Page 120 of Revenge & Ruin

My heart starts to pound a little faster. “You bought a ring?”

“Wouldn’t be much of a proposal without one.” He slowly starts to smile. “Come on then, if you’re so clever. Where is it?”

“The ring?”

He nods, taking another sip of champagne.

I scowl at the challenge before examining my glass carefully. Nothing lies at the bottom of the golden liquid.

Teo snorts. “Do you really think I’d be so cliché?”

Putting my glass down, I take a moment to consider before suddenly launching myself at him, kissing him hard as my fingers explore his chest…and the insides of his jacket pockets. Nothing.

Teo hums contentedly against my lips.

I pull back in frustration. “You’re enjoying this too much.”

“Maybe I don’t have a ring. Maybe I just wanted you to kiss me.” But there’s far too much light in his eyes.

There’s definitely a ring.

I get to my feet, suddenly feeling a little foolish as I scan across the rooftop for any sign of his tampering.

Teo finishes his drink and stands up lazily behind me, striding toward the balcony edge and leaning against it. After a second, he pointedly looks at what seems to be a sheet rope tied to the bar.

With a huff, I follow after him, leaning over the railing to take a look.

There, dangling over the side of the building is a small box.

“A nod to your first daring escape attempt,” Teo explains.

I try to roll my eyes, but my heart is too busy knocking my breath out of me to be very effective. “I assume you expect me to pull it up myself?”

He winks at me, and I resign myself to the task.

It’s, in fairness, not a long rope, but it does take me a moment to detangle the box from its bindings.

It’s small and ornate, and it shivers slightly in my hands as I brace myself for what might be inside.

My fingers clumsily undo the latch and pry back the lid.

But there’s nothing inside.

He played me.

I swallow down the bitter, bitter disappointment that threatens to swallow me whole.

“Teo, this is really very mean. I wouldn’t?—”

The words catch in my throat as I turn around.

Before me, Teo is kneeling.

His devastatingly handsome face looks up at me with heartbreaking earnestness as he presents me with a ring.

Silver band. Brilliant diamond. Bigger than any I’ve ever seen.

But the sight does not hold my attention. Not when Teo begins to speak.

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