Page 47 of Claimed At First Sight

“Your idea of a romantic gesture is alarming,” Isa mutters.

“A human finger would be less alarming than jewels,” I declare. That’s too much of a wife-present.

Ari grabs the box from Isa and gives it an aggressive shake.

“What are you doing?” I protest, reaching for it.

“I’m helping.”

“You are not helping.”

Mamma lowers her cup with a soft clink. “Ariella, give your sister the present.”

With exaggerated reluctance, Ari hands it to me.

The room falls quiet for a second as everyone looks at the box again.

I have no idea what’s inside, but Maximo has a habit of acting as though my future already belongs to him.

I’m far too curious. My fingers tighten around the ribbon. Should I open it?

No. I have self-control.

“I’m sending it back,” I decide.

“Aw, come on, Mia,” Ari whines, but Isa gives me an understanding nod.

And I need it out of this house before temptation gets the better of me.

“Then it’s settled,” Mamma says. “Leave your sister alone.”

It’s been one week since Maximo’s grand flower delivery. Mamma didn’t seem surprised that the flowers and gift weren’t intended for her but for me. I half expected her to sit me down and ask what was going on with Maximo.

Not that there is much to explain.

Thankfully, she hasn’t. Mamma knows me too well. If I wanted to talk, I would.

Knock, knock, knock comes from the front door.

“Are we expecting anyone?” I ask, suddenly paranoid our debate about Maximo’s gift somehow summoned him into existence.

That’s absolutely ridiculous, I scold myself.

Or maybe it isn’t.

A moment later, four delivery men dressed in black enter the room, each carrying an enormous bouquet.

“Oh, for the love of God,” I mutter.

The flowers are just as outrageously extravagant as before, though this time there’s no bright yellow in sight. Deep crimson roses are mixed with white orchids and glossy greenery, the bouquets tied with emerald velvet ribbons so dark they almost look black.

“If these are meant to be Christmas flowers, he’s a day late,” Ari comments.

“I think he deliberately waited exactly a week between deliveries,” Sien cuts in.

Is this going to be a weekly thing?

And why did my heart just skip a beat at the thought?