His (Personal) Assistant

EPILOGUE

Six Months Later

"Where's my-?" Annika held out two ties, and he selected the black one. "And I need-" She handed him cufflinks. "And-" Before he could finish the thought she was tucking his speech into his breast pocket. Shivaay grinned down at his fiancé. "You really do think of everything."

"Almost," she breathed, smiling. "Do you think Angelo will be there tonight?" Shivaay frowned at that, his eyes roving down over her sleek, sexy ball gown. It was black, a colour she didn't often opt for, but this was not entirely black either with tones of pink and nude, it set off her olive complexion and emphasized the depth of her hair colour. It also hugged her curves almost to the knee before flaring wide at the bottom, the neckline was covered in transparent net , the first piece of jewelry he'd ever given her nestled between her cleavage.

"I hope not," he growled. She sent him a secret smile.

"Stop, Shivaay," she said firmly. "You know he has biscotti."

The passionate man frowned. "That doesn't mean he doesn't want cake," he grumbled. Annika rolled her eyes.

Just a few days ago they'd received a fancy invitation on an expensive ivory card, addressed in Helena's flowing hand, to a baby shower for the Italian couple. Annika had sent back a yes without thought. "He doesn't want cake. He's going to be having baby biscotti soon."

Shivaay rolled his eyes. The woman was almost certain he thought every man on the face of the planet, except those related to her by blood, were trying to get into her panties. "I suppose he'll have to be," Shivaay replied.

"I hope so. And Helena. I want to see them." She glanced at the clock. "C'mon, we're going to be late."

They took the car to the official Ministry entrance, and descended in the golden lifts with an older couple, who acted far more lovey dovey than Annika could ever bring herself to be in public. Shivaay smirked the entire way to the Top Floor, where the gala was to be held, as a large number of Italian government employees were slated to attend. Indeed, when they got there, it felt to Annika as though she were back at the Italian Ministry Headquarters.

She noticed a large number of women looking at her fiancé over with blatant interest, and after accepting a glass of virgin mojito from him, she tucked her left hand around his arm, engagement ring glinting in the candlelight of a massive chandelier that hung in the center of the large room. He grinned at her then leaned down and kissed the corner of her pink mouth. "It's sexy when you're jealous," he murmured against her ear.

She smiled back. "Does it get better knowing I'm also not wearing any panties?" she whispered. His cerulean eyes darkened hungrily.

"Very, honey." Before he could kiss her, she turned her head at the sound of her name.

"You came!" she gushed, releasing him to hug Helena, who looked glowing and radiant in an artfully cut silk gown that matched her eyes. She was still tall, and willowy, and exquisitely beautiful, but also noticeably pregnant now, a perfectly round bubble across her once-flat midsection. "Oh my God, you look fantastic! So much glow!"

"Thank you," she beamed, then Angelo appeared behind her. He kissed both of Annika's cheeks, and smiled.

"You look very well, bellissima," he said. Shivaay's hand smoothed around her waist.

They chatted pleasantly for a few moments. The men about the event, a celebration of a very profitable trade agreement between the countries, the women about life in general, and Helena's pending baby in the next four months.

"So does he still have you chained to a desk?" Annika teased. Helena laughed.

"He barely lets me get out of bed by myself these days," she sighed, then gripped Annika's hand. "I cannot tell you, Annika, how much your friendship has meant to me. Were it not for you..."