Page 313 of Valentino

“Okay.”

“Okay?” I frown. “Because I’m okay to tell people…if you’re okay with it.”

His eyes hold mine.

“The truth is I really don’t want to take my ring off,” I say all whiney.

He breaks into a breathtaking broad smile. “So don’t take it off.”

“You sure?”

“Never been surer.”

“Oh, that reminds me. Did I leave the velvet ring box in your car?” I ask.

“Didn’t see it.”

“Hmm, I need it.”

“What for?”

“Well because…. Your mom kept it for all those years and it’s vintage and beautiful velvet, and I get it and lose it on the same day.”

He rolls his eyes. “There is only one place it can be. My car or at my father’s.”

“That’s two places.”

“Let’s go.”

Half an hour later.

Hand in hand we walk up the stairs of the swanky club.

It’s dark and moody, chandeliers hang low and everything feels so luxurious. Photographers were outside taking pictures, security guards are everywhere, and the place is absolutely packed to the rafters with beautiful people.

“What kind of club is this?” I whisper.

“A nightclub, Anna.”

“Oh.”

“So it’s not a strip club or a sex club?” I whisper. “Or a brothel or something exotic.”

Amusement flashes across his face. “Just a regular old club, sweetheart.”

“Good.” I nod. “I just wanted to know if I was going to see people doing cocaine and having sex and whatnot.”

“Oh.” He chuckles. “You’ll most definitely see that.”

“Will I?” I widen my eyes.

“Might even be you.” He winks, lifts my hand to his lips and kisses my fingertips.

The thing is…this man is such a deviant that I don’t know if he’s joking.

We get to the top of the stairs and the entire club collectively turns and looks at us.

“Oh…no,” I whisper.