Page 24 of Deceptive Vows
“I want to be like you and Lucas and Ari. I want to be able to protect myself and my family.”
“Butkardoula mou, this world…” His gaze held mine, his eyes searching.
Ten years on the street with a transitory mother. I never knew where I’d lay my head at night, where my next meal would come from, or if a man would touch me again in ways that felt wrong. Living with Lucas and his family…I’d found heaven on earth. Safety and freedom.
A smile slowly spread on his lips. “You were very good at throwing those stars.”
I rolled my lips in. “It’s fun.”
He tapped me on the nose. “How about we start with martial arts classes, okay? Your Ma would kill me if she found out I was letting you learn about weapons.”
A giggle popped out. “Can I still throw the stars?”
Pa nodded and put his fingers to his lips. “It’ll be our secret.”
The memory sent an earthquake through myheart. Between Pa and Mr. Marcello, my expectations for relationships had hurdles men couldn’t pass.
“Pa loved me. He let me take martial arts classes, and as I got older, I became more proficient. Ma wasn’t thrilled, but she understood my need to feel safe.”
“Here it is!” Mr. Marcello broke the heavy moment as he returned.
He didn’t need to see me weepy. Straightening my posture, I lifted my head and gave him a bright smile as I joined him at the counter. The moment he opened the black velvet box, my mouth dropped open, and a gasp escaped me.
Rarely was I left speechless, but Mr. Marcello hadn’t crafted a ring, he’d created art using metal and gems as a medium. The only thing that saddened me was that this engagement was a farce. Had I known…
He beamed, pride glowing on his face. “At the center, a radiant-cut diamond reflecting your brilliance. The halo of smaller stones symbolizes the love and care you so freely give to those around you.” He held it out to me. “And the platinum band represents your strength—unyielding and graceful, just like your spirit. Isabella was insistent on that, especially.”
Tears pooled in my eyes. My voice was thick as I asked, “Isabella?”
Nodding, Mr. Marcello smiled. “She helped with all of it. She said it had to be unique and made just for you. Courage and strength, kind and soft. Wonderful and beautiful.” He tilted it, showing me the underside of the band. “I know the symbol isn’t Greek, but the fleur-de-lis symbolizes purity, light, and life. A blessing of happiness in your marriage.”
It was the most thoughtful, most precious thing. That he and Isabella would have crafted this for me… my chest tightened. “It’s incredible. You’re so sweet. Thank you for such a beautiful gift.”
He palmed my cheek. “Anything for my Thea.”
“The ring is spectacular, Mr. Marcello,” Nazar said, his deep voice laced with sincerity. “I don’t think anything could have captured her beauty and spirit quite as perfectly as this ring.”
The intensity of his words caught me off guard, and my gaze snapped to his. “You onlymet me a day ago…” The words faltered and evaporated on my tongue as our eyes locked.
There was an intensity in his that stole the air from my lungs.
“More than twenty years ago, I was told I’d be drawn to fire,” he said, his voice low and gravelly. “And here I am taking hold of a flame and perfectly content to burn.” He blinked, pulling his gaze from mine. “It’s a fitting masterpiece.”
Mr. Marcello cleared his throat, breaking the tension. “Shall we try it on?”
Unable to speak, I nodded. “Yes, please.”
To my surprise, Nazar took the ring from Mr. Marcello and gently slipped it onto my finger. The heat of his touch sent tingles racing up my spine. “Does it feel okay?” he asked, his voice low, the words weighted with more than just the fit of the ring.
My breath hitched, and I forced myself to focus. “Perfect.” I shook my head, trying to clear it. “It fits just fine.”
But nothing about the moment felt fine. Nazar was affecting me in ways no man ever had, and I wasn’t sure how to handle it.
“Are there any modifications you would like?”asked Mr. Marcello.
“No, it’s the most perfect ring I’ve ever seen.”
His grin reached his eyes. “When Isabella became ill, she wanted to leave you one last gift—your something new. Oh, how she would have loved seeing you get married.”
