Byron doesn’t say anything else, just accepts my hand and leads me inside. We enter what has to be the largest ballroom in existence. My focus finally shifts off him to take it all in.
The space is split in two: guns and knives. Of course, I naturally gravitate toward the side that has the ladder. There’s a stand in the center aisle that’s practically gleaming at me. The vendor has a large variety of blades in every shape and size.
“Howdy, folks,” the older man drawls. “Lookin’ for something specific?”
My gaze scans the weapons on display. “Once I see it, I’ll know.”
He gives me a long look. “I’ve got just the thing to tickle your fancy.”
The guy bends to retrieve something out of sight. When he straightens, there’s a leather knife roll in his grip. In a practiced motion, he undoes the tie and opens it for my viewing pleasure. And what a sight it is to see.
My entire body convulses as the ten beauties wink at me. Each flawless, handmade blade is attached to an ivory handle that’s polished to a shine. I’ve heard tales of knives like these, but I never imagined seeing them in front of me. This collection must cost a fortune.
“Ohhhhh, that’s pretty.”
Byron balks beside me, roving his gaze over my twitching muscles. “Did you just have an orgasm?”
I roll my lips between my teeth to stifle a moan. “Mhmm, yep. Couldn’t control it if I tried.”
He glances at the vendor. “We’ll take two sets.”
“What?” I think my brain just exploded, and I’m not the only one.
The man’s overgrown eyebrows fling upward to meet his receding hairline. “This is the only one of its kind.”
My delulu date isn’t dissuaded. “Do you have anything else of a similar quality?”
The guy’s jowls jiggle as he nods frantically. “Yes, sir.”
“See this dazed expression?” Byron gestures to my blissed-out features. “I’ll buy whatever keeps it in place.”
As the vendor scrambles to gather his finest stock, I collect enough wits to gape at the man next to me. “You can’t spend that much on me.”
Byron smirks, bending to brush a feather-light kiss on my parted lips. “I’m gonna shock those panties off until there’s nothing left.”
“You’re incredible,” Frankie purrs.
I’d be grinning like a fool if she were talking to me. Unfortunately, that’s not how the evening is playing out. This smitten woman is whispering sweet nothings to her new arsenal. It’s been much of the same for going on two hours. At first, it was fun to watch her drool over them. But now? I’m beginning to get jealous.
We’re spending the rest of the night in the penthouse suite. That expense gifted me another shell-shocked expression. At least until Frankie remembered the treasures in her grasp.
All four knife sets are spread out on the table in front of her. I would’ve bought more, but she snapped herself from the stupor before I could spend a hundred grand. It’s not a secret that Ilove blowing money on her. Frankie needs to get better about accepting it.
The chair creaks as I straighten, roaming my gaze over the best view in the resort. “Do you have a favorite yet?”
A sharp noise scolds me. “That’s not a fair question.”
“Pick one.”
With a peek over her shoulder, green eyes find mine staring straight at her. “Why?”
“We’re gonna christen it.”
The beginning of a smile curves her lips. “And how might we do that?”
“Choose one and find out.”
Frankie’s hand hovers over the entire collection. “I don’t even want to touch them.”