"You don't need to feel guilty," I hiss. "It's my money, and I can do what I want with it. Just one last thing. We need to get Allegra gifts."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes," I hiss. "And you're buying yourself something, too. I don't want to hear another word."
"Fine," she grumbles. "You're not going to let me go, are you?"
"Hell no. Not a chance. So get used to it," I mutter as I pay for the next round.
"Okay," she whispers.
"Good girl. Let's go," I hiss, handing the bags to our driver. "We're going to split up now. Meet me in the lingerie store in an hour."
"Why's that?"
"Because I'm not letting you pay for the last thing. And I'm going to have a little fun shopping." I wink, and she kisses my cheek, her eyes wide.
"You're crazy," she hisses.
"For you, maybe. But now, go and have fun."
"What are you going to buy?"
"A present for someone special." I wink, and her mouth opens as she realizes who.
"Viper."
"Hush," I hiss, putting a finger on her lips. "Now, go. Go and have fun. And when you're done, we can eat."
"Fine. Fine." She hesitates. "Don't forget Allegra."
"I won't," I say, pushing my card between her fingers. "Don't forget either. Get her something she'll adore. Something that means something."
"Of course. You know I will." She looks guilty. "But Viper... I can't take your card."
"Yes, you can. Don't argue," I warn. "You can give it back when we get home."
"Fine." She nods. "See you later."
"Good. Now go."
She walks away, and I can't take my eyes off her.
She's gorgeous, and I've fallen so far that there's no coming back.
And that's a good thing, because I've never been happier.
"Excuse me," the shop assistant calls, and I turn, my gaze dark.
"What is it?"
"I have a few pieces of jewelry, and some other things. Maybe you can pick them out for the lady," she says, and I nod, a plan forming.
"Sure."
"Excellent. Come on. Follow me."
I follow her to the back room and spend the next thirty minutes picking out the perfect gift.