Page 3 of Claimed At First Sight

I watch Mialina a little more closely.

Beauty is one thing. Bloodline is another. As I prepare to become Don, that kind of pedigree belongs with me.

“How old is Mialina?” I ask, my gaze locked on her.

Mateo turns fully to me, his eyes narrowing. “She just turned nineteen. Why?”

Good. That fits.

Ignoring my cousin’s question, I keep studying Mialina. There’s something about her. The longer I watch, the more I’m drawn in.

“Who’s responsible for the girls since their father’s death?”

“They are under my protection. Again, why do you ask?”

I can feel Mateo’s warning glare, his protective instincts flaring. Still, I don’t look away from her.

“I need a wife,” I say, my tone even.

His jaw tightens, but I don’t stop.

“And she’s marriage material. She understands this life and is young enough to bear me at least half a dozen heirs.”

Mateo chokes out a laugh. “Half a dozen? Jesus, man. We’re talking about a woman here, not breeding cattle.”

I shrug, already considering what it would take to bring her to Chicago. The value of pairing her lineage with mine is indisputable.

“Having many children is practical. It means every key position can stay within the family.”

He stares at me, disbelief written plainly across his face.

“And that’s why my answer is no. Mia deserves more than that. She and her sisters have been through enough. They deserve to be happy.”

There it is again. His belief that contentment in a relationship requires love. I shake my head in disgust.

I don’t need love.

Love is a trap.

“She wouldn’t be unhappy,” I counter. “She’d be well looked after.”

“No,” Mateo repeats, colder now. “Besides, I know your tastes in the bedroom. That alone is reason enough to refuse.”

I chuckle, but the sound is hollow.

“You and Tiero with your hopeless romantic bullshit.” I wave a dismissive hand. “That’s not for me. I don’t need distractions. I need stability, heirs, and a wife who understands her role.”

My gaze settles on Mialina again as she sprints across the grass.

“She was raised for this.”

I nearly said bred, catching myself just in time. Mateo wouldn’t appreciate that.

“Again, that’s why I say no. She’s not a business decision, Max.”

We lapse into silence as the women continue playing. I don’t bother arguing with him.

Mialina is a good choice for my wife. For months, every potential match has blurred into the same polished, forgettable faces. Mialina stands out.