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

“So why are you risking so much? Revenge for something?” Buster asked then took a sip of his cognac as they watched two very attractive women walk by. Clover didn’t respond to Buster as his eyes locked on the beauty in front of him.

He spotted her immediately. That woman was stunning and she had been serving hors d’oeuvres at Roldolpho’s last week, and now here she was attending as a guest? He followed her with his eyes as the large Scotsman linked his arm through hers and led her to the dining area. A quick glance toward the staircase they descended and he was surprised to see Jameson and Jax Spaulding. They looked very angry and their eyes were locked on the brunette.

“Find out whom that woman is with the Scotsman. They seem jealous don’t you think, Buster?” Clover asked as he downed the remainder of cognac and fixed his tux.

“I’m on it.”

Jameson and Jax followed the brunette and her date. Something was up, and if both men were this agitated over a woman, then that woman would be of great interest to find out about.

Clover suddenly felt like his revenge could be successful after all.

* * * *

Mariana and Liam got something to eat then took their glasses of champagne with them as they toured the home. It wasn’t much of a home in regards to warmth or coziness. Instead every room, every hallway that led to another room or area, was wide and rather cold. It made her feel like she was in a museum. But then they headed toward the left wing of the house, and that was when she met Darian Rothesburgh himself.

“Darian, this is a wonderful gathering. I’ve enjoyed all the artwork from my native country. Ya sure know how ta make a Scot feel at home”

“That is wonderful to hear, Liam. And Miss Sparketta, such a pleasure having you in my home. I’ve heard such wonderful things about you.”

“Me, sir? It’s an honor to meet you.”

He took her hand and brought it to his lips as he held her gaze. “Simply stunning. Hold on to her, Liam, she has caught the attention of many bachelors.” He released her hand then excused himself as he headed out of the room.

Mariana blushed. She was so embarrassed.

“He may have a point and I might have to keep you for myself,” Liam said as he squeezed her to him. They heard someone squeal, and immediately Mariana and Liam turned toward the entry way a distance from where they stood and saw Jameson and Jax as some woman in a tight blue dress threw herself at Jameson. Mariana watched as the woman wrapped one leg around Jameson’s thigh and he held her around her tiny waist as she hugged him hard around the neck. Mariana was surprised at the surge of jealousy that exploded through her system. She hadn’t even realized that she clutched Liam’s arm tighter or that she was staring daggers in Jameson and Jax’s direction until Liam cleared his throat.

She locked gazes with Jax, who appeared annoyed, and Jameson? Well, Jameson she couldn’t see, under the flowing blonde locks of hair, as the bimbo kissed him deeply. Why does she remind me of Bambi, who took Gavan from me?

“Unbelievable,” she stated aloud as she turned and Liam led her out of the room.

She didn’t dare look behind her. Mariana couldn’t take the scene. She was right. They were both players and she was supposed to be on their menu tonight. Jerks.

So why was she feeling so disappointed the further Liam and her walked through the estate? Why was she upset, hurt by that scene?

Suddenly Liam stopped her from walking and pulled her into a small hidden space next to a set of large windows that looked over the gardens.

“You’re upset.”

She needed to snap out of this. She was working, not socializing. This was a job and this wasn’t her lifestyle. She wasn’t cut out for all the backstabbing and two-faced nonsense.

“I’m okay. I’m sorry if I was so quiet. Would you like to see some more artwork? I understand that they have some paintings from Vettriano and Kingsley.”

He shook his head as he leaned back against the wall and stared at her.

“What is it, Liam?” she asked, feeling a bit unsure of herself. He sure did get quiet, and now they were completely alone.

“I wish, that I would find a woman who looked at me the way those two men looked at you. And I wish that you would look at me the way you looked at them.”

She swallowed hard and tried to deny what he was implying.

“I don’t—”

He placed

his finger gently over her lips and then patted her hand.

“My darling woman, they adore you and you adore them. So why are you running from them?”