Page 74 of The Devil’s Feather

It was perfect. “God, I love dating a bisexual man with fabulous hair.”

He laughed. “Now you need jewelry.”

My heart sank. “I don’t really have any.”

The vast majority of my jewelry was cheap costume. I loved my quirky acrylic pieces, but that wouldn’t do for a formal event. The only real stuff I had was small, outdated family heirlooms. Definitely not suited to a formal event.

Rafael dug in the closet and came back with three navy leather jewelry boxes stamped ‘Mikimoto.’ He set them on the vanity and gently turned me to face the mirror. Around my neck, he draped an exquisite black pearl lariat necklace with a diamond clasp meant to be worn in the front. Spaced apart on a white gold chain, an oil slick sheen danced across the pearls’ surfaces.

“This is gorgeous!” I cautiously touched the pearl dangling at the loose end of the lariat.

“The pearls move.” He slid them back and forth on the chain. They stayed where he positioned them.

“I’ve never worn anything this nice before.” Worry caught me in its teeth. “Are you sure? What if I mess it up?”

Rafael cupped my chin. “It is not that fragile. Just do not spray pearls with perfume or hairspray.”

He clasped the matching bracelet around my wrist. The earrings had two pearls each in graduated sizes on a white gold chain suspended from a little diamond ball.

I put them in my ears with exaggerated care. “Why do you have these?”

He took my hand and kissed the palm. “Would you like the truth or a pretty lie?”

My stomach did a backflip, but I chose courage. “The truth, please.”

“I bought the set for Molly, but never had the chance to give them to her before everything went to shit, and I liked the pearls too much to return them. If you do not want to wear them, I understand.”

“Do you associate these pieces with her? No? Then that’s silly. I’d love to wear them.”

His smile was full of relief. “I appreciate your pragmatism. Do not worry. I will not foist castoffs on you in the future.”

I twirled in the mirror. “If all the castoffs are this nice, I’ll take ‘em. If I’m your windup girl, then it’s only fair you get to dress me up.”

Eye crinkles. He liked that.

Rafael drove slower than usual, and let me put on a Sleep Token album. The growling guitars and Vessel’s familiar, plaintive vocals relaxed me. Given that the venue was in Emerald Hills, I was grateful for the gentler pace through the narrow, winding streets.

We came to a grand white Victorian. Rafael gave the keys to a valet and escorted me inside. Past the foyer with an enormous marble staircase, we stepped into the main ballroom, into the sparkling sea of beautiful people. The weight of eyes landing on us stole my breath. I stumbled against him, and he steadied me.

“These people are not better than you,” Rafael whispered.

I dug my fingernails into my palms and took a deep breath. Rafael waved over a passing server and snagged two glasses of champagne.

“Oh my god, you actually came!” A bearded, round-faced man with deep brown skin and sparkling eyes hurried over. He wore an ivory shirt open to the waist, showing off his dadbod and tasteful gold necklaces, with draped, loose ivory pants and gold sandals. A beaded brocade corset belt cinched it all together.

I couldn’t help myself. “Your outfit is gorgeous! I mean, you’re gorgeous too. I just really love what you’re wearing.”

“Oh, I like you already. Mm hmm, I’m a whole banquet.” He gave me a spin and tossed his shining, shoulder-length black hair. “Rafael, who is this enchanting creature?” Taking my hand with a flourish, he kissed it. “She’s far too good for you.”

I laughed, delighted.

“She is.” Rafael laid a hand on my shoulder, almost possessively. “Elaine Parham, this is Mandeep Singh.”

Mandeep shook my hand with so much enthusiasm his bracelets chimed. “So lovely to meet you!”

He clasped both hands over mine. Normally, that much physical contact from a stranger set my teeth on edge, but Mandeep’s effusive warmth felt safe.

“You, too! How do you know each other?”