Chapter 16

Stefan took a small velvet box, that looks like a ring case, from Mose without a word. His expression was calm and commanding. He walked directly toward Mia, who watched him approach with a furrow in her brow, her expression a mixture of confusion and apprehension.

"What are you....." She began, but her voice faded as he stopped before her.

Stefan gently took her left hand, his fingers brushing against hers with an unexpected tenderness that didn’t match his usually composed demeanor.

Her breath caught on her throat by their contact.

He slid a ring onto her finger. “This’ll make it all believable,” he said, his voice so...