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28
LACHLAN
Seeing Miranda in the office she’d made her own filled me with pride. Her star was rising, the thought of which put a smile on my face—my first in days.
I pointed at the scribbled work of art I’d gifted her. “I see you’ve hung it.”
Miranda gave a faint smile.
“It’s a reminder of me falling hard for you,” I admitted.
Her eyebrows narrowed. “You liked me then?”
I nodded. “It started when I walked into that room and caught you staring at art. Even with you wearing that ugly dress, I felt a tweak.”
She laughed. “A tweak?”
I sat on her desk and smiled.
“I like having that piece up there. It suits this place. I have a sentimental connection to it too.” She studied me. “The Condor was a bit generous, though.”
“I wanted you to have both. You propped me up when the wolves circled and the vixens were in their shadows.”
“That’s so poetic, Lachlan.”
I chuckled. “I’ll have plenty of time to write poems when I’m imprisoned.” I took a deep breath. “I also have to go to Geneva with Britney to collect my inheritance.” I laughed at how ludicrous that sounded. “My father’s doing. There are two billion dollars for me. But she has to be there.”
“Your father wanted her in the family, I guess.”
“He sure did. How fucking twisted is that?” I sniffed. “I have to go. I’m going to meet with my attorney and see what we can do.”
“But you can’t go to Geneva now, can you?”
“True. I can’t leave the country. Apparently, I’m a criminal.” I shook my head over my nightmare.
I held her and buried my nose in her soft hair, which smelled like a field of flowers. Then I gazed into her deep, dark eyes and touched my lips to hers. As I held Miranda in my arms, I extracted nourishment and courage from her warmth.
“Please don’t push me away,” I said.
She sighed. “I can’t push you away, even if I wanted to. I’m in love with you.”
“And I’m in love with you, Miranda Flowers. Madly.” Our eyes locked. Tears fell from her eyes, and I leaned in and kissed her damp cheek. “I’m sorry for making you sad.”
“I’d be sadder without you,” she admitted.
“You’re so beautiful.” I smiled. “Can we meet later on?”
“I have to arrange keys for my new place.”
“I wish you’d move into my apartment.”
She smiled. “It’s good like this for now.”
I twisted a strand of her silky hair around my finger. “I meant it, Miranda. I want to marry you.”
She gave me one of her searching stares. “Let’s just see,” she replied. “I should be free tonight after seven.”
“I’ll call you.” I kissed her again, and she followed me out into the gallery.
