His Diamond of Convenience. Maisey Yates

there were safeguards in place just in case, because I’m tidy like that. But they weren’t needed because you were never going to refuse.”

      His expression hardened and so did his voice. “No,” he said, “I don’t suppose I was.”

      “And with that, I bid you good evening. We will be in touch tomorrow to discuss a ring. I’m very classic. I quite like a white diamond.”

      “And I’m old-fashioned, as well,” he said. “I would like very much for my fiancée to be surprised by the choice of ring. Failing that, I shall choose the diamond that is most convenient to me.”

      She gritted her teeth, annoyance spiking through her. Clearly, he was going to fight her every step of the way. “Do as you see fit.” She nodded once and started to walk out of the room, holding her breath as she moved past him, trying to avoid breathing in the fragrance of soap, skin and a scent that she disturbingly suspected was unique to him. But she kept her posture straight, kept herself from acknowledging the fact that she was affected by him. And with that, she strode out the way that she came in.

      Victoria Calder intensely disliked places like this, but she did love a victory. And this one was so close she could taste it.