Page 87 of Claimed At First Sight

It was like stepping into another life. One where winter couldn’t touch me while I curled beneath blankets beside a fire and citrus trees glowing beneath lantern light.

Well, winter won’t touch me in Sicily either. I just need to get back there as soon as possible.

Maximo’s brown eyes flecked with gold, and the feel of his warm breath against my skin, still linger in my mind.

The memory sends heat creeping back into my cheeks… and much lower too.

I roll onto my side with an aggravated groan and shove my face deeper into the pillow.

Argh.

I can never go back to that little paradise now that I know why Maximo built it. It’s a beautifully orchestrated bribe designed to lure me straight into becoming Mrs. Marco.

Not happening.

The beeping of my phone interrupts my thoughts, and I reach for it. Maybe it’s Isa with an update on her elopement plans.

But the number on the screen is unfamiliar. Curious, I open the message.

A smile pulls at my mouth.

Rory: Hope you didn’t get in trouble for trespassing in the glasshouse tonight 😂

A laugh escapes me before I can stop it.

Mia: Excuse you. I was invited by the slightly open door.

Rory: Ah yes. The universal sign for “come commit crimes.”

Mia: Exactly.

Rory: So… did Don Maximo murder you after I abandoned you to him?

My face heats at the memory of Maximo’s gaze.

Mia: Tragically, no.

Mia: Though he did look very disappointed I escaped his birthday speech.

Rory: That man gives intense “tracks people for sport” energy.

I snort into my pillow.

Mia: You noticed too??

Rory: Hard not to when he walked into the greenhouse looking at you like the rest of us had stopped existing.

My stomach does something deeply irritating. I yank the blanket higher as if that somehow helps.

Mia: Horrifying.

Rory: A bit romantic.

Mia: Rory.

Rory: Fine. Horrifyingly romantic.

Despite myself, I smile.