Page 42 of His to Possess
I turned to him, my patience wearing thin. "Stop trying to get into my head. This isn't one of your sessions."
He raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Fair enough." His expression turned serious. "But it doesn't take deep research to see that Laurel is different from your other collectibles. You act differently around her."
"You're imagining things," I snapped, perhaps too quickly. "When I'm done with her, she'll go like all the others."
Tristan's gaze was piercing. "Have you finished collecting everything you needed from Laurel?"
I sighed, knowing exactly what he was referring to. But Laurel… Laurel was proving to be more complex than I anticipated.
"I still need time," I admitted reluctantly. "But I should be over her soon." Or at least, so I hoped.
Tristan made a noncommittal sound, and I could tell he didn't believe me. Hell, I wasn't sure I believed myself. But I couldn't afford to dwell on that now. Not when Laurel was still arm-in-arm with Luka, her laughter drifting back to me like a taunt.
Just as I was about to reach them, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned, coming face to face with August Mendelson, his smile as smug as ever.
"Rex," he greeted, his voice smooth as oil. "What a pleasure to see you here."
I forced a polite smile. "August. I didn't expect to see you at one of Luka's shows."
His eyes flicked to where Laurel stood with Luka before returning to me. "I always make time for exceptional art. And Luka's work certainly qualifies." He turned slightly, acknowledging Tristan, who appeared at my side. "Dr. Bowman. It's been too long."
Tristan nodded, his expression neutral. "Indeed, it has. Are you enjoying the exhibition?"
"Immensely. Though I must say, it's a shame not all of these exquisite pieces are for sale. I would have loved to add a few to my collection."
I couldn't help but smirk. "Come now, August. You know Luka never sells his portrait work."
His smile didn't waver, but I caught a flicker of annoyance in his eyes. "Yes, well, one can always hope. Perhaps if the right offer were made…"
"I wouldn't count on it," I said, my tone final.
The conversation lulled, tension simmering beneath the surface. I was acutely aware of Laurel's absence, my eyes constantly scanning the crowd for her. August noticed, of course.
"Your companion seems to have quite the rapport with our host," he commented, nodding towards where Laurel and Luka stood, deep in conversation.
I felt my jaw tighten, but I kept my voice level. "Laurel has an exceptional eye for art. It's only natural she would appreciate Luka's work."
His smile widened, and I knew he'd caught the edge in my voice. "Indeed. She's quite captivating. And brilliant above all, Rex. I can't wait to continue my collaboration with her."
I froze, my mind racing. Collaboration? What the hell was he talking about?
August's smile widened, a predatory gleam in his eyes. "Oh, didn't you know? The Art Institute highly recommended Laurel for a community restoration project I'm spearheading. I was pleasantly surprised to discover she was the same beautiful woman from the auction."
My hands clenched at my sides, fury building inside me. I couldn't let it show, though. That was precisely what he wanted to see. Still, my mind continued to reel. Laurel had agreed to work with August? Without telling me?
"She's truly remarkable," August continued, his voice dripping with false innocence. "So many innovative ideas for the project. I'm amazed by her insight." He paused, tilting his head. "Surely, she mentioned this to you? Or… didn't she tell you?"
I maintained my cool, detached facade, but inside, I was seething. The urge to punch his smug face was almost overwhelming. How dare he try to manipulate my Laurel? And how dare she keep this from me?
Just as I was about to lose control, Tristan smoothly stepped in. "Actually, August, Rex hired Laurel for her assessment skillstonight. He wouldn't necessarily be privy to her other work engagements."
August nodded, seemingly satisfied with this explanation. But I could see the triumph in his eyes. He knew he'd struck a nerve.
I maintained my composure as August continued his verbal assault, each word carefully chosen to strike at my core. The mention of Laurel's involvement in his project without my knowledge burned like acid in my veins. But I wouldn't give him the satisfaction of seeing me lose control.
"I'm sure Laurel's contributions will be adequate," I said, my voice cool and detached. "Though I wonder if a community project is truly the best use of her talents."
August's eyes gleamed with malicious delight. "Oh, I think you'd be surprised. Laurel has quite the vision for this project. It's almost as if she's been liberated, allowed to spread her wings."
