Page 112 of Claimed At First Sight

Some of my irritation drains away. Not because I agree, but because I know she isn’t exaggerating.

“The contract may never become an issue,” she continues.

“But?” I ask when she pauses a little too long.

“But there’s no guarantee.”

I hate that she makes sense, but it doesn’t change how today felt.

“I just wanted one day.” My voice comes out smaller than intended. “One day where nobody expected anything from me.”

Mamma pulls me into a hug before I can object. “Oh, tesoro.”

I let myself lean into her.

“You’re allowed to be upset,” she murmurs.

I close my eyes. “Good. Because I really am.”

A laugh escapes her before she pulls back.

“Now put on a nice dress and come down for dinner. You can tell us all about today’s adventure.”

I squint at her, a little of my earlier good mood returning. I do want to tell her and my sisters about today. Well… most of it. The boudoir photo shoot can remain my secret.

“Fine,” I finally agree. “Maximo is gone, right?”

Amusement flickers across Mamma’s face.

“That eager to avoid him?” she teases.

My cheeks betray me with a blush. “Answer the question.”

She chuckles. “Fear not, Maximo has left.”

Good. I’ve had enough of the man for one day.

Actually… for always.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Maximo

Beads of sweat cascade off my body, dripping onto the belt of my treadmill.

I run every morning in my gym. It helps keep my mind clear and burn off excess energy before the day begins.

After returning from Aldo’s estate, however, I need another session. I’m more wound up than I care to admit.

I increase the incline. Then crank it up some more.

The machine obeys immediately. Unlike a certain young woman who’s hell-bent on defying me.

The frustrating part is that her willfulness should irritate me. Instead, I remember the fire in her eyes when she challenged me.

I find it intoxicating. And that’s a mistake.

A wife should bring peace, not be a distraction. Yet I keep imagining what it would take to finally make her stop fighting me, to look at me with that same fire and choose to yield to me.