Page 179 of Claimed At First Sight

Mia now understands that my protection is the reason men like Shay Donnelly are forced to keep their distance. Whether she approves of my methods remains debatable. That she felt safer because of them does not.

Beyond the large windows, snow sweeps through the city in thick white sheets. Mia glances outside before rising from her chair. The easy playfulness she wore throughout most of dinner has quieted, replaced by thoughtful silence.

Tonight has given her a great deal to think about.

I rest a hand against the small of Mia’s back and guide her toward the exit. The restaurant has all but emptied. Only a handful of diners linger over coffee and dessert, probably residents of this tower.

Daniel is already waiting near the entrance with our coats by the time we reach him. We won’t need them to go upstairs, so I gesture for one of my men to take them.

“Good night, Mr. Marco.”

I incline my head. “Daniel, make sure none of the staff attempt to drive home tonight.”

His brows draw together. “Sir?”

“Open the service apartments. Anyone who can’t get home safely is to stay there.”

The weather is bad enough without people gambling their lives on icy roads.

“Thank you, sir. I’ll let everyone know.”

We exit the restaurant through the lobby. Mia is looking at me. There’s unmistakable surprise in her expression, followed by something quieter. Approval.

The warmth it stirs is unexpected. It’s a dangerous thing, discovering I want it.

Together we make our way toward the private elevator, where Leon is already waiting beside the secured entrance.

“Sir, the penthouse has been swept. Additional personnel are in position,” he informs me while scanning his credentials against a discreet reader concealed beside the elevator doors. The lock disengages with a soft click.

Mia watches the process with open curiosity before glancing at the two guards stationed nearby.

“This seems excessive.”

The doors part, and Leon steps inside first, conducting a swift security sweep before motioning us in.

“It isn’t,” I say, ushering her inside. “Excessive would involve shutting down the entire building until I left again.”

She rewards me with an exaggerated eye roll, probably number three: theatrical exasperation.

The rest of my security detail follows us in, positioning themselves between us and the doors. Silence settles over the cabin as we begin the ascent, broken only by the quiet hum of the machinery.

“Weather Command is now forecasting another six to eight inches before dawn, with increasing wind speeds,” Leon reports.

“Any concerns regarding the tower?”

“None.” As expected.

“The generators have been tested, all backup systems are operational, and additional staff remain on site. State police are advising against nonessential travel throughout most of the city.”

Truth be told, being stranded here suits me just fine. More time alone with Mia can only work in my favor.

The kiss on the Ferris wheel hasn’t left my mind. Neither has the way she softened beneath my mouth before remembering she was supposed to resist me.

Maintaining my restraint tonight may prove hard. In every sense of the word.

The elevator finally begins to slow before coming to a smooth stop. A soft chime sounds, and the doors open onto the private foyer leading to my penthouse.

My men step out first, with Leon close behind. They sweep the vestibule, then fan out through the penthouse for another check.