Page 38 of Rise To Power

“This is my store.” He puffed with pride.

“Then decide quickly,” I said, “or the next jeweler will get my business.”

The man nodded, but the security guard continued to hold his weapon. “My associate can handle the store. We could perhaps set up a private room in the back.”

“Mr. Bruno prefers not to have interruptions. He’d be more comfortable if you closed the store for an hour. For the inconvenience, he’s committed to spending six figures today.” He handed over the Amex Black card.

Mr. Taylor took the card and snapped his fingers at Janet.

Janet approached the customer and saw her out of the store. Then she twisted the lock.

“Now we’re alone,” he said to me, “what’re you interested in?”

“Diamonds to begin with,” I said. “We’re in need of an engagement ring.”

He led us to a plush white sofa in the corner of the room. Janet situated the black felt-covered table. There were loupes, color grading trays, and a microscope.

Allegra sat on the sofa.

“Champagne?” Janet asked.

“Bruno red?” I sat next to Allegra and spoke to her in Italian. “Today is for you, little mouse. Choose a ring that you don’t wish to toss in the lake.”

She laughed and replied in Italian. “And one not so big it’ll drag me to the bottom.”

As if Janet just connected me to the wine, her lips formed an O. “Yes, we do carry Bruno wines.” She smoothed her hands down her pencil skirt as she scurried to the rear of the store.

“Do you know what you want?” I asked her.

Allegra chewed her bottom lip. “Does it have to be a white diamond?”

“It can be whatever you want.”

Janet returned with two glasses of wine. “It’s such an honor to have you in our store. If there’s anything I can do for you.” She leaned over, giving me an unobstructed view of her ample cleavage.

She had yet to speak to Allegra.

“I’m not the one you should be asking.” I reclined on the couch.

“Oh, yes,” she stammered and shifted her attention to my fiancée. “Of course.”

Steven approached with two trays of brilliant stones.

Allegra peered at the rings. “They are beautiful, but I’d like a red stone.” She lifted my hand and touched the eyes of my lion’s head ring. Her gaze met mine. “I want whatever this stone is.”

Steven glanced at the small stones in my ring.

“Red diamonds,” I said.

Allegra smiled. “I’d like to see your selection of red diamonds.”

“Ah, your fiancée has excellent taste. However, I don’t have any reds here in my collection. But I can bring in a selection for you. What size stone are you looking for? They are a million per carat.”

“Dollars?” Allegra stilled, her gaze stalling on Steven’s.

“Yes.”

She took a sip of wine and turned to me. “Maybe I should just pick one of these.”

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