She nodded as she held me around the neck. We swam a couple of laps before deciding it was enough. I carried her up to her room. Placing her down, I took her face in my hand and kissed her.

“Sugar,” I said, letting go. “Can we sleep in the same room from now on?”

Dahlia lowered her head. I didn’t want to pressure her, so I waited. The last couple of times we spent together were magnificent. I wanted to wake up next to her every day.

Finally, she looked up and smiled. “Yes, I think we can,” she whispered.

Filled with love, I picked her back up and headed to my room. I went straight to the bathroom before lowering her. I ran a bath and filled it with bubbles. Turning to her, I bent over as I spoke. “My lady, your bath awaits.”

Dahlia giggled as I stepped closer. I pulled the swimsuit’s straps down her shoulders, kissing each one as I went. Moving slowly, I went down her body, kissing as I pulled it to the floor. Dahlia stepped out of it and got into the bath.

Jumping in with her, I welcomed the hot water. After bathing her and myself, I felt tired. I could only imagine how she was feeling after all the day's activities. I ordered some take-out and put on a movie. After dinner, we snuggled into bed.

I still wanted to chat, but she was asleep as I wrapped my arms around her. Closing my eyes, I smiled. I was the luckiest man alive. I would show her how much she meant to me, I thought as I drifted off.

Chapter 19 - Dahlia

Konstantin had already left when I got up this morning. After having breakfast, I decided to catch some sun on the porch. I was traveling through a world of strange events in a book when I heard someone clearing their throat next to me.

Turning my head swiftly, I found Konstantin standing in the doorway. “Is everything okay?” I asked. I had been so deep into the book. I had not even noticed him coming home.

He smiled at me as he bent down. “Sugar,” he said. “Nothing’s wrong. I was wondering, though, would you like to get out a bit? Go on a date with me?”

I felt my face brighten as excitement flooded me. Beaming at him, I replied quickly as I rose. “Yes, when do you want to leave?”

“How about an hour from now,” he said, glancing at his watch. “Is that fine with you?” I could see he was also excited to go out as his smile stretched from ear to ear.

“Yes, baby,” I whispered, kissing his cheek before heading in. I found it adorable that a man could get excited about a date.

Standing in front of my closet, I scanned my clothing. I had no idea where we would be going, so, I went with something neutral. Taking out a white, flowy summer dress, I held it up. After getting dressed, I turned, admiring the look and feel.

I didn’t like a lot of makeup, so I only added a little. Once I was done, I headed downstairs. Konstantin was leaning against the kitchen doorframe. Licking my lips, I couldn’t believe how handsome he looked in his dark blue suit.

His crisp white shirt with the thin gold lines appeared to be shining. His hair was perfectly styled. He had a sparkle in hisblue eyes. It made him look a little mischievous. Taking it all in, I wanted to be in his arms and feel his warm love. I suddenly felt underdressed.

Stepping up to him, I placed my hand on his chest as I spoke. “Hi sexy, I’m ready whenever you are.”

He gave me a once-over and smiled. “Shall we go then?”

Nodding, I took his hand and followed him out. I felt happy and excited. I realized as we walked to the car that I wanted to be with him. He made me whole. As we pulled out, I had to ask. “So, where are you taking me?” It was too early for supper, so I felt sure there were other plans.

Konstantin gave me a sparkling smile but said nothing. After driving a while, going up and down small, quiet streets, he stopped. It looked more like a small suburb than any business area I had ever seen. Getting out, he took my hand and led me to a slightly larger building than the rest.

There was no name or sign on the building. I felt my stomach turning as we entered. I was intrigued by the secrecy of it all.

After entering, I noticed the counters and stands filled with jewelry. A young man in a grey suit led us through two rooms. He stopped by a thick, solid wooden door. Taking a keycard from his pocket, he swiped it through the slot next to the handle. The door clicked, and he opened it.

Stepping to the side, he waved us to enter. There was a table in the middle of the room. On one side was a single chair, and on the other, two more. Konstantin pulled out the one, and I sat down. He sat down next to me, beaming.

An old stocky man can through a door on the other side of the room. He was carrying two golden boxes. As he placed themon the table, he nodded at Konstantin. “As you requested,” he said, sitting down.

Konstantin pulled the two boxes closer and opened them. Turning to me, he spoke softly. “Anything you want sugar?”

I glanced at the glittering jewelry covered in diamonds. There were earrings, necklaces, bracelets, some rings, and pendants. “This is too much,” I said, looking at him in astonishment. I couldn’t accept such lavish gifts.

Konstantin’s smile faded, and he looked hurt. I didn’t want to offend him, but felt overwhelmed. Smiling at him, I decided on a pair of earrings I was sure would be the least expensive. They were pure gold covered in small diamonds shaped like a heart.

“Excellent choice,” the man said, taking out a small box and placing them inside. As he handed the box and slip to Konstantin. As he scanned it, I noticed the price. I thought my head was about to explode. No man in his right mind would spend that kind of money on jewelry.