Page 60 of Ruthless Beast

“So ready.”

Lucas gives me his left arm, and together we walk to the car. He opens the door for me so I can slip onto the leather seat.

Soon we’re on our way to one of the most beautiful museums in the world. I open the window a tad so I can take in the sounds of the romantic city.

“Oh, Lucas! It’s absolutely magical,” I gasp as the museum comes into view.

“Yes, it’s spectacular in the flesh, isn’t it?”

“It’s so big.”

“Wait until you’re inside.”

“You’ve been?”

“Yes, once. A long time ago.”

I feel like a kid in a candy store. I can’t wait to see the art. Being here is surreal, and I have the most unlikely source to thank. Who would have guessed that I’d be here with someone like Lucas?

“If you’re a good girl, I’ll treat you to a drink in the Tuileries gardens. It’s an experience.”

“Oh? And what exactly constitutes good, in your opinion?”

“Hey, I’m sure we can work out something,” he grins.

“Yeah. I bet you could.”

15

LUCAS

Ilove watching the expression on Emily’s face while she walks through the Louvre, stopping at each painting and admiring and scrutinizing the various artists’ brush strokes. She’s like a kid in a candy store. All bright eyed with wonder.

“This one’s a little dark,” I comment as Emily stops in front of one of the paintings.

“I know. Isn’t it wonderful? It’s called The Raft of the Medusa. The artist is depicting the survivors of the Medusa shipwreck calling for help when they see the outline of another ship that could save them in the distance.”

“What about those poor bastards?”

“Oh, they’re the casualties.”

“I suppose there are always casualties.”

“You should know,” she says, looking at me briefly to check that I can’t reach the knife in my back.

“Okay, I deserve that. What’s going on here?” I ask, pointing to a painting a few meters away.

“Oh, that. An interesting one. It’s Gabrielle d’Estrées and one of her sisters.”

“Is it normal for sisters to pinch each other’s nipples?”

“Yeah, this painting draws attention for its erotic nature. Some people assume that it also announces the pregnancy of Gabrielle d’Estrées. Her sister's gesture would indicate her future status as a mother.”

“Leave it to those cheeky 16th Century artists, hey,” I grin.

“Uh-huh.”

All this nipple talk is making me horny. Not that I need anymore inspiration in that department. Emily draped in a paper bag would do the trick. I’m aroused at the mere thought of her silky skin under my fingers.

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