Chapter 16

CHAPTER 16

LIZZIE

J ust like that… the roller coaster tipped over the top and tumbled down the track into the darkness… only to climb up the very next rise.

I heard a minor commotion on the other side of the apartment door just as we rose from the table. A server immediately approached Richard with something dark draped over his arms. As we got closer, I realized they were furs.

Selecting the top one, Richard held the coat up as I pushed my arms through before he draped it over my shoulders.

As he shrugged into his own fur coat, I stroked my hand down the luxurious softness. Looking up at him in wonder, he winked at me. "It's chilly outside on the parapet," he offered as he stepped closer and placed a finger under my chin. "I don't want my little one to feel cold ever again."

Understanding his double meaning, I lowered my eyes and nodded.

Message received.

I'm pretty sure the violinist played ‘Heaven' by Julia Michaels just as we stepped out into the night.

Falling for him… was like falling from grace.

I suspected the violinist knew something I didn't… or perhaps I did but just didn't want to face it.

The heights were dizzying as the wind whipped around us. As I snuggled closer inside my fur, I could see what had caused the commotion. Surrounding the iron railing were numerous women. Their backs were turned to us as they faced out to the city. All I could tell was they were all dressed in the same black cocktail dress with their hair 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 that would put the Hope diamond to shame. It was surrounded by smaller, if only by comparison, pear-shaped diamonds in a floral pattern.

Richard took the necklace from the man's grasp and clasped it around my neck. It felt cold and heavy as the centerpiece jewel nestled between my breasts.

The man droned on. "Set in eighteen-karat white gold, these are a spectacular selection of diamonds and sapphires totaling only slightly less than two hundred seventy-four carats for the entire suite…"

The second man stepped forward and held out a matching bracelet to Richard.

Lifting my arm, I could only stare in wonder as he clasped it around my small wrist. It fit perfectly.

"Richard, what is all this?"

"My darling, every duchess has a wedding suite of diamonds," he answered, amused.

Brushing my hair aside, he carefully fastened the pear-shaped drop earrings to my lobes.

Everything about this moment was something out of a fairytale or movie.

Richard stroked my cheek. "I love you, my sweet little bird."

"I love you too," I replied softly.

It wasn't until much later, after the surprise and euphoria of the moment had slightly worn off, that I realized he had never actually asked me to marry him. In true Richard fashion, he had decreed I would be his wife and I had obeyed.

King captures pawn.

Game over.