Total pages in book: 39
Estimated words: 36890 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 184(@200wpm)___ 148(@250wpm)___ 123(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36890 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 184(@200wpm)___ 148(@250wpm)___ 123(@300wpm)
“I’m very new to it since I just moved here a few months ago.” My blush deepened as I wondered how to navigate this conversation without making a fool of myself in front of this suave man. Focusing on him seemed my safest bet. “But that’s long enough to know that you also manage the Belladonna Gallery.”
“You’re very well informed.”
His reply gave nothing away. If the rumors about Aston were true, he might be the lead I needed to prove my suspicions about the supposed discovery of Nativity with Saint Francis and Saint Lawrence.
I pressed a little further, hoping to get a glimpse behind the polished mask. “It’s hard not to pick up snippets about the mysterious Frenchman who runs not only a successful gallery but also one of the most respected art museums in Atlanta.”
“Je ne suis pas d'accord.”
I didn’t speak French beyond a handful of common phrases, but that last word was close enough to Italian for me to understand the gist of what he’d said. “Which part do you disagree with? That Belladonna Gallery is successful or that Vellum & Vine is one of the most respected art museums in town?”
“You were so close to being correct, with the expectation of two little words. Vellum & Vine isn’t just one of the most respected art museums in Atlanta.”
I quickly caught on to the point he so smoothly made. “I can’t help but wonder if the success of Vellum & Vine is due to the quality of art you have access to through Belladonna Gallery. Do you ever handle art acquisitions for other museums?”
“Rarely. Unless I have a strong relationship with them. But I make sure that art finds its way to those who truly appreciate it.” His gaze had an amused, cunning sparkle as he added, “Even if that requires placing a piece in an inferior museum.”
I narrowed my eyes at him, wondering if that was a verbal jab at my museum not being as exclusive as his. But that could only be true if he somehow knew who I was before he approached me since I hadn’t told him where I worked. Which was doubtful since I was a new—and very minor—player in the Atlanta art scene. “I suppose this is where we’ll have to agree to disagree since I would argue that The Peachtree Museum of Fine Arts is the most respected in Atlanta.”
He quirked a brow. “Would that be because you have a connection there?”
“I’m their newest junior curator,” I confessed, mentally bracing myself for him to realize that my low-level job wouldn’t have netted me an invite to the gala.
Luckily, he only murmured, “Then yes, we should agree to disagree about the quality of our respective museums.”
As our dance continued, I realized that Aston was effortlessly drawing me into his orbit. I felt comfortable in his arms but also acutely aware of him as a man. One who I wanted to get to know better.
Which was why I found myself doing the opposite of what I expected when he murmured, “You must be doing quite well for yourself at The Peachtree if you scored a ticket to the gala so shortly after being hired.”
I hesitated for a fraction of a second, caught off guard by his genuine curiosity. But I ultimately decided to trust the moment.
“I…I wasn’t exactly invited,” I admitted, my cheeks heating even more. “I’m still trying to prove myself here, and my friend thought this would be a good opportunity to network.”
His hold on my waist tightened. “Your friend?”
“I tend to be a stickler for the rules.” I shook my head with a soft laugh. “I never would’ve thought to sneak into the gala without a nudge.”
3
ASTON
To my shock, the mention of her friend caused a ball of rage to explode in my chest. I’d never felt jealousy over a woman. But then, I’d never had such an intense obsession with one. Everything about Kerrigan was unique, including my reaction to her.
She was gorgeous but also intelligent and so passionate about art. And merde, she felt amazing in my arms.
But I needed to address this issue of her friend because I was determined to have Kerrigan, and no one would stand in my way. I’d simply have a quick tête-à-tête with the connard. Nothing brutal, just…persuasive. I’d make sure the explication was one he wouldn’t forget.
I pulled Kerrigan just a little closer, my hand firm on the smooth, warm skin at the small of her back as my eyes locked on hers. “I’m astonished that any man would let une créature aussi exquise come to an event like this alone.”
Her emerald-green orbs turned a little glassy, and she shivered. I bit back a smile when she blushed, making her adorable and sexy freckles stand out, and asked breathlessly, “What does une créature aussi exquise mean?”