Page 200 of Modern Romance January 2025 1-4

She flushed almost self-consciously and touched the knot at the base of her throat. ‘I thought I’d better up the sparkle, like the greedy little magpie I am.’

‘The ruby ring was not enough for you?’ he murmured.

‘I need to look sufficiently worthy for you. Plus, I can sell them both later and make bank.’

‘Enterprising.’ Ramon decided then and there that he would have her naked in his bed wearing nothing but that collar tonight. It would satisfy him immensely. And yes, he might even have to tie her there. This was only a short-term pretence so he would indulge in it while he could.

Before the celebrant could say the words he kissed her. She melted right against him but it wasn’tnearlyenough.

He’d bring forward the flight plan. He quietly moved to speak with Piotr, listened as his man explained a few salient points. Smiled. After giving Piotr a couple extra instructions he moved back to Elodie and used the photographer as pretext to pull her close again. He couldn’t resist stealing another kiss. Then he gripped her hand tightly in his and walked her out of the hotel to the waiting car.

‘Where are we going?’ She looked more nervous now than she had just before the ceremony. ‘Somewhere for more photos?’

‘No.’ He quelled his amusement. ‘We’re going to the airport.’

‘The airport? Now?’ Her voice went pitchy. ‘We’re not staying in Gibraltar?’

‘You’re disappointed?’ He leaned closer, curious to see how she’d play this.

‘I haven’t even been to the beach.’

‘I’ll take you to another beach sometime. One that’s more private. Indulge your craving for a naked roll in the waves there.’

Her mouth opened. Closed. She took a breath. ‘We’re not even stopping to get changed?’

‘The flight isn’t that long.’

‘But—’

‘We need to get back to break up your sister’s engagement, remember?’ he said smoothly. ‘There’s no time to lose.’

Her tension mounted. He almost felt sorry for her, except she’d teased him one time too many today—just by existing—and hereallywanted to call her bluff.

‘We can’t leave yet.’ She glanced around as they arrived at the airport. ‘I need Piotr to run an errand.’

‘He’s busy tending tomyerrands. He’ll meet us here shortly.’

‘Well,Ineed to run one.’

‘Can’t it wait until we get back to London?’ He guided her towards the plane. ‘Come on, we need to get moving.’

‘We can’t.’ She stopped dead on the tarmac and gripped his arm desperately. ‘I’ll get arrested.’

He stared down at her, feigning confusion. ‘What? Why?’

‘Because it’s on loan.’ She paled.

‘Sorry?’

‘The necklace. I can’t leave Gibraltar wearing it. I promised to have it returned the moment the ceremony was over.’

Ramon couldn’t hold back his amusement a second longer. ‘You mean you didn’t buy it?’

‘Of course not!’ she snapped. ‘I wouldneverspend so much on anything. Not my money. And definitely notyours!’

He stared down at her, his smile fading as he absorbed her genuine agitation—not so much from the fear of taking the diamonds from the country but that he would really think she would spend so much of his money. And she hadn’t spent any at all, had she? Piotr had informed him that Elodie had very determinedly paid for her dress, shoes and accessories all herself.

‘Well, I did,’ he muttered roughly.

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