Page 110 of Claimed At First Sight

And when he looked down at my mouth…

Heat creeps into my cheeks.

I squeeze my eyes shut. This is ridiculous.

I’m still furious that he thinks he can issue orders.

And yet…

I’d be lying to myself if I pretended I wasn’t attracted to Maximo Marco. The man looks unfairly good in a suit. Which is unfortunate, considering the personality attached to it.

I make a strangled sound and throw myself face-first onto the bed.

You have no idea what it did to me, not knowing where you were.

I roll onto my back and stare at the ceiling.

Why would he care?

Perhaps he was worried that his selected broodmare had run off. Who would provide him with his six heirs then?

But he sounded so sincere. I didn’t like how quickly my anger faded after that.

Argh.

I turn my head and bury my face in the pillow. A soft knock sounds at the door, but I don’t answer. It opens anyway.

“Mialina?”

I groan into my pillow. “Go away.”

The mattress dips moments later. Mamma sits beside me and gently strokes a hand through my hair.

“I take it you’re upset.”

I move my head enough to scowl at her.

“Remarkably perceptive.”

The corner of her mouth twitches. “I’m a mother. We occasionally notice these things.”

Her hand continues smoothing through my hair. The familiar gesture chips away at my irritation despite my best efforts.

“Do you know what nobody asked me?”

Mamma frowns. “Mia—”

“No, seriously.” I sit up, my throat tight. “Nobody asked what I did today or if I enjoyed Chicago.”

Mamma’s expression softens.

“I got to be me.” The words leave me in a rush. “Not an Accardi or a Leonardi, or a future wife certain people keep making plans for.”

I blink back the tears threatening to spill over.

“I was just Mia.”

For a long moment, neither of us says anything.