Page 75 of The Innovator

She embraced me. “Thank you for keeping my dream alive.”

“No one is allowed to crush your dreams. Not even me.”

“Ditto.” She narrowed her eyes. “Give me the name of anyone who wants to destroy yours. I’m very handy with scissors, needles, and other sharp tools. I’ll tear them apart and stitch them back together so that they won’t even recognize themselves.”

The conversation took on a whole new trajectory. “Remind me not to piss you off.”

Laughing, she gripped my hand. “That’s a nice reminder that just because I’ve struggled internally doesn’t mean I’m weak.”

“No, buttercup. Weakness is when you surrender and bury your dream. Courage is when you drag that dream through the mud to make it real despite what the world tells you. You have admirable courage.”

“Let’s get to the event before I strip you out of that gorgeous tux and show you how courageous I am.”

I stopped in my steps. “That sounds more interesting than a visit to the museum. How about we stay home?”

Her laughter sent joy ascending like a superstructure inside me.

CHAPTERTHIRTY-SEVEN

NATALIE

Grayson and I browsed the Mount Centauri Museum, which wasn’t as large as the Metropolitan or the Guggenheim museums in New York or even the MFA in Boston. The Mount Centauri Museum was spacious and cozy and not quite as intimidating as the larger museums.

“Is there a special exhibit this evening?”

“There’s Egyptian art on display for the next few weeks, but this event is for the Keeping the Vision charity. Aiden Kellwood’s wife, Tasha, is passionate about this. I’ve heard wonderful things about this charity focused on women. He’s also one of the investors for the WaterFyre Rising video game.”

I read up on the cause and loved that there was a place to help women in need.

After Grayson introduced me to some acquaintances, we headed toward the Egyptian art exhibit. A handsome man with dark hair approached us and offered a hand to Grayson. He held a stylish cane and walked with a slight limp. “So glad you made it tonight.”

“Attikus.” Grayson shook his hand. “It’s a fabulous event. This is Natalie.”

“Very nice to meet you.” He gripped my hand firmly.

“Do you have a minute, Grayson? I’d like to discuss a project with you.” Attikus turned to me. “It won’t take long, Natalie. I’ll return him to you in less than ten minutes.”

“No worries. I’ll give myself a tour.”

“I’ll come find you.” Grayson pulled me close, kissing me on the lips as though marking me in front of other men. He whispered, “I’ve canceled on him too many times. The last time was at the bookstore with you.”

Smiling, I placed a hand on Grayson’s cheek. “Take your time.”

I walked into the spacious room where Egyptian sculptures, jewelry, and artwork were displayed on the walls and stands. Figurines of Egyptian goddesses caught my attention. I didn’t get far when a chill ran down my body, warning me.

“Natalie, darling. I’ve finally found you.”

I stiffened at the familiar voice.

Rafael stood next to me and placed a hand on my lower back. The touch stung my skin. I tried to step away from him, but he clasped my waist tighter, nudging me out of the room. His dark hair had grown past his ears. The brown eyes still harbored contempt and deception. His face had gotten thinner, and he looked stressed. He wore a white tuxedo, which always made him stand out in the crowd, but he couldn’t measure up to the man who held back the dark so that I could heal.

“What are you doing here? I’m not going back with you.”

“You’re coming with me if you want to save your family. Youwillmarry me.” The commanding tone and the tense face portrayed a desperate man. “Your dad’s plane crash wasn’t an accident, Natalie. Come with me, and I’ll tell you everything.”

What was he talking about? The knots in my stomach tightened on top of one another. I had to know about my dad’s death.

“Fine.”

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