Page 11 of Claimed At First Sight

“Maximo? So that’s his name.” It kind of suits him.

She gives me an odd look. “Did you not ask him?”

“God, no. That would have given him the wrong impression.”

Her eyebrows lift, her expression turning curious. “What impression would that have been?”

“That I was even the slightest bit interested in him.”

“But you were. You stared at him when you thought no one was looking.”

“Only because I was trying to work out why a complete stranger believed my badminton struggles were an invitation to play knight in shining armor.”

Mari chuckles. “He didn’t look much like a knight.”

“He certainly didn’t behave like one. Also, knights are supposed to possess some humility. He definitely didn’t.”

Mari’s lips twitch. “Perhaps he left his in Chicago.”

I still. “He’s from Chicago?”

She studies me for a moment, clearly enjoying herself far too much.

“Yes, he’s Mateo’s cousin and the future Don in Chicago.”

I look toward the terrace doors, as though the man in question might materialize there now that I know who he is.

Suddenly, my first impression of him makes perfect sense.

He might not be Don yet, but he certainly carries himself like one. He has the same quiet authority I’ve seen in powerful men my entire life, except Maximo’s seems to go deeper. Obedience alone doesn’t seem sufficient for him. He expects the world to arrange itself according to his wishes.

“What did he want to know when he asked about me?” I ask, inspecting my fingernails.

Mari laughs, and I kick lightly at her foot.

A strange flutter starts low in my stomach. I crush it immediately.

“Who you were, your age.”

Warmth creeps into my cheeks.

I purse my lips. “That’s all?”

“Apparently. He told Mateo that he’ll need a wife soon.” She pauses. “And heirs. Get this, he wants at least six kids.”

I shudder. “His poor future wife. Is he planning a marriage or a breeding program?”

Mari chuckles, but it lacks its usual fullness. “He might want you.”

My heart skips a beat, but not from excitement. No, it’s from pure horror. I’m fairly certain my body temperature drops by several degrees too.

I press the cushion more firmly against my stomach. “Why?”

Of course, I’ve noticed his interest. The way his eyes seemed to follow me was something of a giveaway. But finding a woman attractive doesn’t mean you immediately consider marrying her. At least, it shouldn’t.

“I imagine because he liked the look of you. And, apparently, it’s in your favor that you were raised in this life and are familiar with the expectations of the position.” She tries to imitate Maximo’s voice for the last part, but fails terribly.

My stomach drops. The last thing I need in my life is to be a Don’s wife.