Page 62 of Gilded Saint

“Who would do that?” Lina’s expression is suitably horrified.

“No idea, but we’re not staying in London.”

Lina stiffens, lowers her gaze, and stands. She bends over Willow where she’s seated and wraps her in a hug. She says something to her I can’t hear, then straightens and joins Nick.

“I like your wife. Good job on that one,” Lina says to me.

“Lina-approved. Cleared to spawn,” Nick says.

Lina and I simultaneously flick Nick the middle finger, and he chuckles.

Willow exits the hallway and offers a pair of wellies to Lina. “These should fit, I think.”

After Lina takes the boots, I pull Willow into my side, earning an annoying-as-fuck smirk from Nick.

We remain by the banister, watching as Lina and Nick descend the stairs. “Your security waiting in the car?”

“You going to escort us if they’re not?”

“Yes.”

“Don’t be daft. Yes, security is with the car. And you beef up yourself, toodles. For you and the missus.”

Chapter21

Willow

Lina blows kisses goodbye, and I return them with a smile. The second the doors close, Leo backs away, letting me go. There’s no one to perform for now.

I rub my chilled arms and stride to the kitchen. “Would you like a cup of tea? Do you have work to do?”

The kettle is light, so I set about making a fresh pot. His shoes scuff the floor, a dull sound that alerts me to his whereabouts, yet even with that awareness, a bolt of surprise fires through me when I turn and he’s there, leaning over the counter, intent.

“It’s Saturday. We’ve still got some daylight hours left. What’re your plans?”

“No plans, really,” I answer.

“No plans to meet up with Geoff?” His eyes light with amusement. Cocky amusement.

“After your reception yesterday, I doubt I’ll hear from him again.”

If I didn’t know better, I’d say, based on his smug expression, he’s quite pleased.

“His loss. If you’ve no plans, I’m keen for a tour of your studio.”

“Really?” I set the kettle on the stove but flick the gas off. “You don’t strike me as the art type.”

“Is my flat not decorated to your liking? I’ve got sculptures.”

He’s got two Greco-Roman black onyx bust reproductions and monochromatic artwork in modern black frames. “I doubt you picked those yourself.”

He grins. “Guilty as charged. But that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t like to see your art.”

“Well, I received a notification that the shipment from Italy arrived. You can help me unpack it. On one condition.”

He raises an eyebrow. “Go on.”

“These are the pieces I’m planning to show to the agent. You’ve got to be honest with me. If you think it’ll flop in London, you’ve got to tell me. If it’s total shite, don’t spare my feelings.” That’s something Orlando and Scarlet would do. “It’ll be much worse if the agent arrives and turns right back around because he thinks?—”

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