Page 124 of Eternal Surrender

“The world is full of mystery, Ingrid,” he said. “Once your heart is as open as your mind, then the book of truth will open before you and all your questions will be answered.”

She seemed to be holding her breath, wooed by his words.

I rested my palm on Lucas’s shoulder. “We appreciate your time.”

“I’m looking forward to checking out your collection,” he said. “I hear it rivals the Getty.”

“Hardly.” I smirked. “Sebastian will give you a tour.”

“It was good to see you,” Lucas said to me. “I hope to have answers for you soon on that other matter.” He took my hand and squeezed it with affection. “Let’s have dinner tomorrow night?”

I gave his back a pat of reassurance. Lucas strolled toward the top of the stairwell and disappeared down it.

“How do you know him again?” Ingrid asked.

“An old friend,” I said. “That’s how I know we can trust him.”

She frowned. “Ever since finding Vanderbilt’s file, I’ve not trusted anyone.”

“So you’re the only one allowed to sneak around?”

“I was conducting an investigation.”

“On your boss?”

She folded her arms. “He was acting suspiciously.”

“And you’re never guilty of that?”

“You better not be trying to read my mind.”

“I try to avoid chaos,” I said. “Did you find anything in that book you pinched?”

“It was blank.” Her hand slid to her necklace and she fiddled with her chain. “James has invited me to go away on holiday with him.”

A dove landed a few feet away, flapping its wings before settling and then pecking at nothing.

She looked up at me. “He wants us to go to Scotland. I’d rather go to Paris.”

Two more birds flew down to join the first, displaying their entitlement to the roof.

“I’ve always dreamed of going barefoot in Paris,” she sighed.

“He’s not the one for you,” I finally said it.

“My private life is none of your business.”

“But your happiness is.”

“Since when?”

I turned away. She took my hand and we braved to hold each other’s gaze, sharing a moment that should never have happened.

“My driver will take you,” I offered.

“I’ll catch a taxi.” She placed her glass on the tray.

My hand rested in the arch of her back, and I guided her toward the stairway. “I’m going to stay here for a while.”