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“I have no doubt read every book you possess and many more,” he replied.”

Helena smirked, thinking his statement could in no way be true.

“The Seduction of the Godsis my favorite collection,” he told her, and her smirk instantly faded.

“As is mine,” she said in awe. “It was what inspired my list.”

Morgan nodded in understanding, knowing all too well the portrayal of wonderfully enticing certain scenes of painful pleasure and submissions within.

“I cannot believe you know of it!” she laughed, looking genuinely pleased.

He realized that he had begun to enjoy her reception of this particular side of him, and pushed forward.

“Another secret you must keep for me,” he teased. “The others would never cease to torment me if they knew of my literary predilections.”

At this, Helena smiled softly and relaxed further into his lap.

“I want a portrait of you,” he continued, returning to the subject of their trade.

Helena’s brows drew up in surprise.

“That is all?” she asked.

Unable to help himself, he allowed his fingers to wrap around her outer thigh and begin caressing the soft flesh beneath her gown as he nodded.

“You will pose for me,” he further explained. “Naked.”

Helena’s relaxed posture suddenly went rigid in his lap.

“No,” she replied adamantly. “I am sorry, but I will not let an artist see me as such.”

“The artist would be me,” he explained calmly, lifting another spoonful of the dessert to her lips.

Helena brows flew up so quickly that he chuckled again.

“My request surprises you?” he asked, mocking offense. “Eat.”

“I had no idea that you were so drawn to the arts,” she confessed, then obediently took the offered bite.

“Yes, well, I like my secrets,” he replied. “What we care about the most must be kept close and guarded carefully, lest others try to steal them away.”

Morgan once again felt her body relax, and he remained silent as she contemplated his offer.

“No one else would see it?” she asked after a moment, a touch of concern her in her eyes.

He shook his head gravely, his smile vanishing.

“What did I just say about the things we care about?” he asked.

“You care for me?” Helena whispered.

“For your wellbeing and happiness? I always have. All four of us have. Trust me when I tell you that I would gladly shoot any man who dared to lay eyes on such a portrait of you. It would be for me and me alone.”

She stared back at him intently, looking beyond his eyes and into his soul. In truth, no person, neither man nor woman, had ever looked so deeply into him, and it was his turn to shift uncomfortably. Still, he refused to look away, to give her any reason to doubt him.

“Very well then,” she agreed, her cheeks turning pink as she agreed. “But do not dare turn back to your jester-like ways upon seeing me bare.”

Morgan placed the spoon down on the table and wrapped his arms around her until she was fully ensconced within his embrace.