Page 103 of The High Priestess

We stop at a counter, and the lady behind it smiles brightly when she recognizes Knight.

There’s a surge of jealousy in my chest. I move closer to my man, and with my eyes locked on hers, I rub my cheek against his shoulder while practically marking my territory.

Not noticing a thing, he wraps his arm around my shoulders while saying, “Hi, Evelina. I’m here for the ring. Knight.”

“Of course.” Her smile isn’t as bright anymore.

I watch as she pulls a box from beneath the counter and places it on the glass top.

Knight grabs it before she can open the lid. “Thanks.” He turns his back to me, and I assume he’s looking at the ring.

I hear the box snap shut, and without saying anything else, I’m steered out of the store. Knight shoves the box into his pocket, and when he notices my questioning look, he says, “Patience, little goddess. I have somewhere specific I want to give it to you.”

Excitement bubbles in my chest, and I start picturing Knight going down on one knee.

Chapter 31

KNIGHT

“Why do you want to stop at Santiago’s compound?” Cassia asks as I steer the SUV toward his place.

“There’s something there I want to show you,” I reply vaguely.

When Santiago first brought me home with him, I thought the compound was insanely overstated. The huge property looks more like a resort, and he has more than a hundred people living in cottages that surround the villa.

When we drive through the heavily guarded gates, I give the guards a nod of my head.

“Do you know why Santiago has all these people living here?” Cassia asks.

“They’re all people he saved who had nowhere else to go,” I answer. “Every week, he comes home with someone new.”

“God,” she gasps. “That’s incredible but a lot of responsibility for one man.”

I nod in agreement. “It makes him happy, which is all that matters.”

I stop the car near the front door, and after we get out, I take Cassia’s hand and lead her inside.

When I spot Pedro, who’s in charge of security, I ask, “Is he home?”

Pedro nods. “Outside in his usual spot.”

I head out to the large pool that’s surrounded by lounge chairs and plants and see Santiago sitting in his favorite chair, staring out over the hill at the sunrise.

He seems to be deep in thought while twirling the diamond ring on his pointer finger.

The day a fortune teller told him he’s moving closer toward meeting the love of his life, he got the ring.

He turns his head, and when he sees us, he climbs to his feet.

“Morning,” I say. “Planning how you’re going to take over the world?”

He lets out a chuckle. “Always. My kingdom grew with four more people during my last raid.”

“Hi, Santiago,” Cassia murmurs. “I don’t think I mentioned it the last time I was here, but you have a beautiful home.”

“Thank you.” His eyes drift over her, then he asks, “How are you feeling?”

He gestures at the chairs, and as we all sit down, she replies, “I’m good as new, and I’m happy to report that business is back on track.”

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