Chapter 11

• As soon as Rafael Castellano turned and walked away, Maya felt her breath hitch, her pulse still pounding in her ears. She didn’t know what it was about him that left her so rattled—the intensity of his gaze, the dark edge in his tone, or the overwhelming feeling that he wasn’t just anyone. He was someone significant. Too significant.
• Without giving herself time to think, she made her way to her mother, who was standing near the dessert table with Victor, laughing softly at something he’d said. Maya forced herself to plaster on a polite smile as she approached them.
• “Mom,” she said, trying to keep her voice steady, “I just realized I have to take care of something. I need to head out early.”