Page 47 of Savage Games

Diamonds.

Emeralds.

Sapphires.

Both platinum and gold settings.

Each at least ten carats and in every shape imaginable: emerald, princess, marquis, round, pear.

As I looked closer, I could see a signature stitched in gold on each pillow: Mouawad.

As in Mouawad Jewelers, jeweler to the royalty of Europe and just about every major celebrity. Although I confess, I mostly knew them as the designer of the over-the-top magnificent Victoria Secret diamond bra each year.

“Select whichever one you want, my love. They are all your ring size.”

“Richard…” I breathed, unable to say more.

We slowly circled the parapet as one by one the women turned to display their dazzling selection. When I commented I was afraid to touch any of the rings in case they fell to the ground through the metal grating, Richard chuckled and pointed out that they had sewn each ring to the pillow with a gold thread just in case.

Stopping at the one I liked best, I looked up at Richard sheepishly. “Are you sure I can select any one I want?”

“Any one you want.”

I pointed to the pillow. A man I hadn’t noticed before stepped forward with a small pair of silver scissors and snipped the gold thread before handing the ring to Richard. The center jewel was a massive pear-shaped blue sapphire, which reminded me of the midnight blue of Richard’s eyes. On each side of the center jewel were three large pear-shaped white diamonds giving the entire ring the impression of an intense starburst.

My hand looked so tiny and pale as it rested on his palm. Richard slipped the ring I had chosen onto my finger.

Leaning down, he whispered, “You’re all mine now.”

The same man clapped his hands three times. From some hidden door appeared three additional men also dressed all in black.

The original man cleared his throat. “If I may first offer my congratulations, miss.”

Feeling a little dazed and overwhelmed, I could only smile in return as I snuggled closer into the protection of Richard’s side. He placed a reassuring arm on my shoulders.

“May I also say, excellent choice, the Majestic Suite is one of my personal favorites,” he crooned. “Now may I present to you the rest of the suite?” He clapped again, and the men stepped forward.

My mouth dropped open.

The first man was holding the largest, most stunning diamond necklace I had ever seen in my life. Suspended from the center of the brilliant necklace was a massive blue sapphire that would put the Hope diamond to shame. It was surrounded by smaller, if only by comparison, pear-shaped diamonds in a floral pattern.

Richard took the necklace from the man’s grasp and clasped it around my neck. It felt cold and heavy as the centerpiece jewel nestled between my breasts.

The man droned on. “Set in eighteen-karat white gold, these are a spectacular selection of diamonds and sapphires totaling only slightly less than two hundred seventy-four carats for the entire suite…”

The second man stepped forward and held out a matching bracelet to Richard.

Lifting my arm, I could only stare in wonder as he clasped it around my small wrist. It fit perfectly.

“Richard, what is all this?”

“My darling, every duchess has a wedding suite of diamonds,” he answered, amused.

Brushing my hair aside, he carefully fastened the pear-shaped drop earrings to my lobes.

Everything about this moment was something out of a fairytale or movie.

Richard stroked my cheek. “I love you, my sweet little bird.”

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