Page 85 of Marked By Moonlight

He shrugged. “It’s my aim to democratize high art. We’re developing methods that can map every feature of a masterpiece in ways never before attempted.”

“You want to digitize the painting?” Anastasia sniffed. “Well, I thinkyoushould be digitized.”

This really had the makings of anOprahmoment. I could see it now: Anastasia slipping off one of her heels and brandishing it like a weapon while Jenson grabbed a chair to defend himself.

A good thing Jensen was so calm and detached, even robotic. Otherwise, they might have gone at each other.

He gazed at her wordlessly, thought a little, then upped the ante. “Eighty-seven million.”

Anastasia looked scandalized…but also tempted.

Jensen glanced at the painting, then headed to the door with a casual, “Your people have my contact details.”

Actually, I didn’t, but I bet Gordon did.

“Let me know once you’ve reached your decision,” he said, striding toward the elevator.

Roux stared at him, then at us with aWhat the hell just happened?expression.

I felt the same way.

“The nerve.” Anastasia grabbed for her teacup and stirred violently. The motion grew slower and more thoughtful over the next few seconds, though, and she murmured without looking at me. “How much did he say?”

I swallowed hard. “Eighty-seven. Million.”

Well below the market price for a painting of this caliber, but this wasn’t exactly an open market.

Anastasia gazed down at the street, watching him leave, while stirring and mumbling to herself in Russian.

I couldn’t be sure what she said, but I was willing to bet it wasEighty-seven million…

Chapter Eighteen

MARIUS

Anastasia departed shortly after Jensen, and we all gathered to review what had transpired. Well, everyone except Celeste, who was still out prowling London. And hallelujah, because that was all we needed to top this shitshow of a day.

“I had to add Jensen to the schedule. Gordon’s orders,” Roux explained, looking defensive.

“Fucking Gordon,” I muttered.

“I can’t believe he would do that.” Mina shook her head.

“Believe it,” Henrik told her coldly.

I growled at him, but he pointed at her mercilessly.

“You’re in his world now, and this is how he operates. Either open your eyes, or get out while you can and go back to believing the world is all butterflies and rainbows.” He held up a hand before I could punch him and added, “I mean that. Before she learns the hard way.”

She socked him with a murderous look. “I think I already learned the hard way.”

Only Roux’s iron grip on my arm stopped me from throttling the vampire. The next chance I had, I would rip his undead ass to pieces.

“He’s right,” Bene interjected in a softer tone. “Trusting Gordon could get you killed.” He raised his hands at Mina’sshocked expression. “Not purposely, but anything could happen, given the people he works with.”

I winced, because that included us.

Mina turned to the painting, looking sadder than I’d ever seen her.