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“Darling, I would never give you fakes.”
“No, of course. But Declan, these are too much.”
The sparkling earrings dangling against her long neck looked so perfect she could have made an advertisement for diamonds.
I stood back and nodded. “Stunning.”
“Thank you, Declan. I’m frightened of losing them.”
“They’re insured. Don’t worry.”
Her eyes grew wide. “Are they that expensive?”
“Let’s not talk money.” I glanced down at my watch. “We should be going.”
Theadora’s fingers slid down the silk lapel of my tuxedo. “You look so handsome. I love your hair styled back.”
Our eyes locked, and we fell into each other’s gaze, which happened every time I visited her spellbinding dark eyes.
I placed my arm around her and drew her in close. “You’re so much taller,” I said.
She raised her dress to show me her high heels. “I’m sure I’ll fall over. These are the highest shoes known to womankind.”
I laughed. “I prefer you in flats myself. I love how I can tuck you under my chin. You’re a perfect fit. In every sense.” My eyebrow raised, and she giggled.
“That’s nice. Only I’d dwarf all those supermodel exes of yours.”
I stroked her cheek. “That’s more Ethan’s scene than mine.”
Twenty minutes later, with Theadora on my arm, we walked through the filigree gates into Merivale.
Lanterns dispersed through the grounds made the trees and shrubs appear theatrical. Particularly the light show of changing colours splashing over the Mercury fountain capturing sprays of water.
“The grounds look stunning,” Theadora said, wobbling slightly as I helped her along. “I don’t know how I’d manage to walk without you here for balance.”
“I’ve got you. Remember that.” I stopped walking and turned to look at her. In the moonlight, she resembled a work of art. Her eyes wide and shining with apprehension.
“You’ve got nothing to worry about, darling. No one’s a patch on you. Money doesn’t buy elegance,” I said. “Remember that. Even in your uniform or jeans you display more grace than all those women in their expensive designer gowns combined.”
“You’re so nice.” A frown pushed away her smile. “Does your mother know about us? Does she know that I’m coming?”
Sucking back a sharp breath, I nodded. My mother’s disapproving frown flashed across my mind, after I revealed that Theadora had moved in with me. Knowing how sensitive this subject was, I hadn’t discussed my mother’s furious response with Theadora.
I took her hand, and together we climbed the stairs to the entrance of that imperial building I’d called home all my life.
When we entered, the guests stopped talking and watched us as though we were famous. I’m sure I heard a collective sigh and someone saying, “Declan’s seeing that maid.”
I couldn’t care less.
Through the crowd of guests, I spied my mother chatting to Cleo.
“Please don’t leave me,” Theadora whispered, squeezing the life out of my hand. “Not until I’ve had a few champagnes at least.”
“Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’ll be glued to your side.”
Savanah and a couple of her girlfriends were the first to greet us. She seemed to treat Theadora well enough, which I appreciated. If anyone was a snob in that family, it was normally my sister. But she’d started to treat Theadora respectfully after hearing her perform with Mirabel Storm.
“Hey there,” she said, reaching up and pecking my cheek.
