He held a heavy, intricately carved mahogany box casually under his right arm, walking down the stone pathway with slow, deliberate steps, exuding the suffocating presence of a predator entering a den of loud, barking dogs.
Elena's face instantly lit up, a massive wave of genuine relief washing over her heart, as she turned her back on her mocking family and practically ran across the courtyard.
"Sorry guys! Looks like I made you all wait!"
Rick's voice was even, almost lazy, as if he had merely missed a bus instead of walking late into a family gathering that smelled of perfume, old money, and blood in the water.
Elena reached him first. She did not care who was watching. She took his free arm with both hands, fingers tightening as if she were afraid the courtyard would swallow him if she let go.
"You came," she whispered.
"I said I would." Rick glanced once at her face, then at the circle of silk, diamonds, and lifted chins behind her. "They've been busy."
