Page 44 of Valentine’s Billionaire Auction

“You could’ve warned me!” I hissed.

“And missed the opportunity to make it genuine?” His smirk widened. “You looked like you enjoyed it.”

I opened my mouth to argue, but no words came out. Because, dammit, he was right. And after all the bruises to my ego today, it was nice to feel wanted.

I wasn’t about to admit that to him, though.

16

ROMAN

“The jewelry store?” Anthony asked.

“Yes.”

Kaira was sitting quietly looking just a little shell-shocked. The kiss might have been unnecessary. I could have just told the vultures she was my girlfriend. But once I saw her and the opportunity presented itself, I couldn’t resist.

Anthony eyed me with skepticism thinly veiled behind his otherwise impassive expression but he drove to the Beverly Hills area. There were paparazzi waiting outside the jewelry store. Someone had tipped them off, just like in the lobby. It was all part of the marketing push.

“Ready?” I asked her.

“I don’t know. What are we doing here?”

“Getting your engagement ring, my love.”

Once again, I shocked the hell out of her. “Seriously?”

“Can’t be engaged and not have a ring,” I said. “What kind of man do you think I am?”

She let out another loud, exaggerated sigh. “I don’t know if I’m ready for all this.”

“Just remember that none of this is real. Just try to have fun with it. I’m going to come around the car and get you out, okay?”

She nodded. “Okay.”

I stepped out of the car, smoothing my suit as I rounded to her side. The cameras began clicking immediately, capturing every move. I opened the door, offering Kaira my hand like a proper gentleman. She took it, her hand trembling slightly. As she stepped out, the flashbulbs intensified.

We walked together into the jewelry store. The manager, recognizing me instantly, hurried forward. I had called ahead and made sure we would have privacy while we browsed.

“Mr. Kelly, what an honor! How can we assist you today?”

“I need an engagement ring,” I stated, my voice calm and clear.

The staff greeted us warmly, their smiles polished to perfection as they welcomed us into the showroom. There was someone waiting to help us standing behind every case.

The store was well stocked with amazing pieces—glass cases lined with exquisite diamonds, emeralds, and rubies.

Kaira’s eyes widened as she took it all in, her lips parting in an unspoken gasp. For a moment, she looked like she might turn and bolt.

“You okay?” I asked, leaning in close.

“This is a lot,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

“It’s supposed to be,” I replied with a smirk. “Come on. Let’s find something befitting your beauty, huh?”

She rolled her eyes but I thought her cheeks reddened a bit. I led her to a counter where the jeweler had already prepared a tray of rings for her to choose from. The diamonds sparkled under the bright lighting, each one more dazzling than the last. Kaira hesitated, her hand hovering over the display.

“These cost more than I’ve made in my entire life,” she murmured, her tone somewhere between awe and disbelief.