Page 53 of Mine Again
Mia doesn’t smile this time. Her gaze sweeps over the guests, her voice quiet but firm.
“What woman here wouldn’t? But don’t fool yourself. Just because Father’s gone doesn’t mean we’re free. The system’s still in place.”
I sigh. “You’re right,” I mutter, spotting Maximo rising from his seat, flanked by a few men I don’t recognize. They’re talking business, no doubt.
His steps are casual, but his focus? Direct. He’s heading straight for us.
“Mateo’s cousin definitely has his sights set on you,” I say, watching him weave through the crowd. “He’s on the move. What do you think of him?”
Mia raises a brow. “Are you asking if I’m interested in him?”
I tilt my head. “I suppose.”
She lets out a soft laugh and shakes her head. “For starters, he’s way too old.”
“He’s the same age as Mateo.”
“Exactly,” she says pointedly. “Mateo is ten years older than Mari. And I’m two years younger than her. Twelve years is ancient. I don’t care how good his jawline is. No, thank you.”
“Ah, so you noticed he has a nice jawline?”
Mia rolls her eyes.
I smirk. “He might just be your type. Brooding, intense, a little dangerous, and not to forget, devastatingly handsome.”
“Please,” she scoffs. “He thinks he hung the moon. Fun enough for a game of badminton, but you can already tell he expects the world, and especially women, to bend to his will.”
“Arrogant, chauvinistic, and controlling,” I finish for her.
She nods, lifting her glass again. “Bingo. No, thank you.”
I glance up. “And he’s arriving here in three… two… one.”
Mia doesn’t turn, but the grin she gives me is pure mischief. I get the impression she’s not running from this encounter. She’sreadyfor it.
“Ladies,” Maximo says, his words smooth as silk as he steps up beside us. “It’s a pleasure to see you again.”
“Likewise, Signor Marcos,” I reply coolly, while Mia remains silent, sipping her champagne as if it’s far more interesting than he is.
“Please, we’re practically family. Call me Max.”
“As you wish,” I say with a polite smile.
“I’d like a word with your sister,” he says to me, turning his full attention to Mia.
Oh, he’s not mincing his words, is he? I shouldn’t have expected anything less.
Mia doesn’t flinch at his request, but the subtle narrowing of her eyes says plenty.
She straightens up, shoulders squared like she’s preparing for a duel.
With a smile so sugary it could rot teeth, she says, “If you’re still trying to convince me we won that badminton match because of you, don’t bother. I would’ve won either way. I am the reigning champion for a reason.”
He chuckles, the sound low and warm, the kind of laugh that could make a girl forget herself for half a second. Probably why it reminds me of Lu…
Nope, not going there.
He raises both hands in mock surrender. “Fair enough. I won’t bring up the game again, though I’m tempted to remind you who scored the match point.”
