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But that’s a thought for another day. Right now, I’m more concerned with making a good impression on Mia’s aunts and uncles, who are being introduced to me by Mikhail.
I compliment one aunt on her scarf and another on her massive ring that could accidentally blind someone. I also talk American football and hockey with the three uncles, which they respond to with enthusiasm. I had some help from Mia in this regard. I texted her to ask about her family’s interests and she sent me a whole list of what each of them enjoys.
Currently, as she watches me capturing their attention like the god I am, her mouth is agape. She must be wondering how I’ve managed to remember all of this, but I’m a bit wounded. I thought she would know by now about my superior genes, but anyway, Operation Charming Mia’s Family is a staggering success. By the time we sit down for lunch, I seem to be the center of attention.
Mikhail even says that Nikolai was being overprotective and could’ve taken it too far by ruining my handsome features.
Don’t worry, Grandpa. He’ll pay for it in due time.
After lunch, we go to sit in the garden, and I notice something in their family dynamic. Everyone here—and I mean everyone—looks up to Kyle and Rai. They keep cornering them together and separately for a brief conversation, and I can tell Kyle is so done with his family’s shit.
Rai, however, is more diplomatic. She listens carefully and nods along.
That’s probably why she’s more receptive to me than her closed-minded husband.
I meet his eyes across the room, and he narrows them as he tightens his hold on Mia’s shoulder. I smile again.
Just wait, old man. I managed to win over your difficult daughter and it’s only a matter of time before it’s your turn.
Since Mia is unfortunately out of reach, I slide up next to Maya, who’s sitting on a chaise lounge and obsessively checking her phone.
“Waiting for an important text?” I whisper close to her ear from behind the chair.
She startles, and in her surprise, the phone falls to the grass beside her. She grabs it hastily and glues it to her chest. “What the hell do you want?”
“I was asking an innocent question.” I cock my head to the side. “But judging by your highly suspicious reaction, I have reason to be curious. What are you hiding, Maya?”
“None of your business.”
“I’m afraid it is.”
“Don’t push your luck just because Mia chose to like you.”
“Jealous?”
“Fuck you.”
“As I previously mentioned, I’m interested in your sister, not you.”
Her lips lift in a snarl as she jerks up and storms away, still holding the phone in a death grip.
As I watch her leave, Rai walks toward me. I straighten and stop glaring at her daughter.
I lift my hands in the air. “I was only asking what she was doing. I swear I had nothing to do with her sour mood, even if it seems like it.”
“I believe you.” She smiles and shakes her head. “Maya has always been Mia’s closest and best friend, so she feels a bit threatened that Mia has someone of her own now. You understand that since you also have a twin, right?”
I nod. The day Bran finds someone, though it’s very unlikely, I’m not sure what sort of beast I’ll turn into. I’d like to think that I’ve changed some of my mindset, but my brother has always been a red line that couldn’t be crossed by anyone—our parents included.
“Maya has the right to have as much antagonism toward me as she pleases. As long as she doesn’t get between me and Mia, I can tolerate her attitude.” Mostly because I couldn’t care less about her entire existence. Her only merit is being my Mia’s sister.
“I appreciate your understanding.” She pauses and looks across the garden to where Mia’s telling Kyle and Mikhail a story about her plants.
All I can see is her carefree smile and the way her light eyes twinkle under the afternoon sun. I have the urge to go there and devour that smile and feast on her full lips. But since I’m sure that would only result in my balls being cut off by Kyle, I focus back on his wife.
She studies me closely. “I admit I wasn’t comfortable with the idea of you after Maya told me you’re like my nephew Killian, and I’ll probably always be wary of that.”
I knew Maya was campaigning to be the president of my anti-fan club.
