The Prize

by Vanessa Fewings

  Stunned, I watched him turn on his heels, with the same mastery in his stride that he reserved for every aspect of his life, and head out of the bar with Reynard beside him.

  Tobias loved me.

  With shaky legs, I made my way back to Abby. “Sorry about that. It’s been a bit of a whirlwind.” The realization hit me, that interaction served as Wilder’s goodbye.

  She followed my gaze. “What did he say?”

  I drew in a shaky breath and sat beside her. “He thanked me for all I’ve done.”

  I hoped all I’d done wasn’t the worst mistake of my life.

  “You should be there tonight.” She sat back. “I mean, you’re the one who authenticated that monk’s work. Why don’t you get to enjoy this new Rembrandt?”

  “He won’t be there.”

  “But his art will, right?”

  “It’s fine.”

  “None of this is fine.”

  My gaze shot to hers.

  “Icon’s still out there.” She picked up her glass. “He’s gone quiet for now, but something tells me we’ll see a new heist from him soon.”

  I feigned those words hadn’t shaken me to the core. If Wilder was setting me up he’d be free to continue as Icon.

  No, don’t doubt his words, I begged myself, believe that you’re deserving of such a love.

  She whispered, “I’m going to save you from yourself.”

  “I don’t need saving.”

  “Let’s go dress shopping.” Abby threw back the rest of her champagne.

  “Are you going to gate-crash his party?”

  She pointed at me. “Oh, we’re going tonight, Zara.”

  “It’s by invitation only.”

  “Adley can get us in.”

  “What about the FBI?” I looked around furtively. “Are they going to speak with me?”

  “Tobias offered full disclosure and you get immunity. Isn’t that something? God, you dodged a bullet there. Looks like he’s taking one for you.”

  “What’s he going to tell them?”

  “I’m assuming everything.” She gave my arm a comforting squeeze. “Adley is very forgiving. Me, I need more convincing. There’s something else going on here with Wilder, and I want to know what it is.”

  Cringing inwardly, I hoped to convey she hadn’t rattled me.

  “Icon’s still out there, Zara. And I find it particularly interesting Wilder didn’t bring him up.”

  I ignored her innuendo. “I need to find a hotel.”

  “We’re staying here. I can get you a room here too if you like?”

  “Yes,” I said confidently. “That’s a great idea.”

  London could wait, my life was placed back in this holding pattern because I refused to let Wilder get to my paintings first. They were my responsibility. Getting them back gave my life meaning. And not losing them to anyone—including a fast-moving billionaire with a penchant for art history—was my priority.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  I NEEDED TO believe Tobias’s confession of love was real. My heart fluttered whenever he was near and all I had to do was trust these feelings. His words gave me strength.

  Too many times I’d expressed my concern for what he’d created in that Manhattan home and maybe that influenced his decision to send me away.

  I sat on the queen-size bed, trying to rally my courage to ask him all these questions. This lavish Plaza hotel might have been enjoyable if I wasn’t personally in the worst place of my life. No matter how gorgeously decorated this room was with its soft pastels and chic design, I couldn’t settle. I was either pacing or peering out of the window, trying to think of all the things I could have done differently.

  Rising to face the mirror above the fireplace, I realized my fraught expression was revealing too much and inhaled a steadying breath to present nonchalance. I smiled when I fondly recalled how Tobias told me to hold a poker face. I’d never played the game, never needed deceit or tricks, or clever schemes to get by. That was not my world.

  Abby’s room was inconveniently adjoined to mine and I suspected her spontaneous visits were to make sure Tobias wasn’t sneaking in. I needed to know his meeting with the FBI had left him in the clear. My gut twisted with the kind of questioning he’d endured. He’d saved me from this experience and that alone reminded me how much he cared. Or maybe, I painfully mused, he could talk more freely with them and set me up.

  I’m in love with you... My heart clutched at these words.

  I was going against Tobias’s wishes. He probably assumed I was heading to the airport by now. That burner phone was off and I’d delayed calling him to let him know I was still here.

  I wasn’t done with this city yet. Leaving my paintings didn’t feel right.

  I was okay with staying clear of The Rose Club, and maybe by tomorrow I’d have some knowledge of where my paintings were. The GPS tracker had been inserted into Mona Lisa’s canvas. She may have been a beautiful abomination but she’d lead me all the way to my heritage. It made my stomach ache to think locating them was the easy part. Retrieving them... I couldn’t even think of how that was going to go.

  You still need Wilder, I berated myself.

  And that thought burned up my brain all the while Abby and I had visited Fifth Avenue earlier. I’d bought a blue Zac Posen gown with a satin skirt and beaded bodice that clung to my figure. With all this uncertainty, I’d use the armour of glamour. My auburn locks tumbled over my shoulders, and my eye makeup shimmered to hide the redness of the tears I was holding back, and my lips were full with a natural pink.

  A knock shook me from my daydreaming and I turned to see Abby dressed in her gorgeous Ralph Lauren gown and her makeup emphasized her all-seeing eyes highlighted in gold. She wore a bloodred lipstick. She entered via the adjoining door as though she had a right to. “You look lovely.”

  My gaze snapped to the small device she carried and that roll of tape. “You too. What is that?”

  “Pull down your dress.”

  “Are you putting a wire on me?” If I spoke with Tobias he’d no doubt say something to implicate himself. “Why do I have to wear that?”

  “This is what’s called a compromise.”

  A shiver of cold slithered down my spine. “What do you mean?”

  “Help me help you.”

  She was trying to entrap Tobias and wanted me to help her. “Who will be listening?”

  “Just me. Turn around.”

  Her nimble fingers worked the catch at my nape.

  “Face me.” She ordered.

  I turned around to look at her and tugged down my dress, exposing my bra, and self-consciously crossed my arms over myself.

  “Feeling vulnerable, Zara?” She glared into my eyes. “Feeling unsure? Betrayed?” She eased my arms to my sides. “Do you have any idea what you put us through?”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “What is going on with you? You risked your career because of a stupid infatuation. You didn’t call us once.”

  “Mr. Wilder believed that—”

  “You’re naive if you think this relationship is going anywhere. I saw the way he looked at you. It was with indifference.”

  “Please.”

  “All he cares about is his reputation.”

  I raised my chin. “How do you propose we get into the ballroom without an invite?”

  “Adley made it happen. Told you he would.”

  I wondered if Tobias knew we’d been added to the guest list.

  Abby looked unfazed. “I doubt he’ll notice us. Everyone will be fawning over the great Tobias Wilder and jerking his ego.”

  I turned my face away because if she saw the truth of what was going down later, she’d punch me.

  “Don’t take this the wrong way,” she said, her tone softening. “I’m on yo
ur side. I’ve watched him destroy your life. This is what Wilder does. Leaves a trail of brokenhearted women behind. You’ve seen what he did to Logan, his attorney? Don’t let that be you. Wilder plays with the aesthetically pleasing and when his victim is out of his system he moves on.”

  “That’s unfair.” And cruel to me.

  “He’s certainly got you defending him.”

  “I have a great respect for Mr. Wilder.”

  “I’m reining you in, Zara.” She reached for the roll of tape, pulled a strip out and bit a piece off, leaving a smudge of lipstick on it. “I’m keeping tabs on you.”

  I was too humiliated to speak and with no choice I stood still for her as she taped the wire between my breasts.

  She rubbed the tape flat and eased the straps of my dress back over my shoulders after pulling up my bodice. “Unlike Adley, I’m not enamored with your royal heritage or in awe of your father’s legacy. I’ve had to stand beside our boss and see what this did to him. He gave you a chance.”

  “I’m sorry, really I am.” I felt her scrutiny as she read my expression.

  Abby rubbed between my chest to check the wire. “Did Wilder tell you he’d get your paintings back?” She whispered into my ear, “Is Wilder Icon?”

  “Are you?”

  “Don’t be ridiculous.”

  “Well, that’s how it feels when you’re accused of something.” My gaze dropped to the carpet because I couldn’t let her see the truth.

  She looked around for my purse and saw it resting on the coffee table. She opened it and reached inside, pulling out my phone. “What’s this?”

  “It’s temporary.”

  “I can see that. Where’s yours?” She placed the burner phone on the table. “Anyway, you won’t need it.”

  She’d just prevented me from texting Wilder to warn him I was wearing this.

  She handed me my purse. “I’m going to help you put your life back together. I’m doing it for Adley because he asked me.”

  “You liked me once.”

  “Whatever reason you’ve got for keeping shit from the good guys is going to backfire. Honesty is always the best way.”

  “Abby, I’m not going to forget Elliot Burell has my paintings. No matter how inconvenient it is to Huntly Pierre. You’re the one who told me the FBI had found them in Arizona.”

  “A lot has changed since then. Look, Burell denies they’re part of your father’s collection.”

  “Consider the source.”

  “Your father filed an insurance claim. Millions were payed out. Why not just let it go?”

  Let them go...

  My mouth went dry with the thought of losing them forever.

  “Ready?” she snapped.

  I gave a wary nod and followed her out, and as we rode the elevator down in silence the tension rose. Abby stared ahead ignoring me. I reassured myself this was a good thing as she’d not see my rising discomfort of being trapped in this claustrophobic box.

  “You’re going to be okay, Zara,” she muttered. “You’re set to inherit a lot of money next year. Looks like you’ll be set for life.”

  “Did Adley tell you that?”

  She shrugged. “I’m an investigator.”

  Such a violation of my privacy made me feel off kilter but despite everything I had to focus on tonight.

  Out of the lift I calmed a little until I remembered Eli would be checking into this hotel later. Even though we’d be surrounded by people, knowing he could be in The Plaza sent me reeling.

  When we turned the corner, and made a beeline for the Terrace Room, I needed a second to catch my breath. The vast ballroom was a statement of all that was lavish with its white and gold, with splendorous towering pillars, and ornate ceiling inlaid with dramatic art. As we made our way in, I admired the swooping chandeliers shining upon the glamorous guests of men dressed in their tailored black tuxedos and the flowing gowns of the women with their blinding diamonds to scare off the ordinary.

  And there they were—

  Brother Bay’s stunning paintings, all ten of them, were resting upon easels at the front of the ballroom, and they all exuded an ethereal beauty with the subjects looking out at us with a startling consciousness that the sfumato technique always delivered. All of them offered a tenacious honesty.

  Later, while many of the city’s art dealers would be distracted in here, Tobias would be entertaining Eli in the Rose Club.

  Wilder’s web weaved the darkest ruse.

  “Did you see him?” Abby tapped my arm to get my attention.

  “Who?”

  She rolled her eyes. “Wilder?”

  “Not yet.”

  “Do you want to come see them?” She gestured toward the paintings.

  I felt a pinch where the device pulled my chest. “Later.”

  As Abby studied my reaction, I realized my mistake. “There are too many people around them.” And this wire was making me claustrophobic.

  “There you are.” Adley stepped out from the crowd and he looked handsome in his black tuxedo. He squeezed me into a warm hug while balancing an amber drink in his left hand.

  I felt a dreadful regret all over again for the distress I had caused him. “Adley,” I began. “I want to apologize for everything.”

  He gave a nod. “Art is not without its complications.”

  Abby threw him an incredulous glare.

  “We’re in the presence of greatness,” Adley responded as he peered back toward the front of the ballroom at the paintings. “Have some fun, Abby.”

  “That’s not why we’re here,” Abby insisted.

  A waiter came by and I snapped up two flutes of champagne off his tray and offered one to Abby. It was a peace offering of sorts or if I was truly honest it was courage in a tall stemmed glass for me.

  She raised her hand to refuse. “I’m not drinking.”

  “Oh, come on,” chided Adley, taking it from me and giving it to her. “We get to enjoy tonight in the finest company of a modern-day Rembrandt.”

  “I quite agree.” It was Tobias.

  He oozed refinement in his tailored black tuxedo and his hair was styled with a sexy lushness. Though, as he locked eyes with mine, he exuded an intense displeasure.

  “I came tonight.” I gave a shrug that stated obviously.

  He replied with a tight smile.

  “We’re leaving tomorrow,” Abby told him. “Thought we’d have a bit of R & R.”

  “Good for you.” Tobias didn’t hold back. “I’m sure you’ll be happy to be back in London.”

  “What are your thoughts on this new talent you’ve discovered?” asked Adley.

  “Actually, Brother Bay was featured in Time magazine but the article didn’t attract much attention. I’m hoping this event changes that. All proceeds go toward the renovation of Bay’s monastery.”

  “A wonderful cause,” I interjected.

  “You do love your art, Mr. Wilder,” chided Abby.

  He shoved his hands into his pockets. “Art lets us see into the heart and therefore the truth.”

  I raised my chin proudly. “And they really are beautiful.”

  Wilder gave a warm smile. “And one must protect such profoundness at any cost.”

  Abby seemed to pick up on the tension. “I’m going to check them out. Want to come, boss?”

  Adley gave a nod and patted Wilder on the back with affection and then followed Abby through the sea of guests surrounding Bay’s paintings.

  Tobias’s wary glare settled back on me. “We talked about this.”

  “Change of plan, obviously.”

  “Stay close to Abby at all times.”

  Eyes widening, I tried to convey I was wearing a wire by trailing my fingers to rest at the center of my chest.

  Tobias leaned in to whisper hu
skily. “You like misbehaving, don’t you?”

  Sparking an ill-timed arousal.

  He gave a nod. “I’m conflicted. On the one hand, I didn’t want you here, and yet seeing you...you look stunning, Zara.”

  “I feel the same way.” I blinked at him. “I mean, you look nice.”

  “Nice?”

  I rubbed my eyelid, careful not to smudge my makeup to secretly signal we were being recorded via my wire.

  He looked amused. “Something in your eye?”

  “If you’ll excuse me, Mr. Wilder, I need to go to the loo.” I spun round and made a beeline for the exit and on the way out I set down my glass.

  “Zara?” Tobias was right behind me.

  I scurried around the corner and along the hallway and felt the tight grip of Tobias’s hand wrap around my wrist. He led me toward a door and opened it to peer in first to make sure it was empty before pulling me in.

  I got his attention and mouthed, I’m wearing a wire.

  I know, he mouthed back and broke into a dazzling smile.

  My tight fist punched his bicep and he caught it and brought it to his lips. He kissed my hand, sending a tingle through it. He shoved a mobile coatrack against the door to prevent anyone from bursting in and disturbing us.

  “The event seems to be going well.” I tried to keep the thrill of seeing him out of my tone.

  “It’s good to see you, Ms. Leighton.” He arched a brow. “Did you enjoy your visit to Fifth Avenue?”

  “It was fun.” I wondered how he knew about it.

  How did it go with the FBI? I mouthed.

  Turns out I have a great lawyer, he mouthed back, leaning in to trace his lips along my neck. It tickled deliciously and his breath caressed my skin, making me swoon as he pecked kisses along my jawline. Power flashed across his face and he grabbed my wrists and pinned them above my head and crushed his lips to mine, his teeth nipping at my bottom lip. What the fuck are you doing here? he mouthed.

  Abby insisted.

  He broke away and stared into my eyes. “I’ll miss you when you return to London, Ms. Leighton. Let me arrange a car to the airport for you.”

  “That would be wonderful. When I’m ready to leave.”