Page 211 of Claimed At First Sight

A future together.

Here in Chicago.

Her smile falters. The color drains from her face, and she draws a deeper breath, then another.

Slowly, her gaze lifts from the ring and finds mine across the foyer. The look that hits me could strip paint from walls. Whatever ground I’ve gained over the last day is about to disappear.

“Aldo is just finishing a phone call,” Caterina says. “Let’s celebrate this happy news with champagne.”

Mia nods at her mother, who only now glances my way. “Don Maximo.”

I step toward her. “Congratulations. I’m very happy for you and Aldo.”

“Thank you. Will you stay?” she asks politely, and I can feel Mia shooting daggers at me.

“I wouldn’t miss it.”

The second Caterina disappears into the sitting room, Mia spins around.

“You knew.”

She closes the distance between us and jabs a finger into my chest hard enough that most men would take a step back.

“You knew all along what would happen on that trip, didn’t you?”

Fury radiates from her.

“Yes.”

In hindsight, it’s perhaps not the most diplomatic answer, but I’d never lie to her. Judging by her reaction, though, I’ve just poured gasoline onto an already active fire.

“I cannot believe you,” she says, her voice rising. “I’ve mentioned returning to Sicily repeatedly, the last time just minutes ago in the car, and you said nothing.”

She takes a deep breath, the look of betrayal in her eyes bothering me more than I’d like to admit.

“All the while, you knew exactly what this engagement would mean for me and my family.” She jabs me again. “We’re not returning home, are we?”

“Mia—”

“No!” She holds up her hand. “Don’t you dare, Mia me.”

She throws her hands up in the air and spins in a circle.

“I was so stupid to kiss you again. You were probably laughing at me the whole time, thinking you were reeling me in.”

“No,” I say calmly, though I’m not sure she’s hearing me. “It wasn’t my news to share.”

“Oh, that’s convenient,” she fires back.

“It’s also true.”

She lets out a sharp laugh. Then her eyes narrow and her head tilts as she studies me.

“Did you do this?”

I stare at her. I have an inkling of where this is going.

“Do what?”