Chapter 14. You Belong to Me

Leila’s POV

Entering, across the vast foyer, warm inside, contrasting with that coolness outside, was Mia. Something widened in her gaze at the sight of the bags in my hands. Something flickered in those eyes, something I couldn’t fathom.

“Mia,” I said, my voice shaking barely a little. “I, well—I got those for you.” I passed her the bags, trying not to note with too much attention just a hint of the shaking in my hands. “Luca said it was quite all right, so I thought you might like them.”

Her gaze slid from the bags to mine, and for a moment, she just stared; impossible to read her expression. She reached out slowly, taking the bags from me. “You really shouldn’t have,” she said, her voice tight.

“I wanted to,” I replied, trying to say it smoother than the words could betray. “Ever since I first saw you, you have been nice to me since my arrival, and I kinda thought this could be one way of saying thank you.”

Mia’s lips thinned. “It’s…it’s very