Page 45 of Valentine’s Billionaire Auction

“Nothing but the best for you,” I said, picking up a ring with a center diamond so large it could blind someone in direct sunlight. “Try this one.”

She hesitated but eventually let me slide the ring onto her finger. The diamond caught the light perfectly, throwing tiny rainbows across her skin. Kaira stared at it, her brow furrowing as though she couldn’t comprehend what she was seeing.

“It’s too much,” she said, her voice shaky.

“Nothing is too much,” I replied firmly. “Pick the one you like.”

“But—”

“No ‘buts.’ This is part of the deal, Kaira. You’re going to wear my ring, and if I have to choose it for you, it’s going to make a statement.”

Her gaze darted between the ring and the others on the tray. Finally, she pointed to one—a more conservative design, though still worth an obscene amount of money. The solitaire diamond was elegant and understated, just like her.

“Are you sure?” I asked as I picked it up.

She nodded. “That one is more me, compared to that other beautiful monster.”

I slid the more elegant ring on her finger and stepped back, taking her in. She looked radiant. It wasn’t just the way it sparkled under the light. It was the way her eyes softened when she looked at it, the way her lips curved into a small, hesitant smile. It felt so real.

“It looks good,” I said, my voice softer than I intended. “It suits you.”

Kaira stared at the ring, her fingers trembling slightly. “I can’t believe this is real.”

“It’s real,” I assured her, taking her hand in mine, playing along. She was a better actress than I had expected. “And now, let’s give them a real show, shall we?”

I gestured toward the windows, where the media was still buzzing. Without waiting for her response, I leaned down and pressed a kiss to her knuckles, holding her gaze as the cameras went wild.

I pulled back. “Alright, let’s buy this.”

I pulled out my black card and quickly paid for the ring.

“Shouldn’t we put this in the box?” she asked.

“No, you should wear it.”

She looked down at her hand. “Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“What if I get mugged?”

I had to bite back my laugh. “For one, you’re with me. And we’re in Beverly Hills. You’re not getting mugged. Just try not to leave it on a sink somewhere and you’ll be fine.”

We left the jewelry store and continued our shopping adventure. I took her to one of the most exclusive boutiques in the city, available by appointment only. The staff greeted us with champagne. There were no price tags on anything because, if you had to ask, you couldn’t afford it.

She was hesitant, fidgeting nervously as the salespeople brought out racks of clothes for her to try. Good thing about the price tags. If she had any idea how much these outfits were worth, she’d run away screaming.

“Either you pick what you want, or I do it for you,” I said. “We talked about this. I figured you’d prefer to choose. You said you didn’t want me to dress you up like a doll.”

“I did.”

“See? I listen.”

“I just feel so silly, so much fuss just for me,” she said quietly. “I’m not used to it.”

“Just ignore everything but the clothes. Find yourself something nice.” I sat in one of the plush velvet chairs and shooed her away. “Or I’m just going to choose the shortest dresses with the lowest necklines.”

Kaira scowled at me. “Okay, okay. I’ll look.”