I want to laugh at the idea of Edmund being a “boy.” He’s eleven years older than I am. Also, he’s from a “good family”—seriously? They’re criminals.
Just like us.
“Thanks for lending me the necklace.” I opt to keep my other thoughts to myself for now.
She passes over the box. I ease open the lid, stunned anew at the sight of the sparkling necklace. Diamonds upon diamonds upon diamonds, culminating in a large teardrop that will hit just between my collarbones. My grandmother wore the necklace at her wedding to Granddad. Mom wore it when marrying Dad. Aunt Milana wore it in both of her weddings.
And now here it is. For me.
Mom throws her arms around me. “You’ll be the most beautiful bride, Danica. I’m very proud of you for doing this.”
It’s the first acknowledgment she’s given of how this engagement is a sacrifice on my part. It’s a subtle acknowledgment, yeah, but it’s probably the most I’ll get.
“Anyway.” She steps back and clears her throat. Her pale blue eyes are watery with emotion. “You can wear it next time you try on gowns. Let me know when and I’ll be there for you.”
“Yes, of course.” I didn’t think I wanted her there, but seeing her now…maybe. “I’ll let you know.”
She walks me back to the kitchen. I say my goodbyes to everyone. I wish I could stay and chat with Malcolm and Zora, but I have a party to get ready for.
Troy
I tug on the sleeves of my tux. This shit’s uncomfortable. I should be in the gear worn by the other security pros, but Amber wants me mingling. A part of the party. If I hadn’t known working for her was a mistake before, I’d know it now.
Hotel Rosa Roja has transformed its Spanish colonial aesthetic into a sleek, corporate wonderland. Everything is tasteful and elegant. Just like Amber.
She won’t let me out of her sight. This is a problem. I can already feel my throat closing, my lungs collapsing with the weight of her attention.
You chose to be here, Troy. I repeat it over and over. This was a choice. I couldn’t handle what she did to Dani, what she did to me. And so I found myself here, playing right into her manicured claws.
“Troy!” she trills, clicking smartly over in her expensive heels, two champagne flutes in her hands. She looks stunning in her shimmering yellow dress. It matches her hair, which is tucked up in a classy twist. “There you are. Have you tried the sparkling wine? It’s from a new winery in Napa?—”
“I’m not drinking tonight. I’m on the clock.”
She scoffs. “You can have a glass—it won’t hurt anything. I’m your boss and I say it’s okay. Besides, that’s why we hired all these other guys. So you don’t have to oversee security on your own.”
I accept her proffered glass, just to shut her up. I even take a sip. Smile. “It’s wonderful.”
I stare meaningfully at her, and her breath catches.
She quickly covers it up with a laugh. “Come with me, there are some people I want you to meet.”
When she links her arm with mine, I’m proud of myself because I don’t even flinch.
Edmund
“Danica, you’re stunning.”
She does a little twirl as she emerges from her room. Mouth-watering in a deep pink evening gown that shows off her curves. “You look good, too.”
Her appraising glance sends warm tingles through me. I’m feeling too much…and I couldn’t care less about feeling too much. I care. I do. Maybe our engagement is arranged, maybe it’s all for business.
But what if it wasn’t?
She opens her clutch purse and holds out a piece of paper.
“What’s this?” I reach for it.
“A reminder of what we’re fighting for. Do you think if I show it to Troy, it’ll help with my apology?”
