Page 33 of Set In Stone

“Vic works on Wall Street,” I answered in a neutraltone.

“We also belong to the same countryclub,” Victor added, emphasizing the last word. I wanted to knock his fucking teethout.

“Oh, I see,” Krystina said easily, but I heard the realization in her tone. “I don’t frequent the countryclub,Mr.Carr.”

“You should,” Victaunted.

The hand that was resting on Krystina’s hip flexed. She never flinched, but covered my hand with hers instead. When she spoke again, her voice was sugary sweet, practicallydripping.

“That place is a bit over the top for me and not really my style, if you know what I mean. Besides, Alex and I have been so busy since our engagement that there isn’t time for frivolities such as the club. Isn’t that right,dear?”

She looked up at me and smiledlovingly.

I blinked and was momentarily confused by her uncharacteristic swooning. It was then I realized that Krystina was making a point. She was telling Victor, in not so many words, that she was not a club member. She was also saying that she was committed to me and me alone. She saw through his game and was able to change the dangerous topic of conversation before I could even blink. I had forgotten how much she relied on her naturally quick wit. It was her secret weapon, one that I was always trying to stamp out ofher.

I don’t know how it happened, but at some point during the exchange, I found myself looking at Krystina with new eyes. For months, I had been fighting to dominate her both in and out of the bedroom. She was both my heaven and my hell, all wrapped up in one succulent package. However, I now had the realization that I didn’t need to fight that feisty nature anymore. I knew that behind closed doors, when she was naked in our bed, I would always demand her submission and was certain she would irrevocably give it. I owned her body and she would forever be mine tocommand.

But it needed to endthere.

My attempt to dominate her outside the bedroom was wrong. It would kill her spirit and I wanted her to be true to herself. I loved this fiery woman beside me – quick tongue and all. To see her use that defensive weapon on someone else gave me an unexpected feeling ofsatisfaction.

My firecracker. My angel. And soon to be mywife.

In that moment, although I didn’t think it was possible, I loved her evenmore.

“Yes, our engagement has kept usverybusy,” I agreed. I winked and smiled down at her. In a possessive move, I pulled her closer to me, silently sending my own private message toVictor.

“Engaged? I – I hadn’t realized,” he stammered. “I guess congratulations are inorder.”

A waiter walked by carrying a tray of champagne flutes. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. I grabbed two. I handed one to Krystina and kept one for myself, deliberately leaving Victor emptyhanded.

“A toast,” I began and looked to Krystina. “Tous.”

“To us,” sherepeated.

12

krystina

“I’m assumingthat guy wasn’t talking about a country club,” I whispered to Alexander as we made our way to the dinnertable.

“No, angel. Hewasn’t.”

I looked around and wondered how many other restaurant guests were club members. The world I had once considered exclusive to a small portion of the population was obviously more common than I thought. I shivered as I recalled the way Victor eyed me up anddown.

“Ugh, he just gave me thecreeps.”

“Yes, he has that effect on people,” Alexander agreed with a hint of venom in his voice. “I often wondered how he became so successful. His personality leaves much to bedesired.”

When we reached the table, Luca was waiting for us with a bottle of wine in hand and a linen table napkin draped over one arm. Alexander removed his arm from around my waist so that I could slide into the booth that had been prepared for us. His hand lingered for a moment, tracing over the line of my hip, before he moved to sit beside me. Once we were settled, Luca held out a bottle of red for Alexander toinspect.

“Tonight’s main course will be Barley Risotto with Mushrooms and Gremolata. Mr. Donati has chosen to pair it with a 2006Villa Gemma Montepulciano d'AbruzzoRiserva.”

The words rolled off his tongue with ease, although I didn’t comprehend much more than barley, risotto, and mushrooms. I was reminded of how out of my element I could feel in Alexander’s world sometimes. While I was getting used to it, I would never lose my appreciation for Thai takeout and cheap white wine. Conversely, Alexander seemed to know exactly what Luca said and nodded his approval. After removing the cork, Luca poured a small amount of red wine into a stemmed glass for Alexander tosample.

“Exceptional vintage,” Alexander said with appreciation. He swirled the glass and took another sip before handing the empty glass toLuca.

After Luca poured the deep maroon liquid into two glasses, another server seemed to materialize out of thin air to place a basket of fresh bread and olive oil at our table. Steam wafted from the basket and provoked a rumble from my stomach. During cocktail hour, the only thing I managed to consume was a pancetta wrapped fig. While it was delicious, it was hardly enough to curb myappetite.

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