Page 148 of Sadistic

"Wedding gift." He's already pulling me inside. "Tradition."

"You already gave me a wedding gift. The earrings?"

"That was before. This is after."

The staff knows him, of course.

We're whisked to a private room, champagne appearing like magic.

"What do you want?" he asks. "Necklace? Bracelet? Another ring?"

"I don't need?—"

"Not about need. About want." He accepts a tray of necklaces from the hovering salesperson. "Pick something. Anything."

"This feels excessive."

"Welcome to being a Volkolv."

I examine the offerings, each more elaborate than the last.

Then I spot it—a simple gold chain with a small pendant.

Not diamonds, just a delicate wolf in mid-run.

"That one."

"That's... modest."

"It's perfect." I touch the wolf. "Subtle but meaningful."

He smiles, real and warm. "Like you."

"I'm not subtle."

"No, but you're meaningful." He gestures to the salesperson. "We'll take it."

As we leave, the necklace around my neck, I realize this is my life now.

Jewelry stores and bodyguards, threats from brothers and planning houses with room for my sister.

"What are you thinking?" Doran asks as we get in the car.

"That I actually like the modern house. The one with the wing for Dalla."

His whole face lights up. "Yeah?"

"Yeah. But I want to see it first. Make sure it feels right."

"Of course. I've got viewings scheduled for Tuesday."

"You were that confident I'd come back from the honeymoon?"

"I was hopeful." He pulls me close. "I'm trying not to assume anymore."

"Good. Keep trying."

Back at the hotel, we order room service and eat on the balcony again, watching the sunset.

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