Page 44 of The Sniper
CHAPTER TEN
TIFFANY
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Iwould like my diamondsback.I haven’t said that to anyone, because, you know, poor me and all that.
But they’re sentimental.Dad gave them to me on my eighteenth birthday.
They would look amazing with this black Prada dress, but tonight I’m contracted to wear a set of Maison diamonds.It’s part of our broader agreement.
If I’m wearing diamonds, I’m wearing theirs.
Of course, the police advised me to stop wearing anything blingy, but they don’t understand the business end of things and what’s at stake.I’d be in breach of my agreement, and because they agreed to stay in partnership with me, I’m not doing anything to jeopardize that.
Still, mine would have looked amazing and a pang of sadness washes over me.
I always received comments when I’d wear them.Nadia especially loved them.After a video announcing the new Diamond Luxe line, she showed up on my doorstep.
“I have to see them.Tell me they are real.”She gushed.
“Of course they are.”I laughed.“Follow me.They are my pride and joy.Until I have kids...and maybe even then.”
We’d giggled while I’d unlocked the safe and tugged out the black velvet box.
“They’re stunning,” she sighed, gently touching them.
“Try it on if you’d like,” I offered.
She was my neighbor and friend, after all.
“Can I?”Her big eyes lifted to mine.
“Here, let me put it on you.”I lifted the heavy diamond necklace and nudged her over to the mirror, then put it on her.
“Oh my.I need to take a selfie.It never hurts to show your man some inspiration.”She winked.
She’s referring to Alexei.
Both she and Alexei immigrated from Russia a year ago and moved in next door.He’s the typical tall, large, and broody type.I think his English is limited.
Nadia does a lot of the talking.
I’ve always thought they came here for her career.She has a social media following of over twenty million.Nadia is a dancer and has a range of merchandise as well as partnerships around the world.
Whether Alexei can afford to buy her diamonds, I don’t know, but she sent him a hint that day, and so far I haven’t seen her with one.
One thing Nadia is not is private.
She is a little chatterbox.
It’s how we became friends.That and when she moved in, she was knocking on my door almost every week with gifts, baked goods, and invites to parties she was hosting.
My schedule was crammed full for the entire year, and when I had a gap, I loved my alone time.Whipping up a smoothie and opening my e-reader to read the latest romcom was my idea of fun.
