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At the center of the ring rests a breathtaking sapphire, its deep blue hue captivating and rich, drawing the eye irresistibly. I want to lie to myself and pretend away the reason I chose that specific gem, but I can’t. I chose it because it reminded me of the color of his eyes. As soon as I saw the ring, it called to me. Surrounding the sapphire are smaller, exquisitely cut diamonds.
I twirl the ring on my finger, watching as it shimmers, catching the light. It’s beyond extra but surprisingly suited to my tastes. If I had ever imagined getting married and having a ring on my finger, this would have been the perfect ring for me. I might not be doing this willingly, but I’m willing to find avenues to enjoy it.
Which is why I also got a dress while I was out shopping. My phone dings with an incoming text, and I pick it up to read Nico’s message, stating that he’ll be here in thirty minutes. Which is just enough time for me to finish getting ready. I already took a shower earlier, so I quickly blow-dry my hair before curling it and giving it some volume, and then I put on some light makeup.
In exactly thirty minutes, I’m ready. Grabbing my purse, I head downstairs. The valet in front of the building nods politely as I pass. I draw a few stares as soon as I step outside. At first, I was confused. But then I hear a low humming noise, right before a sleek, black Bentley glides to a stop in front of me.
The back door swings open with a quiet, effortless motion, and there he is. Nico steps out, moving with a confidence that seems to claim the space around him. He's dressed in an impeccable dark suit, tailored to perfection. The fabric hugs his broad shoulders, and the deep navy color makes his eyes even more striking.
I can't help but stare, despite the resentment that simmers just beneath the surface of my skin. His hair is styled to perfection, a tousled look that manages to be both casual and meticulously groomed. His eyes, always that piercing shade of blue, lock onto mine with an intensity that sends an unwelcome shiver down my spine.
He adjusts the cuffs of his crisp white shirt, the glint of his silver cufflinks catching the light. Every movement is precise, calculated, and it makes my teeth clench. He walks over to stand in front of me, his eyes gliding over me. He takes in the ring first, his expression blank, although a catch a glint of satisfaction in them for a passing moment. Then, his eyes move downward.
My dress is red and strapless, hugging my curves in all the right places. It has a sweetheart neckline that reveals a hint of my cleavage. His gaze travels from the slit of my dress, lingering a moment too long on the exposed length of my leg before moving upward. I see his jaw tighten and his nostrils flare slightly as he takes in the fitted bodice and the way the dress clings to my curves.
His fingers twitch, as if he is resisting the urge to reach out and touch me. I can tell I’ve affected him, gotten under his skin. Mission accomplished.
“You look beautiful, mi vida,” he says, the tone of his voice cool and controlled. “Although, the dress could be considered a little much for a simple dinner.”
I smile, my tone biting as I say, “The same could be said for the car. A Bentley? Really, Nico?”
“We’re making a statement, sweetheart. Tonight, the both of us take the first steps along the road to winning the keys to our kingdom.”
Our kingdom? It’s a kingdom I don’t want. And I certainly never will. Still, I smile with practiced ease. This smile is a little more sincere, knowing I have a role to play for the rest of the night. I can stick to a script fairly easily.
“Can we go?”
He nods, opening the car door and gesturing for me to head inside. I settle down inside the luxurious car, my back hitting the plush leather seats. Every detail in the Bentley's interior speaks of meticulous craftsmanship and exquisite taste. The air is scented with a faint hint of leather and luxury, mingling with the subtle aroma of the high-end materials.
Nico appears on the other side, settling down beside me. He nods once and the car starts. The driver quickly leaves my building behind. I finally look up at the two men in the front seat and gasp softly. I sit up, leaning forward.
“Vlad?” I question. He turns around, and I grin. “Oh my God, it’s you. I thought for sure Nico would have gotten rid of you in the past ten years. How have you been?”
He offers me a small smile. “Very well, Ms. Maranzano. It’s good to see you again,” he says politely.
Vlad used to work for my father, which is how he and Nico met. They started working together almost as soon as Nico was accepted into the business, and they were instantly close. He was my guard for a little while when I was seventeen. We spent every single day together back then. I like him. A lot more than his dumb boss.
He can be a bit dry, unflinching, and stern. But I know he’s loyal to a fault and would go to great lengths to protect the people he cares about.
“You too,” I say softly. “And him?” I ask, gesturing toward the olive-skinned driver who faces forward with a rigid seriousness, keeping his eyes on the road.
I’ve never seen him, so he must be a fairly new addition.
“Khalil is the boss’ driver, ma’am. He joined us a couple of years ago,” Vlad informs me.
“Nice to meet you, Khalil.”
A nod is all I get in reply.
When I look to the side at Nico, he arches an eyebrow right before he reaches for the control panel near the center console. In one swift motion, a transparent screen silently rises between us, effectively cutting off any further attempt at conversation with the men in front.
I lean back in my seat and glare at him.
“What the hell was that for?”
“Don’t talk to my guards,” he says pointedly, before returning his attention to the road ahead.
“So what? I’m supposed to talk to you, instead? In case you weren’t aware, I can’t stand you,” I spit out, making sure to enunciate each word carefully.
