Chapter 36

Keira stared at the velvet box in Alexei's hands, her heart hammering against her ribs. Now this… him giving her a ring made it seem so real.

"Alexei." Her voice came out smaller than she intended.

"It's not what you think," he said quickly, reading her expression. "Not yet, anyway." He opened the box to reveal not an engagement ring, but a delicate gold chain with a pendant. "This belonged to my mother. She left it to me."

The pendant was exquisite, a small sapphire surrounded by diamonds in an intricate setting that looked vintage and precious. Keira's breath caught.

"Your mother's?" She looked up at him, searching his face. "Alexei, I can't—"

"You can." His voice was gentle. "She would have wanted you to have it. To wear it tomorrow night."

"But what if—"

"What if what?" He stepped closer, the box still open between them.

"What if your father changes his mind about me? What if I make some horrible mistake tomorrow and embarrass your family