Page 115 of Devil's Claim

“Why?”

“I’m your boss. Just try it on.”

I’d come to value her immediate friendship as well as her tutelage. We were kindred spirits in many ways, although I had a feeling she was much tougher than I was, given her upbringing. “Not until you tell me why.”

“Because you’re getting married.”

My sigh should be a clear indication I wasn’t ready to consider talking about the wedding or any aspect of the marriage. “I don’t think so.”

“Just do it. I understand you’re still under the belief your marriage is by contract only, but fate has a way of changing everything without you realizing it.”

“That’s not going to happen. Kruz has no interest in anything but earning money and keeping his reputation.”

Genevieve laughed and pulled the ring from the soft velvet, holding it out. “Is that what he told you? If he did, that’s bullshit. His reputation is intact, his actions legendary.”

I wasn’t certain what she was getting at, but I slipped the ring on my finger. “That is gorgeous.”

“Absolutely perfect for you.”

My actions were playful, taking a step back and holding out my arm while offering a goofy pose. We both laughed since that was so not me, but it felt good to be with a friend for a change. Even if tonight was all about moving forward.

“Whoa. Expensive?” I asked, pretending my hand was weighted down by the ring.

“Around two hundred and fifty because of the cut and quality.”

“Holy shit!” I said a little too loudly. Emiliano immediately reacted and I’ll be damned if the man wasn’t about to reach for his weapon. “Oops. Sorry.” I lowered my voice. “A little gaudy. No offense.”

Genevieve gave me an evil eye. “Why don’t you go to the bathroom and take a look in the mirror before you say that.”

“You’re up to something. I can feel it.”

She threw up her hands. “I will never admit to anything. Time for a little champagne. This is a celebration. Now, go.”

I was still laughing as I made my way to the back of the store. When I returned to the bathroom, I pretended like I was someone else. Tonight, doing so made everything a little easier, yet a part of me felt like the scared little girl I’d been as a child. Not the resolute woman who’d fought for herself and her independence for years. There was something to be said about having a strong man in a woman’s life.

Even if I wouldn’t readily admit that to Kruz.

While the light wasn’t nearly as luminous, as I held my hand up, wiggling my fingers, I did allow myself to sigh. “Beautiful.” That I allowed my mind to wander to thoughts of the perfect wedding with the perfect dress and veil, with hundreds of friends and family and lavish food was ridiculous. Having the perfect wedding wasn’t about the money spent on anything, including the ring. I could see getting married in a simple dress barefootstanding on the ocean shore with four people waiting to toast with margaritas. That would make me happy.

However, there was a main ingredient to both scenarios.

A happy bride and groom who loved each other.

Okay, maybe I was a fairytale-ist after all. And that wasn’t a word, but it fit. I took another look, closing my eyes and envisioning Kruz. This definitely wasn’t the kind of ring we should have. More like one found in a Crackerjack box. Time to get to business. The fantasy was silly, but a needed distraction.

As soon as I walked back into the showroom, I heard voices. Almost instantly, I realized the inspectors had arrived. They were early. Shit. I ran my fingers through my hair, another reminder I was playing a role. I held my head high and moved toward the group of people. The champagne had been opened, one of the caterers handing the three men tall flutes, the golden bubbly as luminous as the diamonds.

Genevieve had placed them behind the thick glass for effect. She’d thought of everything to present a beautiful appearance.

However, I could tell by the men’s faces they weren’t impressed. Even reading their body language gave a stark indication they were none too happy to be here. There were three of them, which seemed odd. Wouldn’t this be nothing more than a basic sign-off?

In contrast, Genevieve was smiling. “As you can see, gentlemen, we’ve adhered to every code restriction, including installing additional fire suppressors.” She noticed my approach and held out her arm. “I’d like you to meet my partner, Christine Collins. Christine, Mr. Romano, Mr. Gallo, and Mr. Costa, all from the department of inspection.”

Suddenly, I had a different last name. While using one had been mentioned, a lump instantly formed in my throat. I was suddenly uncertain I could maintain the pretense.

Not one of the men gave me more than a cursory glance. What the hell was up their butts? I moved closer anyway, also planting a smile on my face.

The men had accepted the champagne, but since I’d walked out, not one had taken a sip. Did they think the bubbly had been poisoned? Maybe so. I took a glass myself, trying to act nonchalant.

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