Page 25 of Bound By Flames

“Hi, sorry, sorry. I was just finishing my makeup,” she chants with warmth, making everyone fall for her charms right away. “You must be Vanessa. It’s so nice to meet you.” She hugs my sister, whose jaw is still on the floor.

“Mia, that’s my sister and her husband, Scott, and that’s, um….” I trail off, motioning my hand to them.

Fuck, I forgot her name.

“Carolina,” the brunette repeats with a frozen grin, shaking Mia’s hand as I watch them silently assess each other. I’ve never seen a woman play territorial on me, but I gotta say, I don't hate it.

“Yeah, Carolina, right. She’s a colleague of Vaness’.” I give her the heads-up.

“Lovely to meet you.Looovethe dress,” Mia says a little too nicely to sound honest.

“Thanks, it’s Couture. I bought it in Paris when I visited it last year withNessa.” I reach my hand to my wife and rest it on the small of her back, ‘cause I won’t let another single minute pass without touching her. She jerks slightly at my touch but doesn’t push me away, letting my palm rest on her body while Carolina's gaze sends daggers in her eyes. Pretty sure Vanessa told her I was available.

Perhaps this could be fun.

Like I said, I like my women feisty, and watching Mia acting all possessive is going to be the end of me.

Arm's length, remember?

“So, Mia, I didn’t get to meet you at the wedding,” says Vanessa after getting herself back together. “How, um, how are you settling in?” I know she wants to know how we’re doing as a new couple, but fuck, I don’t even know myself. It took us two months to even sleep in the same bed, so I'd saywe’re progressing? I observe my wife placating her face with a professional and controlled smile.

“I’m good. Ares has been, um, making sure I have everything I need. So yeah, pretty great.” Hearing her talk about me providing for her shouldn’t make my chest swell this much, and yet, it fucking does.

“Oh wow, I didn’t know my brother could be so thoughtful.” Vanessa nods, raising her brows.

“You’re not from here, right?” Carolina’s voice cuts the air as I watch her brown gaze burn into Mia’s.

What the fuck is wrong with her?

“I’m from Chicago,” Mia states, chin up from talking about her hometown.

“That’s far,” the brunette remarks.

“Eight hours away. I got there last month for business. The drive fuckin’ took forever,” grunts Scott.

“Yeah, that’s pretty far, but my sister will visit me as much as she can, so that’s still okay.” Mia explains with a hint of sadness I know I’m the only one to see.

“So, you don’t know anyone here. It must be difficult,” Caroline answers her as if the ring of the bell had rung.

“I’m not worried. I’m really good at making friends. I’m sure I’ll meet new people soon,” Mia replies with a gentle, genuine smile.

“I’m still working on settling up a team to guard Mia, but it should be done soon for her to go out safely.” I rescue my wife before this fucking woman who’s getting on my nerves pushes her too far.

My wife.

Yeah, not my fake bride, not any chick, my wife.

I promised myself not to fall for Mia, but fuck, it’s getting harder and harder as I watch her strength and classy manners on display.

A fucking queen.

“Yes, exactly. Once I get security, I'll be able to meet clients and go out more.” She locks her hazelnut eyes with mine for a second.

“What is it that you do, Mia?” asks Vanessa, and I’m glad for it.

“I’m a personal fashion consultant. It sounds fancy and all, but it’s really not.” She chuckles. “I basically choose outfits for wealthy people who don’t have the time to.” She shrugs her shoulders.

“Actually, Mia’s just graduated in historical fashion at University.” The words slip out of my mouth before I register them.