With a stiff smile to Sebastian and Malcom, I steered Ben toward the mythology section. I launched into the stories I’d been telling all day, letting the cadence of myth drown out the storm inside me. Ben’s interest sharpened, his eyes glowing with admiration as I explained the symbolism.
He stopped in front of Aphrodite—the reimagined goddess rising from the waves, her latte-colored skin glowing against the foam, amber eyes full of mischief, raven-black hair curling artfully to shield what needed shielding.
“This,” Ben said, voice low with awe. “This is the one. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen. I’ll put it in my office, let it be the centerpiece.” He tapped his temple thoughtfully. “Maybe we can build the whole room around this theme.”
His excitement was genuine. I couldn’t help the small laugh that slipped out, a momentary balm to my shredded pride. I felt like someone was buying my talent, not Sebastian’s favors.
“I can’t wait to start working on your house, Ben,” I said, my smile real this time. “I’ll be there tomorrow, bright and early.”
Ben tapped his temple with two fingers. “Oh, that reminds me…” He slipped a hand into his pocket and pulled out a set of keys. “Bright and early isn’t really my style, so you can let yourself in tomorrow. I’ll show up eventually, but you’ll need keys anyway.”
“Thanks.” I reached for them, but he held on a beat longer, a mischievous glint in his eye.
“You’re the first woman to have keys to my new house.” Finally, he let them drop into my palm.
“Don’t worry, I won’t abscond with the silverware.”
He grinned, teeth flawless against his clean-shaven jaw. He could have been cast straight out of a Barbie movie—perfect, polished, and a little too smooth.
“I’m sorry I arrived so late tonight.” His voice lowered into something more earnest. “If I take you out to dinner, will you forgive me?”
My lips parted. I wasn’t sure if this had been friendly banter or low-grade flirting until now, but a dinner invitation made it too serious.
I glanced at my watch, buying myself time. “You don’t have to buy me dinner, Ben. I’m just grateful you showed up. Honestly, most employers wouldn’t even care about something like this. Besides, the exhibit isn’t over—I still need to be here.”
It was polite, but firm. A line drawn in careful words.
Ben didn’t seem the least bit deterred. Still smiling, he caught my hand and lifted my fingers to his lips again. “Then I’ll let you get back to dazzling your fans.”
“Thank you for coming. And for buying the painting. If you like, I can deliver it myself tomorrow.”
“That would be perfect.” His smile softened. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Jesse.”
I watched him disappear toward the exit, my pulse still unsettled when Sebastian’s voice jolted me.
“Is that the guy you’re working for?”
I spun around. His face was tight, his eyes locked on me with a mix of frustration and something else—hurt maybe?
“Are you stalking me now?” My words snapped sharper than I intended.
“I was waiting for a free moment. We need to talk, Jesse.”
“You bet we do.” My nostrils flared, my eyes narrowing to slits. “But not here. Since you went through all this trouble to make Malcom organize this little charade, I’ll see it through to the bitter end. I hope I was worth it.”
“What the—” His hand clamped around my arm.
“Not here,” I hissed, yanking free. My gaze swept the room. It wasn’t crowded anymore, but there were still people lingeringnear the walls, sipping champagne, admiring canvases. The last thing I needed was an audience. “We’ll talk in an hour. I’ve been humiliated enough for one night.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Sebastian
Two hours later, we stood facing each other like gunslingers at high noon. The street stretched empty in both directions, streetlights casting pools of yellow that made the shadows between them seem darker. Jesse’s arms were locked across her chest—a human fortress I couldn’t breach.
“How could you do this to me, Sebastian?”
Each word slashed at me. Her voice carried a tremor that made my chest constrict. It wasn’t just anger, it was something worse. Betrayal. The kind that carved itself into your bones and stayed there.
