Free Lustful Cravings (The Seven Sin Sisters) by Paloma Beck

hug of gigantic proportions, the tiny -statured but large-spirited Adelina placed the other small woman on the floor again and turned back to Layla. “Meet my daughter, Davina. She is the baby in our family but s he is wise and can be of good counsel to you.”
    “Layla, it is nice to see you . The message from Madden was a wonderful surprise. Knowing my brother as I do, I’m not sure whether to congratulate you or offer my condolences, ” Davina’s wide smile contradicted the words and assured Layla she was teasing.
    “Now, Davina,” Adelina’s voice was scolding, “we speak only truth of our family, yes?”
    “Yes, Mamma. I believe Layla understood my jest,” Davina’s conspirator wink gave Layla a feeling of inclusion. Layla was going to like Davina.
    Shooing away the conversation with her hand, Adelina focused back to their earlier conversation before Davina had arr ived. “So you have questions that we can answer maybe?”
    It took only a single question for Adelina to begin telling stories about Madden , his three siblings , their original homeland in Italy and the home here in the vineyards that their family owned. Adelina explained Valentino moved the f amily to America when he retired. She didn’t mention what his former profession was. That fact was oddly absent though she learned that after Valentino’s retirement , Madden entered the age of maturity and took over his father’s former position. Now Valentino spent his days run ning the vineyard . Adelina adored her husband . Layla could hear it in the s ingsong cheer of her voice as she spoke of the patriarch of their family.
    Coming back to the present , Layla asked, “ You mentioned the family business. I understand Madden’s work is dangerous. H e’s not told me any more than that, and I don’t understand why this means I need security.”
    “Now that is something my son should be explaining to you , ” Adelina’s Italian accent grew stronger now, something that must happen when she becomes more emotional.
    “And he will,” Madden walked up to the t hree women and spoke with authority . “But first we need to have dinner so that I can take my beautiful Layla back to our home. We h aven’t had much time to talk, Ma mma.”
    All three men , with the addition of two others who looked very much like Madden, stood nearby . Adelina looked from father to son before nodd ing in agreement with the unspoken words.
    “Shall we eat?” Though Adelina phrased her words as a question, it was clearly an expectation. Layla stood an d took Madden’s hand as they walked to the table.
    “Layla, let me introduce you to my brothers, Lucas and Gage.” Madden indicated each with a quick gesture . Those seated around the table exchanged pleasantries and all seemed so normal, so simple .
    Buffered between Madden and Anton, Layla felt comforted. After the food was ser ved , casual conversation once again resumed. Adelina ensured everyone had what he or she needed . Layla was relieved the atmosphere was so comfortable.
    When Adelina asked about Layla’s family, Layla told a story she was sure was similar to others of their heritage . Having a Valendite Breed father and Magdalena Circle mother meant moving often enough for their slow aging systems to go unnoticed.
    “And there are seven of you sisters, you said?” Davina asked for clarification.
    “Yes, seven of us. Until just a few days ago, we lived together. They are my best friends.” Layla looked down, stemming the sad thoughts and willing the tears away. She failed to notice the meaningful look cast between Davina and Lucas.
    “Now that you girls are grown, what do your parents do?” Adelina picked right up on the lull in the conversation.
    “ My mother and father have been traveling overse a s again , so we don’t see them all that often. We still have a home in the Baltics that had been rented out for the past thirty-something years. They’re using that as their primary residence for a while.