The Prize

by Vanessa Fewings

  As the piano music flooded in from hidden speakers, the dancers performed their classic ballet, sweeping around the room, pirouetting, their toes pointed to the floor as they artfully danced and they rose and dipped in a continuous movement.

  “This is beautiful, Tobias.” My breath caught at the majesty of the dancers who quite suddenly posed to mirror the extraordinary 1889 masterpiece known as Blue Dancers, bringing to life a living, breathing Degas.

  “I’ve never seen anything so beautiful.” My eyes stung with tears.

  “Oh, Zara, I knew you’d love it.” He hugged me into him.

  Tobias had reminded me of the profoundness of art, how it soothed and brought devotion back into my life, proving once more that human expression was pure in all its forms, and I felt my faith soar and my heart ascending to new heights.

  Tobias rolled his eyes playfully. “And to think you would have been happy with chocolate pudding.”

  “You certainly know how to raise the bar,” I whispered.

  A dizzying altitude that leaves me breathless.

  Tobias’s surprise was awe inspiring and my heart was filled with gratitude for this incandescent performance. When the dancers ended their exquisite performance I thanked them profusely, so grateful they’d honored us by being here tonight.

  After thanking Sarah Belle for helping him pull together this evening, we headed down the steps toward the waiting limousine.

  “Let’s go home,” Tobias said as he sat beside me on the leather seat. “I want you all to myself.”

  We sat at opposite sides of the car, him with his long leg crossed over another and staring out at the Manhattan view, and me on the other side, reeling from the most incredible date I’d ever experienced. Tobias took all this generosity in his stride as though spreading fairy dust over everyone was as easy as it looked. I knew he’d gone to great lengths to make tonight happen.

  The divider slid up between us as this unknown driver navigated the evening traffic.

  I was still reeling from the day, mesmerized how something so terrifying had turned into a wonderful memory and as I looked over at Tobias I swooned at all he’d done for me today and all that he was doing.

  “Tobias,” I whispered.

  He turned to look at me as though rising out of a daydream. “Come here.”

  Scooting over, I fell against his hard chest and breathed in his sultry cologne that comforted and I reveled at how we fit so devastatingly well together. The strength of his arms wrapping around me, the kiss of his lips to my forehead, his deep sigh reassuring me all he’d told me tonight was true.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  WE LEFT THE HOUSE with the midmorning sun bearing down on Manhattan. This crisp day had forgotten it was autumn. The drive to 5th Avenue was the brightness I’d craved and I rested my head back and watched the way the light refracted off the high-rises.

  Yesterday’s near escape from Eli on Liberty Island had left me shaken and the thought I’d have to face him again caused a wave of dread. When Marshall pulled up outside The Plaza hotel I felt that same adrenaline surging through me. Tonight, our Mona Lisa would be snuck inside here and placed on show for one person to see it and believe her real.

  And it would be done.

  Tonight could go one of two ways. I’d either let that masterpiece slip into the hands of that dreadful man, or I’d snap and hack at the canvas with the first sharp object I could get my hands on in a fit of madness. I chose to keep that crazy thread of thoughts to myself.

  Tobias had told me we were here to check on the final arrangements for his charity ball, the event that provided him with an excuse for his trip to New York. I turned my gaze to look at him and he was predictably relaxed and swoon worthy in the fine cut of his pin-striped suit. Even his seductively ruffled hair reminded me of when he’d visited Huntly Pierre to discuss hiring me from my firm. He’d taken my breath away when I’d strolled into our London conference room and lain eyes on a devastatingly gorgeous man, unsuspecting that he was about to break down the walls of my reality.

  His erotic cologne was doing crazy things to my senses and reaching me in ways only Wilder could with that alpha stature threatening to burn up everyone who circled his stratosphere.

  My formal black dress and heels matched his business attire and together our appearance would convey we were all business and ready for our prearranged meeting with the hotel staff.

  “My number’s programmed into the phone I gave you. Do you have it on you?”

  “It’s in here.” I tapped my purse.

  “Will you give us a moment, please, Marshall?” Tobias was asking him to leave the car.

  Marshall exited the vehicle and I could see him wait loyally a few feet away. “What’s going on?”

  Tobias turned in his seat and took my hand. “This next part isn’t going to be easy for you.”

  “How do you mean?” I wondered if he’d picked up on my dark musing.

  “Zara, I invited Adley here for drinks.”

  I pulled my hand from his. “Why didn’t you warn me?”

  “Didn’t want you to worry.”

  My gaze shot to the hotel door and my stomach tightened as I realized my boss was in there. “Abby?”

  “She’s with him.”

  “What about our plan?”

  “The ball is set for tonight. Look, I don’t want you anywhere near the secret auction that will go down afterward.”

  “You’ll face Eli alone?”

  “It’s for the best. I want to keep you safe. Knowing you’re well away from this place will ensure my focus. Eli is unpredictable.”

  A valet opened my door and I glanced back at Tobias, needing more time to talk about this.

  “I’ll be right there with you,” he reassured me.

  I climbed out of the car and waited for Tobias to join me. He gestured a wave of thanks to Marshall and led me into the hotel.

  Opulence had a new meaning at The Plaza with its Beaux-Arts style and a luxury that made it easy to forget this was not the real world, with its pristine decor, luscious furnishings, grand touches of splendorous satins and the plush carpeting flattering each step.

  The Rose Club exuded privilege with its dimly lit atmosphere, red walls, leather sofas and Persian rug glamour. I wondered if Tobias had chosen this place to case it for tonight. This would be where Tobias would bring our scandalous lady and he’d set in motion a series of events that would make history. Only the world would never know about what had gone down here.

  Strangely enough, it was easier to think of that then this, the imminent meeting with my boss who had flown all the way from London to berate and then fire me.

  I turned to Tobias, conveying my dread. “Should I face them alone?”

  “No, it’s best if I do all the talking.”

  “You’re sure?”

  “They’re expecting an arrogant billionaire who always gets his way and that’s what I’m going to give them. Let me take the fall, Zara. What I need from you is your poker face.”

  My gaze shot around the room for anyone who looked like they could be from the FBI. “What are you going to tell them?”

  Tobias was already walking off with his usual stylish swagger, emanating the kind of charisma that might work on Adley and Abby who were seated at a corner table. I couldn’t grasp why he’d not warned me they’d be here and uncertainty returned to shake my confidence.

  He shoved his hands into his pockets as he weaved around the large leather chairs and sofas, following the pathway leading to them. When Adley saw him he pushed to his feet and it pained me to see the worry lines etched deeply in his brow. After being given a chance to work at his firm I owed him to put this right. Adley had known my father and perhaps this was why he hadn’t fired me yet.

  I bloody well deserved it.

  My feet relucta
ntly followed and I gave a welcoming smile as I approached their table. Abby forced a smile and even in these circumstances I was relieved to see her. She looked pretty in her black lace dress having styled her hair a little differently. In her eyes I saw suspicion.

  She pulled me into a hug and it felt like a warning. “How are you, Zara?”

  “I’m fine, thank you. And you?” I braved to look at Adley.

  “We’ve been better,” she answered. “Jet-lagged but we’ll survive.”

  “Zara.” Tobias gestured where he wanted me to sit and this move was his way of controlling the narrative.

  Our small talk was polite and the mood not unpleasant. It would have been easy to forget we weren’t close colleagues enjoying this fine hospitality. Tobias ordered a bottle of P2 champagne and within minutes we were holding tall flutes of bubbly as though I’d not failed my company on the grandest level.

  Tobias lifted his glass in a toast. “To old friends.”

  Adley looked uninspired. “Well, I’m here. Ready for answers.”

  Tobias conceded with a nod. “I owe you an apology, Adley.”

  His gaze drifted to mine and then returned to Tobias. “To say the least.”

  “I respect that my actions have been unconscionable,” added Tobias. “First, I wish to point out Ms. Leighton’s behavior has been consistently professional.”

  Adley’s expression became marred with confusion as he tried to process this. Abby’s laser focus zeroed in on me. My heart missed a beat because we’d not discussed any of this.

  Tobias drew out the tension by taking a few sips of champagne. “This is good.” He looked at me. “Can I get you anything else?”

  I shook my head, trying to work out what he was doing.

  Tobias continued with a nod. “I’m showcasing the work of a man who has been hailed as the next Rembrandt.”

  Adley didn’t flinch. “Where did you discover him?”

  “A monastery here in New York,” Tobias replied. “Brother Bay is a monk and his art is extraordinary.”

  “Why did you need Zara for this?” Abby asked brashly.

  Tobias’s hand rested firmly on mine. “Sfumato is a dying art. Not many artists have the talent or the patience for it. Zara accompanied me to meet with the artist and validated he was indeed creating these masterpieces.”

  Adley’s stare found mine. “Is this true, Zara? Why not let us know?”

  “The last time Ms. Reynolds interacted with Ms. Leighton she accused her of having a connection to Icon.” Tobias held Abby’s gaze. “I felt responsible for her reputation. I wanted to clear her name.” He leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. “My reputation is important to me too, as you can imagine.”

  “This was all to protect her?” asked Adley.

  “Completely.” Tobias’s tone was infused with kindness. “Zara works by the book. You have a stellar employee, Adley. Don’t let her go.”

  Abby slid her glass aside having not taken a sip. “Can we discuss the evidence of her being at the Burells’ home in Arizona?”

  “She’s good isn’t she?” Tobias faced Abby. “What occurred the day after her appearance in Phoenix? I believe the discovery of The Storm on the Sea of Galilee, a Rembrandt that remains hanging in Burell’s Arizona estate—unless he’s moved it, despite it being proven to be a stolen piece. Zara led the FBI to a gold bullion collection worth a fortune with a shady history. Garnered from warmongering.”

  “That painting was never authenticated,” replied Abby. “And the investigation into the gold is ongoing.”

  “Because Burell shut you out.” Tobias tilted his head. “He’s locked down, Abby. There’s not going to be a continuation of that investigation. Burell won. Bravo for being part of that disaster.”

  “Tobias,” I chastised him.

  “How did you find out the painting was even at Burell’s home in Arizona?” Abby’s gaze narrowed on me.

  “Tip-off.” Tobias gave a tight smile. “I’m glad we’ve gotten this all behind us.”

  “This has been a serious breach in our protocol.” Adley caressed his jaw. “The FBI is ready to speak with you.”

  “I know,” said Tobias. “My next meeting is with them.”

  A jolt of fear slithered up my spine and yet I refused to look around the café to search them out. If Tobias was arrested, it would be down to me to pull off this evening’s event and I wasn’t sure I had it in me.

  “Tobias.” Adley used his first name as though trying to connect on a deeper level. “We must follow rules. There are ethics to consider.”

  “I wanted to be here,” I piped up. “I want to restore my reputation and I knew that if I returned to London too soon I’d not be given the chance to do that.”

  “We’re gathering more evidence,” said Tobias. “All of it will clear Zara’s name.”

  Adley sat back. “This is quite something.”

  “We’re still in town tonight,” said Abby.

  Tobias realized where she was going with this. “I’m afraid the guest list for tonight is locked down.” He turned to me. “We would have loved to have you join us but we’re at full capacity in the ballroom.”

  My gaze held his, realizing he’d just uninvited me.

  “Zara.” Tobias reached out for my hand. “I’ll be in touch as soon as I land in London.”

  “You’re leaving?” I couldn’t keep the tension from my voice.

  He pushed to his feet. “Have a safe trip back to London, Ms. Leighton, it’s been a pleasure.”

  My throat tightened as my brain tried to follow what was happening.

  Abby rested her hand on mine. “Zara, we can fly back to London together.”

  “But what about the ball?” I asked on a shaky breath.

  “I’ve got it from here, Ms. Leighton.” Tobias reached for my hand and brought it to his lips. “Hopefully you’ve had fun?”

  I’d either been played by Wilder or this was his way of making sure I was out of danger. Being part of another Mona Lisa being released into the underworld weighed heavily, but this to-and-fro, this keeping me on the outside hurt more than my fear of scandal.

  “If you’ll excuse me—” Tobias shook Adley’s hand “—I’ll see you back in London. Have a safe flight back.”

  “Tobias?” I peered up at him.

  “I have an appointment with my lawyer. This should be interesting, and by ‘interesting’ I mean it’s good to have the best representation money can buy.”

  “And why would you need that?” asked Abby.

  Tobias rested his hand on the back of her chair. “Because rumors spread and lies ferment and when you own a company like TechRule and rake in billions you’re vulnerable to unwanted attention—” His green gaze locked on mine. “I will call you.”

  All I could manage was a nod, hoping that last comment was a secret code to reassure me things were still good between us. If it wasn’t, all that running around the city, all those nights of unbridled passion had fuddled my brain and confused me into committing the worst act of my existence.

  He walked away.

  Abby waved to the waiter. “Zara, let me get you some water.”

  Adley headed off toward the restroom as though intuitively knowing I needed a quiet moment alone with his more rational employee who was currently staring me down.

  “Will you give me a moment? I’ll be right back.” I sprang up and walked in the direction of where I’d last seen Tobias and turned the corner into another room. He was chatting with a smartly dressed man who I assumed was his attorney Reynard.

  When Tobias saw me, he made his way back. “Over here.” He led me to a quiet spot before the unlit fireplace.

  I searched his face for the truth. “What changed?”

  “Eli Burell will be in this hotel. I don’t know when he’ll arrive. I�
��m not putting you in that kind of danger.”

  “Are you forcing me out of this?”

  “You’re in the clear. I’ve got this.” Tobias flicked a stray hair out of my face and tucked it behind my ear. “You don’t have to compromise your integrity ever again.”

  “I’ve come this far.”

  “Go back to London.” He glanced over at the man he’d been chatting with. “I’m sorry, Zara.”

  “Am I just to do nothing?”

  “Yes, that’s exactly it. I want you out of this city. I want you back home safe. Wait for me. I will find you.” He tapped my arm and walked away.

  “Why?” My question was infused with a sense of betrayal, and that tension must have reached him because he stood with his back to me, mulling over his answer.

  Tobias turned to face me and lowered his gaze. “I should have told you the truth last night. It was the perfect setting. I was about to say it and that damn waiter came back.”

  My throat tightened with the threat of his words that had the power to destroy me.

  “I’m in love with you, Zara.” He gave a nod as though he’d not just delivered the words I’d craved to hear, words that both lifted me and decimated me at the same time because they changed everything. He stepped closer and cupped my cheek with his palm. “I would do anything for you, anything.” His expression turned pained. “That means I must ensure your safety.”

  “What are you going to do?”

  “Finish it.”

  “What about us?”

  “When all this is over and the dust has settled and you’ve had the chance to think without the stress of wondering if you’ll survive and you’re still willing to give us a chance, send a message to me. I will come to you.” He shook his head. “For God’s sake, I will be by your side when all you’ve done is formed the thought of me.”

  “Oh, Tobias.”

  “Go back to London.” He shrugged. “Marshall will watch over you. You will be a constant in my thoughts. You’re my reason to take my next breath, Zara.”