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Ernest.
I send a silent word of thanks to the universe that he didn’t ask me to call him because my prepaid mobile has no credit. It takes a few minutes to find the number associated with my SIM, and I send him a reply.
The phone rings immediately, and the fine hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.
“H-Hello?” I rasp.
“Emberly? It’s Ernest. I love your portfolio and adore the portrait. You’ve captured both his classical good looks and his brooding essence.” He chuckles. “You’re a natural.”
“Thank you,” I reply, my words breathy.
“I have a space in an upcoming auction, and I’d like to include one of your paintings. I think my patrons would bid highly on the blood-tipped roses.”
“No,” I blurt before I can stop myself. “I mean, can you buy it from me for a fixed fee?”
He hesitates for several heartbeats before asking, “Is there a reason why?”
“I’m not good with all the sliding commissions and just want to know what I’m getting without having to pull out a spreadsheet.”
His laugh is deep and soothing. “Of course. How about twenty?”
I bite down on my bottom lip. That’s more than I’ve ever gotten for my art until I met Roman. “The last painting I sold went for twenty-five.”
“You drive a hard bargain, but I’m sure the fixed fees will work to my advantage. Meet me before my next auction to sign the paperwork. Bring Roman, if he’s available.”
The euphoria I felt when I completed the portrait returns. I rush out into the gardens and back through the patio doors leading to Roman’s study and burst in.
He’s sitting around the sofa with Gil and his two brothers, but I’m too happy to falter at the sight of Benito and Cesare. All the conversation stops, and Roman rises from his seat.
“Emberly?” he asks.
I leap into his arms and pull him into a kiss.
THIRTY-FOUR
ROMAN
Emberly’s lips taste of promise and mint, drawing me into her allure. I pull her closer, my hands gripping onto her waist as I lose myself in an intensity that might consume my resolve. For this blissful moment, she becomes my possession, my entire world. I want to protect her from every bastard who means her harm, even if that bastard is me.
Someone wolf whistles. I don’t need to open my eyes to know it’s coming from Cesare. I ignore my little brother and lose myself in the feel of Emberly’s mouth.
She’s delicate and warm, yet her kisses are so demanding. This is what I like about her the most. She takes what she wants and doesn’t stop until she’s got it. And right now, all she wants is me.
I deepen the kiss, tasting and teasing, and tangling my fingers into her luscious curls. She’s gasping, panting, grinding against me until her breath turns shallow.
Benito clears his throat. “Can this wait? We’re sitting on a situation that needs sanitizing.”
I groan, my mind returning to reality. He’s right. No matter how much I want to lose myself in Emberly, the Moirai group will keep coming with more and more assassins until we either force Tommy Galliano to end the contract or reduce the firm to rubble.
Emberly draws back and gazes up at me through glazed eyes. I haven’t seen her looking so aroused since the night I edged her in the limousine.
“I’m sorry, baby. We have important business.”
“It’s alright,” she murmurs. “I just wanted to show my appreciation. Mr. Lubelli wants to buy one of my paintings, and it’s all thanks to you.”
“Thanks to your talent.” I press my forehead against hers.
“He wouldn’t have been so interested in my work if you hadn’t invited me to your party as your date.”
