Page 95 of The Devil's Torment

“Merry Christmas.” I smile and sit, take a deep breath, and blurt out my news. “I’ve decided I’m going to donate a kidney to my sister.” Nicholas sits beside me and takes my hand, resting it on his thigh. A muscle quivers in his jaw. This is perhaps harder on him than it is on me. “But can you all do me a favor? Can we not make today about that? I’d love to enjoy the festivities before I go to see my parents and Beth later and let them know the news.”

Charles is the closest. He reaches forward and squeezes my free hand. “We’re all here for you and for Nicholas. You’re our family, and we take care of our own.”

“Damn right we do,” George says.

“And that’s all we’ll say about it.” Charles gives me a pat, then leans back in his chair. “Now, how about a glass of champagne?”

“That sounds lovely.”

True to his word, no one mentions Beth, my parents, or the colossal decision I’ve made. Christmas lunch is a lavish affair, and afterward, gifts are exchanged. I’m touched that every one of Nicholas’s siblings, as well as his father and his uncle and aunt has bought me a gift, and I’m more than relieved that Nicholas signed his gifts to them from both of us. I wouldn’t have had a clue what to buy for them, anyway.

My presents from Nicholas include a soft leather planner portfolio monogrammed withMontague Interior Designon the front, a pair of Cartier diamond earrings, and a book on retro design. I squeal at that one, especially as Anthony Davidson’s wife chose the retro design out of the three sets of plans I gave her a couple of weeks ago. Nicholas giving me a book on that very subject shows he’s listened and paid attention.

It’s one more sign that he cares.

As piles of wrapping paper is cleared away, Nicholas leans closer to me. Knitting our fingers together, he murmurs, “Come with me.”

“Where?”

“It’s a surprise.”

No one notices us leave, or if they do, they don’t ask where we’re going. As we enter the hallway, Nicholas shares a look with Alan, who’s hovering on the periphery in case he’s needed. Alan dips his chin. Just the once, but it looks like a confirmation of sorts. Curiosity nibbles at me. I side-eye Nicholas.

“What are you up to?”

He taps the side of his nose. “You’ll see.”

I’m almost bouncing on the balls of my feet when he leads me back upstairs to our apartment. Before we enter, he takes both my hands in his and gazes at me earnestly.

“I got you another gift, but I couldn’t wrap this one.”

“Oh? What is it?”

Letting me go, he gestures to the door. “Go inside and find out.”

My heart is in my mouth as I press down on the handle and push the door open. At first, I don’t see anything out of the ordinary. Then I hear it. A faint yap.

My hand flies to my mouth as my eyes land on a cage tucked in the corner of the room, with a white ball of fluff pawing at the bars.

“A puppy? You got me a puppy?” I squeal and fling myself at him, my legs hooking around his waist. “Oh, Nicholas. It’s the best gift I’ve ever received.”

He pecks my lips. “Well, then, go give her a cuddle.”

Her.I always wanted a girl pup. I slide down his body and fall to my knees in front of the cage. “Hello, pretty girl. What’s your name?”

“That’s up to you,” Nicholas says.

I open the latch and scoop her up. She licks my hand and snuggles into my chest, and I instantly fall in love.

“Penny. Her name’s Penny.” Penny sounds similar to peony, and I do love peonies. It seems fitting somehow. I look up at him, and if he can’t see how much I love him, he must be blind. “What breed is she?”

“A Bichon Frisé.”

“She’s beautiful, Nicholas. I absolutely love her.”

He shifts from foot to foot, then toes the floor. He’s uncomfortable, and it’s adorable. “After you told me the story of your tenth birthday, I made some enquiries. I got lucky and found a breeder only a couple of hours from here. I went to pick her up a few days ago. Alan’s been taking care of her ever since. I asked him to bring her up here about fifteen minutes ago, so she’d be waiting for you.”

Ahhh. That’s what the silent conversation between them was about.

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