Read Online Lustful Cravings (The Seven Sin Sisters) by Paloma Beck - Free Book Online Page B

towards them.
    Mr. Santucci rose to his full height . After his gentle welcome, she became less intimidated by his formidable figure . H er nerves were beginning to calm. She watched him smile , and though he still held her hand in his own, he nod ded in Madden’s direction just as she felt the warmth of a nother hand on her shoulder. She didn’t need to turn around for she was embraced by the familia r scent that she knew so well already. It was Anton.
    And so it was with Anton’s hand on one shoulder and Madden’s hand on her back that she stood and accepted the soft kiss on the top of her hand. “Layla, this is my father, Valentino.”
    “It is an honor to have you as part of our family, Layla , ” Valentino Santucci spoke with a broken Italian accent.
    Valentino a llow ed her hand to drop from his and stepp ed to the side to allow his wife to stand next to him. Her sm ile was infectious, her embrace even more so as she pulled Layla to her, kissing her cheeks and giving a shrill laugh. Fo r every feeling of formality Layla got from Mr. Santucci, she received equal informality from this woman who had to be Madden’s mother.
    “This is my mother, Adelina,” Madden gave the formal introduction but it seemed nearly unnecessary.
    “It is good to finally have you here with us. I have waited so long for my son to find his soul mate. We are honored. ”
    Shaken, overwhelmed, and with tears forming in her eyes, Layla shook her head . “I am hono red .”
    “Oh, my child . ” Mrs. Santucci took Layla from the men and hugged her tightly while Layla cried. As Adelina comforted her, she also reached out to hit her son on his arm . “You my son, you are an idiot sometimes. Why did you not reassure this beautiful creature?”
    Madden had no chance to respond before the men were instructed to go . “ O ff with you. Go into your father’s study and have a drink. We wil l delay dinner a bit while I get to know Layla. Go.” There may have been some pleading , but even Layla knew who would win this argument. She loved Mrs. Santucci already.
    “Sweet, sweet child, you are more beautiful a woman than I had imagined,” she walked them to two plush chairs set out on the patio .
    Layla sank into its comfort and worked at drying her tears , “ Mrs. Santucci, thank you so much. And please forgive me. I haven’t a clue why I am so emotional.”
    “ No more Mrs. Santucci. Someday you will call me Mamma . Today you will call me Adelina,” she paused to pour two glasses of clear liquid from the pitcher that sat on the table near them. Handing one to Layla, she instructed, “Drink this. I make it myself . It calms the soul. And I am guessing it may be something you need as you acclimate to the changes around you. ”
    “I feel so alone.” The words slipped out of Layla’s mouth before she had the chance to consider holding them in.
    “Sweet child, of course your emotions will be all over this place.” Adelina waved in a typical Italian form and Layla smiled remembering her grandmother who would do the same when she couldn’t translate her thoughts to English words.
    “I should be happy,” Layla explained , but t he scowl on Adelina’s face instantly made her wish them back , but that was not part of her powers.
    “I don’t mean to say that I do not have feelings for Madden. He’s treated me quite well. Anton as well . They have both been wonderful. But,” Layla paused.
    “But what? What is it, Layla?”
    “I miss my sisters. It sounds so childish but I have never been away. I can’t talk to Madden like I would one of my sisters.”
    “I am but a poor substitute but I am happy to listen and offer advice,” Adelina assur ed Layla and whether it was that assurance or this most delicious water, Layla began feeling calmer. Adelina looked up and smiled widely, “but it seems I can give you another confidant e .” She rose with her arms spread wide and called out, “Davina, darling child, come to Mamma .”
    After a