235. Claudia
I didn't know how this dinner was going to end with me seated here.
"Sorry, I spaced out," I muttered, forcing a smile as I slid into the seat beside Carlos. His scent—rich, musky, and intoxicating—wrapped around me, making my already uneasy stomach twist.
"Why didn't you want to have supper with us?" My father's voice cut through the air, deep and commanding, a sound that usually steadied me. But tonight, it made my pulse stutter.
I dropped my gaze to the table, suddenly fascinated by the grain of the wood wishing that he would stop looking at me. "Sorry, Dad," I said quietly, knowing it wouldn’t be enough but offering nothing more.
A chuckle, smooth and teasing, made me lift my head.
"Wow, the mighty warrior is shy today."
Carlos.
I turned to him so fast I nearly kno
