Mastering the Art of Love (The American Soldier Collection 2)

“Shock and awe her. I want her very badly. In fact, I’m glad I won’t see her tonight. If I did, I might have done something crazy,” Jax admitted, and Jameson was feeling the same way.

“Crazy like what? Because I’m thinking I would lose it as well and this taking it slow and easing our way into her life would be useless.”

“We’re not going to see her there. She’s probably working at another event.”

“Or she’s working at Rothesburgh. No other gallery would dare have an event when the Rothesburgh estate was hosting the Scottish art exhibit.”

Jameson clenched his teeth and imagined seeing Mariana there serving.

“This evening might not be as boring as I anticipated.”

Jax held a wicked smile as he headed out of the building and onto the highway.

* * * *

Mariana drank down the glass of champagne quickly. She needed it for her nerves. Here she was at the Rothesburgh estate. The mansion that was worth well over fifteen million dollars was outrageous. She tried to remember every detail she could upon arriving with a hunk of a date, Liam Michaels III, who just happened to be Scottish and wearing a kilt. Bless her pounding heart, the man was fine, but also in his forties. He was built magnificently and she memorized everything about him. From his sexy accent to his deep-green eyes and very defined cleft in his chin. He was tall, sexy, and a total gentleman. On the way over to the estate from Freda’s mansion, which was incredible, Liam explained about his business dealings and his love of Scottish art. He was somehow related to a person connected to the Royal Scottish Academy. Therefore, he had access to new and seasoned artists of his native country.

“Are ya ready ta browse now, Mariana?” he asked in that sexy Scottish accent that did wonders to her belly.

She smiled and nodded her head. He escorted her around the exhibits until they paused in front of a series of paintings from new artists she wasn’t aware of.

“Ahh, it’s always nice ta see some new blood coming into their own. What do ya say ’bout this one, Mariana?” he asked, and she felt his arm around her waist and his large hand on her hip. He was acting awfully strange. She knew she had a bit of a role to play, but he was acting like she was more than a date. He whispered into her ear. He ran a finger along her collarbone.

“These are nice, however, I can see the way the strokes of the brushes are harder, almost forced. Can’t you, Liam?” she asked, turning up toward him as she moved slightly to place some space between them.

He was staring down into her eyes.

He placed his fingers under her chin and tilted it up toward him.

“I am in awe of your beauty, Mariana. You are a pleasant surprise,” he whispered then began to lower his mouth toward hers. She quickly turned away and stared at the picture. He gave her a bit of space.

“I’m sorry. I was out of line. I know that this is not in the contract. I’ve never hired a date before, but I do have people I am trying to impress with business. As you know. Please forgive me.” He was stumbling with his words, and she felt terrible. It seemed he was not used to doing this kind of thing either.

She looked up at him and smiled.

“There is nothing to forgive. We seem to both be caught in the ambiance of this estate. The beauty of all this spectacular art is like—”

“An aphrodisiac?” he teased, and she felt her cheeks blush.

“Are we back to that, Liam?” she retorted. Then he chuckled as he took her arm and continued to walk with her through the gallery.

* * * *

“And whom did you say that is with her?” Jax asked Roldolpho, who had joined him and Jameson by the exhibit. Jameson noticed Mariana immediately, and they thought their prayers were answered.

Watching her walk along dressed like a fucking model and holding hands with that Scottish man had him filled with jealousy. She looked gorgeous, and they weren’t the only men to take notice of her. Who was that man she was with? Never mind whom he was, he wasn’t going to be leaving with Mariana tonight.

Jax looked at his brother who was in a dead stare at Mariana and the Scot.

“I’m going to go find out who that is,” Jax stated.

“No need to. That’s Liam Michaels III. He’s visiting from Scotland.”

“Why is he with Mariana then?”

Jax felt the hand touch his arm and then Freda’s soft voice.

“Because she’s working for me now, Jax. She’s quite stunning, isn’t she? I can just imagine all the requests I will get for her.”