31. Shiny Things

Antonio slid the sleek device across the kitchen counter toward Valerie, a glint of mischief in his eyes.

She stared at the brand-new phone, its screen reflecting the dim light, her heart skipping a beat.

"Is this for me?" Her voice barely rose above a whisper, confusion knotting her brows. Why would Antonio give her such an expensive gift out of the blue?

"Of course, it's for you." He leaned back against the counter, arms crossed, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

Valerie picked up the phone, its cool surface foreign in her palm. "Antonio, why are you giving me this?" The words rushed out in a torrent, fueled by a mix of surprise and a nagging sense of unease.

He laughed, the sound rich and warm, filling the space between them. "Just because."

"Stop trying to buy my affection," she snapped. "And, if I'm not your pet, so maybe stop throwing shiny things at me," she snapped, folding her arms tightly across her chest.

A chuckle rumbled from his throat as he pushed off the coun