Page 138 of The Prize

I inhaled sharply as his words settled into my heart.

Tobias lowered me and my heels hit the stone with a scrape and my ankles wobbled from this giddiness. He held me until I’d gotten my balance again. Breathless, I tried to get my hair under some control before having to face the staff again.

Tobias stepped closer and pressed his body against mine. “I will call you every hour until we’re together again.” He kissed my forehead. “I love you, Zara Leighton.”

“I love you.” I pressed my lips to his.

“Don’t forget you’re mine.”

I raised my chin, still dismayed he was leaving me so quickly.

“Come on,” he said. “I’ll walk you back.”

“I’ll stay here for a while if that’s okay. I want to look around some more.” This place had a serenity to it and I liked the idea of being able to think things over on my own time.

“Okay, enjoy.” He pulled me into the biggest hug.

When he broke away I felt the loss of his arms.

“Zara, say you’re mine.”

“I’m yours.”

He flashed a smile. “Right answer. I’ll reward you as soon as I get back.” The vision of him in that finely cut dark suit taking two steps at a time toward the door made him look like a king on an unstoppable mission.

The door closed behind him.

He’d left me reeling and with an uncertainty for his need for secrecy. My head crashed against the wall and I stared out at the terra-cotta horses. They were striking and it was a remarkable accomplishment to get them here and display them so magnificently.

I let out a sigh of frustration. I’d needed to see Icon was behind us.

Tobias had just brought doubt.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

THESCENTOFroses filled the house.

Before Tobias had left for Europe four days ago he’d filled his Malibu home with flowers. I’d walked from room to room, breathing them in and wishing him back with me again. Now he was here and planting kisses to my forehead every five minutes, proving he’d missed me too. Upon his return this morning, he’d swept me up into his arms and carried me to the bedroom. We’d rolled around the sheets, making love and laughing with joy at being reunited.

He’d promised he’d make it back in time for the unveiling of my exhibit, and here he was looking tall and dashing in his black tuxedo as he finished dressing in the bedroom. I was relieved to have him home.

Still, there were secrets between us, and I couldn’t wait to hear him share why he’d had to go away so briskly.

I watched him from across the room fiddle with his cuff links, and I was enthralled by the way his fingers twisted them into place. Those hands had been on me not half an hour ago and I could still feel the tingle of his touch. After a quick tug of each shirtsleeve he threw me a big smile.

His green gaze caught me in its steely sights. “You look gorgeous, Zara.”

I neared him and straightened his bow tie even though it didn’t need it. “Very handsome, Mr. Wilder.”

“I love that color on you.” He dragged his teeth over his bottom lip seductively.

I’d chosen the Stella McCartney gown especially for tonight with its soft pink, a plunging V-neck and elegant skirt that felt soft against my skin. I liked the way it flowed around my ankles with an ethereal splendor. It was fitting for such an important night—the unveiling of the Romanov collection at The Wilder.

There’d been tension when Tobias had left, but during those long days he was away I had time to think. If we were going to have a future, then trust between us was key and I owed my man this. He’d always come through for me.Always.

I’d spent my time sunbathing by the pool, reading my Kindle, taking dips in the heated pool, and pausing now and again to admire the striking view with gratitude. All this beauty was captivating and it felt like our long-awaited reward.

I’d explored Tobias’s home and had one-way conversations with Jade. I’d sat her beside me on the living room couch and we’d watched a couple of movies together. I told her what I liked about the film and she sat there with her little green light on in what felt like quiet contemplation.