Page 139 of The Prize

I was glad my Tobias was home.

We headed out to the waiting black limousine and set off for The Wilder, and it felt like normality had returned, with me snuggling up to Tobias and him holding my hand and staring out at the passing scenery.

“You pulled this event together so quickly,” I mused.

“That’s Maria’s influence. You have big shoes to fill, Zara. She’s a beloved curator. And loyal to a fault.”

I hoped I’d be as liked by the staff as her.

He pulled me into a tight hug. “You’ll do great.”

“I have to sort out my flat.” I turned to face him. “I need to pack up everything.”

“I’ll help you.” Tobias’s stare lingered on me. “Marshall,” Tobias called out to him and the black glass divider rose to provide privacy.

Tobias eased my head to rest on his shoulder. “Words aren’t enough.”

Breathing him in, I allowed myself to finally exhale his essence. “I missed you.”

“Missed you more.” He looked into my eyes and tipped up my chin. “I want to enjoy this before I have to share you with everyone.” He leaned in for a kiss and his tongue darted into my mouth and he moaned. “Zara, you really are made of all things nice.”

My fingertip brushed along my mouth to savor his kiss as that dreamy fantasy lingered. “Kiss me again.”

His hand lowered to my knee and he slid my hem up and over my thighs, and he leaned over to kiss my mouth. “These lips are mine.” His hand trailed higher along my thigh, electrifying my skin beneath his touch. He dipped his head between my thighs and eased my panties aside. “And these lips are mine.” Stroking my clit with his tongue.

My head rested back and I went with his delicious teasing, my fingers playing with his hair. Relaxed and letting go I became lulled by his kisses of affection.

“I could worship you all day like this.” He let my hem fall and pulled down my dress.

“You’ve rendered me speechless.”

He smiled and pulled me into a hug. “God, I love you.”

My body trembled in the wake of his words. If it wasn’t for the profoundness of what this evening meant, I could stay in this car all night with him.

When we reached our destination, we walked down the impressive walkway leading to The Wilder Museum. I turned to look back at the limousine and gave a wave of thanks to Marshall. He waved back.

In this very spot Tobias had tried to have Marshall drive me to the airport. Yet I’d refused and that one decision had led me all the way to this moment and all the way to finally being reunited with my paintings. All the way into Wilder’s arms.

“Forget something?” He followed my gaze.

“No.” I beamed at him and soaked in his intoxicating beauty.

The doorman welcomed us in and I was wowed by the impressive crowd already gathered in the foyer. This black-tie event to celebrate my collection felt like the final part of our journey and a wonderful way to reveal what had remained hidden for too long. My emotions were all over the place. I was sad my dad wasn’t here to see it.

Tobias turned to face me. “Just say if you need me to whisk you off to a quiet place so you can catch your breath.”

Weaving my arm around his I gave a thankful nod.

I gasped when I saw Clara, my best friend who’d flown all the way from London. My face flushed with happiness. She was chatting with my old professor, Gabe Anderson, and his boyfriend, Ned.

“Tobias?” This had to have been his doing.

He followed my gaze. “She flew with me from London.”

This was the most amazing surprise and I couldn’t quite believe I was seeing her. She came toward me wearing the biggest smile and her ebullient welcome reminded me of home. She’d dressed in her favorite halter-neck dress and oozed glamour. She swept me up in the biggest hug and her scent of lavender embraced me.

“This is too wonderful.” Tears of joy stung my eyes.