Page 103 of Graveyards & Greed

“Sunflowers,” Aida echoed, her tone faintly incredulous. “Is this for a family member?”

I’d never asked her to buy flowers. Hell, I’d nevergivena woman flowers before. My gifts tended to be more erotic and selfish in nature.

“They're for Sylvie,” I cut in softly, “for my wife.” Aida didn’t say anything, and I thought for a split second I’d lost the call. “Are you there?”

“I can do that.” She cleared her throat. “She’s my friend.”

My jaw clenched because I thought I knew where this was going. “And?”

“I’ve purchased quite an array of items for you, for quite a variety of women. I mean no offense, but if you hurt her, I can’t work for you anymore.”

Her loyalty warmed me, and I grinned. “No offense taken. Sylvie’s sizes and her preferences are the only ones you need to worry about from now on. Can you do it?”

“Don’t insult me. They’ll be delivered to the Palm Desert Oasis as soon as I can manage. Speaking of Sylvie’s sizes, there’s a sweet little online adult toy store called the Cherry Box that just started carrying the Black Label lingerie line. Would you like me to order a few things for her?”

Aida knew what I liked. “Brilliant idea. I also want an ass hook and collar set, high-end cuffs with attachable straps, a leg spreader, a nice flogger, and whatever else you think she’d enjoy. Also one of everything in the Black Label line.”

She cleared her throat. “Some of the pieces are extremely erotic. Are you sure you want one ofeverything?”

“Yes. Now I need to go find my wife and comfort her.” I fucking loved calling Sylvie my wife.

Chapter 40

Sylvie

A delivery of two dozen giant sunflowers arrived shortly after we’d cracked open Ezra’s whiskey.

The stunning bouquet didn’t have a card, and I turned to Ezra. “Do we have a funeral this afternoon I’ve forgotten about?” He shook his head. When the next delivery of sunflowers arrived a few minutes later, I sensed a pattern.

Declan stared at the beautiful arrangements, my little bouquet looking small and sad next to them. “Does Drakos know your mom loved sunflowers?”

I shook my head. “I don’t think so. I never told him.”

When the third arrangement arrived, I was a little drunk and emotional. Leaning against Ezra’s shoulder, I stared at the varying shades of yellow. “How did he know?” I asked softly.

“I’m not sure, but it's not surprising. That man loves you.” The front door opened, and I looked over to see Drakos and Fenn walk in.

He wore a charcoal gray suit with a maroon and gray striped tie, his black hair glinting in the morning light. I wanted to turn my head into Ezra’s warm, comforting chest and hide my tears again, but Drakos’s worried frown stopped me. He walked over and stood in front of us. “Are you alright?”

“How did you know?” I asked softly.

“About Whitlock or your mother?”

“My mother.”

He gently took my wrist and pulled me into him. “Luna told me this morning. I would’ve spent the day with you if I’d known.” Fenn watched us cautiously as if he expected me to start bawling.

“The sunflowers are from you.”

Drakos nodded, and I wrapped myself around him, burying my nose in his expensive dress shirt. He smelled so familiar and delicious. “I love you. This day usually leaves me gutted and hollow inside, but since I woke up this morning with you next to me, I just feel… loved.”

Drakos squeezed me and sighed softly as if accepting his fate. “I love you too. Is this you or the whiskey talking?”

I snickered. “It’s me, but the whiskey gave me a little liquid courage. We decided to celebrate Jeffery’s death before visiting my mother’s grave.”

He pulled back to study me, and when he ran his thumb across my cheek, wiping away a stray tear, I knew once again that he was it for me. “Fair enough. Do you want to go to her grave alone, or are you up for a little company this year?”

I smiled and turned my head to kiss his hand. “I’d love the company.”

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