“Like what?”
“Introduce myself as an artist, andbe happy.”
A feeling of contentment, unlike anything I’ve ever known, builds in me. “I’m glad I can make you happy. What else do we still need to check off?”
“You want to do it with me?”
“Do you really need to ask that?”
She smiles. “Drink wine at Harriet’s vineyard in Italy, and travel the world.”
“Is that all?”
“I can cross the last one off, and thankfully not because I completed it.”
“What’s that?”
“Honor my brother’s memory.” A feeling of foreboding pervades my contentment when she says it and then looks back up at me. “Because he’s going to be safe, right?”
I nod because there’s no other choice. I just hope I’m not lying.
38
Temperance
“You came!” Yve says as I walk through the door of Pretty Kitty a week after my showing at Noble Art—which Valentina called a smash hit. On top of buying the crown sculpture, Yve commissioned another piece, and I’ve been working on it for three days.
“I snuck away from working on a certain custom piece, so I hope the customer isn’t upset that it’s going to be a few more days in production.”
She smiles. “As long as you leave here with lingerie and a smile, I’ve got no complaints,” she says, crossing the room and wrapping an arm around me to squeeze.
Six months ago, I didn’t know what it was like to have women friends, but it seems I’ve been adopted by several, and hugs are now a commonplace thing. It’s crazy how life can change.
Before Kane came into my life, I was working at the distillery, assuming that’s what I was going to do with the rest of my life, and hadn’t had sex in forever. Now I’m in a lingerie store, surrounded by familiar faces, and I’m going to pick out some killer stuff so I can shock the hell out of my man and be averybad girl.
In fact, I feel the urge to role-play coming back. We may not be able to go back to the club anymore because Kane doesn’t think it’s safe, but my need for what he gave me there hasn’t disappeared. I’ll just reclaim it at home.
A plan is already taking shape in my mind when I see Ariel holding up a sinful black bra-and-panty set.
Her eyes brighten when she sees me. “Hey, girl! You look fabulous. How are you doing? Are you okay? Can I do anything? Do you need anyone added to the no-fly list?”
Her over-the-top greeting reminds me just how much I like the girl genius who is more computer hacker than CEO.
“I’m good. Things are going well. Life is finding a new rhythm, and I’m hanging in there.” It’s hard not to tell her the truth, but keeping Rafe’s secret is at the top of the priority list, so I have no choice.
“Good. We were so worried about you. I even did a few things I shouldn’t have ...”
Oh Jesus.“Like?”
She stares at the ceiling for a moment.
“Ariel?”
With a wince, she meets my gaze. “I hacked a few satellites and found out where it all went down. I know about the cover-up.” She keeps her voice low so no one can overhear her.
“Please tell me you haven’t told anyone.”
She glances over to where Keira stands near Yve, making sure the whiskey is being enjoyed.