Silva waited at the bottom, looking very aristocratic in a white dinner jacket and black bow tie. “Are you pleased?” she asked, reaching the last step. He looked her up and down then frowned. “What’s wrong? Should I change?” The white satin dress fit perfectly. Hugged her body and flowed fluidly around her legs. It reminded her of a dress she’d seen Katharine Hepburn wear in an old movie. “There is something missing,” he said, handing her a black velvet box. No choice, she had to accept whatever was inside with great delight. She fumbled opening it and he took over the job. “Dear God,” she breathed, when the contents were revealed. Silva smiled, apparently pleased with her reaction. Inside the box were diamond stud earrings and an inch wide diamond bracelet. “I—I’ll wear these as a loan, for tonight only,” she stammered. “Good. Tomorrow I can surprise you again.” “Alvaro, it isn’t appropriate,” she said, serious. “I’m not used to this kind of luxury.”
