Page 140 of The Prize

“You had me scared there, missy,” she said.

I blew out a long breath as an apology formed on my lips. “I’m sorry for making you worry.”

“Tobias told me everything.” She threw him a grateful nod. “I got to fly on his private jet,” she giggled. “And no way was I missing being here for this.” She held my gaze as her eyes widened with wonder. “You got them back?”

“Yes, all of them. They’re here, Clara. I can’t wait for you to see them.”

She glanced at Tobias. “It’s a bloody miracle.”

“I know.” I grinned and had to pinch myself.

We flew into a flood of words and she caught me up on her news of her family and her latest work in London.

Tobias gave a knowing smile. “I told her she could stay with us.”

“You must, Clara,” I insisted.

“I have to fly back first thing tomorrow,” she apologized. “But I’m coming back for a holiday first chance I can get.”

I was overwhelmed to see Gabe and his partner, Ned, and they looked dashing in their black tuxedos. Gabe was eager to revisit the Terra-Cotta Army exhibit, and although it was closed tonight Tobias told him he’d arrange a private visit and called over Maria to make it happen.

I was giddy with seeing everyone and I almost forgot why I was here. Tobias was pulled away from me and before long he was deep in conversation with the other guests. I watched him suavely navigate the guests who swarmed around him.

Savoring the sophisticated architecture of the museum, I let my gaze wander over to the corner where a terra-cotta horse and carriage was displayed as an inviting piece for those here to see the exhibit. Not that long ago I’d stashed my phone in there and run off to Arizona. Tobias had followed and his actions had saved my life. Days ago, I’d risked my life to save him too. We owed each other the greatest debt and I wanted to spend the rest of my life repaying it.

After chatting with Clara for a while I realized I’d not seen Tobias for at least an hour and told her I was going to go rescue him. I found Maria chatting with the receptionist at the foyer desk and asked her, “Do you know where Tobias went?”

“The east wing.” She gave a smile. “He’ll come back soon.”

“Wasn’t he visiting that new painting?” the young receptionist piped up.

Maria widened her eyes in a warning. “I’m not sure about that.”

A tremor of uncertainty. “Thank you, Maria.” I went after him, wondering what new exhibit she was referring to.

Inside the eighteenth-century Spanish gallery I didn’t see anyone and turned to leave—

La Maja Desnudawas looking back at me.

This striking nude painting by Francisco José de Goya—the same one Tobias had taken me to see to authenticate for him in Blandford Palace in Oxfordshire. It was my first adventure with him. All air left the room as I realized he’d used me to case the palace for him. Right in front of me was evidence of Icon.

I inhaled a sharp breath of terror as my gaze wandered over the canvas portraying a beautiful naked woman lying down with her arms resting beneath her head in a manner conveying comfort with the man painting her. She emanated eroticism, the way her head rested on plump pillows and her legs together in a dignified pose. This was the work of Goya, one of Wilder’s favorite artists. He’d yearned to possess her.

But at what cost...

Strong arms wrapped around me and I stiffened in Tobias’s embrace as his cologne wafted over me lowering my defenses.

“There you are,” he purred into my ear. “Have you quite finished dazzling everyone with your beauty?”

I spun round in his arms. “How?”

“La Maja Desnudawent up for auction at Sotheby’s yesterday in London. I purchased her. She’s authentic according to you so I felt confident to buy her. All aboveboard, Leighton.”

I exhaled in a rush, knowing there’d be a bill of sale and this would be easy to cross-reference with a few strikes of a key while visiting Sotheby’s website. “This was why you left me? To buy her?”

“No, actually. She was a happy coincidence.” He pulled back. “Do you doubt me?”

I glanced back at her, hoping what I’d find would reassure me.