Page 58 of Beautiful Exile

LINCOLN

Fury coursedthrough me in rippling waves so cold it was a miracle I wasn’t spitting ice. That was the thing about me when I got angry. I didn’t erupt. Didn’t rage. I got ruthless. Because if you harmed someone I cared about, there was no going back.

The smarmy bastard turned in my direction, holding up both hands in mock surrender. “My apologies, I didn’t know the lady was spoken for.”

“I’m not,” Arden ground out, purple fire blazing in those hypnotizing eyes. “But that doesn’t mean I want to go to dinner.”

The man chuckled, but I didn’t miss the bite to it. Or the way his eyes narrowed on Arden in a manner that said he didn’t care for her rejection. “A challenge. I can respect that.”

“Not a challenge. A final answer,” Arden corrected, squaring her shoulders, fingers fluttering at her side.

A smile stretched across my lips because I knew she was debating pulling her blade. God, I wanted her to. Wanted to watch this stunning woman put that bastard on his ass.

The man simply made a humming noise.

“Enjoy your tour,” Arden muttered, turning away from him in a clear dismissal.

Damn, she was a show all on her own. The most entertaining one I’d ever encountered.

The man’s eyes flashed in anger, but Denver stepped in to coddle him. The gallery manager gestured toward the hallway. “I’d love to show you the studio space and the pieces we have stored for the auction.”

For a second, I thought the man wouldn’t go. Thought I might have to step in and remove him. But he finally followed Denver, the two disappearing down the dark hallway. I glared after them until clapping started.

I glanced over at my sister, who was grinning as she gave Arden a standing ovation.

“You are a thing of beauty,” Ellie said.

Arden turned back to face us, wisps of hair falling from the bun piled atop her head. “Not a fan of creeps.” Then she glanced at me. “What are you doing here?”

There was a wariness in the question, a challenge. She wanted to know if I was checking up on her. I wouldn’t cross the line she’d drawn, not when I knew how much Arden’s freedom meant to her. “Ellie wanted to see the gallery and some of your work.”

Arden’s shoulders relaxed a fraction, but I could tell she was still on edge. The urge to go to her and pull her into my arms was almost too strong for me to bear.

Isaiah shot a grin in my sister’s direction. “Ellie, is it? I could give you a tour. I’m thetrueartist of this bunch.”

She let out a soft giggle but flashed her hand with the ring on it. “I’m afraid I might make yourtourmore boring than you typically like.”

Isaiah sighed. “It’s just a day of rejection all around. I guess I’ll have to settle for best friend status. Looking between you and Mr. Chiseled Jaw, I’ll Break You If You Look At Arden Wrong, I’m guessing you’re related?”

“He’s my big brother,” Ellie said with a grin.

“Well, welcome to Sparrow Falls and The Collective.” Isaiah moved in, offering Ellie his arm. She took it, and he began leading her around the room, talking about each piece on display.

The fair redhead glanced at Arden. “Are you okay?”

Arden sent her a reassuring smile. “I’m good.”

The woman studied her for a moment as if making sure, then nodded. “I’m going to take another stab at my painting. Just holler if you need me.” And then she was gone.

Arden stared at me for a long moment. “No assassins. Only douchebags.”

I wanted to smile, to give her that, but I couldn’t. “No one should be pushing you for something you don’t want to give. Making you feel uncomfortable in your place of work. Thinking they can buy you.”

And as I spoke, I realized that’s what Arden had thoughtIwas trying to do that day in her art studio. The knowledge made me sick.

As if she’d read my mind, Arden crossed the space in four long strides. “You arenothinglike him. Never were. I just—he’s not the first person who has thought their money could buy more than my art.”

I bit down on the inside of my cheek so hard I tasted blood. But it was the only option I had. If I didn’t, I’d be demanding to know the name of every bastard who’d suggested as much. And coming up with some very creative ways toruinthem.

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