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Getting out of the apartment and back to work was just what I needed to keep my thoughts from spiraling. Walking the sidewalk in front of luxury boutiques in a breezy yellow sundress and matching wedges allowed me to slip into the role of Millie.
I didn’t have four men gently clawing their way into my mind and heart.
Nope. I was a simpler woman with only one on my mind.
He and his sister were due to show up at any minute, and my arms were full of bags, showing off my purpose here.
An heiress with too much money and time available. Strolling along in the humidity like it wasn’t suffocating. My hair and skin flawless from expensive products and not, of course, magic.
Magical beauty was the only area where I allowed myself to cheat. My witch friend sent over a few more potions to keep me from sweating to death, but more importantly, not look like I rolled around a swamp each time I stepped outside.
Thanks to her, I was no longer dripping sweat or covered in a glossy sheen. There wasn’t enough money in the world to pay her for her genius. She was the one that deserved a penthouse and mega yacht. Or at least a medal.
“Incoming,” Marco alerted Derek and me through the comms.
I stayed fixated on the window display. A stunning red gown with strategic cutouts along the ribs and a slit that went up to the hip. I wanted it.
Not for this life, but for my other.
Perfect access to weapons. The freedom to kick and run if needed. It was like someone designed it just for me.
“It’s nearly as beautiful as you,” a deep voice whispered.
I pretended to startle, as if I couldn’t hear his approach or feel his body heat. “Alessio!” I put my hand over my heart and offered him a bashful smile. “You scared me.”
He grabbed my hand and pressed a kiss to my palm. “I’m so sorry.”
Turning to face him, I looked up through my lashes. “What are you doing here? You just got back. Don’t you have unpacking to do, or did your mysterious staff take care of that for you?”
He picked up on my teasing and smiled. “I missed you too.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Bold of you to assume––”
His lips were on mine before I could finish. His heat, his masculine scent of citrus and the beach overwhelmed me, allowing me to get lost in him.
Until a throat cleared behind me.
I was ready to give Derek a scathing look until I noticed the woman waiting behind us. She was gorgeous with light brown hair, deep tan skin, and a full mouth that was currently slanted sideways at me with amused annoyance.
“Alessio, did you forget who you were meeting?” Her Spanish accent was much thicker than her brother's. She looked me over before turning to him.
He blushed! Getting caught by his sister was enough to embarrass this man? It was as endearing as it was shocking.
“Ama.” He rubbed his jaw as he faced her. “You’re early.”
“I’m not.” She lifted her phone and showed him the time. Exactly noon. She finally cracked a smile. “Who’s your friend?”
He cleared his throat. “She’s . . .”
“Millie Torres.” I stepped forward and offered my hand, and she quickly shook it. “I’m new to town, and Alessio has been showing me around.” I paused and pouted a little for effect. “Actually, not really. We just keep running into each other.”
“Running into each other lips first?” She cocked her head.
His face reddened. Evidently, he couldn’t handle teasing from his sister.
“That’s a relatively new development,” he said.
She grinned. “Interesting. So are you two dating, or is this more of a casual lip collision situation?”
