Page 71 of Rulebreaker

“Holding your hand is absolutely part of my plan,” he responds solemnly.

When I look into the bag for the third time I see another, much smaller, box and I recognize the name of the jeweler. Holy crap, this is going to be extravagant.

I pull it out slowly and glance at him before opening it.

The gold and ruby-crusted necklace is stunning. The thick gold band is a solid piece, not a chain, with a grid of at least a dozen rubies randomly placed where it comes to a point. The rubies have to be a quarter of a carat each, if not a little more, and the effect is breathtaking. The matching earrings aren’t bad either and though my gut instinct is to say, “You shouldn’t have,” I know that’s ridiculous.

This was a thoughtful, romantic gift and I’m not going to minimize it by acting coy.

“Atlas. This is…gorgeous. Thank you.” I lean over, pressing my lips to his. Our mouths linger, kissing and nuzzling, a mutual hunger brewing beneath the surface. Always. “I can’t wait to wear it all.”

“Then you should hurry up and change in the suite I rented. Our ride just arrived.” He glances over to where a helicopter has just touched down.

“Where are we going?”

“Go change.” He winks, motioning to the building we’re parked in front of.

I gather up everything, gently placing it all back in the bag, and slide out of the car.

“Texas.” His voice is warm and deep, causing a shiver to run down my spine.

I turn, glancing over my shoulder.

“Don’t forget the lipstick.”

My lips curl into a mischievous grin. “I orderedfive more tubes so I always have one handy, including one for your house.”

“That’s my girl.”

My girl.

I’m equal parts thrilled and horrified. I love the idea of being his girl but I’m nervous about his reaction once I tell him everything.

That’s why I have to get it over with. I just don’t know if this is the time. Do I really want him to dump me while we’re on a helicopter heading who-knows-where? It’s better to wait until we’re back at his place.

I quickly strip and slide the gorgeous new dress over my head, not even bothering with a bra. The fabric glides over my curves like it was made for me and I stare in the mirror, a little awestruck. The woman staring back is a stranger because the Lily I’m used to seeing always has a bit of a haunted look in her eyes.

This Lily–the Lily who’s in love with Atlas Delarosa–has a glow that’s hard to place.

When was the last time I was truly in love?

When I met Stan?

No, that wasn’t love. It was admiration and a few other things, but not love. Not even in the same ballpark as what I feel for Atlas.

I dab some color on my cheeks, add a layer of mascara, and then carefully line my lips with the lipstick and liner Atlas loves. Starstruck Red. It’s a special edition a Nashville-based cosmetics line produces, but they always have some for me. Atlas may have to invest stock in it or something.

Slipping my feet into the new shoes feels decadent and I smooth down the dress.

All that’s left is the jewelry. I slip the necklace around my neck easily since it doesn’t have a clasp and then put theearrings in–and the final look is pretty damn good, if I do say so myself. Frankie might say I look like a princess, but princesses don’t exude this kind of power.

And tonight is all about power.

There’s romance and excitement, but I’m now part of a power couple. The billionaire and the pop star. I haven’t quite reached nine zeros yet but I’m getting there, and God only knows exactly how much Atlas is worth.

Standing here in a dress that probably cost more than some people make in a month, and jewelry I know cost even more, I feel like a woman who has it all.

Except I don’t.