“Ooh.” Her blue eyes rounded with excitement. “Did someone else offer on it?”
“Else?”
“Yes, it’s already been bought. I was just about to put a sticker on it.”
“Well, unsell it. I’m keeping it.”
Her expression fell. “That’s one of your most expensive pieces.”
Now I squeezed her shoulder. “You’ll still get your commission, but it’s too special to me. I’m sorry. I can’t sell it.”
She nodded with a sigh of understanding. “Okay. But you have to talk to Paul Gunner. He wanted to buy it, and he’s been angling for an introduction all evening. I didn’t want to interrupt your wee tête-à-tête with your husband, but now that you’rehere, you can do me a favor and smooth over the fact that he won’t be gettingShetland.”
“Introduce away.”
Paul Gunner turned out to be a good-looking blond in what I’d guess to be his early forties. He was dressed sharp in a custom three-piece suit, and I clocked the twenty-thousand-dollar Tag Heuer watch on his wrist. The dude had money. No wonder Michelle wanted me to take time to meet with him. As soon as she disappeared to place aSOLDsign onShetland, however, Mr. Gunner stepped a little too far into my personal space.
I recognized that glint in his dark eyes. Unfortunately, I’d had that look directed at me before it ever should’ve been. Taking a small step back, I brushed my hair from my face with my left hand, flashing my wedding band.
His gaze darted to it, but his expression didn’t falter. “I’ve been eager to meet you since I bought my first piece,” he said with an accent that could be either Scottish or English. It was difficult to tell. “I’m originally from Inverness but live in London now.” Ah, that made sense. “I’m a bit of a collector.”
“Really. That’s great.” I kept my smile polite. “Which piece are you most interested in tonight?”
“I’m looking at her,” he replied boldly, his hungry expression leaving no doubt to his meaning.
My inner yuck alert system blared, but I didn’t let my distaste show on my face. This was not the first time a fan of my art wanted to sleep with me. I chided gently, “Not sure how I feel about being referred to as a piece, but?—”
“Oh, I meant no offense. Really. You’re just … you are even lovelier than your art. I don’t think I’ve ever met a more beautiful woman.”
“That’s very kind, but I’m married.” I flashed my wedding ring again. “Several of my works displayed this evening, however, are available.”
“I’ve already told Michelle which pieces I want, and I’ve been very generous. Now I want to get to know the sexy woman behind them. I’m sure, considering my donation to your work”—he smiled with all the confidence of a wealthy man used to getting what he wanted—“you can indulge me with the pleasure of your company. I’m sure you’ve heard of me. Paul Gunner of Gunner Industries.” He reached out to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear and I flinched back.
All pretense was gone. “You could be the richest man in the world, Mr. Gunner, and I still wouldn’t be for sale.”
“Allegra—”
“Lucy,” I corrected him harshly. “Have you been looking into me?”
“I told you, I’m a fan.” Paul’s possessive gaze grew hard with determination. “It makes no mind to me you’re Allegra Howard. I’m not interested in your parentage.”
“It’s Allegra McCulloch now.”
He huffed in amusement. “One dinner. Just a dinner. That’s all I ask. I’m sure it’ll be enough time to change your mind.” He then proceeded to trail the back of his fingers down my bare arm. I flinched from him again, unnerved by his persistence.
Then heat hit my back, a hard, familiar chest pressing against me as strong arms encircled my waist. Jared’s scent, his presence, relieved me as he brushed a gentle kiss over my temple. I glanced up at him, his tender expression morphing into absolute menace as he turned to Paul Gunner.
“I’m the husband,” he bit out coolly. “I don’t know who you are, but touch my wife again and I’ll break your fucking hand.”
A thrill coursed through me at his possessive, protective words. And longing. For them to be real.
Gunner looked at Jared with a mix of fear and disgust. He flicked me a look that told me I’d gone down a million miles in his estimation. “I see your artist talents don’t translate to taste. I think I’ll let Michelle know I won’t be buying anything this evening.”
Jared tensed behind me, but I patted a palm over his hand in reassurance as I looked Gunner straight in the eye. “You do that. After all, money can’t buy class.”
He narrowed his eyes at me before storming off.
“Fuck.” Jared turned into me, his expression apologetic. “I didn’t mean to fuck up a sale. I just saw the way you were reacting to him and lost my shit a wee bit.”
