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Dias waved as he jogged down the stone steps toward us. Cruz offered his hand and helped me down the plank again to where Dias’s man waited to help me with the foot gap over the sea.

“Millie.” He raked his eyes over me, not even trying to be subtle. “I’m so glad to see you.”

I looked around, not having to fake my confusion over how I ended up here. I’d planned on seeing him before he saw me. Maybe posing in a flattering manner. Instead, I was out cold when he spotted me.

“Hi.” I was grateful my sunglasses concealed half my face, but I had the strongest urge to rub my eyes and try to wake up. “Sorry, you caught me napping.”

Admitting the truth was better than trying to pull off being a normal person at the moment.

“Oh, I apologize. I wouldn’t have called out your name if I’d known.”

I waved off his concern. “I’m surprised you called out my name at all. I didn’t think you’d have any interest in seeing me after last night.”

He chuckled. “I was thinking the same. You must think the worst of me. I’ll admit I wasn’t on my best behavior, but Brazzi has the unique ability to bring out the very worst in most people.”

I winced. “I don’t think he was acting very civil either.”

“You two . . . you aren’t . . .” he hedged.

“The two of us aren’t anything. Last night was only the second time I’d ever met him, and after you left, I asked him to give me space.” I forced back a sigh. “I’m new here and didn’t want to start off making enemies, which is why I accepted his invitation in the first place, but it didn’t take long to realize he’s not the kind of company I’d like to keep.”

His eyes sparkled. “That’s good to hear.”

I glanced back, wondering what I was supposed to do.

“Would you mind taking a break from your nap to have a drink with me?”

I smiled, grateful he couldn’t see that it didn’t reach my eyes. I didn’t drink because I didn’t like to impair my abilities, especially around an enemy, but this was the perfect opportunity into his world.

“Oh, I don’t want to spoil your afternoon. I’m sure you have better plans.”

“I can’t think of a single thing I’d like to do more than spend time with you.”

Why? It took all my self-control not to ask. Why was he so intrigued by me? Why did he want to get to know me? Had he heard the rumors about my money? Or was this just about taking what Brazzi wanted?

I looked up at Cruz. “I’ll just be––”

“Take your time, Ms. Torres.” He waved to Dias.

“Shall we?” Dias offered his arm, and I stared down at my bare feet. “Don’t worry.” He kicked off his shoes. “We’ll keep things casual.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. That one move was the most endearing thing a man had ever done for me.

This is fake. No matter how handsome or thoughtful this man was, I absolutely could not forget that.

CHAPTER 14

Emilia

Most humans didn’t believe in magic, but supernaturals were proof that was wrong. Aside from the main three groups—shifters, vampires, and witches—the others were rare to see outside of supernatural-only sites.

There was no way Dias had brownies working for him.

No, this was a different kind of magic. One even more impossible for most humans.

This was wealth.

By the time we made it back up to the main patio, a table was set for two with mimosas, fruit, pastries, and coffee. Fans kept the air cool, and an awning extended overhead to provide shade.