Page 72 of Claimed At First Sight

“I’m sure you have many important hosting duties tonight. It would be selfish of me to monopolize your attention.”

She doesn’t want to be alone with me. I suppress a grin.

Her words were clever enough to hide her refusal behind politeness. She was bred too well to openly misbehave, but every instinct in her pushes against me all the same.

I can’t wait to watch her realize how pointless that resistance is.

I take a step toward Mia, fully intending to close my hand around her elbow and guide her away from everyone watching us.

She tracks the movement, aware of what I’m about to do. Her posture stiffens, though she hides it quickly.

Too late. I saw it.

Before I can touch her, Belinda appears at my side. The woman has organized my family’s events for years and has a remarkable talent for appearing at the worst possible moment.

Leaning closer, she lowers her voice respectfully. “It’s time for your speech, sir.”

I crush the urge to swear.

These gatherings always follow the same rhythm of appearances, toasts, and speeches. The same polished rituals that make men like us look respectable.

Unfortunately, tonight I find myself far more interested in dragging Mia somewhere private than continuing to preside over this room.

The corner of Mia’s mouth twitches, as though she can sense my irritation.

I step closer anyway, near enough to catch the subtle hitch in her breathing.

“Later, little rebel,” I whisper so only she can hear. “Behave until then.”

Her eyes flash at being told what to do. Mine linger on her for a second longer than they should.

I walk away before she can argue.

God, I’ve missed this.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Mialina

Behave?

And little rebel?

Who says that to someone they barely know?

Three days in Sicily followed by weeks apart does not qualify a man to start handing out absurd little nicknames like I’m already his.

The longer I think about it, the hotter my blood burns. I glare at Maximo’s back as he walks toward the center of the ballroom. If looks could kill, Chicago would be searching for a new don.

Vittoria gives me one last cold, assessing look before nodding politely at Gabe and drifting back toward a cluster of young women near the champagne tower. Their heads bend closer together, and every so often one or two of them glance in my direction.

Great. Now I’m gossip material.

Maximo comes to a stop beneath the glittering chandeliers, and conversations quiet around him.

Aldo moves beside him, while Mamma watches him with unmistakable affection written all over her face. Ari and Sienna stand beside her. Some things never change. Not so long ago, I was expected to remain glued to Mamma’s side all evening during official functions too.

Maximo lifts his glass, and the entire room falls silent. Honestly, it’s irritating how easily he commands attention.