All In (The Blackstone Affair 2)

“But you do at the National,” I reminded him.

Brynne looked at me incredulous and then back to Ivan. “You are on the board of directors at the National Gallery, Ivan?”

He blew out a huge sigh. “Well yes, my dear, but not by choice. I’ve inherited the appointment and can’t seem to get rid of it. My knowledge is pretty weak I am afraid. Not like you, an expert at restoring paintings E tells me.”

“I love what I do. I’m working on the most lovely Mallerton right now.” Brynne looked at me and reached for my hand. “Ethan helped me solve a mystery of the title of the book the woman in the painting was holding.”

“She’s really brilliant, Ivan,” I concurred, brushing my thumb over her hand that I didn’t want to let go of, “I just translated a little French for her.”

Ivan sounded amused. “Wow…you two are really into it together. Shall I leave you to your lunch in private where you can translate more French for her?”

Brynne snatched her hand away. I glared at Ivan.

Ivan answered with a smirk. “I might have a job for someone actually. Maybe a whole crew.” He shrugged. “My estate in Ireland, Donadea, has rooms and rooms full of nineteenth century paintings. A shitload of Mallerton’s too.” Ivan looked up sheepishly. “Pardon my French, but I need them gone through and cataloged. I don’t think they’ve been touched in a century.” He shook his head and held his hands up. “I don’t even know what’s all there, just that there’s a ton of it and it needs a professional’s attention. It’s on my list of things to do.” Ivan tilted his head at Brynne and offered a look that was far too flirty than it should have been for being directed at my girlfriend. “Interested?”

No, she’s definitely not interested in going to your Irish estate and cataloging your paintings while you try to finagle a way to get her into bed with you!

“Yes!” Brynne said.

“Ugh,” I groaned. “Only if I come along as chaperone, and my docket is quite full until after August.” I gave him a look to let him know that Brynne would go alone to his estate in Ireland over my dead and decomposing body.

“What? You don’t trust me, E? Your own blood, too.” He shook his head. “So sad.”

“With her? No way!” I picked up Brynne’s hand again, the urge to touch her overriding the fact that I was a jealous bastard with anyone who tried to flirt with her, even my cousin.

“You know, I should introduce you to Gabrielle. My roommate—she’s doing her dissertation on Mallerton. She’s the one to do your job, Ivan. Gaby was just here too and had to go off. It’s a pity you two didn’t meet.” Brynne smiled sweetly, obviously pleased with her suggestion. She tugged her hand out of mine with a little pat and then a censuring look.

“Yes!” I said, suddenly interested. “Gabrielle would be perfect for the job, Ivan.” The sparks flying between the two of them would be a show I wouldn’t want to miss. And hell, it was Brynne’s idea so I was completely off the hook. Anything to distract him from Brynne worked for me. “I’ll introduce you to her at the Mallerton Gala. Try not to talk too much and you’ll be fine,” I patronized. “Just show her the paintings.”

He ignored me and focused instead on charming my girlfriend. “Why thank you, Brynne. I would love to meet your friend and have her tackle the job. You have no idea. It’s the proverbial monkey on my back that needs to be on his way like decades ago…”

Ha! Wait until you get a load of Gabrielle and you’ll be wishing for that little monkey clawing at your back!

Lunch arrived at that point and we got down to it. Ivan jabbering to Brynne about nonsense, and then to me about his security problems; before I knew it was time to get back.

I left Brynne with Ivan while I went to get the car pulled around front. Ivan winked at me and gave assurance he’d keep a good eye on her for me. I told him thanks for buying our lunch and gave him a warning look that left no question about just how much I needed his help. I knew my cousin was just playing with me. The poor man was probably in shock to see me like this over a girl and I’m sure he’d have plenty to say to me about her in a private conversation. Lovely.

I handed the ticket to the valet and scanned the area. It was habit, just something I did when I was out. A bloke in a brown jacket leaned against the building waiting. He had that hungry look to him and a camera around his neck. I pegged him immediately as paparazzi. They lived for shots of celebrities coming and going from establishments like Gladstone’s where anyone could show up at any time.

The valet handed off my car and I got inside to wait. I tuned on the music and got Butterfly by Crazy Town. Perfect song, I thought, tapping my thumb on the steering wheel while Brynne and Ivan took their damn, sweet time getting outside.

I wasn’t thrilled about where I was taking Brynne either. Photo shoot. If there was one thing I could change about my girl that would be it. I absolutely loathed and despised that she got naked for the camera and that other men saw her body. It was a thing of beauty, true, but I just didn’t want anyone else to see what was mine.

My thoughts were interrupted by the car door as Ivan opened it for Brynne, kissing her on both cheeks and making a big show of saying goodbye.

At the same time, that fucking photographer started snapping pictures! They looked like celebrities even if they weren’t, and Ivan technically was. Christ almighty!

Brynne looked stunning on the street talking to my cousin. How would I ever survive this, I thought. The desire for a smoke nearly had me gasping but my vice would have to wait for the moment.

“Goodbye, Ivan! It was so lovely to meet you today and it’ll be wonderful seeing you again at the Mallerton Gala soon.” Brynne got into her seat and smiled up at him.

“It was lovely to meet you too, Brynne Bennett,” Ivan grinned and then bent down to speak to me, “take care of this gorgeous girl for me, now would you? No fits and tantrums, okay, E? You can do it. ” He was laughing as he shut the door.

“Well that was fun,” I said sarcastically as I pulled away from the curb.

“I like your cousin a lot, Ethan. He is a character for sure. I’m glad you introduced him. I cannot believe you knew he was on the board at the National Gallery and did not tell me!” She gave me a little punch in the shoulder, which I found incredibly hot.

“Well, sorry, I know he doesn’t give a crap about the art, he’s just on the board.” Remembering my oath to tell her everything I continued on, “I told him about you a while ago. I wanted to see if there can be something at the National for you. I want you to have that work visa too.” I looked at her across the seat from me, so beautiful and glowing, and knew I’d do anything in order to keep her in England with me. Even what Ivan suggested in jest on the phone?