“It looks lovely,” the clerk said, her tone surprised.

Della looked up at the woman, her lips curling up into a smile as she met her gaze. “It does, doesn’t it?”

“See?” he said in satisfaction. He addressed the clerk. “If you will send the bill to the Duke of Northam’s house, we will settle the account immediately.” He leaned toward Della to look into the case again, gesturing to something within. “And those earrings on the right, also.”

“No, there is no need. The ring is plenty.” Even though she couldn’t suppress a gasp of appreciation as the clerk laid the earrings he’d indicated on the counter. They were ruby also, but simple teardrops on a plain gold wire.

“I say that there is.” His tone allowed for no more argument. And besides, they were exceptionally beautiful. She could only resist so much.

“Shall I wrap these up?” the clerk asked.

“I’ll wear them,” Della said, scooping up the earrings. “And the ring too.”

He watched as she slid the earrings through her ears, then tossed her head to make them dance when they were in. His gaze was appreciative, making her warm all over.

The clerk stepped over to the far side of the counter, writing up the order. Becky stood by the front door, her attention focused on the street outside.

“They suit you,” he said in a low voice. “Richly beautiful, simple, elegant, in a color you cannot ignore. Like you,” he finished. His words sent a ripple of pleasure through her body.

She bit her lip as she stared up at him, seeing the look of hunger in his gaze. Knowing that hungry look was likely duplicated in her own eyes.

This was so much trouble. He was trouble personified, and she would have to be wary in dealing with him that she didn’t succumb as she had before. No pleasures of the flesh were worth the heartache that would inevitably come afterward. And she had no doubt that if she let him he would cause her plenty of heartache.

Better to keep her distance, no matter how much she wanted to close that distance for what she knew would be a passionate, intense kiss.

Griffith felt his breath catch in his chest as she looked up at him. Her expression was equal parts vulnerability and desire, and he swallowed against the urge to step forward and take her in his arms.