A year ago, I would have said no without hesitation. The thought of moving countries, of being away from Hallie, would have crushed me.
I take a steadying breath and sip my champagne. “So… that means you want to sign with my gallery?” I ask.
He chuckles. “Yes. I have enough unseen work to fill your space. It just needs one final piece to be complete. I’m working on it now.”
“Thank you, Marco,” I say, smiling.
“And you’ll consider a Monaco branch?”
“I’ll consider it,” I reply, leaning back into the leather booth. “I can see myself loving it here.”
“Not sure I’ll be able to afford the rent,” I add jokingly.
“You’ll find a way,” he says, his eyes flicking briefly to Drago.
I giggle. “Yeah. Maybe I’ll bring him with me. It’s very early days.”
Marco runs a hand through his curls. “You two are the real deal. I can feel it.”
“The air?” I laugh.
“Yes. Love. It’s there.”
My heart starts racing, and I down the rest of my drink, immediately pouring another.
“Don’t be scared of it,” he adds gently. “Embrace it.”
Somehow, we finish the bottle. Then another. My eyelids start to feel heavy.
“Oh my god,” I gasp, checking the time. “It’s been two hours.”
Poor Drago. Standing there. Watching me get a little drunk.
I stand abruptly, grabbing my coat. “I need to get home before this turns into a week-long hangover.”
Marco laughs. “Too old for that now.”
“Right?”
We shake hands. “Roxy will send over a contract first thing,” I tell him. “Thank you for taking a chance on me. I really appreciate it.”
He smiles, then nods toward Drago. “The pleasure is mine. Your gallery is special. And I think a Monaco one will be even more so.”
Drago is beside me before I even turn, and we say our goodbyes. I loop my arm through Drago’s and let him guide me into the cool night air.
“Wow,” I murmur.
“What?” he asks.
“The bubbles are hitting me.”
He chuckles, and I swear I could live inside that sound.
We walk along the cobbled street, and I rest my head against his bicep. The next thing I know, I yelp as he scoops me up and carries me against his chest.
“Drago!”
“Lily.”
