Diamonds are Forever Boxed Set: The Complete Trilogy (Books 1, 2 & 3) (Diamonds are Forever Trilogy: A Dark Mafia Romance) by Charmaine Pauls

Author:Charmaine Pauls [Pauls, Charmaine]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9782491833053
Published: 2020-10-26T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter 16

Zoe

I wake up to the first glorious day after another freezing winter and realize this ocean has been my view for the past eighteen months. Eighteen months of giving myself to Maxime. The realization jars me. I stare at my face in the mirror, the make-up brush frozen in my hand. I’m trying. I really am. I can’t say he’s not treating me well. After I dropped the bomb about loving him, nothing has changed for the better, but at least nothing has changed for the worst, either. We’re maintaining our status quo.

Maxime steps from the dressing room wearing a white shirt and blue suit tailored to the latest fashion, paired with Italian shoes. He looks smart and impossibly handsome. He’s focused on fitting a cufflink, but when he catches my gaze, he walks up behind me and places his hands on my shoulders. Our eyes remained locked for a moment before he swoops down and places a kiss on my neck.

“Good morning, cherie.” His gray eyes turn a shade warmer. “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you.” With the restriction in my throat, the words sound thick.

He frowns. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” I force a smile. “I’m running late, that’s all.”

The lie comes with effort. He knows me well enough by now not to buy it. Besides, I’m always early.

Kneading my shoulders, he says, “Try again.”

He won’t give up until I tell him. Biting my lip, I gauge his mood. “I’ve just realized it’s been eighteen months.”

Some of the warmth in his gaze dissipates. “We should go out and celebrate.”

It’s hardly something I want to celebrate, but I know better than to fail this test. “Whenever you want.”

He brushes my hair over my shoulder. “I meant to speak to you about tonight.”

The way he hesitates makes me tense. “What about tonight?”

“We have to attend a gallery opening.” Searching my face, he adds, “With my family.”

“Your whole family?”

“Everyone, including Alexis. I wouldn’t expose you to them if I didn’t have to, but this is an important event. We have a lot invested in the gallery.”

“I could stay at home?” I offer hopefully.

“No.” His tone is curt. “Hiding you at home would send the wrong message.”

“Which is?”

“That I don’t respect you.”

“Oh.” His respect never crossed my mind. “Do you?”

“Of course.” He twists a strand of hair around his finger. “I admire you.”

“If people think you don’t respect me, how would that be a problem?”

“People you don’t respect are expendable.”

Goosebumps break out over my arms. “I see.” No one has tried to kill me since the drive-by shooting, but the threat is never out of my thoughts for long.

“All right.” My smile is shaky. I don’t like Maxime’s family. I definitely don’t look forward to seeing them at a gala event, which will be stressful enough as it is.

He squeezes my shoulders. “Sylvie will be there.”

At least there’s something to look forward to.

Gripping my chin, he turns my face to the side and kisses my lips. “I’ll see you tonight. Be ready at seven.”

I hurry through

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.