They dressed in silence.
As Sabrina eased back into her Gucci stiletto-heeled pumps, she cast a quick glance at her watch. ''I have a meeting with a client in about 15 minutes for her final fitting.'' She paused. ''Then I'm leaving for Italy.''
A curt nod of Stefan's head was his only indication he'd heard her. As Sabrina made her way to the door, Stefan called out to her. ''Wait.''
Sabrina's heart sank. Closing her eyes tightly, she squared her shoulders. The chill of his tone almost seemed to wrap itself around her lithe frame. ''Yes?'' she questioned, her back to him.
''Are you not forgetting something?''
Shaking her head ruefully, a wry smile played across Sabrina's face. She knew Stefan would never admit it - least of all to himself - but in the scant six months they had been together, Sabrina could read him like a book. ''Nope,'' she asserted as she turned to face him.
Her eyes on him the entire time, Sabrina reached inside the Luis Vuitton bag, searching for the object in question. Once found, she crossed the room, quickly closing the distance between them. Slowly, deliberately, she raised her left hand to Stefan's face, lightly pressing her palm to his cheek. The warmth of her hand was a stark contrast to the cold band of platinum she bore on her ring finger. Sabrina's eyes traveled from Stefan's to the magnificent 7-carat Radiant-cut diamond engagement ring then back again.
''If you want this back,'' she said softly, her soulful gaze boring into his, ''you know where Italy is.''
''Yes,'' Stefan agreed, nodding. His voice was raw with emotion. ''I do.''
''Then you also know I'll be there. I won't be waiting. But I will be there. That said, I want you to remember one thing, Stefan,'' she cautioned. ''If you're fortunate enough to find me available, don't even think about approaching me unless you've got your house in order...all your houses,'' she replied pointedly.