Page 43 of Taken

“True,” Joel replied. “I wasn’t sure how long we’d be here to even think about opening another gallery. We’ll have to look into it later.” Joel picked up a champagne glass from the tray as the same server walked by.

“Grab two,” I said to him.

Joel raised an eyebrow.

“I don’t blame you for worrying about me, but I kind of need this tonight,” I confessed. “After what we did to Kyoko …”

“Mercy, you know you had to,” Joel said. “We all know you didn’t have a choice.”

“Tell that to the psychopath who’ll be coming for my blood now,” I said.

Joel rolled his eyes. “More reason to not drink.” He grabbed my half-empty glass and placed it next to me on a marble console table against the wall. Then, he placed his hand on the curve of Derek’s lower back, escorting him to the wall near the back that was covered with Dorian’s art.

Dorian reached for my hand and intertwined his fingers with mine. “Come on,” he said. “I want you to meet a few new friends of mine.”

_______________

AFTER THE PARTYhad ended around eleven, Dorian grabbed my jacket from the coat closet and locked the gallery up.

I heard a text come through as I climbed into his car. Lily and Bradley wanted to host a breakfast tomorrow morning at her place with just the family. They had something to share with us.

Before I exited the car, Dorian leaned in, kissing me gently on the cheek.

I looked at him in surprise. “What was that for?” I asked, feeling my cheeks blush.

He sucked on his bottom lip, looking away as if trying to avoid my eyes.

“I know it’s been strange lately between us,” he said, but his eyes turned back to meet mine, “but having you there tonight meant everything to me.” That adorable smile I committed to memory years ago flashed across his face, showing his teeth.

“Well, how did you do tonight?” I asked. “Did you sell any paintings?”

He smiled. “I sold about eight and grabbed a few business cards, but honestly, I don’t do it for the money. Just having the paintings there for people to look at and for me to see them on display, is all that matters.”

I placed my hand on his and tilted my head. “I’m sorry you feel like you can’t be truly happy anymore.”

He turned his palm up and squeezed my hand. “Iamhappy.”

I hope so.

“Night, Dorian,” I said, kissing him back on the cheek. The moment my lips touched his cold skin, my stomach pleasantly jumped. It was as if I couldn’t tear my face away from him, losing his scent and the feeling my body experienced by being near him. “Thank you for inviting me. I … I enjoy seeing this side of you.” I leaned back, placing my hand on the door handle and watching his gaze that wouldn’t leave mine.

CHAPTER 19

Caleb

MELISSA’S HAND TREMBLED as I reached out and caressed them with my fingertips, hoping to steady her aim. “Now pull it back and let go,” I instructed.

She steadied the bow, then released it. The arrow flew toward the target and hit the tree a few inches from the center. “Yes! Was that good? I think it was good. I mean, for a rookie, right?”

Fuck, she’s so adorable.

“That was hot,” I said playfully. “We can practice out here any time you’d like. I know you hate guns, so learning archery is a great alternative.”

Melissa laughed. “Are you trying to turn me into a superhero?” she asked. “I’m not like your coven.”

I brushed the curls from her face. “You might not have magic; being armed is the best alternative. Right now, with Maurice on the loose, we can’t risk it.”

“I carry a can of mace,” she said. “I mean, honestly, Caleb, you think I’m going to carry a bow and arrow every time I walk alone?”

---