Stay

Mia followed Alexi toward the garage, breathing in the hot, humid Houston air. The mall would be a cool and air-conditioned relief from this heat. She eyed Alexi’s strong stride. He had to play sports; he’d gotten that body from more than working out.

“I’ll drive,” he said.

Mia stopped at the driver’s door of her red two-door car and put a hand on the door handle. She gestured toward the passenger’s side. “We drive on the right here.”

“I’m not British. In Greece, you drive on the right.” Alexi frowned at

her small, not too old, not too new car. He stared hard at the scratch on her side mirror.

Whatever, the garage back home was narrow. “What?”

“Your sister lets you go in this?”

“This car’s awesome.”

“Has my brother seen it?”

Who knows. Mia narrowed her eyes. “Europe has much smaller cars.”

“This isn’t Europe.” He frowned and his mouth pinched. “Hope suggested I get a look at your car. Artists.” The last word came out muttered. “I’ll tell Niko to replace it.”

Hope hadn’t done any such thing, and like she’d let some guy buy her a car. Mia’s hands moved to her hips, and she tilted her chin. “Why would I replace my car? I love my car, and Niko doesn’t get a say in it.”

Alexi gestured with his hands. “Niko keeps Hope. You’re her responsibility, so that makes you his responsibility, too. Dependent upon our largess.”

A small gasping noise left her lips. Largess? Big word for a charity case. His English must have failed him on that one.

Alexi ignored her strangled protest, focusing on Niko’s cars. They lined the massive garage. Dark. Conservative. “What does my brother have against color?” A rack of keys hung on the side wall and Alexi headed there.

Mia caught up to him and grabbed his arm. “You’ve misunderstood. Niko is Hope’s boyfriend. They live together because they’re in love.” The words sounded naïve, and she widened her eyes so he could read the sincerity in them.

“Exactly. She’s his mistress, and you’re her dependent.”

Her palm dropped away, her mouth opened a little, but she couldn’t respond.

Alexi continued for the keys.

Mia waved her arms, barely missing the Bentley’s side mirror. “That’s not okay. You’ve got it wrong. They’re planning a future together.”

Alexi nodded, clearly humoring her.

“I live with my parents. They’re on an extended trip—an around-the-world cruise. That’s why I’m staying with Hope. I’m not her dependent.” She waved her hands in the direction of her car. “If I need a car, my parents will pay for it. Not your family.”

“Mia.” His voice had softened. It held…pity? He made an inexplicable gesture with his hands. “Parents don’t always come back. Adults sometimes have different agendas.”

What was he talking about? Her parents hadn’t dumped her.

Vincent stepped out of a back office. “May I give you two a lift?” He put on his cap and walked toward the limo, which was at the far end of the room, walking like they’d take him up on it.

Alexi gauged its length then nodded. He smiled in satisfaction.

Whatever. They’d take the limo today. She’d worry about Alexi’s warped European take on Niko and Hope later. He’d see how great they were, soon enough.

The short distance to the mall seemed quicker than normal in the smooth limo, plus the bonus of not having to circle for a parking spot. The car pulled up to the curb and Mia slid to the edge of her seat, waiting for Alexi to get out first. He stayed seated.

Mia arched her eyebrows. Was she supposed to wait for Vincent to open the door? Uh, no. That was taking the privilege too far. Opening it, she hopped out. The driver came around and took the door handle while Alexi slid free.

“Thanks, Vincent,” she said.