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"Xavier Moretti," I reveal with a slight bow, noting the lack of recognition in her stare.
”I'm Mia,” she responds reluctantly.
"It’s nice to meet you, Mia," I reply with a genuine smile. "Now, you will be joining myself and the others for lunch within the hour. How rude of Antonio to leave you all alone in his room without even bothering to feed you, hm?"
She balks at my suggestion, not willing to trust me even then. However, I do admire her spirit--it's nice somebody stands questioning authority every once in a while. I can tell that she wants nothing more than to deny this request point blank due her obvious state of undress but soldiers on regardless, unwilling yet unable back down.
"I insist," I push on, turning to Mars. "Fetch the lady something suitable for the occasion."
He nods and leaves the room without another word. Her ears seem to perk at the offer of clothing much more fitting than the comforter she currently holds around herself, although it can't hide how embarrassed she is about being seen wearing so little in front of complete strangers.
"Until then, darling," I offer another small bow, exchanging a brief glance with Sullivan before striding out of the room.
One of my men is waiting out in the hallway, and approaches me with countless updates. I stop him from getting too deep. "Find Antonio," I command and he scurries off in search of my right-hand man. As he leaves, I can't help but smirk; Mia may be a tough nut to crack - but that's exactly why she is so intriguingly irresistible at this very moment…
I then think about Mia, and what a delightful catch he brought right to my doorstep. The fact that despite her obvious nervousness she held her own against myself – an authority figure – showcases admirable strength even when at such an apparent disadvantage was truly something else entirely! She’d made quite the impression already without saying another word…
As these thoughts swirl through my mind it occurs to me just how interesting lunchtime might turn out… It would certainly be entertaining if nothing else! Perhaps this will prove more enjoyable than first expected? Whatever happens next however rests firmly on her shoulders now– whether or not we achieved détente would depend on how quickly she warmed up our presence here today after all.
7
MIA
Watching Xavier walk out of the room fills me with relief and intrigue, until I realize that one of his men has stayed behind.
"Shouldn't you be going with him?" I ask skeptically.
"No, ma'am," he shakes his head lightly. "I'm here to make sure everything is to your liking."
Ha. I get the feeling that it doesn't actually matter all that much how I feel about any of this.
He steps forward, hand outstretched. "I'm Lucas, by the way."
"Mia," I respond automatically.
Clutching the blankets with one hand, I tentatively reach out to shake the man's hand. His skin is rough and calloused, but his touch is somehow gentle. Much like Xavier, Lucas is clad in a nicely pressed suit--only he's wearing a matching black vest. His blonde hair is short, parted down the side and slicked back, and his eyes are a soft green that appear to hold an intelligent understanding that automatically soothes me.
"Are you okay?" he wonders, concern obvious in his gaze.
I shrug, glancing around the room. "I guess..."
Lucas gives me a soft smile and takes a step back. "I understand, it's not easy to be thrust into such an unfamiliar situation." He walks slowly over to the windowsill and leans on it before speaking again. "You must have some questions?" he asks softly.
I nod in response as he continues talking with ease, no longer having a formal air about him like when Xavier had been here moments ago--instead his demeanor is more comforting.
"So..." I start, trying to figure out what question to ask that I'll get an answer for. "Why exactly am I going to this lunch?"
Lucas smirks at me, amusement sparkling in his eye. "I'm going to guess it's because Mr--eh--Xavier likes you," he teases, raising an eyebrow.
I scoff and shake my head firmly. "That seems a bit absurd." I mutter under my breath, but Lucas can hear me clearly as he chuckles lightly in agreement with my assessment of the situation.
"He might be a pompous ass most of the time - or so other people think - but there's definitely more to him than meets the eye," He hints knowingly, leaning forward slightly with interest now sparking within his eyes regarding where this conversation is headed next. "You might not believe it now but Xavier is actually quite charming when he wants to be."
With a face like that, I don't doubt it.
Just then, the other man from before struts back into the room without knocking. My annoyance is strong, but brief, when I see that he's carrying a long, white garment back in his hands.
"Your outfit for lunch," he explains with an air of flourish as if it was expected of him.
