“The more you argue, the more I buy,” I warn.
“Fine, whatever,” she snarls.
I kiss the back of her hand, exit the vehicle, toss the keys to the valet, and offer Audrey my hand.She accepts my help out of the car and smooths her hand over her ponytail.
“I just want to point out I didn’t argue, only mildly protested.One item is more than enough,” she says.
I place her hand in the crook of my elbow and make a noncommittal noise in the back of my throat.Her exasperated huff as I lead her into the shop proves she’s no idiot.As we step over the threshold, I lean down and whisper in her ear.
“We’re not leaving until you’ve chosen three full sets.”
After a brief interaction with the salesperson, I study Audrey’s reaction to each piece closely.At first, she glances over the items in the display case with little interest, but when I insist she try on everything and slip the first bracelet around her wrist, her eyes spark with wonder.
Almost two hours later—and over half a dozen necklaces, rings, watches, bracelets, hairclips, headbands, and anklets each set aside for purchase—Audrey glances at the door with longing.
Worry squeezes my throat, but I relax my shoulders and press my hip against my baby doll as I lean my elbow on the display case to better see her face.
If we don’t find what I’m looking for here, then I’ll drag her to the next jeweler.Then the next.And the next.We’ll visit every shop in New York City if we must.
The saleswoman lifts the lid on a large box to reveal a set of earrings, necklace, and bracelet.The simple, elegant designs perfectly highlight the high carat diamonds.
Audrey stares in awed silence.The woman opens a smaller box and tilts it to show the coordinating set of couple’s wedding rings.
My baby doll unknowingly gives me exactly what I want as yearning fills her sparkling green orbs.Satisfaction roars through me.
I let the saleswoman handle the fitting, but vow to slip the engagement ring onto her finger myself soon.
After I propose.
I want Audrey to be my wife.I need her by my side.
My baby doll just picked out her own wedding ring and doesn’t even know it yet.She hides her pleasure behind a disinterested mask, but even after we move on to the next set of items, she steals glances at the boxes.
Her enthusiasm wanes, and she eyes the door again.When she requests a restroom break, I kiss the back of her hand and tell her to hurry back.
She scurries away.I tell the saleswoman to place Audrey’s favorite as the most important piece in my list of purchases and coordinate the resizing and engraving.
A feminine voice calls my name from the front of the store.
To my horror, Marilyn Swanson squeals and scampers through the display cases toward me.She grabs my arm and presses her surgically enhanced curves against me in her typical greeting.The last time she batted her fake lashes and pouted at me was at Matteo Ricco and Brook Simons’s wedding, but I shook her off and warned her against touching me again.
I try to shrug her off now, but she clings to my sleeve like a bur.Her high-pitched giggle feels like nails on a chalkboard.
She thinks she’s invincible because she’s heiress to the largest corporation in New York, but one glance across the store reveals her end is nigh.
Audrey stalks through the glittering diamonds and shiny gold without sparing the jewelry a single glance.
Her eyes remain narrowed on Marilyn’s cloying grip on my arm.
Joy blooms in my soul.
My sweet little baby doll rushes to my aid with vengeance in her eyes, fire in her hair, and purpose in every elegant stride.
I’m hers.Always and only hers.
Anticipation and excitement quicken my heart rate.
I can’t wait to watch her claim me.
