Page 55 of Legacy
White hot jealousy clings to me.
“Are you sure you’re up for that challenge?”
“I wouldn’t be asking if I didn’t think I could handle it.”
“She also yields her own power,” he says thoughtfully, “She handles her own sector of the family business, our jewel trade, her specialty is—”
“Rubies, I know. That’s why I’m willing to offer this as well.”
I reach into my pocket and pull out a small velvet box. Placing it on the table between us, I push it towards him.
“An old treasure of ours.”
My mothers.
“It’s been in our family for years.”
Luciano opens the box, and his breath hitches slightly as he sees the crimson jewel, glinting ominously under the sunlight flooding in from the balcony.
“The Blood Ruby…” He trails off.
His gaze flicks to me calculation in his eyes ebbs to curiously.
“Why part with something so important?”
For her.
But I don’t say that, instead I shrug.
“Consider it a token of goodwill and assurance of our commitment to this alliance.”
Silence.
Broken only by the distant sounds of waves crashing against the shore.
Luciano focuses on Rafael who remains expressionless, still.
A smirk spreads across Luciano’s face as he closes the box and pushes it back towards me.
No.
“I respect your offer,” he finally says, sitting upright and leaning in closer. “But you’ll need that if you want to convince Adriana, not me.”
Is this a yes?
“What do you think?” he asks Rafael, who looks at me before leaning in to Luciano to whisper.
Luciano nods.
“I want the ports, I want in on the Sovereigns, but not part of this current war you have going on. That blood ruby you can keep for Adriana.”
I did it. My relief is short lived.
“Rafael has given consent on her behalf.”
I catch Rafael’s gaze. He nods
“Why would your Consejero be able to speak for Adriana?”
