Page 57 of Claimed At First Sight

“Welcome to Chicago,” he says, kissing Mamma lightly on both cheeks before greeting Sienna, Ari, and me.

“You neglected to mention Chicago is located inside a freezer,” I tease.

“That’s part of the charm.”

“It’s absolutely not,” Sienna mutters.

His laugh rumbles warmly through the cold air as he ushers us to the waiting vehicles.

“I hope you girls still have some energy left tonight,” he says once we’re settled inside the heated car. “There’s a birthday celebration this evening. I’d like us all to attend.”

Mamma looks surprised beside him.

“Whose birthday?” she asks. Hopefully, she wants to get out of it as badly as I do.

I haven’t flown halfway around the globe to go to some stranger’s birthday celebration. That’s not my idea of fun.

Aldo gives a sheepish smile that looks oddly boyish on a man like him.

“Mine.”

“Aldo,” Mamma exclaims. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

“It was a few days ago.”

“You should have told me. I would have wanted to get a present for you.”

“Well, I’ve got the best present right here with me now.”

Sienna and I share a look, while Mamma beams up at him. The way they look at each other is impossible to miss, and I’m still not sure how I feel about it.

“I usually don’t make much fuss about it,” Aldo explains. “But Maximo believes the senior members of the organization should be properly acknowledged. Apparently, letting occasions like this pass unnoticed is no longer encouraged.”

The mention of Maximo immediately sharpens my attention.

“Is it at your house?” I ask, wondering if we’re going to roll up to a mansion full of people… and Maximo.

“No, it’s at the Marco estate.”

Of course he’ll be there then. The universe couldn’t even grant me one evening to recover from crossing an ocean before throwing Maximo Marco back in my path.

I turn my attention firmly toward the passing streetlights outside the window.

“Well,” Mamma says warmly, touching Aldo’s arm, “of course we’ll come.”

Shouldn’t she check with me first before making that decision?

“A brief appearance would be polite,” Aldo adds. “Especially since many people are eager to meet you properly.”

That sounds horrifying.

“I might stay behind,” I say casually. “I’m exhausted after the flight.” Never mind that I slept for most of it.

Aldo studies me for a second, far too perceptive for my liking.

“You can leave early if you wish,” he says. “But I’d appreciate it if you came for at least a little while.”

Why? Did Maximo tell him to bring me? That would be something he’d do, wouldn’t it?