Page 56 of The Prize

“That wasn’t French. What was that?”

“You spoke to your god. I spoke to mine.”

“What language was that?”

“Djinang.” Tobias towered over me. “I asked God to let you see my side of things.”

I grabbed his lapels and rose onto my tiptoes. “My side is rational.”

“I see you, Zara Leighton. Right inside your soul.” His lips lingered close to mine. “I feel what you feel. Sense what you sense. You’re close to a breakthrough.”

“Breakthrough?”

“You’re realizing the world is not perfect.” He arched a brow.

“I know.”

He shook his head. “You’re in denial.”

“We mustn’t do any wrong here.”

“The only law I follow is gravity.”

My icy glare held his, and then settled on his lips which were annoyingly kissable.

A deep voice boomed from across the chapel. “We don’t do weddings.”

I broke away and gestured my apology toward the middle-aged monk who was walking toward us.

Tobias extended his hand to him. “Brother Lawrence?”

“Yes.” He beamed a welcoming smile as they shook hands.

“We have an appointment with you.”

“Mr. Wilder?” Brother Lawrence looked amused. “I thought you’d be older for some reason.”

He shook my hand enthusiastically too and seemed happy to see us, and I couldn’t help but squint my disapproval at Tobias.

We walked through the nave all the way to his office that was a cozy space. He poured us two cups of coffee. “You found us without difficulty?” he asked.

“Yes, thank you.” Tobias wrapped his hands around his mug. “Thank you for seeing us on such short notice.”

“My pleasure, of course.”

“You’re familiar with my gallery in LA?”

“Yes. Your collection rivals the Getty, Mr. Wilder. Quite the accomplishment.” Brother Lawrence adjusted his belt. “Over the phone you mentioned you’re opening a new gallery in the Bronx?”

“I’m hoping to open it next month.” Tobias straightened in his seat. “We’re putting together a collection of both ancient and modern pieces, and I want to showcase artists who are undiscovered.”

“And you’d like us to consider showing Brother Bay’s paintings?”

“His work’s remarkable.”

“We’re very proud of him.” He gestured his earnestness. “He remains modest nevertheless.”

“He uses the same techniques as the old masters?” said Tobias.