Page 134 of The Prize

I jolted back and stared at her.

“I listened to the recordings from the wire put on you,” she said softly. “That’s what Wilder told you in the ballroom while you were slow dancing.”

My face burned like fire that she’d heard him say it.

“I want a man who talks to me like that.” She shook her head. “That was pretty smooth.”

“He was joking.” My fingers traced along my necklace and settled on the emerald.

“No, Zara, he wasn’t. That man’s infatuated with you. I can see why. You know who you remind me of? You’re like a modern-day Joan of Arc. That painting really does deserve to be with you. I hope she turns up too.”

I held her gaze to hold the lie thatJoanwas already with me again and right now she was in Tobias’s home waiting for me.

She looked wistful. “You’re not coming back to London, are you?”

“I never did thank you for saving me from Eli in The Plaza.”

“That was nothing.”

“It was brave and you seriously kicked his bodyguard’s butt.”

She laughed. “You sound American already.”

I smiled at her fondly.

“Come here.” She pulled me into a hug. “I’m going to miss you. You’re one to watch on the art scene. Something tells me you’re going to be a leader in this profession.”

Tobias appeared in the doorway. “Ready?”

I gave him a nod and turned to Abby. “Say hi to everyone for me.”

“I will.” Abby looked over at Wilder. “Look after her.”

“Always.” He held out his hand for me.

After saying an emotional goodbye to everyone, we headed out of the office area of the gallery and made our way toward the exhibit room that would become the final home to my paintings.

Four of my collection would remain in England a while longer. The National Gallery would continue to show the Vermeer, theCannon Gunsketch by da Vinci and that breathtaking Michelangelo. MyMadame Rosewas still safely housed at The Otillie, and I silently promised to visit her every time I went back. When the time was right, I’d bring them over to join the others to complete the collection. My father would be filled with joy if he knew.

When we were out of earshot Tobias pulled me aside. “What did Eli do to you?”

“Nothing compared to what he did to you.”

He scowled. “Tell me.”

“He shoved me. That’s all, really.” Saying any more was unwise, I didn’t want Tobias running off to find Eli.

The thought he was going to jail provided some comfort. Justice had been served and maybe it would prevent him from following in his father’s footsteps and becoming a warlord.

“Just say the word, Zara—”

I pressed a fingertip to his lips. “This is our time. Don’t let them invade our happiness. Let’s put this behind us.”

His jaw tensed in contradiction. “If I find out he hurt you...”

The memory made me nauseous and I was done letting that family steal one more thought from me. This was a new start where happiness would be ours.

“Come on.” Tobias pulled me down the hallway. “Show me how you want your paintings displayed.”