Page 35 of Forever Fake

He goes down on one knee and my heart leaps into my throat. From his trousers pocket, he pulls out a small, black velvet box and pops the top open. Inside is the largest diamond I’ve ever seen.

Oh my god, this is happening.Breathe.

“Ginevra, I first saw you on the dance floor a couple of years ago, and I immediately noticed your beauty. I realize that we’ve only been officially dating for a relatively short time, but in that time I’ve decided that I don’t want to live my life without you.” His brilliant blue eyes capture mine, boring into me, all the way to my soul. He’s lying, every single word is a sweet lie. “I absolutely adore you, and I would be honored if you’d be my wife. Ginevra Pontrelli, will you marry me?”

The diners around us all silently stare, seeming to collectively hold their breath. You could hear a pin drop in this restaurant right now.

“I-I—” Inhaling deeply, I will my nerves to settle. “Yes. I will.”

Applause erupts all around.

He slides the ring on my finger, and astoundingly, the grin that splits my face doesn’t feel forced. Blake takes me by thearms and stands up, then he dips me, his lips crashing down on mine. The crowd goes wild, applauding louder, and several whistles split the air.

But at this moment, all I know is Blake. His strong arms around me, his tongue roughly invading my mouth, and the heat that rushes through my body. We’re in our own little bubble.

Blake straightens, setting me firmly on my feet again, and I think he’s going to pull away when his fingers slide around the side of my neck and he dips his head, his lips taking mine in a slow, sensuous and tender kiss.

CHAPTER 15

Blake

That first, dramatic show of a kiss was planned—this one is not. After letting her up, I simply had to come back for one more taste of her sweet lips. Except this isn’t a taste, it’s an indulgence. One I reluctantly put to an end after several long, exquisite seconds.

We reclaim our seats, everyone else in the restaurant goes back to their own business now that the show’s over.

“What do you think of it?” I ask, motioning to her engagement ring.

She lifts her hand, gently rocking it and watching the diamond glimmer in the light. “It’s… breathtaking.” Her smile sags, and I lean forward.

“What’s the matter?” I demand to know.

“Oh, nothing.” The corners of her lips turn up, but the mirth doesn’t reach her beautiful eyes anymore.

“It’s something. Tell me.”

“It’s silly.”

“I don’t care how silly it is. Tell me.”

She bites her full bottom lip, snagging my attention. With a sigh, she quietly says, “I was just thinking about how gorgeous itis, and how it’s too bad I’ll have to give it back to you when this is all over.”

“Give it back?” I frown. “Why would you give it back to me? I have no use for it. Its only use is to adorn your finger.”

Her gaze darts to mine. “Why wouldn’t I give it back? Isn’t this some family heirloom or something? You’ll want to keep it in the Baron estate and pass it on to someone else.”

A slow grin spreads my lips as realization dawns. “No, it’s not a family piece. I had it custom made. Don’t get me wrong, I looked through the family jewels but couldn’t find anything suitable. So I went to Maçon Jewelers and had them create a piece suitable for my little magpie. That’s yours. Created specifically for you. You’re keeping it.”

She’s literally gaping at me, mouth open. “Wait.What?”

“Did I slur? It’s yours. Custom made by Maçon. You get to keep it.”

“You got Maçon to make you a ring in less than a month? It takes months to even get on their schedule, and that’s if they agree to take you on as a customer.”

Of everything,that’swhat she’s fixated on? My jeweler’s turnaround time?

I shrug one shoulder. “They owed me a favor.”

She huffs a laugh. Her attention returns to the forty-four carat, round cut solitaire engagement ring.

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