Page 9 of Cryptic Curse (Bellamy Brothers #7)

DANIELA

I t tastes like nothing and everything all at once. Cold, soft, sweet—but not too sweet. Just enough to remind me that it’s a treat. Vanilla soft serve. Plain. No toppings. No drizzle of caramel. No rainbow sprinkles.

That was the rule. No extras. No indulgences.

I was thirteen the first time he pointed at my plate and said, “Do you really need that?” Offhand. Like he was commenting on the weather.

Two years later, I found out why.

He wanted me firm and lean.

The perfect body for the entertainment of his friends and associates.

I grew to like my ice cream plain.

But I still hear his voice in my head.

I told him once that one of the men said I’d be prettier if I put on a few pounds. That he could see me with bigger tits and an even bigger booty.

My father didn’t appreciate my candor, and that particular colleague never came back.

And…

Even though a drizzle of caramel sauce is kind of calling my name, for some reason I don’t want to pig out in front of Hawk.

I’m not sure why.

He would never look my way anyway. I’m just a kid to him.

But my God, he’s handsome.

He probably wouldn’t care if I ate a lot. I’ve seen Raven eat. That woman can pack it away. I know part of the reason is because she just survived cancer and she’s not going to deny herself anything she wants.

But she’s also tall with a gorgeous shape.

All of the Bellamys are tall and muscled—especially the men.

Especially the man sitting next to me.

Why did he choose to sit next to me and not Belinda?

Maybe I should’ve sat down next to Belinda instead of across from her. He probably thinks Belinda wouldn’t be comfortable with a strange man sitting next to her.

He’s no doubt right.

I need to keep that in mind if this ever happens again. I will sit next to Belinda to keep her comfortable.

But truth be told, Belinda looks great. She’s gorging on her bowl of ice cream, and her demeanor has shifted now that we’re here instead of in the hospital corridor.

A moment later, Hawk waves his hand.

I look over my shoulder.

The entire Bellamy family—even Mrs. Bellamy—are walking into the cafeteria.

They all head to the ice cream machine and then come sit at our table with us.

Great minds, I suppose.

Raven takes the seat next to Belinda, and Belinda smiles at her.

“Looks like you had the same idea we did,” Belinda says.

Raven smiles. “Absolutely. Every topping, and double Oreos.”

Belinda laughs and takes another bite.

Vinnie takes a seat on Belinda’s other side, effectively shielding her from anyone else.

What I should’ve done.

Once everyone is seated and eating, Vinnie clears his throat.

“Since everyone is already gathered… Raven and I have some news,” he says.

I kind of already know what’s coming. Raven confided in me, to make sure that I—as Vinnie’s legal wife—didn’t have an issue.

Of course I didn’t.

I don’t. Vinnie is my savior. All I want is his happiness.

“What is it?” Mrs. Bellamy asks.

“Raven and I are officially engaged,” he says.

Mrs. Bellamy clasps her hand to her mouth. “That’s wonderful!”

Falcon gives Vinnie a side hug. “Excited to have another brother, Vinnie.”

Savannah giggles. “He’s already your brother-in-law, at least he will be when we get married.”

“Maybe we could do a double wedding!” Mrs. Bellamy says, grinning ear to ear.

Eagle raises his bowl of ice cream in a pseudo-toast, and Robin has a smile on her face that isn’t quite reaching her eyes as she hugs her twin sister.

Hawk gives Vinnie a fist bump, and I can’t quite read the expression on his face. He’s happy, that much is for sure. But there’s an air of something—is it wistfulness?—in his eyes.

When the initial hubbub has settled, I grab Raven’s forearm, lean across the table. “Please be happy,” I say. “And please make him happy. He deserves everything.”

“He does,” Raven agrees, “and so do you, Dani.”

Mrs. Bellamy swallows her mouthful of ice cream. “We should have champagne.”

“I don’t think they serve that here, Mom,” Hawk says.

“Well,” Vinnie says, “Raven and I were going to take Daniela and Belinda out to dinner tonight. Why don’t the rest of you come as well? My treat. They have the best ice cream ever. All homemade. With whatever toppings you want. Just ask Belinda.”

Belinda’s cheeks pink. “It is my favorite,” she says.

“Oh, don’t be ridiculous,” Mrs. Bellamy says. “I don’t get to cook much anymore, and I gave the staff the night off when we found out Austin was awake. Nothing would make me happier than to prepare a feast for Raven and Vinnie and the rest of us.”

“Come on, Mom,” Raven says. “How can you possibly get a whole dinner together at a moment’s notice? It’s already four o’clock, and we’re an hour from home.”

Mrs. Bellamy looks across the table at me. “Well, my dear, I hear you’re quite the cook.”

A rush of warmth floods my cheeks. “Yes, ma’am. I love to cook.”

She takes my cheek in her hand. “Daniela, love, I’ve told you a million times to call me Star.”

I wouldn’t say she’s told me a million times. This is maybe only the third time I’ve been in her presence.

But I nod. “Of course. Star.”

She’s waiting for me to tell her that I’ll help her prepare a feast. The problem is, the Bellamy parties are legendary, from what I hear, and although I adore good cooking, and I’ve read a lot on the subject, I haven’t had a lot of real-world practice cooking for other people.

Especially not an entire family’s worth of big eaters.

This would be a chance to do that, which I’d love, but I may not live up to Star Bellamy’s idea of a world-renowned chef.

“I don’t want to put you on the spot, of course,” Star says. “Daniela, you’re allowed to say no.”

“Jesus, Mom.” Raven meets my gaze across the table. “Of course you can say no, Dani.”

“Actually,” I intervene, “I’d love to help. I’m just not sure I have the skills you think I do.”

“Nonsense,” Star says. “We all start somewhere. This can be your baptism by fire.”

I nod, and to my surprise, I’m actually feeling excited.

I’ve seen Star Bellamy’s kitchen. It’s beautiful and huge.

While I’m slightly terrified about being the sous chef on such a big dinner and occasion, I love the idea of spending more time with Raven’s family. They’re all so nice.

Especially Hawk.