Page 127 of The Chase
I’d even relented when he’d requested The Dorchester’s beautician to visit our room. She’d worked her magic on my wayward locks by hot-ironing them into voluminous, bouncy curls and had used a similar alchemy on my makeup. I’d searched the mirror, seeing nothing of the old me and everything of the kind of woman Tobias deserved to be with.
Never had I oozed such an erotic confidence before, and I hardly recognized these spiraling auburn locks that tumbled elegantly over my shoulders. My highlighted smoky eyes were dramatically larger and these long eyelashes were almost overshadowed by my overly rouged plumped lips forming an exotic pout.
“Part your legs a little,” he said. “Very good. Place your hands behind your back. Wrists together.”
I smirked at his request, feeling a little silly.
He suppressed a smile. “Do you find this funny?”
“No.” I peered beneath long lashes. “I like it.” And I did.
I loved the way he made me feel nurtured just as he’d promised. My gaze broke his and roamed the dramatic burgundy drapes that were closed now and swept across the two arched windows. I absorbed the lavishness surrounding us, giddy by this man whose command seemed effortless.
The weekend had been a whirlwind of expensive dining, a little shopping for new clothes for me at Harrods and Harvey Nichols, and then stopping off at The Otillie to seeMadame Rose. It had been so wonderful seeing her and only now did I truly understand that lovesick expression on Rose’s beautiful face. It was as though I was seeing her wistful expression for the first time, a hint of her subdued passion. Only now I understood that timeless allure of love reflected in her gaze.
Tobias’s affection was helping me see art through a different lens and by viewing through this prism of wonderment I opened my heart further.
We’d gone on from there to pay a much-needed visit to the National Gallery to see Magnus, and watch his restoration professionals work their magic on the Michelangelo. His talented team of renovation specialists had brought out the vibrant colors and were well into the process of restoring the paintings.
In awe, Tobias and I had admired all three of my portraits that deserved to be shared. Each majestic masterpiece would soon be given the opportunity to be adored by thousands of visitors to the gallery.
Sunday evening had brought with it more rain and lucky for us we were ensconced safely away in this luxury suite. I’d not seen the inside of my apartment all weekend. Instead, Tobias insisted we remain here and enjoy all the amenities close to hand. We’d been pampered beyond belief with endless sumptuous meals ordered up from room service, a private massage in our room, and a ceaseless supply of champagne and dark chocolates.
These two days had felt like nirvana and no matter how many times I cautioned myself to hold on and not fall, my heart rebelled and told me to risk it all.
“Turn around,” he said. “Slowly.”
I complied, more than aware my nipples were pert from the chill of the room, my lack of clothes making me vulnerable.
“Don’t bite your lip,” he chastised. “It draws attention to your mouth. We don’t have the time.”
I turned and grinned at him.
He grinned back. “Do you know how beautiful you are? How feminine? How kind you are? You take my breath away. I feel like I’m at the goddamn Tate, seeing modern art for the first time. Jesus, Zara, you’re stunning.”
It was impossible to pull back on my smile.
“I would do anything for you.” That cute smile lit up his face. “Still, if you ever change my music again...”
The blaze of my cheeks forced my gaze away as I suppressed my smile at his brashness.
My sex thrummed with the need to have him touch me the way he always did. I’d fallen headfirst into the abyss of his universe. Climbing out from his heavenly lair seemed inconceivable.
The knock at the door startled me.
Tobias rose from the chair and made his way over toward the hall leading to the door. “Stay as you are.”
I held my arms across my chest to cover myself, wary of this sense of defenselessness and watching the space where he’d just been standing while trying to listen to who he was talking with.
“Thanks, Coops. Half an hour.” I heard the sound of the door closing. Tobias reappeared around the corner and he narrowed his gaze.
I snapped my arms down and glanced behind him to make sure he was alone.
He held a sleek phone, and it was the one he’d given me a few days ago.
He held up the phone. “Got it back.”
“From Logan?”
