Page 159 of Claimed At First Sight

Maximo’s voice cuts through my thoughts. His eyes have narrowed so much I’m surprised he can still see.

I freeze.

Oh no. I hadn’t meant to say that aloud.

The gondola gives a gentle jolt as it reaches the platform, and the doors begin to slide open.

I shoot to my feet, desperate to escape before he can ask any more questions. But instead of leaving well enough alone, I glance back over my shoulder.

“I kissed another man after you.”

Why do I have the urge to taunt this man? It’s a bad idea.

Maximo’s expression grows darker, and my self-preservation finally kicks in.

I rush to leave, but barely make it half a step before his hand closes around my wrist and he pulls me back.

I stumble straight into the solid wall of his chest, the impact stealing what little breath I have left. His hands close around my upper arms to steady me, or perhaps to stop me from bolting out of the gondola the moment he lets go.

“Close the doors,” Maximo says to the operator outside, his voice so calm it puts me on edge.

“What?” I twist to look up at him.

“We’re going around again.”

Chapter Forty-Four

Maximo

The doors slide shut with a soft thud. A second later the gondola gives a gentle jolt, carrying us away from the platform once more.

Mia is still standing where I pulled her, with my hands around her upper arms. Her breathing is quickening. Whether it’s from anger at finding herself trapped for another rotation or from our unexpected proximity, I can’t yet tell.

Perhaps it’s both. Either way, she’d clearly rather be anywhere else than alone with me.

Unfortunately for her, I have no intention of ending this conversation.

“Now,” I say evenly, “would you like to repeat that little comment you tossed over your shoulder?”

“Not really.”

She turns her head to glare up at me without the slightest hint of remorse.

“You heard me perfectly well. Otherwise we wouldn’t be going for another spin on the Ferris wheel, which, for the record, I have no desire to be on anymore.”

“Noted.”

“But it changes nothing, does it?” she huffs.

“The doors are locked. You can’t leave now, unless you break the glass and jump off.”

“I might,” she mutters under her breath.

I release one of her arms and slide my hand around her waist, turning her until she’s facing me. My free hand comes up beneath her chin, lifting it until her eyes meet mine.

The movement brings our bodies flush together. A blush blooms across her cheeks before spilling down her neck.

Without taking my eyes off her, I sit down on the bench and draw her with me until she’s perched across my lap, one arm still secure around her waist.