“I’ve told you a dozen times, Mister Alexander, everything is ready,” Aggie said again, her tone a little exasperated. She pointed to the tables set out. “The stations set for Vampires are over there, and over there in the other corner will be the food, and plenty of it, as per your instructions. The bar is stocked with enough alcohol to sink the Titanic and I’ve got staff on hand to cater to everyone’s needs. There’ll be music piped in, again as you asked for, and this can be changed whenever, and to whatever you want, just ask me and it’ll be taken care of. Also, as per your instructions, there are no live donors for your guests, and that will be reiterated to them by Ace on their arrival. He’s arranged security, as you know, and the flowers are being put out in five minutes so they don’t wilt before people arrive. The gazebo is ready and waiting for you later, with champagne, flowers and I’ll have chocolate covered strawberries sent down later. Now, I think that covers everything . . . again. Don’t you think?”

Quinn looked around the hall, admiring the handiwork and the color scheme: red with hints of white and black. Perfect. “Yes, it does. Thank you for your patience, Aggie. I just want everything to be perfect for this evening. It has to be special for her.”

“I know that.” She leaned in, patting his arm. “Did the rings arrive?”

“Yes.” He smiled down at her upturned face. “They look wonderful and will look even better on her finger.”

“I’m sure they will.” Aggie smiled brightly, “Now it’s time you went and got ready while I add the finishing touches here. Scoot.”

He took one last look then nodded. “Thank you, Aggie, you’re a treasure. I don’t say it often enough, but I’d be lost without you here. The estate would grind to a halt without you at its helm.”

“Shush.” Aggie’s face flushed, she was never one to take compliments. “Away with you. I’ve still got work to do.”

Another bonus was in the cards, he thought as he did as he was bid.

He was sidetracked on his way to his room by Ace who wanted to go through the security for the evening, and by the time he arrived back he was running late. Checking his watch as he opened the door and walked in, he swore. “Shit, sorry, Amaya, Ace needed to go over some details.”

“That’s all right. Do I look okay?”

He stopped in his tracks, his breath stuck in his throat at the vision before him. She stood at the bay window, the waning light filtering through the stained glass like a halo. The red silk, strapless gown flowed over her like a second skin, skimming down until mid-thigh where it gathered more material and poured out around her to pool at her feet. Her ebony dark hair was pulled to one side, falling in ringlets over her shoulder, leaving one completely bare and so tempting. His fingers and lips wanting to run over her skin, kissing and caressing . . . and more importantly, the side of her neck was completely open to him. It was right there for him, ready and waiting for that final step, his final bite, the mating bond that would be their final step to make them true Bloodmates.

“Well?” She fidgeted from foot to foot, her hand reaching up to move her hair. “Is something wrong?”

“No.” He stepped forward then stopped himself. If he didn’t he’d rip the damn dress right off her. “You look perfect . . . well, almost.”

Cocking her head to the side she looked down at herself then back up. “What’s wrong?”

“Hold on.” He went to his bedside cabinet, tugging open the drawer and retrieving the box with the necklace. “I’ve got just the thing to go with your dress.”

“You do?”

“I do.” He slowly walked over, his hand trembling as he opened the box. “I had this made for you. I hope you like it.”

Amaya looked down, then up at him, then back down, a finger reaching to trail over the rubies. “It’s gorgeous, but those are rubies, Quinn, real rubies, and they’re freaking huge! It must’ve cost a fortune.”

He couldn’t help but chuckle at her as he removed the necklace. “Baby, take a look around, I’m not exactly penniless . . . am I?”

As he fastened it around her neck she looked over her shoulder. “Shit, that’s right and you did buy Thorne a Ferrari. It just didn’t register, it’s weird that you have all this money, it takes a bit of getting used to.”

“There’s something else,” he said as he reached into his pocket, pulling out the paperwork for the Estate. “Here.”

She opened it up, reading it and frowning. “What is this?”

“The Deed for this estate.” He flicked through to the end. “It’s been changed so that it’s now in joint names. Your name’s been added as of today.”

“Why?” She tilted her head, looking at what she held in her hand then back at him. “I don’t understand.”

“These past few days have taught me something, and that is, that nothing is set in stone.” He reached up, running a finger down the side of her face, “I was almost lost to the Thirst, Amaya, I was so damn close it scares the shit out of me. It taught me that I’m not invincible, so I’m making sure that you’ll be taken care of. My lawyer is taking care of things, but the paperwork is in place now. I’ve sorted out a Will and if anything ever happens to me, then you’ll be okay. Now, before you interrupt . . . this is for me, darling. I need to know things are settled now. That you’ll be okay. Indulge me, please.”

She let out a small sound, something between a sob and a hiccup, he wasn’t quite sure what it was but her eyes were suddenly glassy with tears as she nodded. “I understand but I don’t want this broadcast.”

“Why not?”

“I’m not used to all this.” She waved her hand around, the paperwork fluttering wildly. “And in the human world people will just see me as some gold-digger who’s snared the mighty Quinn Alexander. I don’t care what they think of me, but I don’t want that affecting you or your business. So, let’s just keep this quiet for now, please?”

He couldn’t help smiling at her astuteness of the situation. She was probably right. “I’ll agree, but you have to know I don’t give a fuck what anyone says, or thinks.”

“I do, yes, but still.” She shrugged.

“Fine, now, I’m late so I’ll have to hurry.”

“Okay, I’ll just sit here and let all this sink in.” She shook her head looking at the paperwork again. “Maybe by the time you’re ready I’ll have calmed down.”

He hid the smile on his face by turning around, wondering how she’d react when he proposed to her and produced a set of beautiful platinum and diamond rings in front of everyone later. That was a statement to the entire world of just how much he loved her and would prove to everyone what he thought of her. He just hoped she didn’t up and faint on him. No, that wouldn’t happen. Amaya was definitely not the fainting type. She was far stronger than that. If anything, she’d probably punch him hard for putting her on the spot.

Aye, that was far more likely than her fainting on him. He chuckled as he used his Vampire speed to tear his clothes off and shower at breakneck speed before dressing in a charcoal Armani suit, white shirt with a matching silk tie. He transferred the precious box containing the rings and was back with his love in under ten minutes. She sat on the window-seat, staring out over the estate, a far-away look on her face.

“Amaya? Are you okay?” He went over, kneeling next to her, taking one of her hands in his, bringing it his lips and kissing it softly.

She jerked as if coming out of a dream, turned to him and smiled, a breathtakingly wide one that caused his heart to flutter wildly in his chest. “Yes, sorry, I was just thinking how lucky I am. I’ve found you, or rather, you found me. And now here I am in this beautiful place and I’m feeling so thankful for everything.”

“Me too, baby, me too.” He pulled her up, into his body and kissed her gently. If he deepened it then they’d never get out of the damn room. “We should go. Our guests will be arriving shortly.”

“Okay.” She shivered involuntarily. “I’m nervous. I don’t want to make a fool of myself. I’m not used to all this.”

“You’ll be fine.” He squeezed her hand. “Just nod and smile and if anyone says anything to upset you, tell them to fuck off. It’s what I usually do.”

“Quinn!” She giggled, slapping his arm.

“What? It’s the truth. Anyway, Thorne will be hovering around keeping an eye on things, and so will Ace, and I’ll be with you too. Don’t worry, darling, tonight will be the best night ever.”

And he prayed it would be. He just hoped he didn’t make a damn fool of himself when the time came to propose to her.