Page 136 of The Chase
She grabbed my hand and pulled me along the hallway. “Come on, I know where we can hide and no one will find us.”
She burst out laughing with her playfulness, and it echoed behind us.
With my fingers interlocked with hers, we flew down the hallway in a cloud of her richly textured perfume that made me heady. Adrenaline pumped through my veins as I savored the thrill of escaping.
“What about Tobias?” I said.
“He’ll be fine,” she said. “Come on.”
Having one up on Nigel with the host herself was hilarious, and I was grateful for Violet’s generosity.
I knew Nigel would be cruel and ask all sorts of questions aboutSt. Joanturning up at Christie’s and his interrogation would no doubt turn nasty.
“In here.”
We moved through a luxurious blue-themed bedroom.
Violet tapped a code into a walled keypad. “This is private.”
The room was small. In the center stood a black marble pillared stand, and on top of it sat a glass case. Resting within the protective square was an ornate carved metal bowl and a gong beside it.
I approached respectfully. “It’s beautiful.”
“Tibetan singing bowl,” Violet whispered as she closed the door behind us.
I looked around, realizing she’d brought me into a walk-in safe. “Why is it not on display with the others?”
“It’s priceless. Goes all the way back to the first Dalai Lama.”
“Seriously?”
Delicate symbols trailed around its lower base and around the rim were a swirl of lilies.
The handle of the gong looked bronze. A strange sense of peace emanated from its simple design.
It felt too sacred for this place.
“Hugo says it’s like owning the equivalent of the Holy Grail.” She waved it off and neared me. “Just a silly old pot if you ask me. I keep all my jewelry in here too. Sometimes I just drench myself in diamonds and run around naked.”
She made me laugh as that visual flashed before me. “The stuff in here is worth millions.”
“Then I feel honored.” I took her hands and squeezed them. “Thank you for saving me.”
“Better?”
“Much.”
“It’s my pleasure.”
“Thank you, Violet. Sorry for taking you away from your guests.”
“I’m so happy you came. Tobias never brings anyone to our parties usually.” Her words made me feel selfishly happy. “He has lovely taste.”
“The dress?” I ran my hand down the material over my belly. “It’s more revealing than I’m used to.”
“Curves are a gift. Use at will.” She flirtatiously raised a shoulder. “I love Escada. Saw that one on the catwalk in New York.”
I looked down at my shimmering dress and admired it.
