Page 34 of Midnight Secrets

My heart fluttered in my chest. “I might take you up on that offer. Stay safe, Ash.”

“Night, Angel.”

I held the phone to my chest even after we hung up. I didn’t care about families and bloodlines and good marriages. All I knew was that I belonged with Ash and I would do everything in my power to ensure I got what I wanted.

The next few weeks passed in a blur of designing different aspects for the show. My display was in production for the event, and I’d gotten used to daily texts from Ash and phone calls late at night. His defences seemed to crumble when he was tired or had a drink; I didn’t care because those were the moments he was mine. He’d stayed at our home countless times, but I was only starting to get to know him now.

Ash came across as being cold and brooding, but in reality he was witty, intelligent, and possessed an artist’s eye. His suggestions complemented mine, and with every day, I grew more excited about this collection. He sent me a few parcels of different stones to complement my designs and add some of the harmonies of nature. The precious gemstones were the main feature, but the crystals gave the pieces depth and personality.

Music blared around me as I worked on the set of cufflinks I designed for Ash. I selected sapphires to match his eyes with a T-Bar fastener containing slivers of lapis lazuli to depict the hints of gold at the centre of his iris.

My phone vibrated on the counter and finally got my attention after the third phone call.

“Hello?”

“Do you ever answer your phone?” Ash growled from the other side.

“I just did. Some of us have work to do.”

“They need you over here to sort some stuff out for the show.”

I chewed the side of my mouth. “Papa is away on business and has taken Catarina with him. I’m not supposed to leave.”

His sigh made my stomach clench. “This is business, Angel. I’ve done what I can my end, but they need you here with whatever designs you have ready. If you bring what you need to complete the rest, I’ll have a workspace set up for you.”

What the hell was I supposed to do? There was nothing more that I wanted than to get on a plane and fly to wherever he was, but Papa’s word was law.

“Need me to get Xavier to make a phone call?” he asked.

“I feel ridiculous,” I finally admitted.

His laugh washed over me. “You keep saying you need your independence and that you’re old enough to make your own decisions.”

He was right. I was hiding in this house like a ten-year-old who’d been chastised by her papa. “You do realise I have nowhere to stay.”

“I have a townhouse you can crash at that has excellent security.”

“And where will you be staying?” I enquired, trying to keep the excitement out of my voice.

“I’m the excellent security,” he replied in that deep, husky tone that set my panties on fire.

“I’ll need to organise my travel arrangements and pack my stuff.” I was excited and terrified in equal measure.

“No need. My jet is already on its way to Tuscany. Pack your bags and grab your passport, I’ll send the details to Francis’ phone.”

“How did you know I’d say yes?” I asked, turning my back to the empty room because right now I needed privacy.

“Because that’s what we do, Angel. We’re there for each other when life gets too much.” I had no idea what was going on, but Ash needed me.

“I’ll go pack my bags.”

“See you soon.”

Madison helped me pack to cut the time while Francis sorted out the logistics, then we put all my work, including the export certificates for them, into my carry-on luggage.

“Your papa will go mad,” Madison said as she fussed in the hallway and hour later.

“He fusses even when I’m at home and locked in my room every night.”

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