by Dakota Dawn
Cocking her head, Bellina took in Branda’s new height. “Lesson number two: Show no fear. Lesson number three: Always wear heels. The Cortino men are tall. They have you at a disadvantage if you have to look way up at them. Now let’s go find that drooling man and pay for these height boosters.”
Once again they had her wear one of the new purchases from the store.
“Two more stores to go then we’ll go eat. I’m starved. How about you two?” Trina asked as she rubbed her belly.
Bellina and Branda both agreed that food sounded incredibly good at that moment. Shopping the way they did took a lot of energy.
Finding the car, they locked their purchases in the trunk then headed out to the next store.
In the parking lot, Branda curiously questioned, “A jewelry store? What do we need to get from here?”
Bellina rolled her eyes. “You are such an innocent. It is sweet, but you can’t stand your ground if you don’t change. Come let us show you.”
Five minutes after entering the store, Trina motioned Bellina over. “I think this one will do nicely.”
Grinning wolfishly, Bellina nodded in agreement. “I believe you are right. Now let’s see what else they have.”
Branda watch in amazement as they picked out four necklaces.
The saleswoman came over and pulled out the first one—a white gold necklace with a dangling floral designed cylinder with a solitary emerald in the center. The emerald reminded her of the twins’ eyes. Branda gasped when the saleswoman twisted the top of the cylinder and it opened. It was a locket necklace.
Twisting the locket closed, she then handed it to Trina. “This locket is perfect for keepsakes such as a lock of hair from a spouse or a baby. The artist also made sure it was large enough for a tiny note to be put inside if a person wanted to. Only thirty were made in that unique design.”
Making a turning sign with her finger, Trina waited for Branda to turn around. Putting the necklace around Branda’s neck, she closed the clasp.
Bellina gave her approval. “Perfect.” Getting a mirror from the counter, Bellina handed it to Branda.
Another gasp escaped from her mouth. It was beautiful. But, it hung down to the creamy crease of her bosom. What would the guys think?
Reading her mind, Bellina asked, “What was lesson number one?”
Branda thought for a moment. “Don’t ask if you can wear it. Just do it.”
“Good girl. Don’t forget it. One of the reasons we had you wear a new blouse was to make sure the necklaces draped just right on your bosom. This one fits you nicely,” Bellina said with conviction.
“You don’t think it draws too much attention to my breasts?” Branda asked.
“Good god, girl. That is exactly what we want it to do. In order to keep the upper hand, you have to distract them,” Bellina informed her in a knowledgeable tone.
Trina chimed in, “She’s right. Everything about your new image is planned out to give you at least equal footing with Troy and Trey. If you go back to your old image, they will have the upper hand. You got it?”
“Yes,” Branda answered with a more confident voice.
“Good. Now what are lessons number two and three?” Trina prompted.
“Show no fear and always wear heels,” Branda rattled off like a good soldier.
Shock flashed across the saleswoman’s face. “Wow! You ladies know your stuff. That is the best advice I’ve ever heard.” She smiled broadly then asked, “What else can I show you?”
Thirty minutes later, they walked out of the store with three necklaces in a bag and the first one resting on Branda’s bosom. It was taking some getting used to, but Branda was starting to get the hang of being stared at. The three of them were quite a lovely and shocking sight.
Entering the last store, Branda sniffed the air with relish. A perfume shop.
New information spilled from Trina’s lips. “Cortino men love women who smell like nature. Like a flower on a cool spring morning.”
Holding out a bottle of wild honeysuckle lotion, Trina went on, “Smell this one. It is sure to make the twins’ mouths water.” A smile crossed her full lips. “When the twins were young, we lived in a house that had wild honeysuckle growing along the fence. They would stand by that fence for an hour pulling the stem from the center of the honeysuckle flower and licking the sweet honey off it. Yes, this is one buy we have to make. You’ll need the lotion and the perfume. How do you like it?”
Branda brought the bottle back to her nose. “I love it. It smells so fresh and natural. The twins used to eat honeysuckle, huh?”
“It was one of their favorite things to do.” Taking a tester bottle of the perfume, Trina sprayed Branda. “Now they will want to eat you.”
Nodding in agreement, Bellina continued her lessons. “Lesson number four: A man can’t resist a woman who smells good enough to eat.”
Moving along, they picked out two more scents. Both smelled similar to the honeysuckle, but with a slight variation. All three smelled like nature at its best.
Stomachs growling, the ladies left the perfume shop, stored their purchases, and headed to the restaurant.
Male heads turned. Some stared, openly appreciative of the view, and others tried to hide their interest. A few women looked disgruntled while others showed approval.
Branda tried to be as cool about it as Trina and Bellina were. They didn’t seem to even notice the attention.
Sitting down, Trina took in Branda’s blush. “Get used to the attention. Cortino men love their women looking good enough to draw attention. It boosts their pride knowing they have what other men can’t. A few times out with you in your new look and the twins will start jumping at the chance to show you off.”
“Today they will be shocked to see you and probably demand you change. What is lesson number one?” Bellina asked as she looked over the menu.
Knowing it by heart now, Branda answered without hesitation. “Don’t ask them if you can wear it. Just do it.”
The waitress arrived and took their orders.
Ten minutes later, sipping a glass of white wine, Trina asked offhandedly, “Where would you like to marry Troy? Here or in Italy?”
Choking on her wine, Branda coughed for a full minute. “Whoa, that was out of the blue.”
Patting her hand, Bellina said without compunction, “It is not out of the blue for us. The wedding must be discussed. The family will be expecting it to happen within six months or less. So where would you like it to take place?”
“I don’t know,” Branda answered honestly. “This is so unreal to me. I can’t imagine the twins wanting to stay with me for a lifetime. I’d hate to get married then divorced a year later because some skinny girl catches their attention.”
Trina shook her head. “Oh, there will be no divorce. The blessing guarantees that. Their eyes will never stray from you—especially with how you look and smell now. I need you to remember that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. You are a beautiful woman. Everyone’s body shape is different. One shape is no better than another. Thin, curvy, short, tall. There is someone for everyone. Someone to love you as you are.”
The confidence in her tone had a surprisingly calming effect on Branda. Could she dare hope that she would be able to hold the twins’ attention for a lifetime? Trina and Bellina seemed certain that she could. Hope bloomed in her chest and spread throughout her body.
To have such handsome men for lovers was a dream come true, but to have a large loving family to go with them was the icing on top of the cake.
Every time her mother had to spend money on her, she always reminded Branda that she was a costly mistake. Shelia and Edward McFalls never wanted the expense of children and had planned not to have any. When Shelia turned up pregnant, they had grudgingly kept their baby out of fear of what their friends would think of them. Right after Shelia had given birth to Branda, she’d had her tubes tied, making sure there would be no more unwanted children to pay for.
&nbs
p; The Cortino family was the direct opposite of her family. They loved each other and life with an inconceivable passion. The whole family had accepted her the moment they met her. Troy and Trey had been lucky to be born into this family, and now, she was lucky because they had brought her into it as well.
A lump gathered in her throat, and tears threatened to spill over her lashes. At that moment, she knew she loved this family from the bottom of her soul. She would never do anything to hurt them. They were her real family. People who loved her unconditionally and whole-heartedly. She wasn’t a burden to them, but an added member to be loved and cared for.
Their food being placed on the table brought Branda out of her thoughts.
Her voice filled with compassion, Trina asked, “You were in deep thought for a good ten minutes. What conclusion did you come to?”
Vocal cords quivering, Branda answered, “That I love all of you. And that your family is the best thing that ever happened to me.”
Trina got up from her chair and hugged Branda in a tight embrace. “Ah, sweetie, we love you, too. You make my heart sing with happiness. The twins couldn’t have been given a better vero amore than you. You are precious to us.”
Wiping a tear from her eye, Bellina insisted, “Sit, sit, Trina. You are going to make me cry all over my food. How can I eat with happy tears running down my cheeks and dropping onto my plate?”
“You can’t. So I promise to keep my love and happiness under control until we finish eating,” Trina answered as she dabbed at her misty eyes.
Wiping away her own tears, Branda picked up her fork with trembling fingers and made an effort to eat.
The food was great, but she was a nervous wreck. A few people in the restaurant couldn’t seem to take their eyes off them. Not liking the attention, Branda tugged at the neckline of her blouse.
Bellina leaned in close to her. “Quit pulling up your neckline. Do not let their stares bother you. Your nipples are not showing so they can’t ticket you for indecent exposure in a public place.”
Branda choked on her food.
Patting her on the back, Trina added, “Bellina is right. You shouldn’t let other people bother you. If they want to look, let them look. Now, back to the subject of your marriage. You can get married here or in Italy. Italy is nice. We have a lovely luxury hotel there that would be excellent for a wedding. It is a wonderful place, the view is exquisite, and the food can’t be beat.”
“It sounds nice, but I need to ask the twins what they think. I think the three of us should make that decision together.”
Trina smiled and patted Branda’s hand. “That is a wise decision. You should get their feedback soon. Wedding preparations will need to be started as soon as possible.”
Taking a sip of her wine, Branda nodded and tried to look calm and cool. On the inside, her stomach was twisted in a thousand knots. A wedding within six months. With her as the bride. Gulping the rest of her wine, she savored the calming effect it had on her frayed nerves. With the twins’ help, she could get through this.
* * * *
Branda didn’t get two steps into the house before the twins were all over her. Scowling faces looked down at her.
Shock—arousal—anger—arousal—frustration—arousal.
Troy unglued his tongue first. “Why the hell are you dressed like that? You were in public like that?” He glanced at the shopping bags in her hands. “If the clothes in those bags are anything like the ones you are wearing, they are all going back. Today!”
Stepping between Troy and Branda, Trina looked Troy in the eyes. “No, restano i vestiti.”
Branda put the bags down and watched Troy explode.
Stepping closer to Branda, Bellina whispered, “She just told him the clothes stay.”
“No, loro non possono stare.” Anger laced Troy’s words, and his eyes held a hostel glow.
Quickly Bellina translated. “He says they can’t stay.”
Seeing how upset her son was, Trina softened her voice, “Loro possono staranno. Sembra belle quei vestiti. Guardi a lei.”
Troy’s and Trey’s fiery green eyes devoured Branda.
“They are staring at you because Trina just told them the clothes are staying. That you look beautiful in them. She also told them to look at you,” Bellina translated again then stated, “Enough already with the Italian. You two are going to give Branda a headache.”
Nonno and Papa walked into the room.
Papa asked, “What is all the commotion out here? You are all standing at the front door making a lot of noise.” Papa caught sight of Branda. “I see what has happened. You came home looking beautiful, and the twins can’t handle it.” Moving his gaze to the twins, he asked, “Is that what happened?”
“Possibly,” Troy muttered.
“Why are you upset? A beautiful woman is a man’s pride and joy. You should want her to look her best. Her looking good is a reflection of how you take care of her.” Papa looked at Branda with loving approval. Turning to his wife and Bellina, he said, “You two did good today. Now let’s all hug and make up.”
To Branda’s surprise, everyone made their rounds hugging each other. When Troy hugged his mom, he apologized for letting his shock and jealously make him say things he shouldn’t have. He even confessed he liked her new look, but that he thought he should lock her in a room with him for at least a week until he could get used to her new look.
Trina just laughed then hugged him again.
Damn, she loved their family, correction, her family.
Bellina came up to Branda and embraced her then handed her a card.
Opening it, Branda read the card. It was a “welcome to the family” card, and on the inside, Bellina had written the four lessons she’d taught her. With watery eyes, Branda wrapped her arms around Bellina. “I’ll never forget your lessons. I promise.”
“What lessons?” Trey’s deep voice asked from behind Branda.
Bellina answered, “Nothing that concerns you, young man. Now tell me what you think about her new look.”
His eyes went immediately to her cleavage. “I think Troy and I need a little time alone with her to determine that.” With a wolfish grin, he took Branda’s hand and headed over to Troy.
Troy looked at Trey questioningly then down at Branda’s cleavage.
Standing next to Troy, Trina smiled knowingly.
“I think we need to have some alone time with Branda.” Trey’s voice was low, and his eyes were sparking with desire.
“Nonsense. We barely walked in the door. You don’t need to take her away just yet. We all want to get to know her better.” Cunning flavored Trina’s words.
Bellina laughed. “Your mother is right. We would all like to get to know her better. Why on earth would you two want to run off with her?”
Troy raised a brow. “You two made sure we would want to run off with her, and, not wanting to disappoint you, we plan on doing just that. Now, if you will excuse us, we are leaving, and we won’t be back until tomorrow.” Turning on his heel, he pulled Branda along behind him.
As Trey turned to follow, Trina practically shoved the bags into his hands. The look on his face said that he would rather take them all back.
Once they were next door, Troy unlocked the door and held it for them to pass. As Branda went inside, she grinned to herself, knowing her fresh scent wafted through the air and surrounded Troy and Trey.
Chapter Thirteen
Door locked behind them, Troy and Trey stood in the De Pescinas’ living room, exploring every inch of her with heated green eyes. Their fiery looks shot electrical pulses throughout her body. Nervous excitement tightened her stomach.
Moving over to her, Troy stood in front of her and reached out to caress her breasts. Her new four-inch heels raised her up closer to eye level, not quite, but much closer than she had been. Now her lips were at his chin level.
Taking advantage of her new height, she leaned into him and kissed his chin.
Tilting his h
ead down, he captured her lips in a kiss that quickly grew out of control. Both of them were breathing heavily within a minute. His lips traveled down to her neckline. Moaning in delight, she rested her hands on his hips, loving the feel of his hard body.
Feelings of being swept up and away overwhelmed her as he licked all of her exposed bosom. Head falling back, she moaned as he continued kissing and licking her mounds of flesh. His tongue delved between the mounds and swiped down, then up. On the upstroke, he dislodged the cylinder-shaped locket. He tugged it with his teeth then let it fall to her breasts, sending delicious vibrations straight to her nipples.
Leaning back, he looked devilishly at her. “I believe she is trying to seduce us with this wonderful display of jewelry-dripped flesh. What do you think, Trey?”
Running his fingers along the low neckline of her blouse, he seemed to glory in the soft feel of her for a moment. When she shivered, he picked up the cylinder. “I believe you are correct, Troy. See how this delicate pendant rests so invitingly on her bountiful bosom just asking to be noticed, touched?”
“Do we want other men looking at what belongs to us?” Troy asked Trey in a low growl.
“No, we don’t. But she seems determined to go against our wishes. She did go out in public dressed like this, and I know she knew we wouldn’t like it.” Cupping the back of Branda’s head, Trey turned her to face him. His gaze burned upward from her breasts to her eyes. “You knew we wouldn’t like it, didn’t you?”
Held in his grip and his mesmerizing gaze, she answered honestly, “Yes, but I didn’t think you’d mind too badly.”
“Not too badly, huh? But you knew we would be at least a little unhappy. Isn’t that right, Branda?” Trey questioned her in a passion-roughened voice.
Becoming more turned on by the second, she panted, “Yes.”
“See, Troy? She openly defied us. I think she needs to make it up to us. What do you think?”
“I believe she does.” Looking at Branda, Troy asked, “What do you have to say to that?”
