Chapter 24
Mia
I was terrified to meet Killian’s father, but he actually wasn’t that bad.
He barely spoke, but that was fine by me.
He kissed my cheek and told me I was beautiful, and then he told Killian he did a good job picking out the ring.
He was pulled away a moment later by Killian’s mother, who I already met earlier in the night.
She’s not the warm and friendly type, but that was okay with me, too.
She actually didn’t really seem to care much about me at all.
Her aloofness wasn’t only directed at me, though. She seemed oblivious to Killian, Reign and Calista as well, and once I was alone with Calista, she told me that’s just how Cynthia Savage is.
“She comes off so cold,” she whispered in my ear. “I don’t think she means to, it’s just who she is.”
It was easier not to take it personally after that.
I feel better, and I have a slight buzz from the liquor that I’m drinking. I wasn’t originally going to drink tonight, but I thought it might help take the edge off.
I didn’t want to admit to myself that I really did want Killian’s family to like me. I hate how happy it makes me that they did, because again, this is a farce. Even when we end up getting married – none of it’s real.
That thought leaves a bitter taste in my mouth and I sigh, looking around.
My gaze lands on someone across the room, and I can’t stop the gasp that escapes my lips. My glass slips from my hand and shatters on the floor. I barely register it; I have tunnel vision right now, and all I can see is the person who has made my life hell for the past two years.
The person who I’ve been running from relentlessly, terrified of getting caught again.
What the fuck is Angelo Corso doing here?
My mind is spinning, and my body is in fight or flight mode. I turn, so Angelo can’t see my face. I have to get the fuck out of here.
“Mia-"
I ignore Killian as I move past him, making my way towards the closest exit.
“Mia!”
My heart is beating so loud in my chest, it’s hard to hear anything else.
Why is he here? Did Killian set me up?
No, I think, shaking my head. He wouldn’t. He wouldn’t-
We’re in front of the coat room, and Killian pulls me into it, shutting the door. He puts his hands on my face, forcing me to look at him.
“What just happened?” he asks, his face a mask of concern.
I can’t breathe. I’m having a panic attack, and Killian starts to talk me through it.
“Mimic my breathing, Kitten,” he commands, and I try to focus only on him.
It takes me a minute, but it eventually starts to work, and my breathing begins to slow.
I don’t even realize I’m crying until I feel Killian’s thumbs on my cheeks, brushing away my tears.
“What happened?” he asks again. “I know you. I saw your face. What is it, sweetheart?”
“Angelo,” I whisper. “Why is he here?”
He gives me a confused look. “Angelo? How the hell do you know Angelo?”
My world spins. Killian doesn’t know Angelo.
“W-what?” I stammer. “No.”
I shake my head.
“Angelo Corso?” he asks, and I literally think that I’m going to faint.
Killian grabs me, steadying me.
“No,” I whisper again, squeezing my eyes shut.
“I don’t understand,” Killian says slowly. “Angelo is my cousin, Mia.”