Page 54 of Dancing with the Devil

“No. I don’t.”

“If you want me to have a ring that badly, then you should buy me a watermelon ring pop. It’s what my dad used to propose to my mom. And I’ve loved the idea ever since,” I confessed with a sharp exhale. “And you should keep the ring for someone special and give it to her,” I said, handing it back to him. I stood up, feeling a lump of reluctance build in my throat. “It’s not fair to you. And just because of this agreement we have, doesn’t mean you can’t go out and find someone who’s perfect for you.”

I didn’t give him time to protest as I turned, heading straight to my bedroom.You did the right thing, Nirah. History will not repeat itself.

* * *

I squeezed my eyes shut as the bright sunlight shone through the huge windows.Dammit. I forgot to close the curtains last night.

I groaned, turning to my other side. I laid for a while and lifted my head to check the time over my shoulder. 07:17 am.

I covered my head with the sheets and then froze. I sat up and looked back at my nightstand. I saw two little black velvet boxes and a note. I picked up the note and opened it, sitting upright.

The ring is yours and yours alone.

I saw it. I thought of you. And I bought it. So no, I can’t give it to anyone else and even if I could, I wouldn’t.

PS. You can wear either one. Preferably the real one.

I placed both boxes on my lap, opening each.

My heart fluttered when I looked down at the watermelon-flavored ring pop. I smiled and softly chuckled.He bought me the ring pop.

I brought the little box with the ring pop up to my face, smelling the scent. The memories came flooding back as I closed my eyes.I miss you, Dad.

I placed it on my nightstand and looked at the real ring for a minute. I slowly slid it onto my finger, and it looked perfect. I couldn’t stop smiling.

Excitedly, I hopped out of bed and placed the ring back in the little box. I happily skipped to my bathroom and started getting ready for the day.

After I finished up, I slipped my ring on and smiled down at my hand for the millionth time this morning.

I practically floated downstairs with my purse and cell phone in my hands. I opened the front door but felt someone else pull it on the other side as well.Antonio. “Oh,” I hiccuped.Jesus! Why did I just hiccup?

He looked behind me, then scanned my outfit from head to toe before finally looking at me. “Where are you going?”

“The cafe.”

“By yourself?”

I nodded. “Yes.”

He simply stepped aside. “Let’s go.”

“No, I’ll—“ My steps came to an immediate halt.

“Have your pick,” he gestured to three cars parked in front of us. A black G-wagon, a red Porsche, and a white Rolls-Royce, to be exact. He didnot.

I glanced over at him, and he stood beside me, patiently waiting. I couldn’t contain my excitement as I looked back at the cars. “Porsche.”

With a single nod, he approached the car and pulled a key from his breast pocket. He unlocked the car and opened the driver’s side for me. I hurried over, snatching the key from him before slipping inside.

He closed the door and rounded the hood of the car. I watched him hand one of his men two sets of car keys before he slipped into the passenger seat.

“You’re still working at the cafe?” he asked as I turned the key in the ignition, and the engine came to life with a satisfying roar.Oh yeah.

“No, I’m actually quitting. The cafe is too far for me, so I’ll just find one close to your house,” I answered, slowly trailing my hands over the clean steering wheel. “There are cafes close to you, right?” I asked, glancing over at him as I pulled away.

“Yes. With godawful coffee,” he mused, and I couldn’t help but snicker.