“Evil bitch,” I griped, taking a large drink of my water. I glanced down as Daniil wrapped an arm around my back, pulling me in closer. He placed a long, red colored velvet box in front of me with his other hand.
“I got you a little something,” he whispered in my ear.
I stared. And slowly picked up the box. It was heavy. “What is it?”
Daniil brushed my hair behind my ear. “Open it and see.”
The group entering was loud and rowdy, no one actually—for once—paying attention to us. Except for Ember next to me. She had gone mute, blatantly staring at the box, her hand at her throat where she wore an interesting necklace that probably cost a fortune, but the silver was shaped like skulls, the eyes diamonds—large ones. Not really my cup of tea, but morbidly beautiful nonetheless.
Slowly, I opened it, and…just about fainted. Inside was the most beautiful black and white pearl necklace I had ever seen. Fumbling the gift, as I literally slumped, Daniil tightened his hold on me. He caught my hands under the box, keeping both it and me steady. The pearls were enormous and it would wrap around my throat a few times over.
“I can’t accept this,” I murmured. It was too much.
“Nonsense. It’s yours,” Daniil stated calmly. “I know you like jewelry, and I made sure not to get you earrings.”
Ember nudged me—softly—whispering fiercely, “Take it. It’s fucking gorgeous. Light and dark. Like the two of you.”
Yeah. Like I hadn’t already understood that.
“Butt out,” I mumbled, closing the lid before anyone else could see. I peered at Daniil straight on, ready to argue with him. I stopped and stared. Groaned. “Jesus. It’s not fair.” I let my head fall against his suit jacket covered shoulder. “You look amazing. And I look like shit.” Understatement.
He had tied his hair back from his face, and all of those sharp angles were on full display, his eyes even more intense than normal. His suit was tailored to fit his large body perfectly. He looked like a million bucks while I sat here looking like a pile of dog poo.
A sweaty, disgusting pile of dog poo.
He kissed my damp forehead, brushing my hair back. “Is that a thank you?” His next words were hesitant. “Or do you not like the necklace?”
I clutched the box to my chest, suddenly wanting them as I had never wanted any other materialistic item before. “No, I love it. I’ll keep it. Thank you.”
“Running a little hot and cold tonight, aren’t you?” Ember asked.
“Butt. Out,” I griped loudly, feeling very much irritable. Thank you, boat ride.
She held her hands up, a small look of surprise on her face, which she quickly banished, glancing out toward the door. Her mouth dropped open, asking in a hushed whisper, “Is that your parents coming in?”
“What?” I squeaked, pushing off Daniil.
But…no one was there.
Ember snorted with amusement. My stomach rolled.
I was very tempted to puke on her.
She scooted her chair closer to Stash, watching me closely, no longer laughing.
“Leave her alone, Ember,” Daniil stated gruffly, pulling me back against him as the rowdy group took their seats. He leaned over my head. “And I wouldn’t suggest coming into her room tonight unless you’d like to sleep in a bed with Beth and me.”
Ember’s face turned ashen before she quickly looked away, playing with her necklace.
I patted Daniil’s leg with my free hand, still gripping the necklace box with the other. “Thank you.”
“That was mean of her when you’re not feeling well,” he griped quietly, practically pulling me off my chair into his lap. “Are you sure you can’t go lie down?” His expression turned brutal. “I think I should talk to your boss.”
I stared. “You do that and I’m going to shave off your hair in the middle of the night.” He may be one scary motherfucker, but he was very much vain. His feet, perfect hair, and grooming proved that.
Grigori snickered across from me where he was sitting.
I glared at him, not in the mood for everyone fucking eavesdropping.
