Page 156 of Little Sunshine

Marco nodded and waited a few beats before asking, “What’s her story?”

If he was going for casual, his dart wasn’t anywhere near the target. It seemed to be stabbed right in Freddy’s back if his scowl was any indication.

“No story. Leave my staff alone.” He softened his face and forced a smile at Mila and Juliet. “I need to get back into that kitchen before they butcher my recipes with truffle oil on everything. It was nice to finally meet you, Mila.”

“You, too. And thank you for the cake. It’s even better than Ash raved.”

Since Freddy knew I could—and had—knock off an entire one of his cakes myself, that was a glowing review. It was also the right thing to say to get on his good side because his ego was wrapped up in his culinary skills.

Mila and Juliet’s goodbye lasted longer than I would’ve preferred since I was anxious to get her alone, but I sucked it up. However good I’d hoped the day would go, it was obvious it’d gone better. When Mila finally stood, she grabbed a bag and clutched it to her.

Once we were out of the restaurant, I asked, “What’s in the bag?”

“A new dress from Juliet.”

“Can’t wait to see it.”

She smiled up at me, but there was an edge to it. Something wicked.

Once we were in the elevator, I pulled her to me and kissed her. Hard and deep and thorough until the bunched muscles between my shoulders loosened. When I was done, I watched her dazedly blink as her tongue swept out to lick across her bottom lip.

I’d have slammed the button to stop the elevator so I could fuck her right then and there if it weren’t for the fact Marco, Cole, Maximo, and Juliet might need to use it. I’d have done it anyway, but I didn’t want to leave it smelling like sex. That scent was only for me.

As the elevator slowed, I got a text.

Moonlight: Someone is in the lobby asking for you.

The doors opened to the lobby, and I didn’t have to scan to see who it was.

“Veronica?” Mila whispered.

Fuck.

“Mila, wait here,” I ordered when we stepped out, but she didn’t listen.

She hauled ass across the lobby.

I’m gonna spank your ass for that. Unless your bitch mother opens her mouth and ruins everything.

Fucking fuck.

Reaching Veronica, she quietly hissed, “What’re you doing here?”

“I came to see my daughter,” Veronica claimed as she gestured to me. “He told me you were attacked. I wanted to see if you were okay. I’ve been worried.”

Bullshit.

I hadn’t said a single thing about where I worked to Veronica, but I wasn’t exactly surprised she’d found out. Greed was a powerful motivator.

“I’m fine,” Mila said, her fretful eyes darting around the busy room. “You can go.”

“Camila Price, I didn’t raise you to be so disrespectful.”

Unlike when I used her full name, Mila frowned at her mother’s usage. It turned into a sneer at the rest of the sentence.

“You’re right, you didn’t raise me. Period. You were too busy?—”

Standing at her back, I wrapped an arm around her waist. Not to stop her. It was a show of support. A reminder she wasn’t alone.

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