His Dirty Bargain (Dirty Billionaires 3)

“Okay, I’ll show you up to your room.”

“No need, Lorenzo showed me where it was earlier.” Nonna squeezes my hand. “This is a beautiful home, you did a good job.”

“Thank you, I love it too.”

With a nod at Enzo, she gives me a kiss. “Remember, one hour. Any more and I won’t wake up until the middle of the night.”

“Yes, Nonna, one hour.” I take my phone out and set an alarm. I keep my head down as I go into the kitchen. I’m not really hungry, but I’m sure I can find something small to snack on so I don’t look like a complete liar.

“Let’s go,” Enzo barks.

“Go where?”

“To get you a damn engagement ring.”

“Were you not paying attention? I just said I didn’t want one.”

“Your grandmother expects one. If you don’t come then I’ll pick one out, and since I have shitty taste you’ll be stuck with it.”

“I liked the first one you gave me.”

“Too bad, I told you I don’t have it. Are you coming or not?”

“You are such an asshole,” I mutter as I follow him out of the house. He’s already in my car, the driver’s seat. I don’t bother arguing and hand over my keys.

Pulling out my phone, I keep my eyes down during the drive, only looking up when we come to a stop. I’m not surprised by the store; I am surprised when Enzo parks in front of the building. I had no idea there was valet parking here.

Only two steps in a man is drooling over Enzo, asking how he can help. Enzo nods. “She needs an engagement ring.”

“Yes, sir. Do you have anything in mind?”

“A diamond more than five carats but less than ten, no reason to get gaudy.”

A nod from the salesperson, who looks like he’s weak in the knees. “Of course, why don’t you follow me. You’ll be more comfortable in the back while I round up some rings for you to look at. My name is Roger. Can I get you some champagne?”

I shake my head. I remember Enzo telling me he thought diamonds were too boring for me. Why the hell did I send the ring back? Why is he being such an asshole? And if I’m trying really hard not to scream at him, why is being so close to him making me want to tear his clothes off him? Desperate for some space, I pretend to look at a long case of necklaces that look like they belong around the necks of royalty. Holy crap, is that real? I can’t move on from a necklace with huge emeralds inlaid along the neck, then ending in a massive emerald in the shape of a heart.

“Miss?” Huh? I look up and realize he’s probably already said something once. His eyes spot what I’m looking at. “Would you like a closer look?” he asks hopefully.

“No, no thank you.” I move back to the table where he’s put a long black tray of diamond rings.

I’ve bar

ely taken them in when Enzo pulls out a large one and shoves it at me. “This one.”

I take it with a sigh. It’s a square diamond and it’s boring. Handing it to Roger, I shake my head. Ignoring Enzo’s annoyed frown, I take my time as I study the tray. An oval diamond with two small ovals on the side catches my eye. It’s massive though, probably right at the ten carat mark he set. I pick it up; it has diamonds set in the band as well. If I’m not getting the first ring, then I guess this will do. I try it on. It’s a little too big, but I nod.

“Get her something so she doesn’t lose it. She needs to wear it out. We’ll send it back to be resized after the wedding.” Enzo hands over his credit card.

Roger takes the card. “I’ll be right back.”

Only minutes later he’s back. I hand over the ring, and he puts something around the band before handing it back to me. It fits perfectly.

The whole way back home I can’t take my eyes off the ring. It’s beautiful, but it’s not the ring I want. I wonder if he really threw the other one away.

“You need a new car.”

The words sound loud in the quiet of the car. I shrug. “My car is fine. I don’t need a new one.”