Chapter 38

I felt solid warmth behind me and turned, the smell of cinnamon filling my nose.

Ever so perceptive, Vaughan took note of something on my face and became alert. "Is anything wrong?"

"No, no," I was quick to reassure him. "It's just"--I turned to face the auctioneer--"that necklace..."

"What about it?"

I locked gazes with him. "I need to get it."

Vaughan looked at it, his eyes calculative. People continued to bid loudly, "Ten million!"

"Ten point three!"

"Ten point five!"

"Twenty million," came the cool voice above me.

My head snapped upwards and I widened my eyes at him disbelief. "I didn't mean you should pay for it!" I whispered harshly.

He looked down at me, mildly confused. "How else were we supposed to get it?"

"I was go