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He wasn’t going to budge an inch. “Where’s home?”
Cruz sat back, pushing the small dessert plate away then wrapping his fingers around the flute of champagne. “New York.”
My God. He’d given me an actual answer.
“Where in New York?”
“Near the city.” His sultry smile spread across his face. He was well aware he was dangling small pieces of himself, unprepared to give me more. “How do you think the showing went?”
I stared at my glass of bubbly, my thoughts drifting to the rat in the box. “Several pieces sold. There was only one negative story in one of the local papers. Most reviews were mixed. All in all, I’d say it was a success, even if the damn artist disappeared in the middle of it.”
“He disappeared?” Cruz seemed genuinely curious.
“Talon is a strange bird.” I laughed as I lifted the flute, bringing the rim to my lips. “To say the least.”
“I didn’t have a chance to meet him.” There was a strange look in his eyes, but only for a blip in time.
“He bolted out right after you got there. What’s weird is I think he’s being threatened.” I wanted to see his reaction to ensure he hadn’t sent more than just the roses.
He laughed softly, no change in his expression. “For his choice in art?”
“Even though you are talented in the area of erotic paintings, the work isn’t for everyone. But I’m not convinced it has anything to do with his artwork.”
“Now, you have me interested. Why would you say that?”
Why was I engaging in this conversation with him? “Because a decapitated rat was left in a pretty white box at the back door. That is usually an indication that he’s opened his mouth once too often.”
His reaction was surprising, but in truth, one I’d expected, and I didn’t know why. His grip on his glass became white knuckled. “You’ve been watching too many crime shows, my goddess.”
“Maybe so. But after receiving a threatening note then a strange breathless phone call, as you might imagine, I’m antsy to have his work removed from the gallery.”
“What note?” His tone darkened and he leaned over.
“Just that a rat needed to be shut down. A few other things. It was obviously directed toward Talon. I tried calling him today, but his phone just rang with no voicemail. He needs to get his money so I’m certain I’ll see him bright and early tomorrow. It’s funny. I thought you might have called, but I didn’t give you my number. Why do I have the feeling you’re powerful enough to locate any information you want?” I was dangling another carrot. He wasn’t paying any attention, drawn into a moment of rage. I could tell by his harsh expression.
He drummed the fingers of his other hand on the table, taking several ragged breaths.
“Why does that bother you?” I asked, trying to find some answers in his darkened eyes.
“I’m surprised you asked me that. Do you have any enemies?”
“The threats weren’t directed toward me.”
“You don’t know that. You’re staying here.”
He caught me off guard. “Tonight?”
“Until it’s safe.”
“Wait a minute. That’s crazy.”
“No,” he snarled, slamming his fist on the table.
I jumped, completely taken aback. “I have a life. I have plants to water. I need clothes. While I appreciate your concern, I’ve never had any threats until Talon came into my life.” He was starting to scare me. Was this about his dominating personality or something else altogether?
“It’s settled. Jameson will get your things. I’ll buy you the rest. Fuck the damn plants. This fucking artist may have placed your life in danger. That is not acceptable.”
Jesus Christ. I was so thrown I didn’t continue arguing with him. His entire body was tense, his jaw clenched from rage and the kind of concern that made people do unspeakable things.
