Waiting for Anna Maria to be brought in, Christina felt restless. The opening of the door startled her and turning around, Christina was shocked to see her again. She still couldn’t get used to the idea that someone looked exactly like her.
Anna Maria seemed tired, and her pretty face was pale.
“How are you?" Christina asked, worried. “Are you feeling all right?”
“I’m okay,” Anna Maria replied and sank into the other chair like a sack of flour—she didn’t sound okay at all.
Christina shifted uncomfortably in her chair. “I’m Christina… I mean, Sophia,” Christina introduced herself, feeling awkward.
“I know,” the girl replied, keeping her eyes on her hands laced together on top of the metal table.
“This is very hard for me. I never knew I had a sister, and I’m not used to the idea, yet,” Christina admitted, and Anna Maria’s glanced at her.
Their gazes locked for a few moments, and silence stretched in the room.
“I understand… I was shocked myself. Grandma never told me about you,” the girl replied after a while, and Christina picked up the light Italian accent in her voice. “As a matter of fact, she didn’t tell me a lot of things,” Anna Maria added, and Christina could sense the sadness in her voice.
“I grew up believing that my mother was an unmarried, distant relative of our grandmother who died giving birth and had no other relatives to take care of me. Adriana, whom I believed to be my great-aunt, took me in and raised me as a granddaughter. She even asked me to call her grandmother, and I didn’t think much of it since she was an old lady with no family left. At least, that’s what she had told me,” Anna Maria explained while tears welled up in her eyes.
“So it was you who had visited the house in Fiscardo before,” Christina realized out loud, thinking of the neighbors who acted like they knew her.
“Yes,” Anna Maria verified. “I’ve been here once before, three months ago with Marcello. We stayed at his house in Fiscardo for a couple of weeks, and he introduced me as his wife. He said that he didn’t want the neighbors to be sticking their noses into our business and that they would stay away if they thought we were married. Grandma even came and stayed with us for a few days.”
“You do know she’s dead,” Christina said carefully.
“Yes…” the girl whispered. “I wish I’d been there.”
“Me, too,” Christina replied and was surprised to realize that she meant it.
“When was the funeral?” the girl asked.
“Two days ago,” Christina responded. “She was buried next to the small church on the Rosetti’s property in Nevada.”
The girl kept silent, lost in her thoughts, and Christina saw the tears, running freely down her face.
“We’ll go there together, as soon as you get out of here,” Christina promised her, and she saw a bitter smile on Anna Maria’s face.
“Do you know Fabiani well?” Christina asked carefully, trying to change the subject.
“I thought I did,” Anna Maria replied, and Christina felt bad, seeing a shadow clouding her eyes. It must be awful, she thought, not to have anybody. The only people this girl knew were their grandmother and this Fabiani guy—and both of them had lied to her. At least, I felt the love and caring of a family, Christina realized and felt sad thinking how much she’d missed the Connors.
Without a second thought, Christina raised her hand and covered Anna Maria’s hands as she had them clenched together on the table. The girl hesitated for a moment and then opened her hands and took Christina’s in hers. At that moment, Christina felt a strong bond with her sister. No matter what, she was her flesh and blood, and Christina was going to do everything in her power to help her.
“Don’t worry,” she assured her sister. “Everything is going to be okay.”
Anna Maria glanced at her in disbelief.
She’s right not to trust me, Christina thought. I wouldn't trust anybody either if I were her. At that moment, Christina swore to herself to take control of her life and do the best she could for her sister. Both her sister and she had been deprived of their families and their lives, and she made up her mind to try and make up for it.
“I’ll get you the best lawyer,” she promised her sister before leaving.
Stepping outside, she realized that she was going to need a lot of money to help Anna Maria—money she didn’t have. But I do have money, she corrected herself. I have my inheritance, and so does Anna Maria. This money belongs to both of us, and I’m going to use it to get her out of this mess.
***
Dan was waiting for her outside, and Christina rushed into his arms, feeling hot tears sliding down her cheeks. He just held her there, without saying a word.
“I want to help her,” Christina said and lifted her face to meet his gaze. “I’m going to hire the best attorneys.”
Dan glanced at her inquiringly.
“Yes,” Christina responded to the question in his eyes. “I’ve decided to keep the inheritance. I don’t trust anybody anymore. I’ll take care of everything myself. I’ll take care of my sister and arrange for the charity foundation in memory of my mother.”
“Are you sure about that?” Dan asked her.
“Yes, I’m sure. It’s time to stop hiding. I have to take my life into my own hands and face my destiny. Like it or not, I’m Paolo Rosetti’s daughter, and I’m going to use that money to make up for all the bad things my family ever did.” Christina vowed, and drawing a deep breath, she withdrew from his arms and took a couple steps back.
Dan watched her silently, probably recognizing the mixed powerful emotions threatening to engulf her.
“I want you to stand by me,” she told after a few minutes. “It’s not going to be easy, and I can’t do it on my own. I need you…”
“I’m here, babe,” he reassured her. “I’m always going to be here for you. But don’t fool yourself; you don’t need anybody. You’re the strongest, most determined person I’ve met in my whole life. Just think of all that you’ve been through. Others in your position would have given up a long time ago. But not you—you stuck in there and came through. I believe in you, babe. And I’m always going to be here for you.”
Christina rushed into his arms again and squeezed him tenderly. “Let’s get married,” she said, taking Dan by surprise. “Why wait?” she asked him. “I love you, and I want to be your wife.”
“I love you, too, my sweet, sweet Christina,” he said and covered her mouth with a kiss.
Epilogue
SIX MONTHS LATER, Christina and Dan were sitting on the veranda of the Rosetti’s mansion on the outskirts of Palermo, Sicily, overlooking the manicured lawns and the vineyards reaching all the way down to the glistening sapphire sea.
“I’m so happy,” Christina said and stretched out lazily on her lounge chair.
Dan stared at her adoringly. Her skin had turned golden-brown from the sun, and her cheeks had a healthy pink color. She’s finally relaxed, he thought.
“I could stay here forever, but I know you need to get back to work,” she said and reached over to caress his hand.
“Whenever you’re ready,” he said and squeezed her hand in his. He didn’t want to pressure her into anything. The months following their return to Atlanta had been very stressful, with the trial and her sister’s ordeal.
The mobsters had been convicted and sentenced to life, and Fabiani had also been convicted of Adriana Rosetti’s murder. At least, Christina’s sister was released, as it was proven that she didn’t know anything about Fabiani’s plans, and she had nothing to do with her grandmother’s murder.
After her sister was free, Christina and she spent a couple of weeks together in Nevada, getting to know each other.
Dan missed her a lot but realized that she had needed this time away. He understood her wish to be alone with her sister for a while. He stayed in Atlanta, working hard and spending the weekends at the house on the lake. Janet had asked him to st
ay with them for a while, but he needed to be alone, too. Things were changing rapidly, and he needed time to adjust.
Christina came back to Atlanta a new person, more confident and determined than ever. She had made plans for her life and had everything worked out in her mind. She and Dan were married, and he took a six-month leave from his job. They flew to Paris for two weeks and then to Kefalonia to spent some time exploring the beauty of the island and enjoying each other’s company. The amazing beaches and the luxuriant countryside left an indelible impression on their minds.
A month later, Christina was ready to visit Palermo, Sicily. Anna Maria had talked to her about the beautiful countryside and the endless vineyards stretching all the way down to the curvaceous coastline. And she hadn’t exaggerated at all—the beauty of the place and the elegance of the Rosetti’s mansion took their breath away.
They had a wonderful time, just relaxing and enjoying each other’s company. The house was beautiful, and the people nice and friendly. They’d spent their time going on small excursions, enjoying the countryside, playing tennis, swimming in the pool, or horseback riding.
However, they had been here for two months now, and Dan was eager to go back. Not that this place wasn’t beautiful, but he’d missed Atlanta and his job. Christina had asked him once if he would consider leaving his job. But Dan refused to even think about it. Even though it was a very demanding and frustrating job, he loved it. Christina probably knew that, and she didn’t insist, simply assuring him that he didn’t need to work anymore with all the money they had.
After their grandmother’s death, Christina and Anna Maria inherited an amount of thirty million dollars, in addition to the sixty-five from their father. After talking it over with her sister, Christina decided to keep the family houses in Nevada, Palermo, and Kefalonia, and an amount of twenty million dollars each and donate the rest of the money. Christina hired a prestigious law firm in Atlanta and set up a charity foundation in memory of their mother.
Anna Maria had decided to stay at the family house in Nevada for a while, and Christina was planning on visiting her as soon as they returned to the States. She wanted to spend some more time with her sister.
“You know,” Christina began. “I think we should come back next year and ask Janet and James to come with us. And then we can fly to Greece for a few days and stay at the mansion on Kefalonia. Emily would love both places.”
“I’m sure she would,” Dan said.
“Then it’s settled,” Christina said. “I’ll talk to Anna Maria, also. It’ll be nice if all seven of us gather here next summer.”
“You mean all six of us,” Dan corrected her and laughed.
“No, I mean all seven,” Christina said and glanced at him teasingly.
Dan stared at her inquiringly, and when she burst out laughing, he jumped up and pulled her into his arms.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” he asked.
“I just found out,” Christina replied. “My period was late so yesterday, I went to town and visited a gynecologist. He confirmed that I’m two months pregnant.”
“Oh, babe!” Dan cried out. “You make me the happiest man in the world. I love you so much.”
“I love you, too,” Christina said, and their lips locked in a passionate kiss.
THE END
Note From The Author
THE GREEK ISLES SERIES
The Greek Islands—alluring destinations that cast a spell on the visitor from the very first moment—are among my favorite settings. I have written a whole series of standalone mystery romance novels—The Greek Isles Series—each taking place on a different island.
In this series, dark mysteries mingle with sizzling romances while the reader enjoys the virtual experience of visiting some of the most enchanting Greek Islands. The impeccable beauty of those islands—where nature exists lavishly in hundred shades of green and blue, and centuries of Greek tradition coexist harmoniously with cosmopolitan activity—will steal the reader’s heart away.
Award-winning, best seller Spellbound in His Arms is the first novel published in The Greek Isles Series. In this suspenseful tale of murder, deceit, and political cover-up, sexy investigative reporter Jackie Alexander ignites the fury and stirs the passion of mysterious police detective Michael Apostolou. The action unfolds on majestic Corfu in the dazzling aquamarine waters of the Ionian Sea.
Best seller Deadly Secrets is the second novel published in The Greek Isles Series. Stunning Helena Sistakis and seductive Captain Dimitris Nikolaou confront each other—and make sparks—in this suspenseful tale of murder, deception, betrayal, and embezzlement. The action unfolds on picturesque Mykonos—one of the most beautiful islands in the sparkling sapphire waters of the Aegean Sea—and is supported by a steamy story of forbidden love.
The Heiress of Santorini is the third novel published in The Greek Isles Series. The startling truth about her billionaire client drives breathtaking insurance manager Alexandra Stewart over the edge but cannot quell her desire for sinfully handsome and off-limits Mark Taylor. This tale of non-stop action, suspense, deceit, and murder unfolds in Atlanta, New York, and on the awe-inspiring island of Santorini—a precious gem in the Aegean Sea that is still an active volcano with spectacular rock formations, impressive lunar landscapes, and breathtaking red and black sand beaches.
Dark Shadows of The Past is the fourth novel published in The Greek Isles Series. Dazzling Christina Connors is caught in a deadly game of conspiracy, murder, betrayal, and vengeance while desperately trying to conceal her real identity. Seductively handsome police detective Dan Mallory puts his job and life on the line to protect this feisty enchantress from the threat hovering over her. The non-stop action and sizzling romance unfolds in Atlanta, the Blue Ridge Mountains of Northern Georgia, and the island of Kefalonia—the fascinating setting of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin in the amazing aquamarine waters of the Ionian Sea.
Lethal Web of Passion is the fifth novel in The Greek Isles Series. Startling legal assistant Eleanna Welsh has a secret… Ever since her father was forced to walk out on them, she’s been training in martial arts to confront the evil mind who destroyed her family. Now the time has come, and Eleanna finds herself with an inheritance of a luxury resort on the Greek island of Skopelos and a powerful and seductive partner, Stephanos Ioannou. As danger and passion collide, the mystifying island seems to hide far more secrets than Eleanna expected. A mystery man, a ruthless assassin, an authoritative Contessa and her lifelong enemies weave a lethal web, full of danger, betrayal, and passion. Lethal Web of Passion will be available Fall 2015.
Website: AngelSefer.com
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Angel Sefer, Dark Shadows of the Past
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