Hush: Family Secrets by Blue Saffire Read Free Book Online

very badly. His full lips call to me from beneath that sexy facial hair. I can’t help but think about how it tickled my skin when he kissed behind my ear.
    I huff at my scattered thoughts giving up on sleep. I wish I could give up on thoughts of Uri. Where the hell was he yesterday? He went from being a bug up my ass to not even showing up.
    To make things worse that weasel Raphael just happened to stop by yesterday to drop off his never ending offering of flowers and some stupid gift. He so conveniently showed up right at dinnertime. My father graciously invited him to stay for dinner.
    Best part of the night was watching Luca give Raphael dirty looks. He even growled at him a few times. I may learn to like my soon to be brother in law. When dinner was over, Raphael tried to corner me but Luca and Shannon came to the rescue with plans we supposedly already had.
    I was so grateful to the two. If my father would have forced me to spend time with that weasel I would have snapped. His presence made me ten times more pissed off with Uri.
    Once I am showered and dressed my curiosity wins out. I’ve wanted to know more about Uri since I first laid eyes on him. Today I am going to get those answers. Uncle Valentine owes me a favor. He is the only one I can trust to get me answers without making a big deal out of it.
    I mean I can totally justify wanting the information. This man is in my home every day. I should at least know where he really lives and what he does other than close the curtains on undesired problems. I have a right to know about Uri the man, not Uri the killer.
    Besides, I know from experience you can’t trust the rumors passed around on a man like Uri. I mentally berate myself again because I can’t believe I am spending this much thought and energy on this man.
    I should be running in the opposite direction of all things Uri. If I had any sense I would pack a bag and get the hell out of here before things get out of control. My father hasn’t mentioned my engagement in sometime, but I see how he watches me with Uri.
    It is only a matter of time and I don’t plan on being around when the time comes. There are so many reasons why I should never marry. If Uri knows what’s good for him he will just walk away now.
    “Why the long face,” my father’s raspy voice startles me as I absentmindedly walk the halls of the house.
    It was my intension to go find my Uncle. My father’s eyes dance over my face in thought. I don’t have a heart to tell him what is going on in my head. All the reasons he should just forget about trying to marry me off.
    I shrug my shoulders. “A lot on my mind, what’s up papa?” I respond painting a smile on my face.
    He waits a moment still searching my face before he answers. A look crosses his face that I know so well. He has just made a decision on something. I get an uneasy feeling in my stomach.
    “Come walk with me, Tina,” I smile at the nickname only close family used to use. I haven’t heard it on his lips in so long. It soothes and stings at the same time.
    It reminds me of a soft girl, of happy times, before my world turned black. Some people don’t remember much from their early years of life. I wish that was the case for me. I think I remember too much.
    I loop my arm through my father’s and place my head on his shoulder. My father is not a very tall man. He is just an inch or two taller than me, but his broad shoulder is comforting right now as my thoughts and emotions swirl within.
    “I know I haven’t done the best for you,” my father says gently as we enter the gardens behind the house.
    “You did the best you could,” I murmur.
    “My best was not enough. I love you, Valentina. I loved your mother and sister very much as well. I should have done a better job protecting you all. To this day I work to right my wrongs,” my father pauses as his voice becomes thick with emotion.
    “Have you ever wondered why I did not fight your uncle on teaching you to