Page 45 of To Tango, with Desire

I shivered, grinning. Mission accomplished.

“I thought you might like it.”

“I’d like you better naked, but I’m a patient man.”

I turned to face him. “We both know that’s a lie.”

His grin was wolfish. “Guilty. When I know what I want, I take it. But I’m starting to see the benefit in savoring things. Happy birthday.”

“Thanks, I appreciate you coming out.”

“You think I came empty handed? Turn around.”

On the bar was a massive bouquet of flowers and beside it sat a small gift box.

“You’ll get your actual gift in a few weeks.”

“Three gifts? That’s a bit excessive.”

“Not for you. Open it.”

I unwrapped the gift box and gasped. Inside of it sat a ruby necklace that was ever so slightly darker than the shade of my dress. It was set on a delicate gold chain and was unlike anything I’d seen before.

“May I?” He plucked out the chain.

I turned, allowing him to secure the clasp before facing him.

“You were made for gold.”

I shivered at the sentiment. At this rate, I’d need a jewelry box.

“It’s too much.”

“Not for my soon-to-be wife.”

“Zane—”

“Not tonight. It’s your birthday. Let’s have a bit of fun, Miss Hadid.”

“Do billionaires even know how to have fun?” I teased.

“Habibti, you have no idea,” he replied with a wicked glint in his eye. “Dance with me? It’s a hot and heavy milonga next.”

“How do you know that?”

“I requested it.” He winked.

I wanted him, craved the feeling of his body pressed against mine. I wanted to be filled and consumed and swept away by his flirting. Mischievous Zane, aroused Zane, the man behind the billion-dollar mask. I yearned for more from this man than I realized. I didn’t want to think about marriage or terms and conditions.

Tonight was for fun.

I took his hand, following him to the floor.

When he drew me against his chest, I sighed. In his embrace, I felt secure. But there was little time to think when the milonga music began. The pace was fast, and I did my best to keep up with him. I relaxed, letting my feet fly according to the music, according to his lead.

We rocked back and forth, sidestepped, and twirled. But by the end of the tanda, I was spent. Laughing and a little sweaty with it, I held Zane’s hand and slowly walked back towards the bar for a drink.

Then came the barrage of questions from friends old and new. Everyone wanted a piece of the handsome man who was my fiancé.