Page 77 of The Merciless King

Loudly.

Thank god for soundproofing.

“She probably just wants to check in on my pregnant friend who was rushed to the hospital.” Mia frowns. “Which never happened.”

She hated lying to Gianna and I’ve had to remind her multiple times the reason we are doing this. We had to get her out of the bar so Braxton could do his thing.

As in, go undercover.

Which he’s done at warp speed, surprising all of us.

But it says a lot about my wife’s character that she hates lying and cares about the Baldassare princess. That she was once in her shoes is part of it. I totally get it.

Well, I don’t, but I’m trying to.

Being married is a job. It’s much easier managing soldiers who just follow instruction.

Mia? She’s more likely to disregard anything I say if it’s an order.

Sexy little brat.

“Or she might be wanting information on Braxton on behalf of her father,” Mack says. “We need to listen in.”

Mia and Summer share a look I don’t understand. It’s not like we are asking her to discuss her menstrual damn cycle.

“Mia,” I press.

“Fine.” She sighs, pulling her phone out.

While the rest of us take seats around the glass coffee table—Summer on Mack’s knee—Mia paces in front of the electric fire as the call connects.

“Mia,” Gianna’s Italian American accent fills the room.

“Hey, Gia.” Mia’s voice holds a smile, but she then bites her lip. “Sorry I didn’t reply earlier.”

“That’s okay. I’ve just finished yoga,” Gianna replies and the noise in the background gives the impression she’s on the move.

“Did I catch you at a bad time? Are you driving?” Mia asks her.

“No, no. I have an instructor come to the house. He is just leaving,” she says. “Now, how is your friend?”

Mia shoots me a told you so look.

I shrug.

Then glance at Mack, who is looking my way with a smirk. Dick.

“Fortunately, nothing to worry about. A false alarm.” Mia turns away from us. She hates lying. She can’t look us in the eye.

It makes me happy.

An honest woman is all I ever wanted.

Well, that’s not true. I only ever wanted Mia.

“That is good news. I was disappointed we didn’t get much time together, but it was nice to see you.”

“Same,” Mia says. “I hope Braxton behaved.”

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