfather.Hedidn’ttrustme.”

Dantesighed.“Itwasn’tamatteroftrust.HowwouldyouhavereactedifI’dcometoyouandtold

youthatIwasinlovewithmysister,andnotinabrotherlyway?IwasashamedthatIhadthefeelingsthat
I did. They never really disappeared, and now they’re stronger than ever. But, at the time, I tried to
forget…Ispentyearsfightingmyfeelings,prayingforabsolution.”

He looked exhausted and Emelia longed for moments alone with him were she could hold

him…instead, she squeezed his hand and lent him her strength. “My love for Emelia, in the eyes of the
church is the ultimate sin. I’d have been cursed to burn in hell for my thoughts and feelings for her if
anyonehadfoundout.”Hepaused,thestrugglegoingoninsidehimclearwiththetormentedlookinhis
eyes.

“All that could have been avoided if you hadn’t kept the secret about her and Diego’s births,” he

added.

Danteblewoutabreath,asthoughhe’drunoutofsteam,andtherewasnothinglefttogive.Soshedid

whatshe’dwantedtodo—wrappedherarmsaroundhimandstayedthere.

“Youhaven’tsaidanything,”DantestatedtheobvioustoAiden.

“Ihaven’tsaidanythingbecauseyouwerebothsayingenoughforeveryone,”Aidendrawled.“You’re

my brother, and it’s a relief that I don’t have to tell anyone that I have a priest for a brother when they
ask.”Hesmirked.“Itkindakillsthevibewiththeladies.”

Theroomfilledwithsilence,andthenDanteburstintolaughter,andsodidshe.Herheadliftedfrom

Dante’s chest and she didn’t miss the twitch of a smile on their father’s lips before he hid it behind a
frown.

“That’sbetter.”Aidengrinned.“I’mgoodwithit…incaseyouwerewondering.”Hestoodandmoved

tothedoor.“I’mgoingtobed,andI’llseeyouallinthemorning.”

AidendisappearedoutofviewandDanteannounced,“Emeliaissleepinginmyroomtonight.”

Hermomgasped,andtheirfatherstartedtoprotest,“Isaidtogivemetimetogetusedtotheideaof

thetwoofyou.Ican’thaveyouboth—”

“I said sleep, Dad,” Dante corrected. “I promise. I just need to hold her. To know that she’s really

withme,”hisvoicebrokeashefinishedtalkingtohisfather.

Emeliareachedupandwipedatastraytearthatslippeddownhisface.“Iwantthataswell.”

Dantenoddedandmethisfather’sgazeoverthetopofherhead.

She knew if the situation had been different, and either one of them had been there with a different

partner,therewouldhavebeennoquestionaboutthemsleepinginseparaterooms.Itmadehersadthat
they weren’t being made to feel like a couple by their family, although she understood the reasoning
behindit,plusthey’djustdroppeditonthem.

Their father looked as though he’d had enough, and her mom was there, holding his hand, offering

comfortjustlikeEmeliadidforDante.

Ithadbeenadifficultnight,probablymoresoforDanteandtheirfather,sowiththatinmind,shesaid,

“We’llseeyouinthemorning.Diegowillbehereeithertonightortomorrow.”

Hermomsmiled.“He’scomingtobackyouup,isn’the?”

“Yeah.He’sonlyknownsincethisevening,incaseyouwerewondering.”

Shesmiled.“Iknow.Diegowouldn’thavebeenabletokeepittohimself.”

Sheagreed,andwithatear-filledsmile,shepulledDantefromtheoffice,andupstairstohisroom.

Gladthatitwasalloutintheopen,Emeliawasexhausted,eventhoughshehadn’tbeenawakethat

longwhenshe’dheardtheraisedvoices.

Butitwasoverwith,whichwasthemainthing.

AllshehadtodofornowwastakecareofDante,whohadn’tsaidawordsinceshedraggedhimfrom

theroom.

ChapterThirty-Two

When Dante, restless in his sleep, opened his eyes, the room was shrouded in darkness. The glare

fromthebedsideclock,oncehe’dtwistedhisneckaround,toldhimthatitwasforty-sevenminutespast
four.Therewasaslightearly-morningchillintheroom.Itwasn’tbadbecauseheknewthattheheating
wason,albeitlow.

HebrushedEmelia’shairfromhisneck,andlookeddownatthewomansnuggledagainsthim.Emelia.

Hisheart.Hislove.

Hecouldn’tremembermuchafterthediscussionwiththeirfamily,buthedidrememberthatEmelia

hadtuggedhimbacktohisroom,andthenpulledhimdownontothebed.He’dpulledherintohisarms
andcuddledagainstherknowingthatshewassafe.Thatwasthelastthoughtheremembered,untilnow.

As he spooned against her back, he realized in shock that she was nude against his clothed body.

Everyinchofhersmoothskinwasavailabletohistouch.Everydeliciouscurve.

He’d promised his father that they’d just sleep, and everyone had known that he’d meant that they

wouldn’thavesexundertheirroof.

Herolledovertohisbackandbitbackamoanashishardenedfleshtentedhissweatswithhowsolid

he was. With the stress of last night, he shouldn’t be so hard and eager to go now, but he found that he
was,andthathecouldn’tcontroltheurgeformore.

The promise he’d made, he would keep, although he wished for once he’d kept his mouth closed

becausehecouldn’tstopthinkingaboutthewomanhelovedlyingnakednexttohim.Shewasbeautiful
andherbodyhadgivenhimsomuchpleasureathiscabinthathe’dthoughthewouldcombust.

Andnow,hethrobbedsobadlythathewouldn’tbeabletogobacktosleeporstepoutoftheroom

untilhisfleshhadrelaxed.Heneededrelease.

Rememberthepromise…but,noonewouldknow…hecouldn’t…

Onehandslippedoverhisgroinwiththeintentionofcoveringhiserectionsothatitwasn’tquiteso

obvious,buthefoundhimselfwrappingafistarounditinstead.

Hereleasedprecuminhisarousedstate,whichcausedhislegstotwitchandhisbreathtocatchatthe

back of his throat…he released his flesh and tried to distract himself with other thoughts that didn’t
involvethepleasureoftheflesh.Thechurchwouldwork...

In all the years he’d been a priest, he’d followed the vow of celibacy, and hadn’t broken it until

Emelia. He didn’t count the night of Ramon’s wedding, or his dreams, because it appeared he had no
controloverthem.Buthedidkneelatthealtarinhischurchandprayforforgiveness—absolutionofhis
sins.

He was free now. He’d made the choice that he’d been considering since Thanksgiving. It hadn’t

reallybeenahugechoicetomakeonceherealizedtherewasnobloodbetweenthem.Thesadpartwas
thatitshouldhavebeenadifficultdecision,butintheendhediscoveredhisloveforEmeliaoutshinedhis
loveforGodandtheCatholicChurch.Noneofthelatterkepthimwarmatnight.Noneofitgavehima
companiontostandbyhissidefortherestofhislife.NoonegavehimthatotherthanEmelia.Godand
thechurchhadsavedhimatatimewhenheneededsavingand,forthat,hewouldalwaysbegrateful.

Hedidn’tthinkthathe’deverbeabletoturnhisbackonthechurchcompletely,andinanewtown,

wherenooneknewhisbackground,he’dstillbeabletoattendandpraywithEmeliabyhissideaswell.

EverythingcamebacktoEmelia,andhe’ddiscoveredthatitalwayswould.

Withoutmuchthought,heclimbedfromthebed,andtuckedthecoveraroundherbeforeheheadedto

thebathroomtotakecareoftheprobleminhispants.

Turningtheshoweron,hemadesurethedoorwasclosedsohewouldn’twakehiswoman,andthen

steppedundertheice-coldwaterwithagaspofshock.

He’dwantedcoldandthat’swhathe’dgotten,butitwasiciclefreezing,notjustfaucetcold.Ithad

certainlydonethetrickbecausehewasonceagainflaccid.

Afteranotherminute,heswitchedthewateroffandturnedtofindEmelialeaningagainstthedoorjamb

inallofhernakedness.“Youstandingthereisgoingtodefeatthepurposeofmehavingafreezingcold
shower.”

“Mmm,Ipromisetobegood.”Sheclimbedintotheshowerwithhim.“Iwanttowashyou.”

Hisdickleapedwithjoyatherwords,buthehadenoughsensetoturnfromhertouch.“Youcan’t.I

wantyoutoobadlytokeepmyhandstomyself…Ipromised,Em.”

“Iknow.You’refrustratingsometimes.JustlikeI’mgoingtobeuntilyouslipinsidemeagain.”

He groaned. “You better shower alone or I’m going to break that promise I made, and then I’ll feel

likeshit.”

“Iknow.”Shekissedhimbrieflyonthelips.“I’llbequick.Wecangoandmakeanearlybreakfast.”

“Okay.”Heturnedtheshoweronwarmforherandsmackedherlightlyonthebottomashegrabbeda

toweltodryoffbeforehetosseditintothehamper.Hewasalsoproudofhimselffornotonceglancing
intotheshowertocatchsightofEmeliainallhersoapedupnakedness.

Shaking loose of the thoughts, he grabbed thermal underwear, along with jeans, shirt and a sweater,

andhopedthattheywouldbealoneatbreakfastsothattheycouldtalk.Nothinghadbeensaidoncethey’d
left their father’s office the night before, and he knew that was probably his own fault for being so
exhaustedthathe’dfallenasleep.

ChapterThirty-Three

Six in the morning and Emelia knew that they’d probably had about thirty minutes before her mom

appearedinthekitchen,whichwouldhopefullygivethemenoughtimetotalkabouttheirplans.Oratleast
getonthesamepagebeforetheywerefacedwiththeirfamilyagain.

Inaway,thenightbeforehadgonebetterthanshe’dthoughtitwould,althoughsheknewthatshe’d

missedtheshoutingbecausethatwaswhathadawakenedherinthefirstplace.Shewonderedwhatthe
shoutinghadbeenabout.Whathadbeensaid?

Withthelaststillonhermind,sheeyedDantefromthecornerofhereyeashegrilledthebacon.It

wasonthetipofhertonguetoask,butbreakfastwouldbereadywithinaminute,soshe’dwaituntilthey
weresitting.

Thewafflesshecurrentlymadehadalreadygonetoagoldencolorso,usingthespatula,sheremoved

themfromthegriddleandsplitthembetweentwoplates.

Danteaddedthebaconandjoinedheratthekitchentable,whichwasusuallythemeetingplaceinthe

house.Everyoneseemedtocongregateinthekitchenatsomepoint.

Itwasnice.

Itwashome.

EmeliasatwatchingDanteeathisbreakfastandherheartwassofulloflovefortheman.Shecouldn’t

lookaway.Shewasexcitedthattheyweretogether,andthatshecouldfinallysayshewaswiththeman
sheloved.

“You’restaring.”Dantefinallynoticed,placinghiscutlerydown.“Youokay?”

“I’m fine,” she smiled softly, “I was enjoying it being just the two of us, knowing that we’re now

together.”

Dante reached across the table and squeezed her hand. “I love that as well, and I loved making

breakfastwithyou.”Hesmiledandwentbacktoeating,indicatingwithhishandsforhertodigin.

Shepickedhercutleryup,andasked,“WhatwastheshoutingIheardlastnight?”Itwouldreallyplay

onhermindifshedidn’tknowwhatexactlywasgoingon.

Dantepaused,andmethergaze.“Itwasfather’sinitialreactiontousbeingtogether.”Hesighed.“He

acceptedthefactthatIwasleavingthepriesthoodwell,butblewasIcarriedonandtoldhimhowmuchI
lovedyou.”Heofferedawrysmile.

“Oh.”

“Pleaseputsomefoodinyourstomach,Em.Iwon’tbeabletorestifIknowyouhaven’teaten.”

“I’mnotveryhungry.”Shelethercutleryfallbacktoherplate,butpickedupasliceofcrispybacon

tomunchon.“Lastnight,atleast,didn’tgoasbadlyasitcouldhave.OrasIthoughtitwould.”

“No it didn’t. At least, once Dad calmed down.” Dante had finished eating so he pushed his plate

awayandconcentratedonhiscoffee.“Weneedtodecidewherewegofromhere.IhavethecabinItook
youtoofornow,Iguess,butweneedsomewheremorepermanent,wherewewon’tbeknown.”

“I’ve thought about that and, to be honest, I’m excited that we’re going to be looking for a home

together.Atthesametime,wecanhuntaroundforabuildingforyourrestaurant.”Shesmiled.“Imean,
it’sgoingtobepointlesspurchasingahomewithnowherecloseby,right?”

EmeliawatchedasDantestruggledwithhisemotions.She’dwatchedhimdothatafewtimesnow,

and she just wanted to wrap him up in her arms. He’d had to suppress all emotion for years, but not
anymore,andheobviouslyfounditdifficultnow.

Shereachedforwardandclaspedhishandwithhers.“Iknow.”Standing,shemovedtohissideofthe

table,andwhenhepushedhischairback,satonhislap.“Iloveyou,andI’llalwaysthinkaboutyouand
yourhappiness.”

Hisarmsheldherclosewhileheburiedhisfaceinthecurveofherneckandsighed,heavily.“That’s

supposedtobemyline.”

Shechuckled.

“It’strue,though,regardlessofwhosaysit.”

“Itis.”

Minutes went by, each lost in their own thoughts, before they were interrupted, “I’m feeling left out

overhere,”Diegosaid,andassheturnedtofacehertwin,ahugegrinsplithisface.

Dantereleasedher,andthatwasallsheneededasshepracticallyflewintoDiego’sembraceandlet

hishugearmshugherclose.

“Whendidyouarrive?”sheasked,hervoicefulloftears.

“Justnow…I’mfucked.”

Emeliasmackedhimupsidethehead.“You’retired,don’tyoumean?”Sheraisedaquestioningbrow.

“Yes…Mom.”Helaughed,andputherunderhisarmwhilehefacedDante,themanthatsheloved.

“I’vehadalotoftimetothinkaboutthis,andaslongasyoutakegoodcareofher,I’llalwayshave

your back…just like I would because you’re my brother.” Diego let her go and pulled Dante into a
brotherlyhugandwhentheyseparated,hecontinued,“Emeliahasalwaysbeenclosetoyouaswelland
I’veseenhowunhappyshe’sbeen.Itallfellintoplacewhenshecalledandtoldmewhathadbeengoing
onandwhatwasabouttohappen.Itwasweirdatfirst,butI’vethoughtaboutitontheflighthereandI
don’treallyfeelweirdaboutit.Itwasjustonehellofasurprise.”

“Thatmeansalot.”Emeliareachedupandkissedhimonhischeek.SheturnedtoDante,winkedand

faced Diego, “Now, you know what this means, right?” He gave her a puzzled frown so she continued,
“WehavetofindyouawomantokeepyououtoftroublebecauseIwon’tbeunderfootunlessIvisit.”

Hiseyesnearlybuggedoutofhishead.“Now,Sis.”Heputherawayfromhim.“Thereisnoneedfor

interferenceinmylovelife.”

“Hmm,”she scoffed, “Sexlife is thecorrect wording for yourlife because I’msure love has never

enteredintotheequation.”

Diego grabbed both her arms and walked her backward into Dante’s waiting arms. “You have your

man.Leavemysexlifealone.”

“Yes,pleasedo.Ireallyhavenowishtodiscussmyson’ssexlifeoverbreakfast.”Theirmomsmiled

andgaveafakeshudder.“Morningeveryone.”

“Morning,”Emeliamumbled,feelinghappywithDante’sarmsaroundherwaist.

Her mom continued, “And, what a lovely surprise to see my other baby here so early.” Their mom

reachedupand,cuppingDiego’scheeks,tuggedhimdowntoherandgavehimakissontheforehead.

“Mom, really,” Diego grouched, wiping at his forehead before he pulled her close for a hug. “It’s

goodtobehome,”hewhisperedandkissedhismomonthecheek.

Shelaughedandshookherhead.“You’llalwaysbemybabyboyregardlessofhowoldyouget…and

Emelia, what are your plans today with Dante?” She smiled, and that told Emelia that her mom was
comingaroundtotheideaofthemtogether.

AsEmeliawatchedhermomfillthecoffeemachinewithfreshwater,andherbrothergrabamuffin

thathe’djustwarmedinthemicrowave,sheanswered,“We’regoingforadrive.”

“Weare?”Dantequestioned.

Emeliaturnedintohisembrace,andreachingup,whisperedsotheotherswouldn’thear,“Wewon’t

beunderfather’sroofthen.”Shekissedhischeek,andsmiledatthesoftgroanthatescapedhismouthina
whooshofair.

“Emiliano?”hermomquestioned,herhandgoingtoherheart.“What’swrong?”

Theyallturnedtofacetheirfatherandrealizedwhyhermomhadsoundedsoworried.Hewaspale,

andwouldn’tmeetanyone’sgazeasheslowlywalkedtoachairatthetableanddroppedintoit.Itwasas
thoughhislegswouldn’tholdhimupanymore.

Emeliamadeamovetowardhim,andthenpausedwhenitsuddenlyhitherthatitmightbebecauseof

themthathewasactingthewayhewas.

“Emelia,honey.”Heclearedhisthroat.“Icanseeyourworry,andmyreactionnowhasnothingtodo

with you and Dante. I promise. I was still upset at you both when I woke up, but after the call I just
received,itmademerealizethatlifeistooshort.Youbothloveeachother,that’sclearforanyonetosee,
soyouhavemyblessing.”

Sheshouldbehappyatthatannouncement,butsomethingwasoff.Emeliacroucheddownbesidehis

chairandtookhishands,“Thankyou…but,Dad,youhaveusallworried.”

Her mom had come over to them and wrapped her arm around his shoulders. He patted Emelia’s

handsbeforehepulledhiswifedownontohislapandheldherclose.

“Mateo,”hepaused,andEmelia’sheartflippedandtearsfilledhereyes.Dantetuggedhertoherfeet

andintohisarmsastheirfathercontinued,“He’sokay.Well,he’sinthehospital,andthey’veassuredme

heisn’tinanypainrightnowbecausehe’sbeengivenstrongpainmedication.Hewasinacaraccident
duringthenight,andalthoughhehasalotofbruising,hisrightlegtookthebruntofthecrash.”

“Oh,no,”Emeliagasped.“Wehavetogotohim.”

“Wewill,”theirfatherreplied.

Danteasked,“Iknowyousaidabouthisleg,buthowbadly?”

“I know what you’re thinking, which is probably what everyone is thinking, but I didn’t ask. I just

wantedtoknowthatmysonwouldbeokay,andhewillbe.Hehasalongroadaheadofhim.Idon’tknow
muchmore,butI’msurewe’llfindoutplentywhenwegetdownthere.”

“I’ll go and get Aiden up, and I’m still packed from my trip here so I’m good to go,” Diego said

beforeheleftthekitcheninahurry.

“Letmegetyousomecoffeeandmaybeasliceoftoast.ThenI’llthengoandpackforusboth,”her

momoffered.

“Ican’teat.”

“Youneedsomethinginyourstomachbeforeweleave,Emiliano.”

Henodded.Everyoneknewitwaswisetojustagree.

“We’ll go pack then meet back here so we can sort flights out,” Dante added, tugging her from the

room.

“Okay,IneedtocallConnor,thestablemanager,andlethimknowwe’regoingoutoftown.”

TheylefttheirfathermumblingwhileEmeliafeltherheartinherthroat.

HerfunlovingbrotherMateo.Howcouldfatebesocruel,afterthey’dgivenhimthewickedwitch?

Atthatthought,shefeltbadbecauseshecouldhavebeenwithhim,andbejustasinjured.

Well,itlookedliketheywereallheadingtoDallas,where,nodoubt,KaseyandEricwouldmeetup

withthem.

ChapterThirty-Four

Exhaustion had set in hours ago for Dante, and Emelia, but after they’d finally been allowed five

minuteswithMateo,theyhadfeltreadytoleavethehospitalforthehotelthatDantehadbookedeveryone
into.Thehotelwasacrosstheroad,andmuchmoreconvenientthananyother.

He hadn’t even considered separate rooms for them. They were sticking together, and starting how

theymeanttocarryon—partnersinlife.

WhichwaswhyEmeliasleptbesidehim,andwhyhefeltsettledforonceinhislife.Therewasstill

thequiveroffearinhisbellybecauseofhisbrother.Butthey’dbeentoldthatMateowouldmakeafull
recovery,althoughhiscareerwasupintheair,andwouldbeuntilhe’dstartedhisphysicaltherapy.

Mateo had broken his ankle in the crash, but it was his smashed up knee that would be the major

problem. He knew his brother would be crushed at the loss of the career that he’d worked so hard for
overtheyears,andDanteprayedforamiracle.

Hewasn’tsurehisprayerwouldbeheard,ashisbosswasprobablyangryandashamedofhimright

now.

But all Dante could think about was how lucky he’d been to not only spend some of his life doing

God’swork,butbeingabletospendtherestofhislifewiththewomancurledupbesidehim.

Hewastiredofthinking,andjustwantedtofeelthewomanhelovedagainsthim.They’donlymade

loveonceathiscabin,andnowhewasreadyformore,andknewthathealwayswouldbe.

Emelia’snudebodybeggedhimtotouchwhileshecontinuedtosleep,andhecravedthat.Hecraved

the feel of her against his own naked skin…except he had sweats and a shirt on. They were about to
disappear.

Withoutwakingher,Danteslippedfromthebedandhurriedlydroppedhisclothestothefloorbefore

hejumpedbackunderthecovers.

Slippingahandoverhisdick,hehelditagainsthisbodyashemovedtospoonbehindEmelia.Once

hewascomfortable,heremovedhishandfromhishardenedflesh,andslippedhisarmoverherwaist.

The groan he released couldn’t be helped as the sensation of having her skin against his own had

becometoomuch.Hisdickwassohardthatheinvoluntarytwitchedwherehe’dbecomelodged,between
thecheeksofherbottom.

He held her tightly against him and tried to control his body’s urge to thrust into her. He so badly

wanted to feel her soft flesh as her heat enveloped him into her welcoming channel. He’d never felt
anythinglikeit,andthemorehethoughtaboutit,thecloserhecametorelease.

Hisbodyreactedlikeanadolescent’swould,andhereallyneededtogetcontrolofhimselfbeforehe

reallydidexplodealloverherbottom.

“Mmm. You’re awake.” She pressed against him and his eyes rolled as a slither of precum ran the

lengthofhisdick,releasingontoherskin.

Hegasped,closedhiseyesandflippedovertolieonhisback.

Emelia’sgigglehadhimopeninghiseyes,andwhenhedid,hefollowedhergaze.

“Oh,heck.That’sobscene.”Hegroanedashisdickrosestraightupfromhisbody,tentingthequilt.

“No,itisn’t.It’shot.”Emeliahadthequiltpulleddowntohisthighsandhereyesonhiserection.

Hethrobbedandthearchofhishipscouldn’tbehelped.“Iwantyou,butI’mnotsureI’lllast,”he

admitted.

“Mmm.”Emelialickedherlipsashedrippedfromthetip,downhislength.“Iwanttotouchyou…

Youlook,so,um,hard.”

Helaughed,whichturnedintoagrowlasEmeliadippedherheadandlickedaroundtheplumphead

ofhisdick.Hisbodytingledfromheadtofoot,andallhecoulddowaswatchher.

Shekneeled between hisspread thighs, andtongued from his ballsto the tipof his hardness, which

pulsedandbeggedforhermouth…andthen,hewatchedassheslowlytookhimintothewarmrecessof
her mouth, and further still until he was halfway inside. The suction and the swirl of her tongue would
sendhimintoobliviontoosoon…hewantedtomakelovetoher.

Asmuchashelovedthepleasurerunningthroughhim,hewantedtobeburiedbetweenherlegs,and

notinhermouth—forthistime,atleast.

Withhandsthatshook,hegentlypulledheroffhimandcaughthisbreathatthesightofthewetness

coatinghispenis.Emeliahoveredoverhimwhilehepantedandtriednottoembarrasshimself,andthat
imagealonewasenoughtocausehimtotwitchandreleasemorearousal.

“Iwanttobebetweenyourthighs,”hewhisperedwhilehepanted.“Ineedtobedeepinsideofyou.”

“Iwantthattoo.”Emeliastraddledhiswaistwithhisdickflatagainsthisstomachandherwetpussy.

“Mmm,youfeelgood.”Sherockedalonghim,andthepleasurewassodeliciousthathislegstrembled.

Butwhenshemethisgaze,andherfingersstartedtopinchandrubhernipples,heknewhecouldn’t

waitanylongertohaveher.Ifhedid,hisstomachwouldbecoatedwithhisrelease.

Dante took hold of her hips and raised her from him. He let out an amused groan when his dick

followed.Soallhehadtodowashelpherslidedownhislength,whichshedid.

“You’restilltight.”Hepanted.“Sowet.Sogood.”

“Iaimtoplease.”Shegiggledandrotatedherhips.

“Oh,”Danteexpelledabreathashearchedup,“Weneedtogoslow.”

“Wearegoingslow,”Emeliaadded.

Dantegrinnedather,andsittingup,heheldontoherass.“Wrapyourlegsaroundmywaist.”

Shedidandslippeddowntohispelvis.Notaninchbetweenthem,andnothinghadeverfeltsogood,

orsohethought.

Theminuteshestartedtoslowlyridehim,heclenchedherassagainsthim,andsealedherlipswith

hisashedevouredher.

The press of her breasts and hard nipples against his chest, the flutters of Emelia’s orgasm

approaching,thetasteofheronhismouth,andthefeelofherwrappedaroundhimbecametoomuchand,
ashisbreathcaught,hespilledhisseedinsideher.

Emelia pulsed around his flesh so tightly that she milked every bit of release from his body while

grindingdownonhim.Thegentleaftertremorscausedhisdicktostirasheslammedhismouthagainst
Emelia’s.

Eventually, breaking from the kiss, Emelia rose up and smiled into his eyes before she slid back

down.

“Whatareyoudoing?”

Shegiggledandraisedabrow.“You’reseriouslyaskingmethatquestion?”

Hedidn’tanswerbecausehecouldn’twiththepleasurerunningthroughhim,butheshowedherjust

howserioushewasbyflippingherovertoherback.Hethenproceededtomakeslow,sweetlovetoher
formostofthenight.

ChapterThirty-Five

Emeliaknewthatsheshouldn’tfeelsorefreshedafterbeingawakeformostofthenightwithDante,

butshedid.

They’djustleftthehospital,andMateohadbeenproppedupinbed,highondrugs,buthegrabbedher

to him and kept her close while he’d whispered, “I love you, Sis. Be happy.” His words had been
unexpected,butappreciated.Thefunnythingwasthatshehadn’tevengivenherandDanteasacouplea
thought once they’d arrived to see Mateo. Her injured brother had been the only one on her mind, and
everyoneelse’s.

Now that she’d been assured, again, that Mateo would be okay, she just wanted to spend time with

Danteawayfromeveryone.Atthehospitalthey’dbeenunabletotalkwithoutoneoftheirbrotherstrying
tolistenin.Shelovedthembuttheycouldbeannoyingwhentheoccasioncalledforit,ordidn’t.

CrossingtheroadwithherarmthroughDante’s,itlookedlikeheledhertoapark.Theybothneeded

freshairafterthewarmthofthehotel,whichboardedontoowarm.Ithadbeenthesameatthehospital,
andhadbecomedifficulttocatchaproperbreath.

But,asDanteurgedhertowardabench,shefoundthatshemissedtheleavesonthebranchesbecause

thetreesthatwouldlookvibrantinspringlookeddesolatenow.Achillwasintheair,moresoastheysat
onthebenchwiththeopenlakeinfrontofthem.

In her winter jacket, she was bundled up for the winter temperature, which surprised her. She’d

alwaysthoughtthatDallaswaswarmyear-round.She’dgottenthatwrong.

“IhavesomethingforyouthatIdon’twanttowaitanylongertogiveyou,”Dantebrokethesilence,

andEmeliafeltherexcitementrise.

“Ilikepresents.”

“Hmm,Iknow…and,Ithinkyou’lllovethisone.Um,atleast,Ihopeyoudo.”Helookedworried.

Emeliareachedoutandrubbedthefrownlinesonhisforehead.“Tellme,”sheurged.

“I love you, Em. So very much, and one day, I want to marry you.” Dante smiled as her eyes filled

withtears.

Dantecontinued,“UntilwecanmarryintheCatholicChurchoruntilI’mreadytomarryelsewhere,

I’dbehonoredifyou’dwearthisringasasignofmycommitmenttoyou.”

Emelianoddedandslippedontohislap,herarmsaroundhisneckwhileshesoftlycried.

“Em?”

“Yes…justgivemeaminute.”

She’dwaitedalongtimeforthis,andEmeliaknewthatshe’dwaitalifetimeifitmeanttheycould

marryinaCatholicChurchbecausesheknewthatitwouldmeanmoretoDanteiftheydid.Buttheringhe
offered to her was so beautiful and she couldn’t wait to see it on her finger. She’d just become
overwhelmedwithemotionandneededaminutetobreathe.

So when her minute was up, she held her left hand out. Her tears wouldn’t stop, and more fell, as

Danteslippedtheringontoherringfinger.

Shehadn’tnoticedbuthehadanotherringinthebox,andasheremovedit,hepassedittoher.

Why?

Andthenitregistered.Theyhadthesameplatinumweddingband,excepthershadsmalldiamondsall

thewayaround.

Emeliawipedathertears,again,andslippedtheringonhisfingerasherheartpoundedinherchest

withlovefortheman.

“Thisisourowncommitmenttoeachother,Em.Iactuallyplannedontakingyououttodinnertodo

this,butwithMateoandeverything,Ineededtodoitnow.Icouldn’twaitanylonger.”

Shecuppedhisfaceandsmiled.“I’mgladthatyoudid,andIloveourrings.Somuch,Dante.Ilove

you.”Shepressedhercoldlipsagainsthisandpulledbacklaughing.“Ithinkweneedtogetwarmagain.”

“Wedo,andIknowhowtowarmusup.”Dantewiggledhisbrows.

Shegiggled.“Hmm,Ibetyoudo.”

“Tut, tut. I’m not sure what you were thinking,” he grinned, “but my idea was a hot chocolate with

whippedcreamfromStarbucks.”

Standing,Emeliaheldherhandouttohim.“Iwouldn’tmindoneofthose,ifI’mhonest…eventhough

itwasn’twhatyoureallymeant.”Shesmirked.

TheyhuddledtogetherandheadedfortheStarbucksacrosstheroad,whensheasked,“Whendidyou

havetimetogetmethering?”

Dantesmiledandtookherhand,rubbinghisthumboverherring.“IsawitinDenver…Iwasnervous

aboutmymeetingwiththebishop,andarrivedearly,soItookawalk.Ididn’tintendtopurchaseusrings,
itjusthappened.AssoonasIsawit,Iknewitwasmeantforyou.”

The flutters in her belly made her smile. “I can’t believe you bought me a ring before you’d even

talkedtothebishop.Whatifhe’dmadeyouchangeyourmind?”

Heshookhishead,andsmiledsoftly.“Thatwouldn’thavehappened,Em.Iwasdeterminedtobewith

youandIwasn’tpreparedtoletanythingstandinourwayanylonger.”

“Good.” She caressed his jaw. “No matter where our journey takes us, we’ll always be together…

and,that’swhatmatters.”

Dantesighed,tearsonhislashes.“Always,Em.”

StarbuckswaswarmandnotascrowdedasEmeliahadexpected,consideringitwasjustaroundthe

cornerfromthehospital.Itwasnicethough,anditmeantshecouldsnuggleupwithDanteononeofthe
sofasbythewindowwhenhereturnedwiththeirhotchocolates.

Shewasexcitedtosharetheircommitmentwiththeirfamily,assheheldherhandinfrontofherface

toadmireherring.HerheartfeltsofullatthemomentasthoughtsofDanteandtheirringsfilledhermind.
TheonlysadnessinthismomentwastheworryoverhowMateowasdoing.Shelovedhim,andworried
thattheaccidenthadn’tjustcrushedhisknee,buthisspirit.Mateohadlovedtoteaseherand,althoughshe
usedtofinditannoying,shewishedwithallherheartthathewouldstartagain.

Hisaccidenthadfrightenedthemall,butbeinginDallaswheretheycouldeasilyhaveaccesstohim

hadsettledsomeofthemdown.Kaseyhadbeenapainwhenhe’darrived,butthroughallhisangerwas
hisheartbreakfortheirbrother.

“You’redeepinthought,Em.”Danteobserved,settingthedrinksonthetableinfrontofthem.

“I was just thinking about Mateo, and hoping that he soon picked up. It worries me that he was so

quiet.Hetriedtohidehissadnesswhenwewereintheroom,butIcaughtit.”

Dantewrappedanarmaroundher.“Hehasusallaroundhim,Em.We’llkeephimgoingandbethere

whenheneedsus.Heknowsthis.”

“Hmm…andwhataboutthatwickedwitch?Ioverheardhertalkingtoanurseabouthishomecare.I’m

telling you now that there is no way on this earth that I’m going to let him go home with her while he
recovers.Heneedsus.”ShesniffedintoaKleenexthatDantepassedheraftertheheatedwords.

“We have to respect his wishes, regardless of what we want.” Dante kissed her forehead before he

leanedforwardandpassedherthehotchocolate.“Drinksomeofthis.”

Shesighed.“Hmm,itsmellsgood.”

“Ofcourseitdoes.Hotchocolatewithwhippedcreamisthebest.”Hesmiled,andherworldrighted

itself.

“So this is where you two disappeared.” Kasey dropped into the chair opposite, and Diego leaned

over,kissedheronthetopofherheadbeforehesatbesideKasey.

“Wewentintotheparkfirst,”shesmiledatDantebeforeshecontinued,“andtheninheretowarmup.

I’llprobablyendupwithabadcoldatthisrate.Everywhereissowarminside,andthensteppingoutside
isfreezing.”

“ThoughtIwasgoingtopassoutinthathotel,though.Thatwasbad,”Kaseygrumbled.“I’llgoandget

somedrinks.Anyone?”heoffered.

Diego gave him his order and got comfortable in his chair. Or at least he did until he suddenly sat

forwardandgrabbedherhand.“You’remarried!”Helookedintohereyes,angerclearinhis.

Sheshookherhead.“Notyet.”Shereachedoutandgrippedhishand.“I’dnevergetmarriedwithout

youthere,Diego,ortheothers.Neitherofuswould.”

He visibly sighed with relief. “Then…I don’t understand. That’s a wedding band,” he glanced at

Dante’shand,“andsoisthat.”

“What’sgoingon?”Kaseyglancedbetweenthem,settinghisandDiego’sdrinksonthetablebeforehe

tookhisseatagain.

“We exchanged rings of commitment.” She glanced at the man she loved, and smiled before facing

their brothers again. “We can get married if we wanted to in a civil ceremony, but not in a Catholic
Church,atleastnotyet.”BothKaseyandDiegoglancedatDante.“YouknowthatDantehasspentmostof
hislifeintheCatholicChurchinonecapacityoranother.Wewon’tbemarrieduntilhe’sready,but,for
now,we’llwearourringsofcommitment.”

Diegoshookhishead.“Ihearyou,butyoudeservetobemarried,Sis.”

“Don’tIdeservetobehappy?”

“Ofcourseyoudo,”Diegogrumbled.

“ThenknowthatIamhappy.MorethanI’veeverbeen,”Emeliainterjected.

“Iloveyoursister,Diego,andwhenI’mreadytomarryEmeliainacivilceremony,you’llbethefirst

toknow.Itwillhappenoneday,justnotyet.”

After moments of silence, Kasey said, “I’m never getting married. Too much like hard work. I like

variety.”Hegrinnedlikeanidiot,anddrankhiscoffeecompletelyoblivioustothestaresdirectedathim
andDiegobythegroupofcollegegirlsoffinonecorner.

DiegorolledhiseyesandchuckledatKaseybeforehemetEmelia’sgaze.“I’mhappyforyou,Sis.It’s

justallhappeningatonce,andyouknowhowIprefertohavetimetothinkthingsthrough.”

“Iknow,”Emeliaadmitted.

Her twin was hotheaded, but once he’d had time to think everything through properly, he was more

realisticandeasiertotalkto.

“I love you both, so I’m here and ready for whenever you decide to officially tie the knot,” Diego

admitted.

“You’regettingtoofuckingmushynowthatyou’regettingclosetothirty,”KaseygrumbledatDiego.

Diegowinkedatthem,andturnedhisattentiononKasey.“Iloveyou,”heannounced,nottooquietly

either,“Iwannakiss.”Hepuckeredhislips.

Kasey,withoutablinkoftime,shotforwardandslappedakissonDiego,andthenpattedhischeeks.

“Iloveyou,too.”

AndthenKaseyfellbackintohischairashedoubledoverwithlaughterbecausethelookofsurprise

on Diego’s face was funny. It wasn’t often that her twin got caught off guard. He hadn’t been expecting
Kaseytoreactlikehehad.

Diegohadprobablyexpectedapunchintheface.

Shetriedtosmotherheramusement,butonelookatDante’sfacehadherlaughingwitheveryoneelse.

“Youaskedforthat.”Shechuckled.“IjusthopeI’maroundwhenyougetKaseyback.”

“It’sgonnabegood,”Diegoadmitted.

Theirlaughtereventuallycalmeddownastheydrankinsilence.Itwasnicetobeabletositoutinthe

openwiththeirbrothers,whileshehadDante’sprotectivearmaroundhershoulders.

Emelia just sat back and didn’t really pay much attention to the conversation the guys were having.

Shejustenjoyedbeingsurroundedbytheirlove.

ChapterThirty-Six

Threemonthslater.

“Mmm…youneedtoletmegetdressed,”Emeliamumbled,notreallywantingtoputclotheson.She

loved being naked with Dante, and while he had her facing the wall with her thighs spread and hands
aboveherhead,sheloveditallthemore.

“Soon.” He nipped at her shoulder with his teeth as a hand slipped between her legs and found her

bundleofnervesbeforeheslippedadigitinsideher.“You’realreadysowetforme.”

“Yes…insideme…please.”

Herbodyburnedfromheadtotoewitharousalandpassionforthemansheloved.Theyhadn’tbeen

abletogetenoughofeachotherthesepastfewmonths,andshehopeditneverchanged.

Dante’sfleshpulsedbetweenthecheeksofherbottom,andshefelthisprecumwettingherskin—he

wasjustasexcited,soitwasnosurprisewhenheheldherhipsandthrustinsidehertightsheath.

He stretched her wide with his large penis, but the feel of him so strong against her caused goose

bumpstocoverherbody.

“Em,” he gasped, and slipped his hands up her torso to cup the globes of her breasts, his thumbs

playedwithherrockhardnipples.

Tinyfluttersofpleasurepulsedaroundherchannelashewithdrew,andslowlyslippedbackinside.

“Toogood,Em.”

“Yes,”shemoaned.“I…I’m…Mmm,”shemoanedandstartedtoconvulsewhenherclimaxhit.Dante

grabbed her hips and held her on him as he ground up into her. Seconds later, he pulsed against her
quiveringchannelandspilledhisrelease,whichwasjustaspowerfulashers.

Pantinghard,Dantedroppedhisforeheadtoherbackandwrappedhisarmsaroundherwaist.“Ilove

you.”Shefelthimsmileagainstherskin.“Somuch.”

He slipped from her body and turned her in his arms, Dante’s lips meeting hers in a soft kiss. His

fingersbrushedthehairfromherfaceashesmiledather.Allhishappinesswasclearinhisdarkeyes.

“Ihavetopinchmyselfsometimes,”sheslippedherhandstohisshoulders,andthentothehairatthe

napeofhisneck,“tomakesurethisisn’tadream.Iloveyousomuchthatitwouldkillmeifitwas.”

“Afterthat,youstillthinkyou’redreaming?”hesmirked.

Shechuckled.“Notanymore…but,Idoloveyou.”

“Iknow,”hewouldn’tmeethergaze,“andIhopeyoudon’tgettooangrywithmewhenItellyouwhat

Ihavetotellyou.”Helookedsheepish.“Let’scleanupandgetdressed…again,andI’lltellyou.”

“Okay.”

Hecollectedtheirclothesfromaroundthem,andtuggedherintotheirbedroom.Whiletheycleaned

up, and dressed, she couldn’t help worry because he’d never held anything back from her before.
Althoughshehadnoclueastowhathewasabouttotellher,shehadabadfeelingaboutit.

Soassoonasshewasdressed,shefollowedDanteoutintothelivingroomoftheirnewhome,and

said,“Pleasetellme.Youhavemeworried.”

Dantecaresseddownherarmsandtookholdofherhands.“BishopColinSommerisgoingtobehere

soon.”

“What?”shewhispered.“Whyisthebishoponhiswayhere?”Emeliaqueried,whileherheartstarted

tobeatfranticallyinherchest.

Thethoughtofthebishopintheirhomescaredhertobitsbecause,deepdown,shewasworriedthat

he’dtryandtalkDanteintoreturningtothechurch.Oh,sheknewthatDantewasdevotedtoherandtheir
futuretogether,butthenervesjustwouldn’tstopnowthatsheknewhisfriend,thebishop,wasonhisway.

A sudden thought struck her while she mulled over his visit, which was why she watched Dante

closely.“Hmm. You didn’tby any chanceknow in advance thathe was coming?Did you? Like, before
today?”

Heofferedawrysmile.“Maybe,”Dantesighed.“Iknewyou’dworrysoIthoughtitbesttonottell

youuntilhisvisitwasmoreorlessuponus…andtoansweryourunaskedquestion,he’shadaresponse
backfromRome.”

Herheartthumpedinherchestatthatknowledge.

Thebishop’svisitmadehergraspatthestringofhope,butasshemetDante’sgaze,sheasked,“Ifhe’s

cominghere,doyouthinkit’sgoodnews?”

Dantemovedhishandstohershoulders.“Ihonestlydon’tknow.Hedidn’tgiveanyindicationwhen

hecalled.”

“Ihopeitis.”Shetookastepcloserandwrappedherarmsaroundhiswaist.

“We’llsee,”Danteaddedinanon-committalmanner.“LetmegoandclosethegaragesoIdon’tforget

later.”

Shenoddedandsmiledwhenhekissedhernosebeforehedisappearedthroughthefrontdoor.

The past three months had flown by since Mateo’s accident, and the purchase of their new home in

Essex,Vermont.

Theirhomewaseverythingshe’deverdreamedof,fromthewoodenfloorstothehighceilings,and

floortoceilingwindowswiththepicturesqueviewoftheVermontMountains.

Hermomhadtriedtopersuadethemtosettlecloseby,butalotoffolkinthetownknewthatDante

was a priest and it would have become awkward. They’d needed a fresh start miles away from where
Dantehadlived,sothey’dendedupinVermont.

ShewashappyandsowasDante.Notoncehadheappearedtoregrethisdecisiontobewithher,and

itmadeallthedifference.

Dante’s restaurant, Emelia’s Bistro, had opened a few weeks ago and had already received rave

reviewsinsomefoodmagazines.She’dbeensurprisedbutdelightedwhenheshowedherthesignonthe
frontoftherestaurant.Itshouldhavebeenhisnameupthere,buthe’drefusedandtoldherthatitwasa
wayofhonoringthewomanheloved.

They’dmadefriendsinthetown,andtheyalwaysgavetheirpastlocationasGreatFalls,Montana,

whichwastrue,inaway.Butthey’dmadeahomeinEssex,andplannedonstayingthere,andraisingany
childrentheymayhaveinthefuture.

Uptonow,everyonehadpresumedthattheyweremarriedbecauseoftheirsurnames,sotheyhadn’t

botheredtocorrectthatwrongassumption.

Itwasnice,andsheknewthatonedayDantewouldcomearoundtotheideaofmarryingelsewhere,if

itcametothat.Sheknewhimwell.They’ddecidedtostartafamilywithinthenexttwoyears,andshe
knew,withouthavingtoask,thathe’dmakesuretheyweremarriedbeforethebirth.Asmallpartofher
wouldfindsadnessinthateventhoughsheknewhowmuchhelovedher.

Allherhopenowrestedonthisvisit…

ChapterThirty-Seven

Dante shouldn’t have just dropped the bishop’s immanent arrival on Emelia. They’d had no secrets

betweenthemsincethey’dgottentogetherandhefeltbadatthetime,butnowhefeltevenworse.He’d
beenworried,andhadn’twantedhertoworryaswellbecause,noknowmatterwhat,theoutcomewould
stillbethesame.

AndontheoffchancethatRomehadgivenhimanIndult,they’dhavetofindsomeonewillingtogive

themamarriagelicensewhentheyhadthesamefatherlisted.Thishe’dthoughtaboutalot,andtheonly
option would probably be for them to get a DNA blood test, along with their father, to prove that they
weren’t actually blood related. That could work and was certainly worth a try…if they could marry in
theirchurch.

ThepriestinthesmallCatholicChurchinEssexhadbeenwelcomingtothemasnewparishioners,but

Dantehadnointentionofmentioninghispasttohim,ortoanyone.

Ifhewereasked,hewouldn’tlie,though.

Runninghishandsthroughhishair,hemadehiswaybackupstairstoEmelia.Hopefully,shewouldn’t

havegottentooangrywithhimwhilehe’dbeenclosingthegarageup.

Shemadehimsmileonadailybasis,andhecouldn’timaginealifewithoutherbyhisside.Asmuch

ashethoughtheknewthedecisionfromRome,hehopedwithallhisheartthathewaswrong…because
hewasn’tsureEmeliawouldhandletherejection.

And there she was, as he entered their home. She fluffed the cushions along the dark brown leather

cornersofa.Hisheartsqueezedinhischestatthelovethatwouldalwayscatchhimunawarewhenshe
wasinthemiddleofdoingasimpletask.

Emelianoticedhimwatchingher,andgavehimhersecretsmile.“Iwonderedhowlongyou’dhide

out.”

At least her smile said she wasn’t really angry with him. “I wasn’t hiding out, but I do owe you an

apology.”Hewalkedaroundthesofaandtookholdofherhands.“Ishouldn’thavekeptthatfromyou,and
I’mreallysorry,Em.Ididn’twantyoutoworryasmuchIwas…forgiveme…”

Shereachedupandquicklykissedhislips.“OfcourseIforgiveyou.Iknowyou,Dante.AndIknew

whyyou’dkeptquiet.Nomore,though.Promiseme.”

He rested his forehead against hers, and said, “I promise, Em.” He was relieved at her easy

acceptanceofhisapology.

“Good.Nowgoandletthebishopin.Hiscarjustpulledup.”Shesmiled.“I’mgoingtobepositive.”

“Em?”Hewaiteduntilsheheldhisgaze.“Iloveyou.”

Emeliacoveredhermouthwithherhand,andasheturnedtoheaddownstairs,heofferedherasoft

smile.

He was worried and, as much as he wanted to be more positive, he couldn’t quite get there. With

somethingasimportantastheapprovalfromRomewas,andknowinghowslowthingsranthere,hejust
couldn’tgethishopesup.

And now the bishop’s driver, Malcolm, was helping the man who held the answer from the car.

Malcolmhadbeenthebishop’sdriverforyears,andwhereverthebishopwent,Malcolmwouldflywith
him,andthendrivetherentedvehicle.

Dantemovedforward,andwenttodipforwardfromthewaistinabowofgreeting,butthebishop

wavedhimup.

“Even though I’m here on business, please let’s not stand on too much formality.” He held his hand

out,andsmiled.“Howhaveyoubeen,Dante…and,I’mColin.”

Dantehidhisamusementandreturnedthegreetingofthehandshake.“I’mwell.Pleasecomeinside.”

Heofferedhisfriend,andturnedbacktoMalcolm,buthe’dalreadyclimbedbackintothecar.

“Oh,don’tworryabouthim…he’sbeenitchingtopulloverandcallhissistersincehereceivedacall

sayingthatshe’djustgoneintolabor,”Colinchuckled.“I’llmisshimwhenI’mgone.He’skeptmesane
overtheyears.”

“Gone?Whereareyougoing?”Hehadn’theardanythingwhilehe’dbeenapriest,andthewordsfrom

ColinleftDanteworried.

“Retirementinfourmonths.Theseoldbonesarebeingputouttopasture.”

TheytooktheirtimegoingupthefewstepstoDante’shome,buthewasgladtoseethatColinwasn’t

outofbreathwhentheyarrived.

“AndthisisthebeautifulEmelia.”Hesmiled,andwavedherover.“Come.Idon’tbite.”

Emeliamovedcloserandsmiled.“I’msorry,Idon’tquiteknowhowtogreetabishop.”

“Oh,pfft.Ashakeofthehandwilldo.”

They exchanged greetings, and then Dante suggested, “Let’s go and sit.” He glanced at Emelia and

realizedshewasreallynervous,soheintertwinedtheirfingersandpulledherdownbesidehim.“Will
youpleasetelluswhatRomehadtosay,sowecangetthatoutoftheway?”

“Mmm. I can.” He reached inside his jacket and pulled out his reading glasses. “Rome…can be

accommodatingonoccasion,buttheycanalsobeawkwardonothersandlesscooperative.”

“Oh,”Emeliamumbled,andwhenheturnedtolookather,thereweretearsonherlashes.

“Nowdon’tgogettingallemotionalonme.I’mafraidIcan’thandletears.”Colinlookednervousas

hewatchedthem.Itwasasthoughhedebatedwhattosay.

Thefactthathe’dcometothem,anddressedinwellwashedjeanswasasurprise.Colinalsoworea

bluebutton-downwithasweater.He’dneverseenhimsocasual,andtherewasnosignofthecollar.

Hearing a throat being cleared, he realized he’d been off musing when Colin was waiting for his

attention.

Dantesmiled,“Sorry.Goahead.”

“I won’t go into too much detail as it was your life so you know it all already, but I also wrote a

reportaboutthereasonssurroundingyoujoiningtheseminary,andsubsequentlybecomingordained.I’d
hopedthatyourrequestwouldstandabetterchancethanothers,but…I’msorry,Dante.Ireallyam.It’s
becauseoftheirdecisionthatIdecidedtocomehereandtellyouinperson.”

“Theywon’treleasehim?”Emeliamumbled,hervoiceteary.

“Thelaicizationhasbeengranted,butthedispensationhasn’tbeen.”Colinadded.

Dante, although hearing everything said, couldn’t accept the words that Colin had actually spoken.

Deepdown,he’dknownthathisrequestwouldprobablygetrejected,butwithColinvisitingthem,he’d
triednottogethishopesup,buthehad.

HewantedtobeabletomarrythewomanhelovedwithallhisheartinaCatholicChurch,andnow

thathadofficiallybeentakenawayfromhim.

“But,let’sgettowhyIdeliveredthenewsinperson.”

Emelialeanedagainsthisside,anditwasatthatpointthatherealizedhe’dshutherout.Sohequickly

wrappedanarmaroundhershouldersandpulledhertightlyagainsthim.

Hekissedthetopofherhead,andrestinghischinwherehe’dplacedthekiss,heaskedColin,“Why?”

“Becauseoftherejection,youknowthatyoucan’tmarryinaCatholicChurch,soIproposethatwe

dosomethingslightlyunderhanded,butnotillegal,andsomethingthatcan’tbeundonebytheVaticanif
wordwastogetout.”

Emeliasatstraighter,andhewassurethathedidaswell.“We’relistening.”

He chuckled. “I’m sure you are.” Clearing his throat, he continued, “There is no way around you

marrying in a Catholic Church, but, after your wedding, I will personally bless you both…exactly as I
woulddoduringaweddingceremonyinthecathedral.”

EmeliaburiedherfaceinDante’schestandcried.Heheldherinhisarms,tearsonhisownlashes.

“You’ddothat?”heasked,hisvoicefilledwithrawemotion.

“I’manoldman,Dante.AndI’vespentalotoftimerecentlyreflectingonmylife.Idon’tregretmy

dedication to the church for all these years, and I’d like to think that I’ve been good at it.” He smiled.
“BeforeIretire,Ineedtoseeyouhappy.Inorderformetogowithaclearconscience,Ineedtobethe
onetoblessyourmarriageintheeyesofGod.Idon’tjustneedtodothis.Iwanttodothis.IwishIcould
domore.”

“No,don’t,”Dantestarted,“theblessingfromyouwouldmeantheworldtous.”HebroughtEmelia’s

faceuptohis.“Howaboutit?Youwanttomakeanhonestmanoutofmeinacivilceremony,andthen
haveourmarriageblessedbytheBishop?”

Emelianodded,tearsstillstreameddownherface.“Oh,yes.”

Epilogue

Twomonthslater.

“We’remarried,”Emeliawhisperedtoherself,assheescapedtotherestroom.Theyhadn’tbeenat

thehotelwheretheirweddingreceptionwasbeingheldallthatlong,butshe’djustneededaminute.

Thebishopwasalreadyinsidetheroomwheretheblessingwouldtakeplace,andonlyclosefamily

were present. Neither of them felt ashamed for what they were doing, but they wanted it kept quiet
becauseofDante’spast.He’dalsosuggesteditmightbebesttostayquietsothatworddidn’tgetbackto
thechurch.

Sotheyhad.

Theyweremarried!

ShehonestlyneverexpectedthedaytoarrivebecauseofDante’spastandbecauseofwhattheirfather

had done by signing his name to her birth certificate. Luckily, the issuing clerk for the county accepted
theirbirthcertificatesandtheresultsfromtheDNAtests,alongwithalawyer’sletterconfirmingwhatthe
DNA tests concluded—that Emiliano wasn’t Emelia’s father. She still considered him her father, but it
wasjustarelieftobeallowedtomarryDante.Itwaswhatshe’dwantedforsolong.

Dantelookedsohandsomeinhisdark,greysuit,deepburgundybutton-down,andgreytie,andtheir

brotherslookedjustashandsome.Theysurescrubbedupwell.Mateoworriedherthough.He’drecently
had more surgery done on his knee and had to use a wheelchair, which she could see had gotten him
down. She supposed Caprice probably didn’t help him with her whole attitude problem. Half the time,
shethoughtthatMateowastheonewiththeproblemtostillhaveheraround.

“Hey,whyareyouhidinginhere?”Sylviainterruptedherquietmusing.

“Justthinking.Breathing,”shereplied,andcontinued,“I’msorrywemarriedbeforeyoudid,Sylvia.”

Emelia had wanted to say something to her brother Eric, and his fiancée over the past months. She just
hadn’t had the opportunity to do so. It wasn’t even as though a phone call would have done it because
she’dwantedtodoitinperson.

Sylviasqueezedherhand.“Thereisn’tanythingtoapologizefor,Emelia.Pleasedon’tthinkthatthere

is.”Sylviasmiled.“Nowc’mon.Yourhusbandiswaitingforyou.”

Emeliasmiled,andslippedherarmthroughSylvia’s.

Theminutetheywalkedoutoftherestrooms,Dantewasthere,stridingtowardher.

“I’llseeyousoon,”Sylviawhispered,andmovedaway.

“Areyouokay?”wasthefirstthingoutofDante’smouthashegentlycuppedherface.

“I’mfine,”shereplied,andheldhislovinggaze.“Iloveyou.”Sheleanedinandkissedhim.

“Iloveyou,too.”Hekissedheronthenose.“Let’sgoandhaveourblessing.”

TearsformedonDante’slasheswhenhehuggedBishopColinSommer.Colinhadalwaysbeenthere

forhim,andhewouldmisstheman,hisfriend,dearly.

What Colin had done for them meant more to him than being married in a Catholic Church. The

blessingthathe’djustgivenEmeliaandhimselfwouldberememberedforaslongashelived.

Ashesteppedback,Emeliawrappedherselfaroundhiswaistforcomfort.Hewassoinneedofitas

well.Hisemotionshadbeenallovertheplacesincehe’dwalkedawayfromhischurch,buthemusedthat
nowthathewasmarriedtothewomanheloved,perhapseverythingwouldstarttosettledown.

“You’llstayintouch,”Colintoldhim,andslippedasmallcardintohishand.“Noexcuse.”

“Noexcuse,”Danterepeated.“Itwon’tjustbeaChristmascard.Yourealizethat?”

Colinsmiled.“Hmm…now,IwastoldthatI’dgetfedhere.”

Emelia chuckled and stepped back. “We have a private function room booked with a delicious hot

buffetwaitingforus.”

“Thenwhatarewewaitingfor?Leadtheway.”

DantegrinnedandtookEmelia’shand.“Wewill.”

They headed toward the room that their family waited for them in, and Dante smiled. It had been a

goodday,andeveryonetheylovedhadbeenwiththem.

Emeliahadneverlookedasbeautiful,andsheglowedwithhappiness.

Fromthemomenthisdecisionhadbeenmadetobewithher,he’dnothadsecondthoughts,andthat

waslove.

Emeliawashiswholeworldnow,andthatwouldneverchange.

HenolongerfelttrappedinPurgatory.

TheEnd

LoveinBloom,DeLaFuentefamily#3

MateoDeLaFuente

ComingNext

Sizzle,BadBoyRockers#1

Thaliaistwenty-oneandhasjustfinishedhersophomoreyearofcollege.Hernewboyfriend,Liam,

invites her to spend the summer with him and his family, so as she’s been unable to find a local job to
keepheratcollege,Thaliajumpsatthechance.Liamtellsherthatshecanbehisguestathisbrother,
Jack’s,weddingattheendofthesummer.

Jackistwenty-fiveandfeelsasthoughhe’sdrowning.He’sengagedtoMia,againsthiswill,because

it’salwaysbeendrilledintohim,familycomesfirst.Jack’sstudyingforalawdegree,andwantstogo
outonhisownoncehegraduates,specializingincriminallaw.Hisfatherwantshimtoacceptajunior
partnershipinthelawfirmownedjointlybyhimandLewis,hisfiancéesfather,topracticefamilylaw.

Thenhemeetshisbrother’sgirlfriend,Thalia,andhecan’tgetheroutofhishead.Heneedsherto

keepherdistance,becauseeverytimeshesmilesinhisdirection,hewantstocarryhertohisroomanddo
reallynaughtythingstoher.

Then Saturday night arrives and Liam takes Thalia to a new bar that has opened on the outskirts of

town,whereshediscoversJack’sbigsecret.Bydayhe’sthegoodlooking,slightlyolderbrotherwitha
chiponhisshoulder,whogivesherhotlooks,andbynighthe’sPhoenix,singer/guitarplayerforbadboy
group‘Deception’,whomakeshersizzletothecore!

Hehasmuscle.

Hehastattoos.

Hehaspiercings.

Hehasamouththatmakesherpantiesweteverytimeheopensit.

Heissupposedtobegettingmarried.

Heisalsoherboyfriend’sbrother...

AvailableNow

Seduce,McKenzieBrothers#1

Fivehotbrotherswhoareabouttomeetfiveequallyhotpartners.

Michael McKenzie is CEO of the family owned, architectural & construction business, McKenzie

Holdings,andhehasaverybadhabitofputtingworkbeforeallelse.

On Lily Redmond’s first day of work she’s placed as Michael’s assistant, but she’s shocked to

discoverthatit’sthesamemansheflirtedwithintheelevatorthatmorning.

LilyandMichaelareinstantlydrawntoeachother,buthe’sherbossandLilyliveswithherboyfriend

ofsevenyears,buteverythingisn’talways,asitseems.

MichaelandLilydeserveahappilyeverafter,butisthatevergoingtobepossiblewithDavid,Lily’s

boyfriend,wantingforgiveness,orwillMichaelbetoostubbornforhisowngood?

AvailableNow

Acknowledgements

Thank you as always to Nadine Winningham for your advice, eagle eye, and your friendship. You

meantheworldtome.x

Sirena, you saved my ass by pointing out that the name I had TOTALLY made up, was actually the

nameoftheBishopofColorado.Sothankyoux

Emma, Kathrin, Lynne and Sonya, thank you so much for always being ready to read my work ~ I

reallyappreciateyouladiesx

ThankyoutoFr.T,foransweringmyquestionsaboutPriest’s,marriage,andtheVatican~allerrors

areminealone.

Thank you to author Jenni Moen, for helping me with my questions about the law and marriage

licensesintheUnitedStates~allerrorsareminealone.

Ialsowanttosayahugethankyoutofriends,family,readers,andbloggersforyourcontinuedsupport

~itmeanstheworldtome.xx

OtherbooksbyLexiBuchanan

BadBoyRockers

Sizzle

Spicy

Sultry
Savor
Sinful

McKenzieBrothers

Seduce

TheWedding(Novella)

Rapture

Delight

Entice

Cherished

AMcKenzieChristmas(Novella)

DeLaFuenteFamily(McKenzieSpinoff)

LoveinMontana

LoveinPurgatory

LoveinBloom(2016)

JacksonHole

FromThisMoment

WhenweMeet

NewBeginning(2016)

HolidaySeason

KissingUndertheMistletoe

ASoldier’sChristmas

Lawful

Gia0.5(Novella)

TheClub

OneDance(Novella)

Standalone

RoseandJacob

EducateMe(Novella)

28Days(RomanticSuspensecoming2016)

DearReader:IfyoulikedLoveinPurgatory,Iwouldappreciateit,ifyouwouldhelpothersenjoy

thisbooktoobyrecommendingittoyourfriends,family,andbookclubsbywritinganhonest,positive
reviewonAmazon,BarnesandNoble,Kobo,iBookstore,Goodreads,etc.

AbouttheAuthor

I was born in Bolton, Lancashire within the United Kingdom, where I lived, and worked at the

UniversityofBolton,until2010.WithmyhusbandwemovedtoIrelandwithourfourkidsandpackof
animalswherewestilllive.

I’maNYTimesandUSATodayBestsellingAuthorofDevour,andInternationalBestsellingAuthorof

SeduceandSizzle.

MytimeisspentwritingwhenIcangetawayfromFacebook,andchasingafterthekidsandanimals.
OneofmyalltimeambitionsistovisitMountEverestbasecampintheHimalayas.

Thankyoutoeachandeveryoneofyouforyourcontinuedsupport.

http://www.lexibuchanan.net

Twitter-@AuthorLexi

TSU-https://www.tsu.co/AuthorLexiB

Instagram-@AuthorLexiB

Tumblr-authorlexi

authorlexibuchanan@gmail.com

Document Outline

Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two
Chapter Thirty-Three
Chapter Thirty-Four
Chapter Thirty-Five
Chapter Thirty-Six
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Epilogue
Love in Bloom #3 ~ Cover
Sizzle, Blurb
Seduce, Blurb
Acknowledgment
Other Books by Author

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