Chapter 2

It took an entire bottle of bourbon to make me forget what I had done days ago and an entire barrage of messages from Killian to bring me back to reality. I grimaced at my phone screen when another text from him popped up. This was his fifteenth one in three days and even after I blocked him, Killian still found another way to contact me.

It was frustrating to say the least. I wanted Kade to fall for me and yet, I made his twin brother obsessed with me. Great going, Mia.

I read the text this time, not ignoring it like I normally did.

It’s been days Mia. I’m not sure if I did something wrong for you to ignore me so much but I can make it up to you. Come on, let’s have dinner with my family tonight. My treat. I promise to make it worth your while. I sighed and dropped my phone on my desk, my attention being pulled back to the mountain of files I had waiting for me. I needed coffee. I left my office and went down to the cafeteria, hoping that two cups of coffee would be enough to get me through the day when my ears perked up a familiar voice.

“Did you hear the news, Mia? Your little crush is back in New York.”

I turned to see my best friend, Clover Fields, watching me with bright eyes and her signature smile on her face. She poked me with her finger when I didn’t speak and pouted.

“Come on I thought you’d be happy about this.” She mused, watching me pour out a cup of coffee.

“And who might my crush be this time?” I asked, turning my full attention to her.

Clover knew that I loved Kade. Hell, she knew about the mugging five years ago and how I'd spent every day since looking for the man who saved me, and she always found an opportunity to rub it in my face but she also shipped me with every man I called cute in a movie or something. So here I was playing the guessing game with her.

“Who else? Kade Carter is back in New York.”

I choked on my coffee and went wide eyed.

“There’s the reaction I was looking for.” Clover said with a grin and continued. “Well what’s the plan? You always wanted to meet him. How are you going to do it?”

“I’m not sure.” I muttered, still taken aback by Kade being back after so many years.

I wasn’t sure how I was going to meet him unless… Killian’s text came to mind.

Let’s have dinner with my family.

That may be my ticket to see Kade. It was risky going with Killian as a date but if it was to see Kade then it was worth it.

“Mia? Mia!” Clover’s voice called me back to the present. She looked at me with concern and furrowed eyebrows.

“Are you okay? You went mute for some seconds there.”

“I’m fine. I’m better than fine.” I told her as a sly smile formed on my lips and I rushed off.

“But Mia…”

“I’ll talk to you later Clover.” I shouted, leaving her behind and rushing back to my office.

I barely set my coffee on the desk before I grabbed my phone and texted Killian back.

Dinner with your family? Sounds great. Send me the restaurant name and time and I’ll be there.

I hit send and waited, staring at the phone and biting my nails. A minute went by, then two. Just when I thought Killian wasn’t going to respond, a new text message popped up.

Awesome. Don’t bother with driving here. I’ll send a driver to pick you up. Only the best for my princess.

I almost gagged at the nickname but I could accept it if it got me closer to my goal of being with Kade. With a sigh of relief, I sat down and dropped my phone, focusing on my actual work. The thought of Kade was enough to get me revved up and ready for tonight.

•••••

Evening came around fast but I was ready. I stood in front of my mirror for the last time, making sure that I looked good enough to appear before the Carter’s. Sure my goal was Kade but the Carter’s were one of the most influential families in the city. They were billionaires who ran in social circles that I could only dream of getting close to. Regardless of what happened tonight, I needed to make a good impression because if everything went well, I would become their daughter-in-law.

I smoothened out the imaginary crinkle in my black evening halter neck gown before toying with my honey colored curls. I had paired my outfit with my best gold jewelry that made my brown eyes pop. It wouldn’t be much in the Carter family’s eyes but it was something I guess.

Just as I started to fiddle with my purse, I heard the doorbell ring. My ride was here.

I left the house and with the driver’s help, was led to the back seat of the car. Once I got in we were off. It didn’t take long for us to arrive at one of the biggest restaurant’s in the city. The Velvet Fork.

I got down from the car and walked into the building, my eyes immediately colliding with Killian’s. He shot me a grin and approached me, waving the staff who wanted to attend to me. Once he reached me, he silently asked for my hand. I gave it to him and he kissed it.

“You look beautiful.” He flattered me. I smiled back, locking my arm with his as he led me to his table.

We walked to the back of the restaurant, shielded from the rest of the guests by a thin sheet wall for privacy. A pair of blue eyes locked on me and for a second I felt nervous. Eloise and Madden Carter, the heads of the Carter group, eyed me warily for a moment. Eloise's face was a stoic mask, even though a hint of curiosity flickered in her eyes.

“Mum, dad, this is Mia Perez. The woman I told you would be joining us for dinner.” Killian spoke up, pulling a chair open for me.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you both.” I admitted before taking a seat and trying not to turn away from their pointed gazes.

As quickly as I felt ice settle into my veins, it was dispelled when Eloise grinned at me suddenly.

“It’s so nice to meet you Mia. I’ll admit, Killian told us about you only just tonight.”

“Is there any special reason why our son would invite you to a family dinner just after some days of meeting with him?” Madden asked, his eyes far more skeptical of me.

I glanced at Killian, silently asking if he told his parents about our rendezvous when I caught him glaring at his father.

“He doesn’t know but I do keep tabs on women who fraternize with my son.” Madden answered drawing my attention back to him.

“So, what’s the reason?” He asked again.

“Well…”

“Mia and I are dating. She’s my girlfriend.” Killian answered, taking my hand in his. I froze.

“Oh that’s wonderful.” Eloise beamed.

I returned her smile with less enthusiasm and opened my mouth to shut this down. I couldn’t let them think that I was here for the wrong brother. But just as I started, a voice cut me off.

“Who’s dating Killian?”