Page 159 of Eternal Craving

Sunaria expression was joyful.

Sharing this moment with her made me burn with pride. “I knew you’d like it.”

“The family in that house provides this studio for him?” she asked.

I nodded. “In return, he paints.”

“They sell his paintings?”

“Yes, and I imagine he gets hardly anything for them.”

“That’s a shame.” Sunaria sighed. “Still, the high paying aristocracy probably double what the Vatican offers.”

“The Church considers painting for them a privilege, therefore, they pay little.”

“How did you find him?”

“Marcus visited artist’s row near The Strand. He met the painter and admired his work. Ceravassio told him about his studio here.”

“Ilovemy surprise.” Sunaria reached up and planted kisses on my cheek.

I smiled at her. “And I love you.”

“Even after everything?”

“Luckily, I’m obsessed with you.” I squeezed her against me. “Can’t get enough.”

“I promise that I’ll never disappoint you again.”

“I believe you.”

She snuggled into my neck and then stood on tiptoe to kiss my lips. “I’m rather enjoying London.”

“If you’re willing to brave the unknown,” I added, “it’s certainly not boring.”

Chapter Fifty-One

A full moon lit up the night sky, but dark clouds threatened to obscure it. A storm was preparing to break at any moment.

Our carriage lumbered along London’s well-worn streets, providing Marcus and I with a dramatic view of the shifting landscapes as we both gazed out of the window, deep in thought.

My mind was on Jacob. I hoped that my son had found somewhere warm and safe to shelter. It was still difficult for me to think of him somewhere out there, alone. The sprawling city was an impossible place to find a small boy.

Marcus sensed my melancholy and broke the silence. “I’ve always wondered what it felt like to be in one of these.”

With his hair tied back and dressed in his new attire, he’d completely transformed his appearance and, like me, he now passed for a wealthy gentleman.

“Do you think we’ll ever see the Creda again?” he asked.

“I’m more concerned about Archer.”

“Why?”

“He warned me to get out of London.”

“That’s strange.” Marcus’ gaze narrowed. “I thought they wanted us all dead.”

“Must have impressed him with my charm.” I sighed. “What if Jacob doesn’t recognize me?”