Page 89 of Claimed At First Sight

“Not voluntarily,” I mutter, sliding into the seat opposite her. “Aldo told me they’d drive me into the city. He conveniently forgot to mention they’d stay glued to my side.”

Rory snorts, and one of the guards glances our way before returning his attention to the menu he’s been holding upside down for at least thirty seconds.

Subtle.

“Nobody knows me here in Chicago, so it’s not like I’m actually in danger,” I continue under my breath. “I’m sure Maximo had something to do with it. He’s such a control freak.”

Rory studies me over the rim of her coffee cup.

“What is the deal between you two?”

I lean back in my chair. A server with silver rings and eyeliner sharp enough to kill stops at our table, and I order an espresso.

“What do you mean?” I ask innocently once she leaves.

I don’t want to talk about Chicago’s Mafia Don right now… or ever, really.

“Oh, come on,” Rory laughs. “Don’t play dumb.”

I like that she isn’t afraid to call me out on it.

“He apparently looked at me once in Sicily and decided that was enough information to plan the rest of our lives.”

Rory nearly chokes on her drink, laughing.

“Oh my God.”

“I know.”

“That’s either deeply romantic or seriously concerning.”

“I’m leaning toward concerning.”

“Mm.” Rory tilts her head. “Though I did see the way he looked at you in the greenhouse.”

I focus very hard on removing my gloves.

“He’s trying to seduce me into becoming Mrs. Marco. That’s why he had it built.”

Rory clutches her chest dramatically. “So he’s attempting some startlingly expensive version of sweeping you off your feet?”

“Yeah, except less romantic and more you-will-bear-my-six-heirs.”

Rory’s mouth falls open. When I don’t say anything else, she blinks.

“Wait. You’re serious?”

“Unfortunately.”

I finally tug my gloves free and shove them onto the table.

“Too bad for him I’m not interested in becoming a mafia baby factory.”

Rory leans back in her chair. “Wow. Six kids?”

“Probably more if any of them are girls.”

“I knew our new don was traditional, but that’s…” She shakes her head. “Actually, I don’t even have words.”