Page 45 of Vengeful Vows

“The shoes are the perfect complement,” she says. “They make the outfit.”

Unlike me, she seems to have no problem spending his money.

“We’ll take those as well.”

“No!” Frantically I shake my head. “They’re seven hundred dollars.”

“A bargain,” he counters.

He’s walked in the store and dropped over two grand? “Collect your purse so we can be on our way.”

The man is a force of nature. “I have to take off this jewelry.” I’m wearing a queen’s ransom in accessories.

“They go with the outfit. Return them to me tomorrow,” Amelia insists.

My mouth falls open.

“They’re insured if something happens.”

Together, the two of them are impossible. “I still need to find my regular clothes.”Somewhere.

“I’m sure Amelia can have them delivered to your condo.”

She nods.

“Add the cost of the courier to my bill.”

It would have never occurred to me to request such an outrageous service. But as I’ve learned, there is no arguing with Marcello when he has made up his mind.

After I locate my purse, we are on our way to an exquisite dinner. Then, after our plates are cleared, our champagne glasses are refilled.

“Anything else, sir?” the server asks.

Marse looks to me, and I shake my head. Ordinarily, I might have a coffee, but tonight I’m still buzzing with energy from the fashion show, and I know I’ll never sleep.

Once he says we’re fine, he signs his name to the check, and our server leaves us alone in the private room that Marcello booked for the evening.

Marse considers me carefully.

“You are exquisite, Bella.”

“Thank you.” With a small smile, I circle the base of my glass.

Then he scoots back his chair and stands.

With a puzzled frown, I look at him.

“You have pried my heart open and made me a better man.”

Is my imagination running away with me? Or is what I think is going on really happening?

“I’d like to spend the rest of my life with you.”

My world tips upside down.

The most handsome man on the planet drops to one knee and pulls a magnificent ring from a pocket inside his jacket.

An enormous diamond, surrounded by four smaller ones, sparkles blindingly, and I can no longer think as he takes my hand in his.