Total pages in book: 105
Estimated words: 99960 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 500(@200wpm)___ 400(@250wpm)___ 333(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99960 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 500(@200wpm)___ 400(@250wpm)___ 333(@300wpm)
I recognized that glint in his dark eyes. Unfortunately, I’d had that look directed at me before it ever should’ve been. Taking a small step back, I brushed my hair from my face with my left hand, flashing my wedding band.
His gaze darted to it, but his expression didn’t falter. “I’ve been eager to meet you since I bought my first piece,” he said with an accent that could be either Scottish or English. It was difficult to tell. “I’m originally from Inverness but live in London now.” Ah, that made sense. “I’m a bit of a collector.”
“Really. That’s great.” I kept my smile polite. “Which piece are you most interested in tonight?”
“I’m looking at her,” he replied boldly, his hungry expression leaving no doubt to his meaning.
My inner yuck alert system blared, but I didn’t let my distaste show on my face. This was not the first time a fan of my art wanted to sleep with me. I chided gently, “Not sure how I feel about being referred to as a piece, but—”
“Oh, I meant no offense. Really. You’re just … you are even lovelier than your art. I don’t think I’ve ever met a more beautiful woman.”
“That’s very kind, but I’m married.” I flashed my wedding ring again. “Several of my works displayed this evening, however, are available.”
“I’ve already told Michelle which pieces I want, and I’ve been very generous. Now I want to get to know the sexy woman behind them. I’m sure, considering my donation to your work”—he smiled with all the confidence of a wealthy man used to getting what he wanted—“you can indulge me with the pleasure of your company. I’m sure you’ve heard of me. Paul Gunner of Gunner Industries.” He reached out to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear and I flinched back.
All pretense was gone. “You could be the richest man in the world, Mr. Gunner, and I still wouldn’t be for sale.”
“Allegra—”
“Lucy,” I corrected him harshly. “Have you been looking into me?”
“I told you, I’m a fan.” Paul’s possessive gaze grew hard with determination. “It makes no mind to me you’re Allegra Howard. I’m not interested in your parentage.”
“It’s Allegra McCulloch now.”
He huffed in amusement. “One dinner. Just a dinner. That’s all I ask. I’m sure it’ll be enough time to change your mind.” He then proceeded to trail the back of his fingers down my bare arm. I flinched from him again, unnerved by his persistence.
Then heat hit my back, a hard, familiar chest pressing against me as strong arms encircled my waist. Jared’s scent, his presence, relieved me as he brushed a gentle kiss over my temple. I glanced up at him, his tender expression morphing into absolute menace as he turned to Paul Gunner.
“I’m the husband,” he bit out coolly. “I don’t know who you are, but touch my wife again and I’ll break your fucking hand.”
A thrill coursed through me at his possessive, protective words. And longing. For them to be real.
Gunner looked at Jared with a mix of fear and disgust. He flicked me a look that told me I’d gone down a million miles in his estimation. “I see your artist talents don’t translate to taste. I think I’ll let Michelle know I won’t be buying anything this evening.”
Jared tensed behind me, but I patted a palm over his hand in reassurance as I looked Gunner straight in the eye. “You do that. After all, money can’t buy class.”
He narrowed his eyes at me before storming off.
“Fuck.” Jared turned into me, his expression apologetic. “I didn’t mean to fuck up a sale. I just saw the way you were reacting to him and lost my shit a wee bit.”
I grinned, having enjoyed every second of him losing his shit “a wee bit.” “Don’t apologize. Watching him almost pee his pants was worth losing the sale. Trust me.”
“What did he say to you?” Jared stared over his shoulder as Gunner strode quickly out of the gallery. A shared glance with Michelle told me she wasn’t happy. But I didn’t care.
“He wanted to sleep with me,” I replied bluntly. “Apparently, he thought buying a lot of my art would make it hard for me to say no.”
“What the fuck?” Jared replied a little too loudly.
I hushed him, smoothing another reassuring hand across his chest. It was totally an excuse to feel him up. “It’s not unusual. I’ve had a few wealthy fans, male and female, who have propositioned me for sex. Some are just creepier and more entitled than others.” I gestured to the door where Gunner left. “That asshole decided he wanted something from me and thought his money could get it for him. He thought wrong.”
“I should have knocked his teeth out,” Jared muttered angrily, looking like he was considering chasing after Gunner to do just that.