Page 60 of Claimed At First Sight

Who does that? As if Sicily doesn’t have capable florists.

Then my gaze drops to several boxes lined up beneath the arrangement.

My stomach sinks.

I recognize every single one of them. They’re the gifts I returned to Maximo. And sitting neatly beside them is a new box.

I suppose it’s the one accompanying this latest floral assault. A small cream envelope rests against the vase, and against my better judgment, I pick it up.

Welcome to my city.

Maximo

That’s all it says.

His city.

Somehow those two words feel less like a greeting and more like a reminder that I’m in his territory now.

As if I’d ever forget.

My eyes drift back to the flowers despite myself. I want to hate them, but the flower lover in me simply can’t. They really are beautiful. Dark red roses, winter greenery, and white orchids woven between them.

I set the note down with more aggression than necessary and glare at the new box. Then I pick it up. Something shifts inside, followed by a soft thump.

My brows pull together.

What on earth did he send me now?

I give the box an experimental shake. Another muted knock comes from inside.

Hmm, definitely something solid. Probably expensive. Most likely exasperating.

I place the box back on the table. I will not succumb to my curiosity.

Argh.

It’s so much harder than it should be. I pinch the bridge of my nose.

God, this man is exhausting.

Chapter Nineteen

Mialina

The first thing I do after showering is glare at the flower arrangement again.

He had to have them put in my bedroom, didn’t he? So I’d think of him.

And dammit, it’s working.

After this stupid birthday party tonight, I’ll move them into the foyer. You can never have too many flowers there. They make a place more welcoming, though Aldo’s mansion doesn’t lack warmth.

You can tell just by looking around that Aldo must’ve loved his late wife. This whole house still carries traces of the life they built together.

A sudden pang hits me. Losing her must have been hard for him. From what I’ve heard, he closed himself off afterward, only focusing on work and serving the Marco family as consigliere.

But Mamma seems to be bringing him right back to life. The thought makes me smile for all of two seconds before I remember what that could mean for Mamma’s future and, by extension, all of ours.