Initiate Me(16)

As for Milan, she was no Mia; she was a shark ready to attack. If looks could kill, Marco’s date would have been dead a long time ago.

“Well, at least you have kept the same date for another day, Marco.” Milan directed her gaze at the poor girl standing at Marco’s side. “So, sweetie, you must have blown him really well last night for him to keep you around for another twenty-four hours. Trust me, you have made history.”

“Milan!” Mia pulled at Milan’s arms, dragging her toward the outdoor area. “Let’s go wait for Max and Jada outside.”

Marco was breathing heavily and trying to control his raging temper. Milan always got him riled up and both of them would usually end up fighting. Blake mumbled a curt apology to Marco and his date for Milan’s rudeness and went off after her.

“She needs a fucking leash,” Marco roared.

“Calm down. You should be used to her antics by now,” I told him. “Milan loves to stir the pot, and you know that, but you always take the bait.”

From the corner of my eye, I saw Mia lean down and kiss Brandon’s cheek, her hands resting on his arm. I tensed and had to restrain myself from running outside and smashing my fist into the guy’s face. If she was trying to make me jealous, it was fucking working!

There goes a relaxing afternoon amongst friends and family, to farewell the bride and groom. I turned away and retrieved my beer.

At the rate the night was progressing, I’d be needing another one pretty damn quick.

***

MIA

“Honestly, I cannot believe you said that to that poor girl,” I scolded Milan. “It was embarrassing.”

“For who, Mia? I, for one, am not embarrassed at all. Your brother is...is...is a PIG!”

“Oh, for God’s sake, you are behaving like a child again, Milan. Snap out of it and let it go. What’s it to you who Marco dates anyway?” I questioned her, knowing very well why it worried her. Milan was as stubborn as a mule and would never admit she was attracted to Marco. Ever. “Now, breathe and calm down.”

I hoped by the time her date, Blake, returned with our drinks she would be a lot calmer. Otherwise, the poor guy would be running in the other direction pretty fast!

“Fine, Miss Goody Two-Shoes. I’ll try to be more accepting.” Milan grabbed a wineglass from one of the waiters as they walked past us and drank it so quickly she spluttered some of the sparkling fluid all over herself. “Damn it. Now I need to go clean it up before it stains.”

I shook my head as Milan stormed off in a huff. It served her right; she could be such a party pooper and a pain in the arse sometimes. I really didn’t understand Milan anymore. Her attitude seemed to be getting worse, especially toward Marco; in fact, to most men in general.

I barely had time to take a sip of my raspberry cruiser when Max and Jada arrived followed by my parents and the Sinclairs. Not only were Max and Jada leaving for their honeymoon, but my parents were also travelling to visit relatives in Italy for six weeks. That meant I would have the whole house to myself, as long as Marco didn't come over to 'check-up' on me like he promised me he would. Hopefully he'd be too busy being CEO for the two weeks Max was away and not be too concerned about me.

That left me starting my internship first thing in the morning at The Brunetti Hotel and Spa Resorts, but unfortunately, I'd be working with Zane. Before, I had been so excited to start working in the family business, but after what happened with Zane, I was feeling more than scared. I was apprehensive and, worst of all, embarrassed.

Marco's friend and newly employed accountant at the resort, Brandon, was clinging to me like a vine. His fingers lingered on my side, and I pinched his wrist to prompt him to withdraw them. Brandon was good-looking and fun, but Zane...he made my body ache, he...

“Hey, angel. You’re looking good.”

Every muscle in my body tensed at hearing his low drawl from behind me.

Zane Mitchell.

Great, just great! There was no way I could avoid him with the farewell being held at his pub. Damn him for being my brother's closest friend...and damn him for being the object of my unrequited love for the last nine years.

And furthermore, never in those nine years had I been anything more to him than Max's little sister. I barely held back a stifling, frustrated sigh. "My name is Mia, not angel,” I replied without turning to face him.

How dare he call me angel after last night! He could take the nickname he'd given me and shove it where the sun doesn't shine. Especially when, in my fantasies, I imagined I was the only woman he couldn't live without.

I felt him move closer, his innate heat searing me even from several feet away. I'd always been overly attuned to him, instantly alert to his presence in a room. In the past, I always made excuses to hang out with my older brothers just to be near him. Most of the time I was with Milan, as Jada was off in Europe pursuing her modelling career.