Red Velvet & Anemones (Pagosa Cliff, Book One)

A six-year-old Milli Velvet struggled to carry her baby brother Duran. She had to run; she had to get away from their mother, Diva Divina Velvet before she killed them too. Her brother was limp in her aching arms as she ran out into the street to get away from the drunk monster screaming and staggering after them. Car tires squealed as Milli fell down. She was sure they were going to die, about to be squished like the neighbor’s cat. She closed her eyes and braced herself for the impact. Suddenly, there were people, then ambulances, and police cars all around her. Her face and head hurt from where her mother had hit her when she tried to stop her from striking a crying and feverish Duran. As the people tried to help her and her baby brother, her mother was carrying on like she did on the day her sister Roxie was murdered. Strangers who didn’t know the truth tried to comfort Milli’s mother. The EMTs rushed Duran away in one ambulance and Milli away in another. Dr. Emi

Milli stepped out into the hospital lobby just as Heith opened the stairwell door and stalked toward her.“You sure are a skittish little thing.”“No, I am just cautious around men I don’t know.” Milli looked him up and down critically. “Nice to meet you. I hope your cousin recovers soon.”Tipping his head, Heith watched her walk away then caught up to her. “Miss Milli, I don’t know what kinda men you’re used to, but I was raised to be a gentleman. I wouldn’t feel right not taking you to dinner after you saved my cousin’s life. There is a very nice restaurant at my hotel, very public. I promise no funny business.”Milli eyed him, and battling against her cautious side, she agreed. “Fine, but I need to take my sister to work, she… she doesn’t drive. Where is your car? You can follow me.”“I came straight from the airport; I was going to Uber

Milli was still shaking when she arrived at The Velvet Rope. Marni was sitting in a car with a guy Milli had seen before. Jarvis Adams was the lawyer for the owners of the club who were not so secretly connected to the mafia. Milli had catered many parties for the Valtini cousins, she sent cakes to their family members back east, and even sent a cake to the local Federal Supermax four times a year. Milli was horrified when her sister leaned over and kissed the lawyer before getting out and walking over to Milli’s Subaru.Marni smirked and waved a handful of large bills. “Take us to a hotel, sis. There is no way I am going home to the jerk tonight.”“Fine,” Milli readily agreed. She didn’t want to go home either.“Wait? You’re okay with this? Since when did Ms. Frugal approve of spending unnecessary money?” Marni stared at her like she had grown two heads. Marni knew Milli never wanted to spend money on anythi

Milli walked behind another nurse into the west wing of the hospital and walked down one flight of stairs in silence. “Do you know how you would like her remains handled?” The nurse asked kindly, interrupting her memories. Her name badge said, Stacy. Milli drew in a deep breath, trying to fill the emptiness with air as they stood outside the door. She knew her sister was on the other side, just as her parents had been, just as Roxie and Duran had been. Her soul rebelled against what her mind knew was true. She was alone again... except for Baby Emily. Milli forced the words out. “Our parents’ ashes are at Our Lady of Angels. They can call them to... to... get... her...” Milli’s sobs shook her. “Oh honey, is there any other family we can call to be with you?” Stacy offered. Milli shook her head violently, “I was adopted, and we only have an old widowed aunt in Colorado and some cousins in Alaska.” “Do you want me to stay with you?” The

On the Sunday before Marni’s funeral, which was to be held the following Tuesday, Jean was flying back to Dallas to face Edgar’s mother and file the divorce papers. She would get them through the court before quitting so the divorce couldn’t be stopped. The Rowlings were evil enough to have a judge under Colleen’s claws that would approve the papers the same day. “Good luck, Milli. Take care of those little angels.” Jean hugged her. “In a few years, you can go back to doing your cake contests. If I’m still around, I promise I’ll watch the Foodie Network for you. But if you ever run across the Rowlings, just lie and tell them Emily and Jr are not their kids. They can’t make you give them a DNA sample without a court order, and a judge will need more than hearsay to order it. Show the judge those pictures of bachelor number two we doctored the dates on. The pictures of Edgar in compromising positions should be enough to discourage them from bothering you, especially if you thr