She was a vision in red, her floor-length dress clinging to her like a second skin, highlighting every curve. The slit that ran up to her hip was daring, and suggestive, adding a touch of sensuality to her overall look, but Max got the impression that she wasn’t entirely comfortable in the dress. Her hair was styled in a loose updo, a few strands framing her face, making her look both delicate and enticing.
A wave of pride washed over Max at the sight of her. This magnificent woman was his mate. Her beauty wasn’t just skin-deep either. She was courageous, resilient, and had a heart of gold. As he watched her, her eyes met his across the room. Their connection was immediate and electrifying, a silent promise of an unbreakable bond that was theirs and theirs alone.
Max began to walk towards her, a magnetic pull drawing him to her that he was powerless to ignore. He was about halfway across the room when his steps faltered. Two men had approached her. One, was an older man with a hard, imposing presence. Max recognized him from photographs he’d seen of him. It was Ethan Johnson, Mia’s father. The other, was a younger man. The smirk on his face as he drank Mia in made Max’s blood boil. The man moved closer to drape an arm around Mia shoulders, drawing her into his side. The lecherous grin on his face was enough to ignite a primal rage within Max.
His tiger roared at the sight, and the inner sound was so sudden and unexpected that Max nearly let it escape his lips. The instinct to protect, and to claim, was almost too powerful to ignore. He was a heartbeat away from charging over there andbreaking the man’s fingers for daring to touch what was his.
Before Max could act on his impulses, Mia’s father tapped on his champagne glass with a spoon, pulling everyone’s attention to him. He began to make an announcement that brought a crashing halt to Max’s world. The words “my daughter’s engagement to Mark” echoed around the room, each syllable a painful stab to Max’s heart.
He felt a cold numbness spread through him, a chilling disbelief that tightened around his chest. He was caught between shock and devastation. He wondered if this was some cruel joke, if Mia had invited him there to introduce him to her fiancé, to tell him that they had to end whatever was between them. His mind spun with questions, but then his gaze locked on to Mia’s face and he knew instantly that wasn’t what was happening here.
She winced when Mark had gripped her tighter, a small reaction that Max had caught. He observed the strain in her eyes too, and the silent plea hidden behind her forced smile. It was enough to tell him that this was not what Mia wanted. He realized then, more than ever before, that Mia needed to be free from her father’s house, and from this unwanted engagement. If there was ever a time for her to leave and find safety in his arms, it was now. Max steeled himself for what he had to do next.
He composed himself, his gaze tracking Mia’s every move until she finally escaped her unwanted admirers and found herself alone. He seized the opportunity, navigating his way through the bustling crowd until he stood before her.
“Congratulations on your engagement,” he said, his tone neutral.
Despite the turmoil raging within him, he maintained a calmdemeanor, a poker face he had perfected over years of service.
“Thank you,” she replied, her voice soft and almost melancholy. There was a glint of sadness in her eyes, barely visible, but to Max, it was as clear as day.
Making sure they were not being watched, Max leaned in close, his lips mere inches from her ear. His voice was barely above a whisper when he said, “Meet me outside in five minutes.”
Mia nodded, her eyes wide but resolute. There was a tacit understanding between them—a silent promise that echoed louder than words. He straightened, letting his gaze linger on her for a moment longer before he bid her goodbye.
“See you soon, Mia.”
And with that, he left, pushing his way through the crowd once again, and exiting the concert hall. Once outside, Max retreated to a quieter corner, concealed from the prying eyes of the security personnel. He checked his watch, his heart pounding against his rib cage as he waited. Each passing second felt like an eternity, the hands of time ticking too slow, as though mocking his anxiety. The fate of his future with Mia hung in the balance, and all he could do was wait.
Just as the fifth minute ticked by on his watch, the doors to the concert hall opened and out stepped Mia. His lips parted in relief and he quickly motioned her over to his concealed location. As she moved closer, the air between them sparked with an intense current that drew them together like magnets.
When she reached him, she wasted no time.
“Max,” she whispered, her voice shaky yet determined. She stood on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to his. The taste of her,sweet and intoxicating, was a balm to the worry gnawing at his heart.
“God, it’s so good to see you,” she murmured against his lips, her words a sigh of relief.
Max pulled back slightly, his hand instinctively coming up to cup her cheek.
“Are you okay?” he asked, searching her eyes for answers.
She shook her head, a small humorless laugh escaping her. “Honestly, I don’t know anymore.”
His heart sank, the image of her father’s announcement replaying in his mind.
“You wanted to tell me about your engagement?” he guessed, his voice hardening at the thought of Mia being trapped in a marriage she didn’t want.
She nodded, the moonlight casting a pale glow on her face. “Yes. But it seems my father took the liberty of doing that for me,” she replied, bitterness seeping into her tone.
“How long do you have before the wedding?” he asked, struggling to keep the urgency from his voice.
“A week,” she said, her gaze meeting his. “But I won’t need that long.”
A hint of hope flickered within him at her words. “What do you mean?”
“Earlier, I managed to obtain evidence for the FBI that will ensure father’s conviction. I just haven’t had the chance to deliver it yet. I’ll call my handler later tonight to arrange the handover,” she said, a glimmer of determination flashing in her eyes.
As Max processed her words, a wave of relief washed over him, leaving behind a renewed sense of hope. Mia was one step closer to freeing herself from her father’s clutches.
