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We reach the sitting room, and I gesture for her to take a seat. While she takes in all the antiques and art around us, it's hard to ignore how out of place not only Mia is here but me too.
"I'm sure you're ready to head home after such a chaotic morning, huh?" I prompt her, hoping for her agreement.
"No," comes an immediate answer from Mia, shocking me somewhat. "Not at all."
There goes my chance: apparently despite everything going on around us--or more precisely because of it--Mia actually finds this whole experience extraordinary instead of potentially fatal.
She then adds, "And you all have been so sweet."
My mouth feels dry when I hear her innocent expectation of us and those who live and work in this house, knowing how far from the truth she really is. I manage to catch myself from scoffing.
"We're not nearly as sweet as we make it seem," I reply.
Mia's smile widens, and she responds with another mischievous grin that makes me think twice about the situation before us and, though it shames me to admit, makes my heart thud. "So I've been hearing."
I raise my eyebrows at the implication of what else she may have heard about us since arriving here this morning. How much has Antonio actually told her? Surely he's aware of the risks and dangers.
Her eyes wander around the room again and she lightly plays with the fabric of her dress between her fingers. That's when awareness dawns upon me: Mia isn't scared or uncomfortable—she is enjoying this. Which only leads to questions about why that might be…
I try pressing further by asking suspiciously if Xavier doesn't bother or concern her at all while fixing my gaze on hers intently for any signs of distress she may inadvertently let show through facial expressions or body language. Instead something different comes out from beneath those bright irises – determination? Confidence? Whatever it is pierces at heart; there is no way that innocent girl could comprehend what kind of dark waters has chosen to take shelter in...but yet here she stands unfazed.
"Not at all," she says firmly. "I mean, I'm not an idiot--I know that there's more going on around here than any of you are willing to share."
I'm taken aback by her insight and well-calculated response. I can already tell she is more aware than we've given her credit for, and it's easy to express all the surprise washing over me in just one wide-eyed look.
She continues on with a smile, "But none of you have given me any reason to be afraid or worried. Whether or not any of you believe it, you're not as scary as you think."
Oh, honey... you have no idea.
"Oh?" I ask, not really sure what to say.
I can't help but roll my eyes. I'm sure it's easy for her to fall in love with the idea of being important and sought after by two such charismatic men, considering she clearly doesn't have enough experience when it comes to this kind of lifestyle.
"It's true," she insists with a half shrug. "The three of you clearly try your best, but, well... it doesn't work as well as you think it does."
She really, really, has no clue.
It seems to me that she's rather determined to ignore every one of my warnings. Either way, one thing is certain: Mia needs to leave soon before Xavier catches on even more with how attractive a young woman such as herself can be among thick aristocratic air like this place emits--- if it's not already too late.
11
ANTONIO
"Ah, there you are," I hum with a smile, walking over to where Mia stands out in the garden.
Wearing that dress with the setting sun as a backdrop turns her into the most exquisite painting that deserves to be hung in the Louvre. Her expression morphs from thoughtful to joyful, and a stunning smile spreads across her face.
"Hi," she greets, turning toward me.
I grin. "Hey, there. Since I was so rude earlier, and I did promise-"
"You did," she chimes in teasingly.
"I did," I agree. "I thought I might take you out for dinner, seeing as you're already dressed for the occasion."
She reaches out and grabs my arm as her hazel eyes sparkle with excitement. "Yes! Absolutely!"
I smirk. There's really no surprise that she said yes. She seems eager and willing to do almost anything with me, ready to jump at the chance for something new. It's adorable.
