The Mighty Storm (The Storm, #1)

Jake takes hold of my hand and we walk toward Tiffany’s.

I’ve been in a Tiffany’s store before, of course. Looked around then left before I either killed my visa or cried.

The closed sign is up on the door, but the place is all lit up, and I can see a man walking toward the door.

They’ve kept the place open late for Jake.

Oh, the power of money and status.

We’re greeted at the door by the man inside who identifies himself as Devin.

Devin is well groomed and very attractive. He reminds me of Stuart in a way. I wonder if he’s gay…

“Your piece is ready for you,” Devin is saying to Jake as we follow him over to the brightly lit, glossy, sparkly counter.

But I’m barely listening. It’s so damn pretty in here. My head is swivelling on my neck.

It looks even fancier than the one on Bond Street back home. It probably isn’t, it’s just because it’s here in amazing Paris that I think so.

More than anything, I want to visit Tiffany & Co. in New York. The original and the best.

One day Tru, one day.

I’m getting distracted, there’s just so much to look at, and my fingers are itching to touch things.

A display of rings to my left catches my eye, so I drop Jake’s hand and wander over to have a look, leaving him to get his ‘piece’.

The thought makes me want to giggle. I’m so immature at times.

My eyes roam the gems in the glass case, white diamonds, sapphires, yellow diamonds, and oh my god, a pink diamond. A freaking pink diamond! I didn’t even know you could get pink diamonds!

I’m actually freaking out a little here. Because this has to be the most beautiful ring I have ever seen in my whole entire twenty-six years on this plant.

It’s platinum with a pear-shaped pink diamond and a single row of round brilliant white diamonds hugging it.

I think I may have just died and gone to girlie heaven.

I’d sell my Grandma to have this ring that’s how amazing it is. Of course I’d never tell her that, she’d have my hide if I did.

My eyes scan around for a price for the ring, but there isn’t one, which means it’s ridiculously expensive.

Like I could have ever afforded it anyway. I can’t even afford moderately priced Tiffany’s. Not even cheap Tiffany’s, if there is such a thing.

That ring will be worth more than I can earn in a lifetime.

“See anything you like?” Jake says in a husky voice from behind me.

Without thinking, I say in my still dreamy state, “Look at that ring, it’s so beautiful,” pointing my finger to it.

Then I realise, smack bang, how it will look to Jake that I’m standing here, gazing dreamy eyed at pink diamond rings, which actually looks a lot like an engagement ring, and I’m pointing said ring out to him, in a dreamy sounding voice.

I’m such a girl at times.

“Um … I mean it’s nice, you know, as rings go … so did you get what you came for?” I ask, abruptly changing the subject.

I turn away from the dream ring to face him.

“I did.” He pats his jacket pocket looking pretty happy with himself.

Jake looks absolutely delicious tonight. And very smart. He’s dressed in blue jeans, but he’s wearing a shirt and a suit jacket with them. It shouldn’t work but it does on him, and he looks so very hot.

I’m wearing my sleeveless, floral print dress. It’s fitted at the waist, and has a cut out back. It’s pretty, with a real sexiness about it. I’ve teamed it with my cream heels. And my hair is down and curly, just as Jake likes it.

He takes hold of my hand and opening the door for me, I exit first, leaving Tiffany’s.

“Bye sparkly,” I murmur quietly to myself.

“What did you say?” Jake asks.

“Um … what? Nothing.” My face flushes scarlet, and I quick march to the car, leaving Jake to chuckle softly behind me.

I’ve just got in the car and put my seatbelt on, when I turn to Jake, wondering why he hasn’t started the car yet and see a Tiffany’s box sitting on the armrest separating me and him.

My heart does a little dance in my chest.

I look from the box to him.

“I got you a little something,” he says, looking, surprisingly nervous.

“Is that what you went in there to pick up?”

“Uh huh,” he nods.

“What is it?” My insides are doing cartwheels at the moment, but I’m keeping a poker face on. I don’t want to come across as the girlie idiot I truly am.

He smiles, chuckling lightly. “Open it and find out.”

I reach forward and pick the box up. Cracking it open, I find inside the most beautiful necklace I’ve ever seen. Ever.

It’s a platinum heart locket pendant, with a heart shaped diamond set in the centre.

I can’t believe he bought me this. I think I may actually cry.

“It’s so beautiful, Jake,” I breathe.

“Open it up,” he points his chin at the locket.

I remove the locket from the box, putting it back down on the armrest. Then using my fingernail, I pop the locket open.

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