“What have you done?” I asked him.
“Just something to remind you of home. Nothing more.”
I could tell by the smirk on his face he had something up his sleeve. I adored him for thinking of me at a time we were both still reeling.
Konstantinos returned with a flat blue box in his hand. He pulled a piece of black velvet onto the counter before opening the box lid. Very carefully he laid out the contents.
I offered Christos a quick glance before approaching, shocked the moment I did. “This is exquisite.” The bracelet was made of silver. I never wore gold. Had I shared that with him in any of our conversations? What floored me the most was the charm with Magnum’s name inscribed. There were gems, both rubies and diamonds surrounding it, large carats I knew had to be real. “My God. This must have cost a fortune.”
“I’ll indulge you with another family secret. Konstantinos and his wife create works of art with the family corporation’s gems.”
“My God.” My fingers were shaking as I went to lift it from the smooth piece of cloth.
“Allow me,” Konstantinos suggested and I held out my wrist. “I hope you like it.”
“Like it? I love it. It’s so beautiful.” I wasn’t the kind of woman to get teary-eyed over any gift, but I felt the moment coming on.
Konstantinos was very careful in fastening the perfectly sized bracelet, standing back and beaming from being able to bask upon such a beautiful creation.
“It’s perfect.” I pulled my arm against my chest, feeling a moment of sadness from missing my furry baby. “This is just…” I threw my arms around Christos and he seemed surprised.
But as he pulled me closer, I was able to feel his rapid heartbeat. His hold was tight, the scent of the man filling my senses with the best hint of spices. At least for now, there were no worries, no concerns about everything that had occurred.
Two of his men, both of which I’d only seen in passing, had trailed behind us the entire time, but as Willow had told me, I’d started forgetting they were there. They hadn’t intruded or saidanything to Christos during our few hours together. They were just following along if and when we needed any backup.
When I took a step away, he lifted my arm, admiring the work. “You outdid yourself, Konstantinos. Much gratitude to your lovely wife.”
“You are welcome, my son. Please give your father my best and thank you, beautiful lady, for keeping the family intact.”
I wasn’t going to insult the man by making my typical statement about it being my job. In truth, I’d been terrified Apollo would die before we reached the hospital.
Konstantinos gathered the box, placing it in a silver foil bag for me to take. A nice touch.
Christos was still grinning as we walked from the store, sliding on his sunglasses as if he owned the world.
“What’s next?” I asked as he pulled me against him.
“Now, we return home. Perhaps I’ll make you dinner.”
“I’m still stuffed.”
“Then I guess we’ll need to do something to generate energy. Don’t you think?”
As ruthless as the man could be, he was also playful, a side of him that I adored and could easily remain lost in.
We chatted as we returned to his car. All the while, I couldn’t stop touching the bracelet. It was the most precious gift I’d ever received. He had no idea how much it had touched my heart.
Once inside the Maserati, he didn’t waste any time. The man did enjoy speed, taking risks and showering me with his level ofpassion. I felt free and at ease as he drove, the man taking the corners as if on rails.
I laughed to myself at the movie reference. He was definitely the perfect dominating man. If a girl was into that type of thing.
Okay, I was. There would be no more lies to myself or anyone else.
I could tell the soldier driving was having a difficult time keeping up with us. I also knew by the way Christos was constantly checking his rearview mirror he was testing them. The man had a bratty side.
Just like I did.
Two peas in a pod.