There’s a darkness swirling in those depths I haven’t seen before.
But if I didn’t notice how he climbed the stairs on and off the jet, I definitely would’ve noticed him massaging his knee with his thumbs before I drifted off. I had an older art teacher who did the same thing, only his issues were more serious.
“Anyway,” I say, “I’m good with this. Really. Oh, and don’t forget the view.” I gesture to the window. “At night, those lights are pretty spectacular. I’d be crazy not to break out my sketch pad and enjoy a little inspiration.”
His lips purse sourly.
I can tell he wants to argue, if he’s not just furious I called out a physical defect he clearly keeps secret.
But Holden just exhales slowly.
“If you insist. No business of mine where you sleep, Miss Blackthorn, as long as you’re comfortable.” The way he says it sounds more likenot my problem. “We’ve got the meeting with Fairfax in a few hours, so that should be our focus.”
“Okay, yeah. And will you ever stop Miss Blackthorn-ing me at some point? I have a name.Cleo.”
“Cleo, I’ll be ready,” he throws back.
I spread my hands, oddly satisfied.
That second power nap worked a littlemagicafter all. I feel like I’m ready to take on the world—or at least Jasper Fairfax.
And yes, maybe that’s what I tell myself as I look at the suitcase still clasped in Holden’s hand. The thing must be glued to him.
I still can’t believe it’s hiding the key to the rest of our lives.
“Let’s get a price on this puppy so we can find it a new home. The sooner, the better,” I whisper.
He nods firmly.
If we agree on anything, it’s getting this over with and going on our merry, very separate ways ASAP.
By the timewe reach the top of the soaring skyscraper with Jasper Fairfax’s office, my confidence is in tatters.
My palms sweat. I wipe them on the sides of my pants, hoping I don’t leave a mark.
That would be just my luck. Walking in with the biggest break of my life, only to look like I just came from the gym.
At the top floor, the lobby of Miracles by Fairfax feels normal enough. It’s a large space with a frontline gallery where collectors with big pockets can shop exquisite, beautiful collections of rare pieces.
The nice, well-put-together lady ushers us straight through to the back as soon as we give her our names, and now we’re entering the inner sanctum.
No wait. A good sign he means business.
Real, actual, oh my God, I might make a fortune business.
“We have the papers, too, yes?” I whisper to Holden.
“Yes.” A muscle in his jaw twitches.
It’s a stupid question. Iknowit’s stupid when I’m asking a man who has order in his blood. He’s been doing this bodyguard thing longer than I’ve been alive—slight exaggeration, probably, but whatever.
I just can’t get a grip on my nerves. My stomach churns, flipping over with an intensity that makes me gag.
The grand glass French doors in front of us open and I’m breathless.
Amazing.
The office looks like a cross between an old-world library and a high-tech lab. He has heavy curtains drawn that look like they were stolen from a castle. His desk is heavy, dark wood with intricate scrolls carved into it.
