“Thank god, she’s here.”
He hangs up without a goodbye, and that’s fine. Tilley has always been his rock, and she’s always disliked Spencer and his influence. I’m not a betting woman, but I’d put money on Gus going solo, and yeah, I’d do everything I could to make sure he succeeded if he decided to go down that track. Some people just deserve good, and he’s one of those.
Valak is looking at me, his eyebrows up high. “At least he’s fucking right about you not going there. Get your ass on the plane, Lennon.”
26
LENNON
The flight back home means we chase the sun, and it turns out to be the longest day ever. There’s a part of me that’s nervous about having Lincoln and Valak in my home, but that’s my pride speaking.
After Ares’ customary sweep of the house, which only takes a few minutes with Valak’s help, we unload our bags from the Uber. The look on Lincoln’s face as he walks into my converted warehouse is so sweet—he’s completely spellbound—he leaves me no choice but to take a selfie with my man.
“Dove, what on earth?”
“It’s hard sometimes not being able to get out, so I’ve made it so I don’t ever have to leave.”
“Sweetheart, this is stunning.” He leans in close at the first painting hanging on my wall. The matte black entry walls make the colours even more vibrant; the landscape of a stormy ocean is so real and life-like. Lincoln leans in to look at the signature on the bottom before his amazement morphs into something more. “Is that an original?”
“Sure is. You wouldn’t think I’d let an artist like Kali B go unrepresented would you?” I laugh before steering him on to the next one. “This is more special, she did this for me as a commission piece. It was hard describing what I wanted but I gave her free rein.”
Lincoln’s hand reaches out to touch the huge artwork. Spinning around, I think he’s a little horrified that he was going to touch such an expensive piece of art, but I grab his fingers and drag it over the plush golden green velvet Kali used. Similar in size to the other one, it is more akin to the garden I remember as a child. Whether it’s real or imagined, I’m not sure, but the emotions it makes me feel bring a sense of home that I was pining for.
I shuffle him on to the thick recycled shelves that are next, a collection of blown glass artworks.
“Is that from the artist that did Lah-Lah’s at the Omega Centre?”
“Funnily enough, it is. I also represent Alpha Marcs, but he’s currently on hiatus because of burnout. Which means I am now the proud owner of his most recent constellation. And Lincoln, his emotional state is not common knowledge, so make sure you keep it to yourself.”
“How much did it cost you?”
“That’s a little personal.”
“Is it? I’m sure my cock in your pussy means we’ve obliterated those personal lines, don’t you?”
“Hmmm. Possibly.” I scratch my chin like I’m in deep thought, making him laugh before I glide under his arm, like there’s no safer, more comforting place in the world. “It’s just money, which is a little flippant because I know their pack needed the money. Anyway, being their agent means I should invest in the people I believe in, and that’s what I was doing. And now I get to harass and bribe them constantly. My latest strategy includes an emotional coach and a dating agency, which is working!”
Lincoln leans down and puts his chin on the top of my head, and I get lost in his botanical scent and warming embrace. And then I get side-tracked by his question. “Lennon, is there anyone you don’t save?”
I shake my head. “I don’t save people.”
“Dove, this right here is proof that you’re wrong in that regard.” He turns me so I’m facing my gallery wall and waves his arm around. “I know you’re ruthless in business but underneath all that noise and determination, is such a beautiful, open heart. You take risks on people and back it with what you do best, along with your own money. And I know what you did for me, even when I was ignoring you.”
The look on Lincoln’s face is telling enough of his strong emotions, but the way he perfumes for me ensures I know how he feels. In case I miss either of them, he whispers in my ear. “Pride is not a big enough word for what I feel for you. Every moment I’m around you, I find another piece of you that gets locked away inside me. I’m going to need forever from you, dove.”
Valak makes his presence known behind us, and I can feel his interest. Without turning around, I know he’s found my security system, and probably even my armoury.
“You like?”
“Yes.”
“Why is Lincoln scenting?”
“Why wouldn’t I cover her in my mark, Valak?”
“I was just curious is all.”
“Are you about to do the same?”
