Page 183 of Claimed At First Sight

I tuck them behind my back, but I’m sure he noticed already.

“I really don’t like being this far from the ground,” I admit.

The words taste like defeat.

I don’t enjoy admitting weakness, especially not to Maximo, but denying it at this point would be ludicrous. He’s already seen me clutch his arm like a drowning woman grabbing a life raft.

Right then and there, I make myself a promise.

From this day forward, I will not voluntarily spend time in a building taller than five stories. Six, if I’m feeling reckless. Good thing we don’t have that many tall buildings back home in Sicily.

“But…” I draw a slow breath. “I dislike giving in to fear even more.”

His brows lift.

Admitting a weakness is one thing, giving in to it is another.

Feel the fear and do it anyway, right?

“We’ll stay here,” I declare, trying to put as much conviction into my voice as I can.

Besides, another fear has joined the first, now that moving to a lower floor is an option.

If the tower collapsed, we’d be buried beneath eighty-six floors of concrete and steel. Being on the highest floor would have to improve my chances of being found first, because we’d be right on top of the rubble.

I know this is ridiculous. I’d be dead either way, but my anxiety neglected to consult logic before reaching its conclusion.

Another gust howls beyond the glass, and I freeze as the tower sways ever so slightly beneath my feet. It’s barely perceptible, yet my heart launches into a full sprint.

I close my eyes, willing it to slow.

It doesn’t listen.

“Are you sure?” Maximo’s voice is quiet as he slips a finger beneath my chin, tilting my face toward his. His expression is calm, steady, and completely untouched by the storm raging outside.

I swallow hard.

“You said the building is safe.”

“I did.” He doesn’t embellish it with false promises or meaningless reassurances.

“I’ll go with that then,” I say, though my voice doesn’t sound as convincing as I’d hoped.

When another piece of debris strikes the glass with a sharp crack, my entire body jerks.

Maximo takes my elbow. “Let’s get away from the windows.”

I’m far too relieved by the suggestion to pretend otherwise. Why I just kept standing there is beyond me.

He guides me to an enormous cream-colored sofa positioned before the fireplace and waits until I’m seated before stepping back. I hold my hands toward the flames and warmth washes over me.

“Stay here,” he says. “I’ll be right back.”

Please don’t leave me.

The plea rises so quickly it almost escapes.

I bite down on the inside of my cheek before the words can reach my lips.