Page 1 of Claimed At First Sight

Chapter One

Maximo

It’s almost offensive how utterly normal everything seems.

Sicily carries on like nothing happened, the air warm and scented with citrus and salt even in winter.

The gates slide open and the SUV rolls onto my cousin’s estate, guards lining the drive, their eyes tracking every movement.

I adjust my jacket out of habit as the house comes into view. Aldo, my family’s consigliere, meets my gaze from the seat beside me. Neither of us expected to be here for something like this.

“Maximo, you devil.” Mateo strides toward me as I step out of the car, pulling me into a tight embrace before I’ve even closed the door behind me.

I return his greeting just as firmly. He’s the one to pull back first.

Up close, the strain is obvious. Shadows sit heavy beneath his eyes, his shoulders set with a tension that hasn’t eased in days. Weeks, more likely.

“You look like shit.”

A dry chuckle leaves him. “Thanks. Tell it like it is, will you?”

“You know I always will.”

Aldo steps in beside me, offering his condolences with the quiet respect expected of his position.

“I hate that my visit is under these circumstances,” I say as we move inside together. “When you called, I couldn’t believe it.”

Mateo’s gaze drops. “Yeah, neither could I. Tiero always seemed… invincible.” He pauses. “It still doesn’t feel real.”

I study him for a moment. “How are you holding up?”

It’s not a question I ask lightly. He’s under enormous pressure.

It’s always the same when a Don falls. Enemies start circling, testing the next man to see if he’ll hold. And Mateo has no one left beside him to share the load.

He and Tiero were close. Not unlike I am with my three brothers.

In our world, blood isn’t just loyalty. It’s survival. You don’t realize how much that matters until it’s taken from you.

Back in Chicago, every key position is held within the family. Or it will be soon enough when I take over as Don next Saturday.

It’s been planned for months. Tiero was meant to attend. That’s not happening now, obviously, and Mateo can’t step away until he secures his position here.

This memorial drives home why I need to secure the next generation of my family. I must ensure our line continues uninterrupted.

Mateo's jaw tightens. “I’m doing what needs to be done.”

We’ve all been raised for this. Mateo has always been loyal to a fault, to his family’s legacy and to the men who stand behind it.

“I’m here if you need anything,” I say, holding his gaze. “Rafa, Gabe, and Remo too. Just say the word and we’ll help.”

His gaze meets mine, and he nods. I change the subject before the moment can linger.

“I hear there’s something worth celebrating,” I say, a small grin pulling at my mouth. “Your second told me on the way from the airport.”

For the first time since I arrived, Mateo smiles, his eyes lighting up.

“You got married and didn’t tell me.” I clap him on the shoulder.