Page 16 of Innocent Union
“I’m all right,” I say softly.
And for once, I realize that what I said is true.
I feel all right.
CHAPTER 4
Mia
My mom is still fussing over me as we leave the hotel. “I can’t believe Killian did that. He was out of line.”
“All he did was dance with me, Mom,” I tell her. As we get into our car, our driver starts to take us home. “It wasn’t like he committed a crime.”
“In my eyes, he did. He knows he shouldn’t be touching you. If this gets out to other men, it will ruin your chances even more.”
I sigh, dropping my head back against the seat. “I think the other men already don’t care. I heard them talking about me when I went to the bathroom.”
“What did they say?” She smooths her hand over my dress. Even now when it’s just the two of us, my mom is still trying to make me look more perfect.
“They … they said some really mean things.”
“Tell me,” she demands.
My eyes flick to our driver and back to my mom. This is so humiliating. “They made it sound like I was only good for … having sex with and nothing else.”
Mom gasps. “No. Antonio and I made sure to find good men who would be interested in marrying you.”
“They’re not interested in marrying me, Mom. They also said I wasn’t even pretty enough to have sex with.” Tears prick my eyes, but I hold them back. I’m tired of crying over this.
“That can’t be. Mia, you’re my beautiful daughter. Don’t let anyone make you think otherwise.”
I huff. “It’s kind of tough when everyone acts like I’m ugly. These men. Lucia.”
“Don’t mind Lucia. She’s just going through her bratty teenage phase. Trust me. You and your sisters all went through the same thing.”
“Did we?”
She pauses, then says, “Well, not quite as bad. Lucia is an extra kind of bratty at the moment.”
“Could it have something do with Franco?” I ask quietly. Mom tenses like she always does whenever Franco is mentioned.
“Why do you ask?”
“Because it’s been a year since he died, and he was like the twins’ father. They miss him.”
Mom looks away from me. “I wish they wouldn’t.”
“You always tell them it’s ok for them to miss him.”
“Of course, I say that. They’re my children. But I wish I could put Franco behind me, and the twins make that impossible.”
I hesitate to ask, but it’s been on my mind for a while. “Mom … are the twins …” I gulp. “I’ve heard rumors about Franco being their dad.”
Mom sighs, turning back to me. “I guess it’s time you knew the truth. Yes. They are.”
Now, it’s my turn to tense. “But … how? You always hated Franco.”
“I did. I still do, even though he’s long dead. It wasn’t exactly my choice to be with him.”
