Page 22 of Miles
“So what’s the point in liking somebody who doesn’t like you back? So I don’t need your guard dog protecting me all the time, Daddy. It’s hard enough to have a crush on somebody and then to have them around all the time when they don’t like you, but then I already made a fool of myself. Then he goes and beats up guys that do like me.”
“Els, just because he didn’t kiss you there? Come on—what did you expect him to do? Toss you on the ground in the middle of the waiting room? The man is trying to be respectful at a time where you were grieving and scared. Taking advantage of you wasn’t the right thing to do.”
“He’s right, sweetheart. Miles’s feelings for you are real, baby. His protection is more than just at my request. He told me himself. When it comes to beating up Santos, he had his reasons, and he’ll do much worse if Santos ever approaches you again, so don’t argue with any of us on that.”
“Are you serious?”
“About Santos? Deadly.”
“I’m talking about Miles.”
“Of course. He’s crazy about you.”
“Do you think I pushed him too far?”
“I was told you were here,” Miles growls from the doorway.
Milo walks up to Miles and says, “You hurt my sister, and all bonds we have are cut.”
“Understood, but first I need to have a talk with this crazy woman. She and I have a lot to clear up.” He walks right up to me and his mouth lands on mine. I freeze, stunned because my father and brother are right there.
“Damn, we’re zero for two,” he teases as he pulls back.
“Maybe not try kissing in front of me, dickhead.”
“I just wanted her to see what it was like to be stunned.” He looks at me right in the eyes. “Now come on, princess. You and I have a lot to discuss, and our baby girl needs a walk.”
“I’ll be working from home tomorrow morning, and we can discuss matters tomorrow evening at my home over dinner,”Miles says, leading me from the office, and no one says another word. I’m actually still so shocked by everything that I move with him and don’t even open my mouth until we’re outside the room.
Chapter Seven
Miles
I have a lot of things to do before I head home, including a visit from the jeweler with Elsa’s ring. I’ve spent a long time deciding what it would be. After all the years we’ve known each other, I want it to be special, but with Vegas, nothing seems to be that way. Everything here is gaudy, extravagant, way over the top. No matter what I see or think of, I feel like I’m just throwing my money around. None of it shows the depth of my obsession.
This piece is it, though. I’ve worked hard on it, and it incorporates everything she likes, from her favorite flower, to her favorite books, to her love of dogs.
I close the app after a few moments and return to my business matters that require my attention. It takes more time than I expect, even leaving the jeweler waiting in my personal lobby to be received.
“My apologies,” I say.
“No, no. It is my fault for arriving too early.” The level of fear I bring is well known, and he doesn’t want to disappoint.
“Please come and show me what you’ve brought me.” He nods and sets the suitcase on the table beside my desk. Opening it, he lays out the cloth and then unveils the three-carat pink diamond tear-drop stone with chocolate diamonds surrounding it. Etched inside, I inscribed a message for her, and it’s perfect. Adark prince loves his princess.
Elsa always believed in fairytales and love, wanting to marry a prince. She doesn’t see me like that, but I’ll be whatever she needs because my life doesn’t exist without her in it.
“It’s perfect, Mr. Greenberg,” I state, sending the payment through. He wipes the ring down and places it in the special box before handing it to me.
“She is one lucky woman.”
“I am the lucky one.”
“Then you are blessed, Sir.”
“That I am.” I escort him out with a handshake before closing the door. Pressing the box to my chest, I take a deep breath and send up a silent prayer that I don’t ruin this because I’m not above kidnaping a princess.
With the ring in my pocket, I prepare to leave for the day. It’s finally time to claim the woman I am in love with. She has revealed her hand. I know she loves me, and this time I’m not going to let her worm her way out of my grasp. I don’t care what threat is in the way because I’ll tear anyone down that gets between us.
