Chapter 15 #2
She moved into an adjoining room that was less crowded. She passed a man in a suit who gave her an appraising, interested look. She kept her smile bland and moved on.
The next room was a large library.
Nice . Huge walls of shelves were covered in books. Leather chairs were grouped around, inviting people to grab a book and sit and read.
Across the room, she spotted a Cézanne landscape in a gorgeous gilt frame resting over an ornate fireplace. It should be in a museum, where lots of people could enjoy it, not just one.
She tamped down her spurt of annoyance and stopped in front of the Cézanne. It was even more exquisite up close.
“Do you like it?”
The voice behind her was deep and low, with the touch of a Russian accent.
She turned her head and saw Aleksandr Volkov standing beside her. He wore a dark, three-piece suit.
“It’s stunning. I love Cézanne’s work. His sense of solid substance and use of bright colors.”
“Ah, a beautiful woman who knows her art.”
She studied his hazel eyes. He had a wide, jovial smile on a rugged face, but his eyes were stone cold. She couldn’t read him at all. Did he know who she was?
“You have an impressive art collection, Mr. Volkov.”
His gaze moved over her, making the back of her neck prickle.
“I do like to collect beautiful things, Ms. McKinney.”
Ugh, slime alert . She kept her smile in place. “Do you also like to collect things that belong to other people?”
At that bold statement, she could practically hear Rhys cursing her.
Volkov smiled. “I assure you, everything you see here was legally acquired.”
Yeah, but what about what she couldn’t see?
“I’ve visited the Hutton,” Volkov continued. “Your museum has some excellent collections and exhibits. Especially since you took over as curator.”
“I love my work.” She cocked her head. “I was thrilled to acquire Monet’s Water Lilies .”
The man’s face moved into solemn lines. “I heard about the theft. A terrible thing.”
“Yes, terrible. I really hated the part where the thieves shot two innocent guards and beat me up.”
His face remained unchanged. “I am sorry to hear that.”
She pulled in a breath. “I want the Water Lilies back where it belongs.”
Volkov eyed her. “Desperate people do desperate things, Ms. McKinney.” He moved closer. “You really are very beautiful, Haven. May I call you Haven?”
Like she could say no. She gave the tiniest nod.
“I think it’s best if you stay out of dangerous situations,” he said.
“And not worry my pretty little head?”
He smiled. “You have an inner fire. I like that.” His voice lowered, his gaze drifting to her cleavage. “A lot.”
She looked back at the painting, trying not to look grossed out. A finger touched her bare shoulder and she struggled not to jerk.
“You also have very soft skin.”
Crap, how did she extricate herself from this?
“Would you like to see some of my other art pieces, that aren’t on display here in the main rooms?” he asked.
Go somewhere alone with him? Nope, nope, nope. She sipped her champagne. “Does that include the Water Lilies ?”
Volkov just smiled.
Haven decided to go for it. “When’s the auction?”
There was no surprise on his face. “Let’s discuss…art some more after the party.”
“I can’t—”
“I insist.” His smile stayed in place. “I’m a man who is very used to getting everything he wants, Haven. I’ll have Ivan stay here with you to ensure you don’t leave before we get a chance to talk.”
Ivan was a muscled beefcake who looked like he didn’t know how to smile. He was stationed at the door to the library.
Volkov ran his gaze over her again, then turned and strode back to the main party.
Oh. Shit . Haven’s shoulders sagged, but tension sang through her body. The champagne she’d drunk turned to bugs fluttering in her belly.
“Um, Ivan, I need the little girl’s room, so I’ll just—”
“You stay until Mr. Volkov returns.”
Great . She was trapped. She wandered across the library, turning her back to Ivan, and pretended to study the books.
“Help,” she whispered.
Shit . Rhys would be really, really unhappy about now.
She eyed the window. She could try jumping out, but it was a two-story drop to the garden below, so she didn’t like her chances.
She turned to eye Ivan. She was certain she couldn’t take him down. He looked like an ex-wrestler.
Rhys would come. He’d get her out.
Suddenly, the door opened. “Darling, there you are. I’ve been looking for you everywhere.”
Haven instantly recognized the handsome man in an impeccable Armani tux.
Right. She’d forgotten about her in-house rescuer. Zane Roth. Owner of Roth Enterprises. Finance billionaire.
The body under the suit looked lean and solid. Not a man who just sat at a desk. His thick, brown hair was well-cut, and his smile was as sexy as hell.
She smiled. “Zane.”
“Hey—” Ivan took a step forward.
Zane ignored the bodyguard and took her hand. He winked at her. “I just needed my lovely date.”
“Mr. Volkov wants to talk to her,” Ivan rumbled.
“I’m afraid we have other plans.” Zane tucked her close to his side and headed for the door.
Ivan sidestepped and tried to block them.
Zane’s handsome face sharpened. “You know who I am?”
Ivan grunted. “Yeah.”
“I’m guessing your boss doesn’t want you to piss me off. So, I suggest you get out of my way.”
Boldly, Zane brushed past the man and dragged her into the hall.
As they walked down the hallway, he tipped his head close to hers, voice lowered. “I’m Zane. Sorry to meet you under these circumstances, Haven.”
“Hi. Thanks for the rescue.”
“I don’t usually get much of a chance to play knight in shining armor.” He patted her arm. “Vander sent the house layout to my phone. We are to make a hasty exit out a side door and into the garden. Likely Volkov will send his goons to find you.”
“I’m cursed,” she muttered. “Like the crappiest luck known to man. Or woman.”
“Well, you have the Norcross brothers at your back, so I’d say your luck is changing. Now, smile, and look like I’m the most handsome, charming man you’ve ever met.”
Despite everything, Haven laughed.