Sergio looked into her eyes, as if trying to read her thoughts. Amelia held his gaze, wishing she could be more honest with him, but the words remained trapped in her throat. Instead, she took a sip of coffee, enjoying the warmth spreading through her body, though it failed to ease the coldness she felt inside.

"Amelia," Sergio said, breaking the silence, "I expect you not to mention at my house that we have an arrangement, let alone our commitment from yesterday. I want them to believe we've b