Page 80 of Death

Chapter 23

CIARA

Santiago leads me down stairs, carved out of rocks, and when the ocean finally comes into view, the sight is spectacular.

The sand is white, and the water stretches as far as the eye can see.

When I glance to my left, I see a marquee, white linen wrapped around the pillars, and curtains lightly flapping in the breeze. A table and two chairs stand beneath it.

As we walk closer, there are rose petals sprinkled on the table, and in the middle is another gift.

Santiago’s really gone all out to make my birthday special.

He pulls a chair out for me, and when I sit down, I say, “This is…” I shake my head as I search for the right words, “…it’s incredible. Thank you, Santiago.”

He takes a seat across from me and gives me a smile that can only be described as loving.

It begins to sink in that he really cares about me, and it has me feeling emotional. Tears jump to my eyes, and when oneescapes, I let out a burst of laughter while wiping it away. I look at the waves rolling in, and suck in a deep breath before I turn my attention back to the extraordinary man sitting across from me.

“You make me happy,” I admit.

“I’m glad to hear that,mi sol.” He leans forward and pushes the gift closer to me. “Do you want three guesses?”

I wipe the tear off with my fingertips and smile at him. “Same deal as before?”

He nods. “Definitely.”

This box is bigger than the others, and it doesn’t look like it contains jewelry. I think for a moment, then ask, “Is it clothes?”

Santiago shakes his head, the corner of his mouth lifting.

I pick up the box and shake it. The gift makes a thudding sound as something moves inside.

I have no idea what it can be.

“I don’t know what it is.”

His eyebrow lifts. “Are you giving up?”

When I nod, his expression turns serious as he asks, “Are you sure?”

I know he’s referring to the kiss. “Yes. I’m sure.”

His mouth lifts in a hot smile. “Open your gift,mi sol.”

I rip the paper off and take the lid off the box. Seeing gold silk, I frown, but when I pull the fabric out, it reveals a framed photo.

It was taken at the dinner we had with Grace and Dominik. We’re all smiling.

I look happy.

Then I see Santiago’s expression, and there’s no doubt that he’s looking at me with love.

My chin starts to tremble as I lift the photo out of the box.

“I wanted you to see what I see when I look at you,” Santiago murmurs.

I keep staring at his face in the photo, instead of looking at myself, and I see everything I’ve ever wanted.

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