Page 167 of Claimed At First Sight

His gaze holds mine for a moment.

“It’s handled.”

Wow, it’s all men’s business, I guess. Nothing for my delicate female mind to worry about.

I open my mouth to argue, but stop.

I’ve always resented how Father left us in the dark, and Maximo is doing the same thing now. But after Valentino Romero’s stare and realizing he knew exactly who I was, perhaps there really are things I don’t want to be part of.

Not because I’m incapable of handling the truth, but simply because today has already given me more than enough to process.

I turn my attention to the snow drifting past the window and, for once, let the subject drop.

Maximo glances at his watch.

“We have forty-five minutes before our dinner reservation.” He shifts his attention to Philip. “Take the long way.”

I frown. “Dinner? I thought you’d take me back to Aldo’s now. I want to see Mamma.”

“You will. Later.”

I stare at him, folding my arms across my chest.

He says it with that same infuriating certainty he seems to reserve for everything.

“As we’re already in the city,” he continues. “We may as well eat first.”

Spending another few hours with him after what happened in the gondola is the last thing I want. What I need is distance from him. Lots of it.

I bet he knows it, and that’s why he’s denying me. He likes to see me worked up.

Still, I decide not to argue with him. The man has the flexibility of reinforced concrete, so I’ll save my breath.

I turn toward the window and ignore him. He won’t like that, which makes this sweeter.

The trees lining the avenue catch my attention. Every bare branch is wrapped in thousands of tiny white lights. Against the dark evening sky, they shimmer like stars, their glow softened by the steady snowfall drifting through them.

It’s almost enchanting. Without meaning to, I find myself smiling.

Maximo is quiet for a beat before he says, “Philip, pull over.”

Without hesitation the SUV glides to the curb. Before I can ask why, Maximo is already outside. Snowflakes settle across the shoulders of his coat as he circles the vehicle and opens my door.

He offers me his gloved hand.

“Let’s go for a walk.”

Chapter Forty-Six

Mialina

The lights of the skyscrapers around us scatter across the dark water in rippling ribbons of gold and white as Maximo and I walk along the river toward the restaurant he chose for us.

Our breaths drift through the frigid air in little white clouds. My scarf is wrapped right up to my chin, my gloves keep my fingers warm, and my thick wool coat has done a commendable job of shielding me from Chicago’s latest attempt to freeze me solid.

Unfortunately, my nose didn’t get the memo. It could be moments away from declaring independence and falling off altogether.

My arm is linked with Maximo’s. Only to make sure I don’t slip.