Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

"It's so hot out."

Anya shrugged. "I don't mind a bit of sunburn."

Milka looked her over, half-amused, half-envious. "Ah, to be young and fearless."

It was midday and the heat was relentless. Not a soul on the street, barely even a car rolling by. The sun baked the road signs until they shimmered, making the world waver like a mirage.

Anya walked along with a sun umbrella and a bag of fruit. After a few minutes, she needed a break, but the first bench she tried nearly burned through her jeans. She hopped up, dusted herself off, and found another seat in the shade. There, she dug into her fruit, savoring the cool sweetness.

By the time she made it home, only one orange remained from the four she'd bought. Half a box of lychees, too. She hit the supermarket downstairs for more and lugged her bounty upstairs.

Back home, the sheets and covers she'd washed that morning were fluffed up and sun-dried on the balcony. She made the bed, took a shower, and stretched out on the sofa for a blissful nap.

Later, Leo called. "Hey, still looking for the boys? They're both at the Cedillo place."

her nap, Anya headed over to the Cedillos'

meeting. He moved through the

Cedillo Group, sent there by his uncle. Now, sitting in Cedillo Inc.'s boardroom, he looked every inch

later, Leo gave out next week's priorities, still ignoring Alyna. He walked out, and she hurried after him.

early. She's coming to my place. Just grab a cab home; you can expense

off. "I

policy." He jingled his keys. "Alright, I'm out. See

felt the chill in his tone and looked at Chunky for some

ever-reliable middleman, shrugged. "He's picking up

even if she'd asked, it's what

entrance looked different than he remembered, but really, it

trailed by the two Henry boys, both eager

out of the

with kisses. "Did your Anya-sis sneak any kisses from you