“Izzy, we must be going now,” Timothy urged Izzy to follow. Alex was already at a distance, dragged by Annie.
“Thank you so much Edith,” Izzy said desperately. “It means the world.”
“Anything for you dear. Visit me soon with the other boys,” she called as Izzy ran to catch up to the rest of them.
“What was that about?” Timothy asked as they made their way deeper into the markets.
“I asked her about my mother. She knew of her well,” Izzy shared excitedly but she said no more. She couldn’t bring herself to tell Timothy about her mother’s diary. Not yet at least.
“Izzy…” he trailed.
“I’m fine. My grieving is done, Timothy,” Izzy reassured.
“Alex, over here!” Annie shouted, tugging Alex to another jewels market. Timothy groaned silently and rolled his eyes as they followed the couple to the market.
“I actually need to get some more ink and stationary Annie. Do you mind if Timothy is here to supervise you?” Alex asked and Timothy gave Alex the death glare.
“No problem honey but do not be out too long,” she said, kissing him on the lips with passion before letting go. Izzy felt her heart drop but didn’t let the pieces be heard. They were the same lips that touched hers just yesterday. However she was better than that to show her emotions to Annie. She knew that was her plan for the day and she was going to make sure Annie wasn’t satisfied.
“Come along, Izzy. You are my bodyguard for a reason, no?” Alex raised his eyebrow, waiting for Izzy to join him. Izzy followed him with her head high up in full attention and did what she was told.
“What do you think of this?” Alex asked, holding out a small jar of ink. “This brand is pretty good but I am not so sure.”
“Enough with your silly questions,” Izzy said, irritated.
“Fine,” Alex said a little harshly. He turned towards her, letting go of the jar in his hand to meet her eyes. “I know that you are thinking of yesterday and I mean everything of it, Izzy. That kiss meant what it was supposed to.”
“Stop bluffing and buy your jar of ink,” Izzy said, feeling her face heat up. She hated this feeling of her heart twisting as she stared at the man she was slowly falling in love with.
“You know I am not very good at listening,” he warned, coming closer to her. He stopped as they were only a few inches away from each other that she could feel his breath on her face.
“This is public,” Izzy warned Alex, pushing him back. Alex caught himself and grinned.
“But you did not back away,” he said, half surprised. “Do you fancy me, Izzy?”
Izzy felt her heart speed up at his question. There was no way she could ever fancy Alex. It was against the laws she has kept all her life. It wasn’t her place.
“No, Zander,” she scoffed. “I don’t fancy you.”
Alex looked taken aback for a second but he recovered fast. “Well then I guess it will be uncomfortable for you when I give you this,” he said, taking out an emerald necklace shaped as a teardrop. Izzy gasped at the stone’s magnificent color and beauty. Never had she laid eyes on something so naturally beautiful.
“What is that for?” Izzy asked, suspicious when Alex lifted the necklace over her head.
“A beautiful stone to a beautiful lady with the same beautiful color of her eyes,” Alex whispered in her ear before clasping it securely to her neck.
“You shouldn’t be doing this!” Izzy whispered loudly, putting the necklace under her thick clothing so it would stay hidden. She knew if she tried to give it back to Alex, he wouldn’t take it.
“I fancy you Izzy, if you have not noticed yet,” Alex grinned.
“What’s going to happen when you are a married man?” Izzy challenged. Alex frowned and thought deeply. He had no idea what he was going to do but it did not matter. He wanted something he could never get and he intended to get it.