“Let’s get some rest. It’s going to be a long day tomorrow.” I sigh.
Chapter 22
Dario
Today’s the day I finally get to see my pumpkin again. There’s a pep in my step, and the guys have definitely noticed—but I don’t give a damn.
“I like this one,” I say, pointing at the ring I’ve been staring at for the past ten minutes.
We weren’t joking about getting a ring. We’ve been at this for hours. But now, I’ve found it the perfect one.
A silver band, small diamonds outlining a black coffin-shaped diamond. It’s dark, elegant—eerily perfect for our girl.
The sales associate pulls it out just as Keir and Kaz step up behind me, peering over my shoulder. Kaz grunts his approval.
“Wow,” Keir murmurs. “It’s almost like it was made for her.”
Of course it is. Our little killer loves putting people in coffins. And me? The only way I’d ever leave her again—is if I was cold inside one.
A part of me knows I should’ve never left. The guys didn’t really need me back east, no matter what they say.
Sure, I was useful—tracking down brothels the Russians had their claws in and helping shut down their rings—but I could’ve stayed with her. It would’ve taken longer without me, but she would have been worth the delay.
“We’ll take it,” I say firmly. No room for argument.
“You do realize we’ll need to get her something else too, just in case,” Keir says, eyeing me.
“I already got her something,” Kaz adds, smug as hell.
Of. Fucking. Course.
He always does this—quietly one-upping us without a word until the last minute. And considering we’re heading to the house in an hour, that minute is now.
“You always do that,” I whine.
Kaz just chuckles and walks to the register as they start packaging the ring.
“Can you believe him?” I mutter to Keir, rolling my eyes.
Keir groans. “No arguing. You know how he is.”
I nod and gesture toward the door. “Well, since he’s got that covered…”
“Go ahead. I’ve got a stop to make,” Keir says like I need permission.
Outside, I pause to think. What the hell do I get my pumpkin? The nickname still makes me smile. Out of all the ones I tried, that’s the one that stuck—because of the way she’d blush and smile every time I said it. It gave me a funny feeling back then, I didn’t know what that feeling was. I do now.
Love.
But even love feels too soft, too basic for what I feel for Selene. Some would call it obsession—I’d call them boring. Sure, I’m obsessed. Not in a creepy way. I just want to know everything about her, remember every word, every detail, every look.
I’m so caught up in my thoughts that I don’t realize how far I’ve wandered until I look up and see a lingerie shop across the street.
I grin. Perfect.
I’m about to spoil her with all the sexy lingerie I can get my hands on—and maybe a few extras.
I cross the street and step inside. It’d be way more fun if she were here to model it for me, but I’ll make do.
