Be Mine Forever_Darcey's_Book 2

by Mary Lynn Cooper

  Kai went on, “True love is worth it in the end. It takes years to master, like my craft. And even then, no one is really a sushi master. There is always consistency needed. And don’t forget perseverance and respect. What drives me is the happiness on the faces of my customers. And on my dear wife.”

  Leo nodded, a good-natured grin on his face. “Oh, in that case, can I sign up as an assistant tomorrow? I’d like to begin my sushi training.”

  Kei laughed and nodded. “Hai. To earn Darcey’s love might take more than sushi, ne?”

  Darcey decided to join in the teasing, the sake filling her with courage. Besides, what was the point of feeling awkward, she mused, and ruin a perfectly lovely dinner in one of the most sophisticated cities in the world.

  She turned to Leo. “But you’re fully booked with meetings all day, and all night may I add. When will you ever have time to become a sushi expert? I reckon you’d hire a personal chef.”

  Everyone laughed. After a comments about the changes in Tokyo since Darcey last visited, the married couple excused themselves to attend to the other patrons. Darcey and Leo ate in silence for a several moments. She tried to conjure some small talk but was at a loss for words.

  Leo broke the silence. “Well, darling, if you could smile at me every day like you do now, I think I’d give up my day job and work here for Mr. Takemae. Thank you for taking me here.” His expression grew more serious as he spoke, his voice lower. “The food, the ambiance, they’re all fantastic. But they fail in comparison to the company next to me. I don’t remember a more wonderful time, nor can I think of a better way to spend this evening.”

  There was genuine warmth in his voice and face, gone was the teasing twinkle and laughter. She didn’t know what to say. It turned out that it didn’t matter. Leo went on speaking, this time his voice was barely above a whisper.

  “Darcey, how was I living before you came along?”

  She wasn’t sure if he heard him right. Leaning closer, she asked, “I’m sorry, I didn’t quite hear what you said.”

  “Forget words.” And with that, he leaned in to meet her face and, to her astonishment, his lips landed on her own. And, with that one gesture, all of Tokyo stood still.

  Chapter 24

  “You look gorgeous,” Leo appraised Darcey, his pleased smile reaching his eyes as he helped her off her coat.

  Darcey did a small twirl in jest. The saki had definitely calmed her nerves. Before she could protest, Leo leaned over and planted a kiss on her cheek, the warm kiss lingered on her skin. His breath felt warm and smooth on her skin. Suddenly her heady felt dizzy, she wobbled in her boots.

  “Whoops, careful.” He caught her before she fell. She gave him a grateful smile and giggled.

  A beautiful smile formed on his face. “I have a surprise for you.” His breath smelled like orange with a hint of oak.

  I don’t remember him having whiskey, she thought.

  She cocked her head and stared deep into his eyes. “Really? And what would that be?”

  “Not what. Close your eyes and count to ten.” His voice was teasing.

  She smiled as she shut her lids. “I’m seriously curious now.” As soon as she counted to ten, she asked, “Ten! Can I open my eyes now?”

  A soft hand touched her arm. She immediately opened her eyes and shrieked. A grinning Luis stood before her, looking extra dapper in a classic black coat. A deep green silk shirt peeked underneath. The two friends instantly hugged each other tight.

  “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?”

  “Work was so busy in London but Leo here helped me to do a bit of work and leisure and, voila, here I am!” Luis winked at Leo who smiled politely. Without missing a beat, Luis went on in his usual rapid pace, “So, tell me exactly what we’re doing here at Sotheby’s? Don’t you have more art at your disposal?”

  Leo nodded. “Mr. Takemae’s foundation happens to be auctioning some of his personal art collection. And, well, I want to be on his good side.” He offered his arm to Darcey who was only too glad to take it. Somehow, the more she spent time with Leo the more comfortable she felt. She was starting to sense the creative and artistic man beneath the serious businessman the press portrayed him to be. Leo led the couple of fronts to Sotheby’s main entrance.

  As they stepped inside the prestigious action house, they were greeted by a pretty lady in a peach suit, sparkling brown eyes lighting up her entire face.

  “Mr. Warwick, how wonderful to see you. Welcome. And your guests?” she asked.

  Leo bowed politely. “Please meet Mr. Luis Santander and Miss Darcey Vaughn. This is Monica, the event organizer.”

  Monica ticked off their names from what appeared to be a guest list in her hand. She smiled at the trio. “Please, take your time looking at the pieces. Bidding won’t start until an hour and your paddle is ready for collection at the desk next to the cloakroom.”

  Darcey’s eyes darted around the posh auction house. Magnificent artwork adorned the walls while the other guests wore very fancy outfits. She recognized one woman in the far right corner of the room as one of the most successful business woman of Hong Kong while an Australian magnate was sipping champagne with a large group of friends.

  Her people-watching moment was interrupted by Leo’s voice. “Darcey, this is Mrs. Yamamoto, Mr. Takemae’s managing assistant.” Mrs. Yamamoto was an elegant Japanese woman with perfectly applied purple lipstick on her small pout.

  Darcey exchanged pleasantries, glad to practice the formal Japanese greetings she managed to learn. Luis tried to copy her phrases but failed miserable, causing Mrs. Yamamoto to giggle in delight at his accent.

  Several other guests arrived, most were either dripping with diamonds or dressed in the most expensive wool or silk. A waiter came with a tray of champagne. Leo took two flutes, giving one glass to Darcey and the other to Luis.

  As the trio slowly walked through the beautiful halls, they paused to admire each art piece. Luis drank his champagne glass empty and immediately grabbed another one from a waiter. “Tell me, Leo, which particular piece are you looking to purchase?”

  “The Jean Michel Basquiat piece. I’m a big fan.”

  “This is impressive.” Darcey’s eyes flitted from one fantastic artwork to the next. She quickly scanned the room for the piece of work Leo mentioned.

  Leo noticed her interest. “It apparently hasn’t been shown in public for twenty years. It was part of a private collection. Mr. Takemae’s son-in-law is an art expert, an avid collector if there is any. He was also quite a harsh critique of L’arte Japonais, the art magazine. He’s worked in prestigious galleries all over Tokyo, New York and Europe.”

  They continued walking slowly. Even Luis was at a loss for words as he took in the sight, although his eyes devoured the couture outfits draped on the other guests instead of focusing on the artwork.

  Leo stopped to point at a piece of art. “This is by Eugene Leroy. En Passant.”

  “Passing by,” Darcey replied softly.

  Leo nodded, casting his eyes her way, their grey depths soft. “The artist draws a lot of portraits and landscapes. He prefers to layer them.”

  “His style reminds me of the changing seasons, the colours each season brings,” Darcey said.

  “Indeed.”

  They soon found themselves standing in front of art by the famous Tracy Emin and Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama.

  “Ah, Kusama. I love her work!” Darcey gushed. “Isn’t she the artist who lives in a mental institution?” She continued without waiting for Leo or Luis to respond. “Kusama-san taps into her hallucinations to create art. Quite an impressive woman.”

  Luis nibbled on a piece appetizer, nodding. “If only other women would only be inclined to follow her steps once a month when the hormone monster hits, we’ll be sure to enjoy world peace.”

  The three of them continued to walk down the exhibit hall, admiring the eclectic collection. Suddenly, Darcey felt Leo’s hand on the small of her back. A ru
sh of warmth spread down her spine. But the pleasurable feeling was interrupted by Luis who grabbed her hand and squeezed it, an expression of alarm on her friend’s face. She wondered why Luis was acting so odd. She didn’t have to wait long to find out why.

  Familiar voices filled the air. Her heart beat faster, much faster. Her eyes followed Luis’ gaze where it landed on a very familiar face. Nathan stood next to his friend Jack Harrison. The expression on Nathan’s face was cold and difficult to decipher. Darcey’s throat felt dry. She swallowed hard, quickly glancing around to spot a waiter who could offer her more champagne.

  Luis was quick on his feet. “Nathan, how nice to see you.”

  Nathan shook his hand, his expression softened a tad as he gave Luis a smile. But to Darcey he said nothing. She could feel Leo stiffen next to her, his jaw clenched

  She decided to take the high road. “Jack, Nathan. How good to see the both of you.” Fortunately, her voice came out calm to her own ears. A hand touched her waist. Leo had pulled her closer towards himself. Nathan’s gaze quickly hardened but he didn’t speak.

  Jack sent Nathan a warning glance and eyed Leo warily. “Darcey, it’s a surprise to see you here. I don’t know if I can say the same to your companion.”

  Darcey had no idea what Nathan’s friend meant but thought better than to ask. The awkwardness in the air thick and palpable.

  Jack leaned over to give her a kiss on each cheek but her eyes couldn’t escape Nathan’s. Deep blue orbs held her gaze. He didn’t bother to acknowledging Leo, or even Luis.

  Darcey pulled her eyes away from Nathan’s scrutiny. Smiling a Jack, she calmly took another glass of champagne from a nearby waiter. Her heart thumped hard against her chest but there she wasn’t about to allow her ex to see his effect on her.

  “Nathan, hello.” She forced a smile.

  I really should be used of seeing him after our breakup. I’m not doing anything wrong, she told herself. But why do I feel guilty?

  Leo broke through the silence. “Jack, it’s nothing personal. It’s business. We win some, we lose some.” His tone might have sounded nonchalant to an outsider but Darcey could detect the edginess in his words.

  What’s going on between these men, she pondered as she cast Luis a questioning look. Her friend, however, was busy checking out a tall brunette just a few feet away.

  Leo’s voice was firm, like a man in control. “So, Cromwell, what brings you here? I know Jack’s here for the same reason I am. But you?” If that wasn’t enough to embarrass Darcey, Leo pulled her closer, protectively.

  Nathan’s eyes flickered for a split second but a serene smile grew on his face. It wasn’t so easy to read him anymore. Darcey couldn’t even begin to guess what was going through his head.

  “Warwick, I don’t know why my presence should be any of your concern. But if you must know, I’m here for Tracy Emin’s work.” He pointed at the modern work of art behind them.

  All eyes turned to the neon writing by the famous artist, to words that quickly filled Darcey’s heart with more pain than she’d ever felt in a long time.

  Nathan clear voice read out the words, “I loved you more than I can love.”

  Chapter 26

  “Jack, Nathan, here you are.” The beautiful blonde called while walking elegantly towards them, her lean frame hugged by a sophisticated dress that spelled major money.

  Madeleine delicately selected a champagne glass from a passing waiter. She kissed Jack on both cheeks then turned to Nathan, planting a lingering kiss on one cheek. A kiss that said, I cannot wait to leave this place and be alone with you.

  “Madeleine.” Jack nodded politely and excused himself. “Excuse me, I need to register my paddle.” And with that Nathan’s friend walked away.

  Luis couldn’t hide the disgust from his face as he shot Darcey a concerned look.

  Madeleine began prattling about some high technology event she attended last night. “Tokyo’s utterly advanced. This city makes the Western world look medieval.” She took a sip of her drink while sending condescending stares toward Darcey’s direction.

  “Right,” Leo replied, his tone dripping with disdain. “The Japanese are very respectful. Educated, too. They make us look like ignorant fools. I can’t say they’re wrong. Some of us think they’re above another, simply because they have social status, yet they check in their manners along with their coats.”

  Madeleine turned to face him, her tone matching the venom in his. “Oh goodness, why, it’s Mr. Leonardo Warwick the Great.”

  “You guys know each other?” Luis asked, his eyes darting between the two tall figures.

  Raising a snooty brow, Madeleine stared at Luis from his white patent leather shoes up to his perfect haircut. “People like us, we live in the same world. We all know each other, most of us have dated one another at one point, or at least we went to the same school. We travel in the same circle, but not like I would expect you to understand. ” She took another sip of her champagne as if she had been born with a crystal flute in her mouth.

  To Darcey’s chagrin, Madeleine grabbed Nathan’s arm, possessively linking her own through his elbow. If Nathan felt uncomfortable, he didn’t show it.

  Sharp pains stabbed Darcey’s chest.

  Does she have to be both bitchy and beautiful? She fought the urge to wince.

  “Oh?” came Luis’s curt voice, “but aren’t we standing in the same room right this moment, sipping the same glass of champagne? But maybe you’re right, we are not of the same caliber.”

  A smirk appeared on Madeleine’s crimson pout. “Good to know you know your place. I hate it when people act like the Wisterias.” She gave Luis a grin that looked like it came right off the Cheshire Cat’s face.

  Darcey felt Leo’s arm around her shoulders. His deep voice calmed her nerves. “I agree. We travel in the same social circle. You and Darcey are not of the same caliber, Madeleine. And when I say that I meant she’s of a higher caliber than you. Someone like Darcey is too precious for the likes of scum who walk in our social world with nothing to be proud of but their last name. Now, if you will excuse us, we were actually having fun before we were rudely interrupted.”

  Luis pursed his lips together in an attempt to stop himself from laughing. He wasn’t too successful, his laugh came with a loud snort. Darcey almost laughed as well but chose to bite her lip instead.

  Nathan opened his mouth and was about to say something. Madeleine whispered in his ear before he had the chance to speak. Quickly, Darcey averted her gaze away from him, desperately trying to ignore the angst she felt in her soul.

  Fortunately, Leo seemed to sense her discomfort. He raised his champagne glass in front of Madeleine’s nose. “By the way, you two are picture perfect. I can’t think of anyone more perfect for each other.”

  *****

  “Now, for lot 22, a signature Tracy Emin piece,” the auctioneer’s pleasing accent filled the room.

  The beautiful piece had already raised a lot of interests. The starting bid was set at a staggering £22,000. Leo raised his paddle.

  “£24,000!”

  Luis’s eyes grew wide while Leo nodded.

  “Still my commission bid at 26,000, phone bid at 28,” the auctioneer said.

  A large Japanese man seated between two stunning Japanese models raised his paddle.

  “Still my commission bid at 36,000 now,” the auctioneer informed the collectors. “Phone bid now at 40,000.”

  Leo raised a hand, bidding at 45,000.

  The auctioneer turned to a man nearby. “Jason, does your bidder want to raise it?”

  Jason put a hand up. “He’s asking his wife.”

  Chuckles erupted around the room. Darcey began to wonder why Nathan hadn’t raised his paddle. He was seated two rows in front of her. Next to her were Leo and Luis, their presence warming her heart a small bit. But just a bit. Madeleine’s yellow hair proudly glimmered next to Nathan, deepening the ache in Darcey’s heart.

  In less than
a few minutes, the bid reached £50,000.

  Leo leaned towards her, whispering, “I thought Nathan wanted this piece.”

  Darcey shrugged while Luis patted her arm sympathetically. She scanned her phone absentmindedly in an effort to peel her eyes away from Nathan and the cruel yet gorgeous Madeleine by his side.

  “Is £50,000 the last bid?” the auctioneer asked the crowd.

  “£55,000,” said a voice, clipped and determined.

  Darcey looked up from her phone and saw Nathan had raised his paddle.

  The auctioneer grinned. “Wonderful! We have a new interested bidder.” His eyes turned to Leo who raised his paddle.

  “£60…£65…£70.”

  A buzz began to grow louder and louder in the room. Leo and Nathan were clearly causing a stir. Luis and Darcey’s eyes grew their widest when the bid reached £80,000.

  Leo shook his head, smirking. “Nathan’s insane if he wants to bid more, its estimated price is forty.” But there was uncertainty in his voice as his eyes studied Nathan.

  The auctioneer looked at Nathan. “£100,000.”

  Nathan nodded, affirming the bid. He turned and shot Leo a triumphant look that lingered.

  There was a long silence. Leo was still and Darcey’s heart pounded as she wondered what his next move would be. Why was Nathan acting so impulsive? It was not the cautious Nathan she knew, the one who valued each pound and lived well beyond his means.

  Finally, the auctioneer’s voice boomed, “Sold! To Mr. Nathan Cromwell.”

  Madeleine immediately wrapped her arms around Nathan, a big smile on her face.

  Leo shook his head, muttering, “Nathan is a fool. I think he paid so much for that piece. He isn’t even trying to impress Mr. Takemae.” Turning to Darcey, he smiled. “I hate to lose, but I’m a wise entrepreneur and your ex-boyfriend just blew away a hundred big ones.”

  “Maybe he really wanted that piece and he was willing to pay any amount,” Luis said slowly.