Page 26 of King of Omen

However, after each day, the high of gruelling negotiations and deals fell away. Replaced by a deep-seated loneliness as darkness knocked at the door of my soul.

I spent my evenings on the expansive balcony of my hotel room, lost in thought.

I avoided meals in the hotel bar and restaurants, forlorn in these crowded spaces.

Each night was a repeat of the same and on the last evening of my Sydney stay, after our consults were wrapped up, I paced alone in my room.

The city’s bright lights and passing traffic painted patterns on the walls as I poured a whisky and sank into an armchair.

All that played in my head was the future I desired.

The more I thought of it, the more Mia’s stunning almond-shaped and violet eyes came to mind.

I ran a hand over my lips, thinking of the soft curve of her mouth—the way it lifted into a beguiling smile that melted away any worry.

I recalled the smattering of freckles across her cheeks, aching to bend and kiss each enchanting and irresistible one.

She was consuming my every thought, and I cursed, hating how I was pining away like a teenage boy.

The internal battle raged on, a storm of churning emotion taking over me. I despised myself for succumbing to vulnerable longing, aching for something beyond my control, feeling for her, a woman I’d only met for barely half an hour.

Mauri had promised to track her down and deliver the necklace, but a nagging doubt gnawed at me. What if he hadn’t found her?

Just then, a soft chime announced someone at my hotel door.

I strode to the door and checked the security display.

Mauri.

He turned when I yanked the door open, his impassive face neutral as always as he lifted a chin. ‘Boss,’ he greeted me.

I wasted no time on pleasantries. ‘Any luck?’ I grunted.

Mauri’s brow quirked. ‘You realise I always get the job done? I did as asked and got the clasp repaired. I found a box for it at the jeweller’s and tracked her down at her mountain cottage. I also delivered the gift hamper.’

‘What did she say?’

He gave me an enigmatic glance and pulled an item from his jacket. ‘She told me to give you this.’

An envelope in rose gold.

I took it, frowning and ran a finger under the lip to slit it open.

The feminine and floral scent of musk and white amber flooded my nostrils.

The same she’d worn on her skin when I’d last seen her.

Blood rushed to my pelvis, my body thrumming.

Inside the envelope was a single sheet of paper, folded in half. I unfolded it with care, eyes scanning the elegant handwriting gracing the page. It read:

‘Thank you for returning what I thought was lost forever. I appreciate your gesture and the effort you put into finding me. You went above and beyond, and I am touched and grateful. Please know that I will treasure the necklace even more now, imbued with the memory of our fleeting meeting. Perhaps our paths will cross again someday, under different circumstances. Until then - Mia.’

My heart clenched, and my lips tightened at the brief yet profound and heartfelt message.

Mauri witnessed my reaction with his usual stoicism, waiting for further instructions.

‘Grazie,’ I rasped, unwilling to say more.

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