Deadly Embrace by Jackie Collins (best 7 inch ereader .TXT) 📗

exciting!’ Madison said. ‘I don’t think!’

Madison talked nonstop on the flight to Miami. She told Michael about her teachers, the thesis she was working on, a journalism course she was planning to take, and how much she was looking forward to college.

‘I really want to be a writer, Michael,’ she said earnestly. ‘What do you think?’

‘I think I’d be the proudest dad in the world,’ he said. ‘You have no idea where I come from, sweetheart. To have a writer in the family–well, that’d really be something.’

‘Yes?’

‘Oh, yeah.’

‘You’ll see, I will make you proud. That’s a promise.’

‘It is, huh?’

‘Yes, Michael,’ she said determinedly. ‘It is.’

He picked up a copy of Time magazine and began reading. Madison gazed out of the window, imagining herself as a published author along the lines of Tom Wolfe or Mario Puzo. She loved their books. The Godfather was her all-time favourite, and she’d just finished reading Bonfire of the Vanities, which she’d devoured over two nights. Then again, she wouldn’t mind being a journalist, covering wars and world events.

I can do anything, she told herself. Anything I set my mind to.

Michael had taught her that. Michael had instilled in her a confidence that achievement started in the mind.

She adored her father. He was the best.

Chapter Forty-seven

Dani and Vincent: 1987

Shortly before Dani left for Miami, Dean dropped by her house. ‘You’re insane, you know that?’ he said, trailing her into the kitchen.

‘I’m insane?’ she replied. ‘You’re the one who’s been married twice, and I understand you’re about to embark on your second divorce.’

‘Where did you hear that?’

‘Word gets around, Dean,’ she said, pouring him a cup of coffee.

‘Why you ever got back together with Michael Castelli is a mystery to me,’ he grumbled, reaching for the cream and sugar. ‘And then to have another baby. Wasn’t one enough?’

‘I don’t need a lecture,’ she said, walking into the living room. ‘I’m extremely happy.’

‘Happy because he won’t marry you?’ Dean said, following her.

‘Don’t go there, Dean,’ she warned. ‘I’ve told you many times, it’s none of your business.’

‘You are my business, Dani. And as much as you fight it, you always will be.’

‘Why?’

‘Because I love you,’ he said simply. ‘And nothing you do or say can ever change that.’

He didn’t have to tell her, she was well aware of how much he loved her. And over the years she had to admit that it was quite comforting to know he was always there, ready to catch her if she fell. Dean was her safety net, and they both knew it. So did Michael who, although the two men had never met, hated Dean. ‘That loser just wants to get into your pants,’ Michael often informed her. ‘Why do you still see him?’

‘He’s not a loser. He’s my friend.’

‘Some friend,’ Michael usually muttered. He had never forgiven Dean for showing her the press clippings regarding his arrest for Beth’s murder, thereby separating them for seven long years.

Dean put down his coffee and began pacing around the living room. ‘You’re throwing your life away, Dani,’ he said.

‘Why?’ she responded crisply. ‘I’m with a wonderful man who loves me. I have two great children. I live in a beautiful house. So tell me, exactly how am I throwing my life away?’

‘You’re with a married man who only sees you when it suits him. He has a wife and, whatever you think, he’ll always put her first.’

‘Not necessarily,’ she said, a defensive thrust to her chin.

‘He uses you. Surely you know it?’

‘Our relationship isn’t like that.’

‘I think it is.’

‘Quite frankly, Dean, I couldn’t care less what you think. I’m happy, and that’s it. So, if you’ll excuse me, I have to get ready for my trip.’

Sofia toddled into the room, all curly hair, dimpled cheeks, and enormous eyes. ‘Hi, Uncle Dean,’ the little girl said, flirting outrageously.

‘Hi, Crunchie,’ he said–his nickname for her.

‘Wanna play dolls?’

‘Not right now.’

‘Blow bubbles?’

‘Next week.’

Sofia wandered off.

‘Things weren’t meant to turn out this way,’ Dean said. ‘It should’ve been you and me.’

Where had she heard that before? From Michael. Only Dean was always proposing marriage, and Michael wasn’t.

She understood. Michael had explained it to her enough times. He’d made an irrevocable pact with himself to stay with Stella for Madison’s sake, and there was nothing she could do about it.

She pretended not to care. Only sometimes, late at night, when she hadn’t seen him in a while, she cried herself to sleep, because maybe Dean was right–perhaps he was using her.

Anyway, he certainly kept them in great style, never denying her anything she wanted.

She couldn’t help it, she loved him with every fibre of her being. What was so bad about that?

Later, Vincent came by to wish them a safe trip to Miami. Vincent. So tall, dark, and handsome, exactly like Michael.

He picked up his baby sister and began tossing her in the air. Sofia squealed with delight.

‘Careful, you’ll drop her,’ Dani warned.

‘Yeah, yeah, like I’m gonna drop her!’ Vincent said, throwing Sofia even higher.

‘Enough!’ Dani said.

‘More!’ Sofia begged.

‘Are you staying for dinner?’ Dani asked, hoping his answer would be yes, because she did not get to spend enough time with her handsome son.

‘Can’t,’ he said apologetically. ‘Got a date.’

‘Who is she this time?’

Vincent grinned–he had Michael’s grin along with everything else. ‘You know you don’t want to know.’

‘That’s true.’ She sighed. ‘I wish you could meet a nice girl.’

‘They’re nice enough for me.’

‘That’s the problem.’

‘You’re beginning to sound like a mother.’

‘I am a mother.’

‘Gotta go,’ he said, tickling Sofia until she screamed for mercy. ‘Have a great trip.’

‘I wish you were coming with us,’ Dani said wistfully.

‘Too busy.’

‘I know.’

She watched from the window as Vincent jumped into his black Corvette–a twenty-first birthday present from his father–and roared off.

He drove too fast. He’d inherited that particular skill from Nando, who was into race cars, and often encouraged Vincent to join him on the practice track.

She’d given up worrying about Vincent. Michael had taught