Page 8 of The Collector's Temptation

I stayed silent while she told me a little more about the painting and why she suspected it might be a forgery. There was no way that she would be able to know for certain, but if she cried foul, it might bring closer scrutiny that we did not want to deal with.

There was also the possibility that if she stuck her nose in places it didn’t belong, she might run into knowledge that could get her killed.

“That’s an awfully big risk to your career,miette,” I said softly, keeping my response casual. “I can tell that you’re bright and gifted when it comes to art, but even so, your experience is limited.”

Kerrigan sighed. “I know, but I think if I keep searching for answers and find the right people to help me, I could?—”

“Why this painting,miette?” I interrupted, needing answers so I could figure out what to do next.

Kerrigan raised her head, looking up at me with a sheepish smile. “Promise you won’t laugh?”

“Je promets, petite miette.” I crossed my heart, making her chuckle.

“I just feel it in my bones. The story doesn’t add up. Why now? If the painting was worth hiding for over fifty years, why would the thieves part with it now? No one seems to be able to confirm the identity of the current owner. And if it involved theSicilian Mafia, like the rumors say, why is it being auctioned in the States?”

“Whoa.” I moved one hand to cup her chin and smiled. “Slow down, Kerrigan. Breathe.”

She grinned and took a deep breath before shrugging. “Sorry, I can get passionate about things.”

“Hmm,” I hummed in a suggestive tone. “Your passion is one of the things that draws me to you,miette. I’m hoping it isn’t only art that brings out this fire.”

The hand resting on her lower back slid down a few centimeters, just enough to dip a few fingers under the fabric of her dress. A small gasp left her mouth, and I rubbed my lips lightly over her cheek while my digits brushed over the sensitive skin at the crack of her ass.

“I can’t wait to explore such blazing heat,” I murmured, pleased when she shivered, and a tiny moan escaped her lips.

I aimed to distract her and was pleased when it so easily worked.

When I realized her fixation was on my painting, I knew I would have to steer her away. I couldn’t chance her finding out the truth of who I was and what I did for The Family. The fact that it might send her running was a concern—although she wouldn’t get far before I dragged her pretty little ass back to me. Keeping her safe from The Family was of the highest priority.

If Kerrigan got too close to the truth, and Rafa thought she could be a problem, he would order someone to take care of her.

The best option was to get close to her and gain her trust so I could make sure she looked in all the wrong places and never found out the truth.

Smug satisfaction settled in my chest because the answer to all of that was to seduce Kerrigan. I knew my growing obsession with her was only going to get stronger. I would do whatever it took to make her need me, to make her body crave meuntil she couldn’t live without me. Then she would forget about everything but me.

The song ended, and the auction would begin in thirty minutes. I reluctantly withdrew my arms from around Kerrigan. I cursed our former authenticator to hell and back because I had to leave my woman and go babysit the new guy.

Leaning down, I brushed my lips over her cheek and whispered, “I have to go,miette. But I will see you soon.Je promets.”

Once again, it occurred to me that I should probably feel some speck of guilt for my plans to deceive Kerrigan. There was a slight hesitation when I thought about how convincing her the painting was real could possibly set back her career. However, it was better to take a little longer to advance than to be dead.

When it came to claiming Kerrigan, though, I felt only anticipation.

4

KERRIGAN

In the two days that followed the gala, I replayed my dance with Aston like a cherished film, each frame imprinted on my memory. My mysterious Frenchman hadn’t even kissed me on the lips, but he’d left me wanting more.

Although he’d promised we would see each other soon, I couldn’t help but wonder if our paths would actually cross again. If they did, I hoped it would happen soon. Barely any time had passed, but I was already growing impatient.

I’d seriously considered popping into Belladonna Gallery yesterday to see if he was working. Luckily, Melanie had talked me out of that plan because there was no way to pass it off as a coincidence. Aston was too insightful for that. And I didn’t want to come off as desperate.

As I wandered the museum after finishing work for the day, I reminded myself that some mysteries were best savored slowly. Like a rare painting whose true beauty was revealed only when viewed from just the right angle.

Staring at one such piece, the echo of measured footsteps pulled me from my reverie. Turning, I expected to find one of the guards doing their walk-through. Instead, Aston was there,leaning casually against a marble column in a tailored suit that accentuated his broad shoulders and hinted at a life far removed from my own.

His low, velvety voice broke the silence. “I was hoping you’d still be here, Kerrigan.”

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