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“I was only in that meeting for an hour. When did this happen?” I ask, again keeping my tone even.
“Almost as soon as you went into your meeting, Miss Barone. Apparently, there are one thousand and twelve roses. However, I didn’t personally count them.”
Pain sparks in my jaw as I clench it so tightly to ensure I don’t say anything unbecoming.
Asshole.
“There’s also a note and a long black box on your desk as well,” he adds, obviously nervous to tell me there’s more.
A high-pitched screech pierces my ears, and I almost stumble back over my heels. “What the fuck is that?” I now notice the black bird cage amongst the roses. He did not get me a fucking bird.
“I believe that’s a hyacinth macaw, ma’am.”
I stare at him wide-eyed.
“Your suitor seems to be into exotic things.” He jests but his expression quickly slackens and he clears his throat.
My phone buzzes in my pocket. I’m so surprised I forgot I was holding onto paperwork and awkwardly fish it out from the pocket of my dress.
Unknown number.
I never want to see another man bring you any form of rose. You’d do well to stay away from Dmitri Volkov.
A sharp breath ceases my lungs and I’m doing everything to not explode. This man knows exactly how to push my buttons.
Overcompensating much? And the fucking bird?
A reminder I like caged things.
My teeth grind as I turn to Liam. “You seem to know a lot about birds.”
His eyes light up. “Actually, I do. We used to have all types of birds on the ranch I grew up on.”
“Then consider it yours. Let everyone know they can take however many roses they want. At the end of the day, if there’s any left, throw them out.”
Liam seems taken aback. “Are y-you sure? Hyacinth macaws are expensive, and the roses are—” At my deadpan expression, he shuts up. When his gaze looks at the bird again, I can see his eyes light up like he hit the jackpot. At least one of us is finding enjoyment from this.
Walking down the aisle of roses I realize Luca is trying – and perhaps successfully bringing out my inner crazy.
I come to a stop at the long black box finished with a black ribbon. A note is tucked underneath the ribbon. Placing my paperwork on the desk, I pick it up and open it.
I will be taking you out for dinner tonight.
Be downstairs at seven.
Luca
The note crumples in my hand as I pull on the ribbon. When I open the box, a nasty hiss escapes me at his expectation and insinuation. A beautiful, green crotchless lingerie piece with diamonds sparkles from the box. It’s exotic. Expensive. There’s most likely only a few, if not the only one made considering its brand.
I bite the tip of my nail as I look around the ridiculousness of my office. This was as obnoxious as any declaration. Where other women might’ve swooned, I wanted to vomit. When my father hears of this, I’m certain he’ll bring forward our agreement to a sooner date.
Fuck it. I don’t have much time now anyway. It’s time to go all out.
I consider the lingerie.
The bird squawks again, being the last thing to break my fraying nerves.
18
