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She wrapped the sheet around her body, the material scratchy against her skin. He stalked into the living room to retrieve his cloak and gloves. Jade followed.
Turning back to her, he said, “I didn’t mean to drop by, make love to you and then immediately leave.”
She knew that, so she teased him. “This would be referred to as a booty call in the early 2000s.”
“You have a very endearing sense of humor.”
“Go,” she insisted, because he lingered, seemingly reluctant to walk out the door. “You replenished my wood pile, brought me a book and gave me multiple orgasms. You’re exonerated from moral corruption.”
His head dipped and he kissed her. “I know it only makes things worse, but I meant what I said earlier.”
He reached for the brass lever, but didn’t yank the door open. Instead, he faced Jade again. His gaze slid over her and something indefinable sparkled in his beautiful amber eyes. His hand slipped into his pocket and he retrieved one more gift for her.
Handing over an elaborately designed box, he said, “This is a very precious family heirloom. I wouldn’t want to give it to anyone other than you. Ever.”
Her brows knitted as she debated removing the lid to see what was inside. Was there a point to accepting something he so greatly coveted?
Taking the decision out of her hands, he removed the lid himself. She gaped. The necklace atop silver satin folds was, by far, the most stunning thing she’d ever laid eyes on, with the exception of Davian’s chiseled-to-perfection body. Her fingers grazed the raised, diamond-studded center of the star. The piece was delicate and mesmerizing.
“I realize you won’t be able to wear it in the village,” he said. “There would be questions as to where it came from. And I wouldn’t want it to be a homing beacon for demons outside my alliance. They’d know it belongs to me.”
“Then why…?” Her gaze lifted. “Davian.” Realization quickly dawned, with the help of the possessive look in his eyes. “You didn’t give this to me when you first arrived because you?
??d planned to present the idea of me marrying Michael. Now that you’re convinced I have no intention of ever doing that… You want to stake your own claim. Even if it’s just in theory.”
“Yes.” He didn’t apologize for the convoluted idea.
“You don’t have to give me jewelry to do that.”
“It’s symbolic. Like…a ring on your finger.”
Her heart sank. “One you can never place on me.”
“Correct.”
But could she wear his necklace? She only needed to contemplate this for a brief moment, understanding the gesture and its significance. Yes, she could wear it. Even if it was only in the privacy of her own home.
Despite this, she said, “It’s a bit much, Davian. Too extravagant.”
“Jade, nowhere is it dictated that you have to live without an extravagance from time to time. You earn a wage at the tavern, but what do you spend it on, other than food and clothing?”
“I’m saving my money,” she said. “Perhaps I’ll travel to California someday. See what all the fuss is about electricity.”
“If you want electricity, I’ll give you electricity.”
“We’ve had this discussion before,” she reminded him. “And for God’s sake, there’s nothing more momentous you can give me than your honesty. Even when it disconcerts you to blurt things you believe are best left unsaid. I prefer to hear them.”
“I couldn’t possibly want another woman more than I want you.” His lips swept over hers. “Take the necklace, Jade.”
* * *
Davian lifted the priceless piece from the satin and set the box on the small table next to the door. Placing the jewels around her neck and securing the clasp, he said, “This looks just right on you.”
The large star sat below the hollow of her throat. Her fingers touched it again as she stared up at him.
The gift of immortality would not be invoked unless he chose to attempt it. Which he wouldn’t. For all the reasons he’d shared with Morgan.
Jade asked, “You’ll come for it when you find someone else, yes?”
