Page 113 of Temporary Vows

“Sit here.” I point to the chair directly beside me.

Her jaw clenches, but she sits and pours herself coffee.

“It’s strange seeing you here for breakfast,” she states, keeping her gaze on the dark coffee filling her cup.

As expected, she’s distant. And that’s not a bad thing.

“I have something for you.”

She faces me, curiosity taking the edge off her gaze. “What is it?”

I reach into my pocket, retrieve the small velvet ring box, and hold it out. Her sea-green eyes widen, betraying the flicker of excitement she’s trying to suppress.

A soft gasp escapes her when I flip the box open, revealing a custom piece from Graff. It’s an emerald-cut diamond, substantial enough to catch every shard of light and throw it back twice as sharp.

She goes still, then her gaze flicks back up to me.

“This is… too much.” She breathes out a ragged sigh and looks like she doesn’t quite know what to do with herself.

“Don’t you like it?” That’s not possible. No woman on earth would hate this ring.

“I… love it. It’s just too much. I’ve already taken enough of your money. I don’t need something so…expensive.”

“If you like it, it’s yours.” I give her a clipped smile. “Give me your hand.”

She stares at me for a moment, and I can practically see her mind turning over with thoughts. Then, hesitantly, she stretchesout her hand. I take it and slide the ring onto her finger. It fits perfectly. The same way I know she’d fit me.

Something primal settles inside me as I stare at the ring on her long, graceful finger.

It feels official now.

Like she’s really mine.

She studies the ring, too, but her eyes hold no emotion. I can’t even guess what she’s thinking.

“The press are still following us,” I say, getting back to business.

“Following?” Her eyes dart back to me.

“Don’t panic. I have people on the lookout. They’ll make sure nothing gets out of hand.”

“Okay. I guess that works.”

“This will cause a new stir.”

“I can imagine so.” Her eyes float back to the ring sparkling on her finger. “Thank you,” she says, as if she’s just remembered her manners.

I give her a clipped smile. “Now that’s in order, we can move forward.”

Her gaze locks on mine. “What does that look like from here?”

The question feels like a callback to the other night, and I know she wants an explanation for my actions. I can’t give it to her, so I do the next best thing.

“Wedding and a baby. We stick to the contract.” I’m blunt on purpose, sounding no different from how I would in a business meeting with strangers who are only interested in what I can do with their money.

My tone leaves no room for delusion and hits the mark. She curls her fingers inward.

“Sure.” She tries to compose herself, but the tremor in her hand gives her away. “The wedding planner will be heretomorrow to finalize everything. Should I email you the details, so you can agree to them?” She changes the subject quickly.