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I slipped my hand around my throat again, more nervous than ever. I seemed to remain flustered around the man, which was so unlike me. At least I was no longer biting his head off. We were making advancements in our relationship.
What was I saying? We didn’t have a relationship. We’d had sex.
Passionate, kinky, deliriously wicked sex. Several times. Oh, God. I was losing my mind. And I wanted more. I wanted the whole white dress wedding with the honeymoon.
“Thank you, Carlos. She is but at least she had family near her. I’d like you to meet my fiancée, Suzannah Warrington. Suzannah, this is Carlos Santia. He’s an old and very good friend of my father.”
“Fiancée,” Carlos exclaimed. “Reno. Bring a bottle of our finest champagne for our guests. We have reason to celebrate. Congratulations, my son. I thought for certain no one would ever be able to tame this man’s heart. He is so much like his father.” He took my hand into his, kissing my knuckles.
Reno beamed and it was obvious he and Kendrick also knew each other.
I didn’t want to burst his bubble since he seemed genuinely excited. “Thank you very much. It was truly a whirlwind romance.”
“I wish the best for both of you. Come. I have a selection you requested, my finest collection of Tacori Blue Diamonds.”
“Tacori Blue?” I asked. I was unusually flabbergasted. I knew their worth and their rarity. “That’s too much, honey bunny.”
Kendrick lifted a single eyebrow. “Honey bunny?” He was obviously amused at my choice of endearments.
“Yes,” I cooed in a babytalk kind of voice. “You’re all soft and squishy inside just like a fluffy bunny.”
I could tell by the look on his face that he’d get me back later. I couldn’t wait for the sparring festivities to begin.
“It’s so nice to see young love,” Carlos said longingly. “If only my wife felt the same after all these years.” He grinned and walked behind a counter. He took his time pulling out a special case, unfolding it and presenting the pieces.
I was floored. Speechless. They were perhaps the most gorgeous pieces of jewelry I’d ever seen.
“These are spectacular,” I whispered, noticing a young man had brought a champagne bucket with ice and two glasses to one of the small tables on the side. A linen towel was wrapped around his arm and he expertly opened the bottle. I could only imagine what brand of champagne was being served. What did Kendrick really think he was doing by plying me with expensive gifts? Was this all a show for my father?
Even if it was, he knew what I needed, which was to look the part of a woman in love with a powerful man, someone who could drown my father in his ruthlessness.
“Select whichever one you want, my darling pickle. With you, the sky is the limit.”
I cocked my head, glaring at him as he winked. The two of us were well suited for each other. Perhaps too much so.
“May I?” I asked as I selected one, lightly brushing my finger across the stunning jewels.
“Of course. Take your time. I will leave you alone. Leave the champagne,” Carlos directed, stepping back to provide us with a little privacy.
“Congratulations, Kendrick,” Reno told him.
Kendrick grinned. “She’s a handful.”
Reno gave me a nod then poured two glasses.
Then the two men disappeared behind a curtain. “One day, perhaps you’ll tell me the real story behind how you know each other.”
He chuckled. “Let’s just say Carlos was a mentor for a little while.”
“Ah. That means he’s organized crime.”
The look he gave me confirmed my suspicions. “Which would do you prefer?”
“What are you doing? This isn’t what we agreed to.”
“And what exactly did we agree to?”
I wasn’t certain how to answer the man. “I’m not the kind of woman who falls for any man attempting to impress me.” I laughed after issuing the words. “At least more than once.”
