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early. But I just didn’t want to sit around worrying about being late.’
    Marc puts an arm around my shoulder. ‘Lucky for you I have something planned to kill the time.’
     
    Marc leads me down a narrow, cobbled lane, past tiny restaurants and bars.
    ‘Are we going for a pre-lunch drink or something?’ I say. ‘Because if we are, I’m not sure that would be so wise. I can barely speak as it is, I’m so nervous.’
    ‘We’re not going for a drink. We’re going here.’
    Marc pulls me to a stop by a window.
    I see diamond necklaces, silver rings and rose gold bangles, all hanging artfully over tree branches.
    The price tags make my eyes water.
    ‘I heard you and Jen talking earlier,’ says Marc. ‘And I thought maybe you’d like to choose some diamonds.’
    ‘Marc, I don’t need anything. Really.’
    ‘You don’t have to need something for me to buy it for you.’
    ‘Yes, but—’
    ‘No arguments. Jen said your outfit needed diamonds. So diamonds you shall have.’
    ‘Doesn’t this count?’ I ask, holding up my diamond engagement ring. It sparkles above my slim, silver wedding band.
    ‘I believe Jen mentioned a necklace. And who am I to go against your fashion guru?’
    ‘I don’t need other jewellery.’
    ‘One of the reasons I love spoiling you is because you’re so unspoiled. Anything you want in this shop is yours. Come with me.’
    We head inside and the door clatters closed behind us.
    A forty-something lady with curly red hair sits behind a glass counter. She has a novel in her hand and lowers it when she sees us.
    ‘Good morning. Actually, it’s afternoon now isn’t it? Welcome, anyway. Have you seen something in the window or are you just browsing?’
    ‘Everything in the window is beautiful,’ I say. ‘Um. I suppose we’re … I’m looking for something in particular. A necklace. A diamond one. To go with this outfit.’
    The lady looks me up and down, then smiles. ‘I have just the thing.’
    She goes to a glass wall cabinet and takes out a necklace on a velvet cushion.
    It’s a tiny, whisper-thin line of diamonds that sparkles like fire.
    ‘Of course, if you’d like bigger stones—’
    ‘No not at all,’ I say. ‘That necklace is perfect. Really beautiful. I love how subtle it is.’
    ‘Would you like to try it on?’ the lady asks.
    ‘Yes please.’
    ‘Perhaps your gentleman could help you.’ She looks up at Marc, then does a double take. ‘Mr Blackwell! Many apologies. I should have recognised you sooner. I usually have a good eye for celebrities.’
    ‘It’s not a problem,’ says Marc. ‘I prefer it when people don’t recognise me, as a matter of fact. And I’m willing to bet that fairly soon people will be recognising Sophia here before they recognise me.’
    ‘I doubt that,’ I say.
    ‘I don’t.’ Marc lifts the diamond necklace from the cushion.
    I feel the familiar shiver of desire as his fingers move at the back of my neck. I know Marc feels it too because I hear his breathing quicken.
    ‘Beautiful,’ says the lady. ‘Absolutely beautiful.’
    I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror, watching the elegant line of diamonds glitter around my collarbone. It really does look lovely.
    Marc hands over his visa card. ‘We’ll take it.’
    ‘Thank you,’ I say softly.
    Once Marc has paid for the necklace, he takes my hand and leads me out onto the street.
    ‘Do you like your necklace?’
    ‘I love it.’
    He leans down and kisses me. The people around us melt away and I feel Marc’s fingers slide into my hair.
    I forget where I am and let out a little sigh as our bodies press together.
    ‘We can still call off lunch,’ Marc whispers. ‘Just say the word.’
    ‘No,’ I murmur. ‘No we can’t do that.’
    ‘I’ve known Nadia a long time …’
    ‘We have to go.’ I extract myself from Marc’s arms and stumble a little on the pavement, still giddy from his touch.
    Marc throws me one of his stomach-melting half smiles. ‘You’re