The Darkest Temptation

Ronan appeared beside me. “I don’t think that’s quite your style, Mila.”

“It’s not. It’s for you.”

“I figured that. But you need to pick something for yourself, or I will.”

I gave him a brilliant smile. “I have a better idea than a ring.”

A stare-off ensued for at least thirty seconds before Ronan gave in, bought the ring I picked out, and followed me down the street.

I stopped in front of a tattoo parlor’s window.

“Nyet.” It was a hard “no.”

I frowned. “You don’t even know what I want yet.”

His eyes narrowed. “You want a tattoo, and it’s not happening.”

“You have a million, and I can’t have one?”

“Yes.”

With a sigh, I grabbed his hand and ran my finger over the inked raven. “I want this. On my ring finger.”

I thought he liked the idea, but I didn’t stick around to find out. I opened the door and waltzed in. Ronan took over from there. I didn’t have to say a word as he spoke with the tattoo artist and showed him what I wanted

“I don’t want a ring,” I said.

“You’re wearing a ring,” he returned. “It doesn’t have to be a diamond. It could be another stone

“No stone is one hundred percent conflict free.”

“Why are you such a hippie?”

“Why are you such a mobster?”

Of course Ronan spoke French.

But what I wanted more was to give him what he needed.

“Okay.”

His eyes lit with satisfaction, then he kissed me on the lips

How he knew I had a love for the animals didn’t surprise me.

It’s like watching a circus.”

I turned to face him. “I just don’t want you to get bored while I go shopping.”

“You’re enough entertainment for me alone.

He chuckled. “Is this a trauma-induced statement?”

He laughed. “I’m more concerned about what our children are going to inherit from you than your mother