Page 25 of Cryptic Curse

DANIELA

It 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.