30. Ari
30
ARI
THREE MONTHS LATER
H ow the hell had they done it? I’d gone over this a dozen times, and I still couldn’t figure out how the Silver Fox Gang had taken a string of paintings.
By the time I stood up over my worktable and rubbed my eyes, several hours had passed and the damned sun was setting.
Damon stepped up behind me, wrapped his arms around me, and kissed my neck. “What’s troubling my angel?”
I sighed and gave up, ready to ask for his help. Normally we had a separation of church and state. He was mostly focused on the import-export business and consulted on a few jobs for Galen.
“I still have no idea how this gang stole these paintings. Unseen, undetected. How can I recover something when I don’t know how they did the job?” I sighed. “How was your call with Max?”
“He’s relieved to be trusted enough to be on a travel recovery team. Even though he’s admin, he seems happy. I asked Taryn to keep an eye on him.” Damon chuckled softly. “Well, I guess that’s why they’re the Silver Fox Gang, right? They’re notorious for their stealth and cunning. But don’t worry. You’ll figure it out. You always do.”
I turned to face him. “I hope so. These paintings are worth millions, and Galen won’t be pleased if I can’t figure it out. I’ve been over the last job for hours, and I know I’m missing something; I just can’t put my finger on it.”
Damon placed a hand on my cheek, his gaze steady. “You’ll figure it out when you least expect to. If you need my help, I can take a look.”
I sighed. I wanted his help, I just also wanted to figure it out on my own. Galen used Damon for consultations. If he was going to help, I wanted him paid for it. “No. it’s okay. I’m just frustrated. I’ll tap you in if I need to. Hell, between you and the prince, you might have the contacts I need. But it’s a puzzle. I do love puzzles.” And figuring them out was my superpower.
I’d decided that from time to time I would go into the field, when a difficult safe was involved. I’d learned to have a more balanced look on fieldwork. And let’s face it. It was fun. But I didn’t thrive on it like some others did.
I leaned over and took a whiff, the scent of garlic and spices wafting from the kitchen. “What’s going on back there?”
He shrugged with a wry grin. “Just a little something special for you.” He took my hand and led me out of his study, then tugged me down the hall.
When we reached the kitchen, I couldn’t believe my eyes. The entire room was decorated with candles and rose petals. A table was set in the center, complete with a bottle of red wine and two glasses.
Damon pulled out a chair for me, and I sat down, feeling like a queen. He poured us each a glass of wine and raised his in a toast. “To the most beautiful, intelligent, and capable woman I know.”
He sat down across from me. “Anything for my angel.”
We chatted and laughed over dinner, enjoying each other’s company. As we finished, Damon got up from the table and walked over to me, holding out his hand. “Care to dance?”
I took his hand, and we swayed to the music that played softly in the background. As we danced, Damon leaned in close to me and whispered, “I have a surprise for you.”
My heart raced with excitement. “What is it?”
He pulled away slightly and reached into his pocket before tugging out a small velvet box.
My breath caught in my throat. “Oh, Damon...”
He got down on one knee and opened the box, revealing a stunning diamond ring. “Ari, will you marry me?”
Tears welled in my eyes as I nodded, unable to find my voice. Damon slipped the ring onto my finger and stood up, pulling me with him.
“I love you so much,” he said, holding me tight.
Searching his gaze, I whispered, “I love you too.”
“This was not how I thought the night would go when I was struggling. This outcome is significantly preferable,” Ari said.
Damon leaned down and kissed my nose. “Seeing you happy is preferable to seeing you frustrated. Besides, I’m relieved. Do you know how many times I had to move your ring? You almost discovered it twice. I finally had to start carrying it on me at all times. Hell, you almost found it two days ago when?—”
“Wait, what did you just say?”
He frowned. “That I had to move the ring several times?”
I shook my head. “No, what you said about keeping it on you. Holy shit, you’re a genius!”
He chuckled softly. “Do I even want to know?”
I looped my arms around his neck. “Why don’t you take me to bed? I’ll tell you all about it.”
“Now you’re speaking my language.”