And a damn good one.”
“She always wanted to help people,” I said.
“I got so sick of hearing about her that I told him if she was still alive I wouldn’t be here. He looked at me and told me I was right.” Tears filled her eyes. “Ugh. I won’t let him do this to me.” She looked up at the ceiling.
It infuriated me how they treated her sometimes.
“What did you say?” I asked.
“Nothing. I walked out of the room, changed my clothes, and met my friend at the bar. There’s nothing a lot of alcohol can’t fix.”
I stood up from my chair, walked over and gave her a hug.
“Don’t let them get to you.”
“I’ll never be good enough for them because I’m not her.”
“You are good enough. You’re my sister and I love you.”
“Thanks. I love you too, big brother.” A soft smile graced her face as she broke our embrace.
After I left the office, I quickly went home to change and then headed to Ellie’s apartment. When the door opened, I stood there breathless at the beautiful woman smiling at me.
“You look incredible,” I signed with a smile.
“Thank you. You look very sexy yourself.” She reached up and kissed my lips as I stepped inside.
I wrapped my arms around her and held her tight, taking in the lavender scent of her hair.
“Are you ready to go?” I signed.
“I just have to grab my purse.”
I watched her walk away in a sexy black fitted dress with a deep V-neckline and thin straps complemented with a pair of black high heels. Just looking at her made my cock rise. After we finished eating, Christian drove up to where our horse and carriage were waiting for us. Ellie had no idea what I’d planned. She thought we were going back to my place for the night.
“Why are we here?” she asked as she looked out the passenger window.
I opened the door, held out my hand and helped her out of the limo.
“Your horse and carriage await you, my queen,” I signed.
“Are you serious?” Her face lit up with excitement.
Taking her hand, we climbed in, and the coachman took us into Central Park. It was a warm, calm night, and the bright moon was nestled amongst the stars that twinkled like little pulses of light.
“I have something for you,” I signed. “Close your eyes.”
A smile graced her lips as she closed her eyes. Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out the Tiffany box and placed it in her hands. When she opened her eyes, she looked at the box and then up at me.
“Go on. Open it,” I signed.
Opening the lid, she placed her hand over her mouth when she saw the platinum open heart pendant encased in diamonds.
“Oh my God, Henry. It’s gorgeous,” she spoke as she ran her finger over the heart.
Taking the box from her, I removed the necklace and placed it around her neck.
“This is my heart and I’m giving it to you,” I signed as I watched the tears fill her eyes. “You stole my heart, Ellie, and I have never been more in love with anyone as I am with you.”
“I love it so much and I love you,” she signed as she spoke. “No one has ever given me anything like this, and I’m never taking it off. Thank you, Henry.” She placed her hand on my cheek as her lips met mine.
Chapter 19
Ellie
I stood in front of the full-length mirror in Henry’s bedroom and ran my finger over the heart pendant he’d given me. As I was admiring it, I felt two hands grip my hips from behind as his lips pressed against the flesh of my neck. I took in his masculine scent of earth with a touch of spice before turning around in his arms and meeting his lips with mine.
“I have to get to the office. Delilah made breakfast. So go and enjoy it and stay if you want.” I studied this moving lips.
“I wish you were staying with me.” I smiled.
“So do I.” He kissed my lips.
“When am I going to meet your parents?” I asked out of the blue.
“We can talk about that later. I have to go.” He kissed my forehead.
I walked him down to the elevator and told him goodbye. Walking into the kitchen, Delilah poured me a cup of coffee and set it on the island.
“What a beautiful necklace. Did Henry give that to you?” she signed.
“Yes.” I grinned as I placed my hand on it. “He