Then he studies another tray, gaze narrow on a ring in the middle.This one is quieter than the one he made me try on.It’s still elegant, a flawless emerald cut set in platinum, but it’s much cleaner.
Exactly his style.Clean.Ruthless.
Dangerous in its restraint.
A chill goes through me.It reminds me of him.
“Try this one.”
I hesitate.
“Don’t push me, Valentina.”
I’m smart enough to recognize the warning in his tone.If I go too far, embarrass him, there will be consequences that I don’t like.
He lifts it between his fingers.
Then, his dark eyes burning with a possessive intensity,he captures my hand and slides the jewelry into place.
The diamond settles perfectly at the base of my finger.
The size is perfect, as if it’s meant to be there all along.
Moretti’s gaze darkens slightly as he studies my hand.
“This is the one.”
The jeweler nods immediately.“An exceptional choice.”
I pull my hand back.“I didn’t choose it.”
Moretti leans forward.
Close enough that his presence fills the space between us, dark and overwhelming.
His fingers close around my hand again.
Slowly, deliberately, he turns my wrist so the diamond catches the light.“Look at it.”
I glare at him.
“Look, Valentina.”
Compelled to obey him, I drop my gaze to the stone.
The stone flashes, simultaneously fire and ice.
Very deliberately, he presses his thumb against the inside of my wrist, right over my pulse.
He can feel exactly how fast it’s beating.
“It’s perfect for you,” he says quietly.
My breath tightens.
“Perfect,” he reiterates, lifting my hand slightly.
I hate that he’s right.And I refuse to give him the satisfaction of saying so.
