Toxic - Zoe Blake Page 0,42

pulled back into a severe bun at the napes of their necks.

Without even acknowledging the women, Richard led me to a secluded spot overlooking the manicured grounds of the Champ de Mars.

“Richard, who are those…”

“Never mind them. Look at me.”

I had to crane my head back, he was so tall and imposing.

Richard stroked his hand over my hair before resting it against my neck. His thumb rubbed along my collarbone. An oddly threatening caress.

“From the moment I first laid eyes on you, I knew I had to make you mine. I’m not sure how to explain it. There was something about your beauty and innocence that captured my heart, and now I cannot imagine my life without you.”

Oh, my God.

Richard stepped closer, so our bodies touched, his dominating presence looming large over me.

“You’re mine, Elizabeth, and it’s no longer good enough for me to know that… I need the world to know it. I need them to know you are my wife, my duchess, my own,” he growled as he leaned down to claim my mouth in a violent kiss.

The force of his body caused me to take several steps back. I could feel the press of the iron railing against my lower back. A frisson of fear raced over me as I realized that with just a little more pressure, his kiss could send me over the edge, dropping me to my death.

These violent delights have violent ends.

His lips bruised mine as his tongue took possession. We both tasted of dark chocolate and wine. When he finally relented, I could barely catch my breath. The world spun.

Placing his arm through mine, he led me back to where the women were still standing, as still as statues. Then, by some silent cue, they slowly turned, one by one.

Each of the women wore a mask that covered their complete face except for their lips. In their outstretched arms, they held a purple velvet pillow on which rested a stunning engagement ring. I quickly realized the jewel color of each of their masks coordinated with the jewel in the ring.

Diamonds.

Emeralds.

Sapphires.

Both platinum and gold settings.

Each at least ten carats and in every shape imaginable: emerald, princess, marquis, round, pear.

As I looked closer, I could see a signature stitched in gold on each pillow: Mouawad.

As in Mouawad Jewelers, jeweler to the royalty of Europe and just about every major celebrity. Although I confess, I mostly knew them as the designer of the over-the-top magnificent Victoria Secret diamond bra each year.

“Select whichever one you want, my love. They are all your ring size.”

“Richard…” I breathed, unable to say more.

We slowly circled the parapet as one by one the women turned to display their dazzling selection. When I commented I was afraid to touch any of the rings in case they fell to the ground through the metal grating, Richard chuckled and pointed out that they had sewn each ring to the pillow with a gold thread just in case.

Stopping at the one I liked best, I looked up at Richard sheepishly. “Are you sure I can select any one I want?”

“Any one you want.”

I pointed to the pillow. A man I hadn’t noticed before stepped forward with a small pair of silver scissors and snipped the gold thread before handing the ring to Richard. The center jewel was a massive pear-shaped blue sapphire, which reminded me of the midnight blue of Richard’s eyes. On each side of the center jewel were three large pear-shaped white diamonds giving the entire ring the impression of an intense starburst.

My hand looked so tiny and pale as it rested on his palm. Richard slipped the ring I had chosen onto my finger.

Leaning down, he whispered, “You’re all mine now.”

The same man clapped his hands three times. From some hidden door appeared three additional men also dressed all in black.

The original man cleared his throat. “If I may first offer my congratulations, miss.”

Feeling a little dazed and overwhelmed, I could only smile in return as I snuggled closer into the protection of Richard’s side. He placed a reassuring arm on my shoulders.

“May I also say, excellent choice, the Majestic Suite is one of my personal favorites,” he crooned. “Now may I present to you the rest of the suite?” He clapped again, and the men stepped forward.

My mouth dropped open.

The first man was holding the largest, most stunning diamond necklace I had ever seen in my life. Suspended from the center of the brilliant necklace was a massive blue sapphire