Page 27 of Landry
Kady watched in amusement as the younger girl smiled, bussed cheeks, pointed to paintings or sculptures with the ease of a natural.
“I hope you’re here to do more than browse.”
“I’m not sure I can afford even the most basic artwork.” She stopped at what was clearly one of Jackson’s paintings, a bold splash of red and green with an underlying gold that bled into the others. It was dazzling and hypnotic, as all of his paintings were.
“Spectacular, isn’t it?” Kathy knew her stuff and knew enough to rope in her client. “It’s called ‘Rivers of Sexuality.’”
“Why-” Kady leaned closer and saw the almost hidden images of a woman in the throes of an orgasm. Sucking in her breath at the blatant and suggestive art, she felt the heat starting at the core. “Well.” She had to clear her throat and felt her senses swimming.
“Darling, it has that effect on most of us.”
“Jackson has a way of turning the basic into the complicated.”
Beneath her fingers, Kathy felt when Kady stiffened at the sound of the voice behind them.
Sliding her hand from Kady’s arm, she launched herself into her brother’s arms and went on her toes to kiss him. “You’re back!”
“Just half an hour ago.” Even though he was speaking to her, his eyes were on the woman who had turned around slowly to face him. Heat slammed into his body with the power of a sledgehammer and had him jolting. Need for her was immediate and staggering.
Feeling the thick sexual tension between the couple, Kathy stepped back, flustered at the look on her brother’s face. He loved her! Kathy thought achingly. And if she wasn’t mistaken, the feeling was entirely mutual.
“Find me before you leave,” she ordered, doubting very much that they heard her, and they certainly didn’t notice when she walked away.
“Hi.” His deep voice was a caress on her skin. She felt the familiar longing taking over and strangling her.
“Hi.” She had to swallow the lump that had lodged itself in her throat. “I... your family owns this place.”
“Yes.” He drew closer and had to touch her. Lifting a hand, he skimmed his fingers down the side of her neck, loving the feel of her soft skin. “How are you?”
“Fine. I-” She had to escape. If she stayed, she was going to make a fool of herself. He looked good enough to devour and smelled divine. The electric blue sweater was a perfect foil for his golden beauty. “I was just leaving.” The lie came swiftly, and she had a sick feeling that he knew it was a lie.
Taking her hand, he linked their fingers. “Let’s go say hi to Jackson, shall we?”
Chapter 8
She didn't want him holding her hand. She tugged but he just held on. She saw the evidence of the press here and there and women eyeing her darkly before turning their avid gazes on him. He didn't seem to notice any of it. The man was gorgeous, powerful, and wealthy, and she supposed he generated interest wherever he went. A frown touched her brow as she noticed a burly man trailing behind them.
"Is it my imagination or is this guy following us?"
He barely glanced over his shoulder as he negotiated his way through the throng of people. "Guard. There's usually one or two around." Before she could ask why, they had reached Jackson's group.
She had met the two brothers years before and had been tongue-tied for the first few minutes before she realized how down-to-earth and simple they were.
Now seeing them again, it was the same as before. Jackson greeted her with a cheeky smile, pulling her forward and kissing her cheek while clapping Landry on his shoulder. It occurred to her that the two were friends and club members. Jason smiled at her, eyes dancing. Both men were happily married and immensely confident in their abilities to create magic. Jason's sculptures were works of art and displayed in some of the most well-known museums in the world.
Jackson's blue eyes kindled with interest as he took in the proprietary hold his friend had on Kady.
He was about to make a comment when Landry stopped him with a quick shake of his head.
Obeying his friend's silent entreaty, he launched into a discussion with the group of men standing there, which included several from their club.
When Kathy came to commandeer Kady, Jackson took the opportunity to steer his friend to a quieter section.
"You two looked cozy." He had a glass of whiskey in his hand. As much as he was part of the scene, he had never had the taste for champagne and thought French wines too pretentious. That was ironic because he happened to own a vineyard in Alsace. He often said it was an investment.
"I need something a hell of a lot stronger." Landry muttered. With an imperceptible nod of his head, he had a server coming forward to take his order.
"Have you told her?" Jackson asked quietly, studying the younger man's face.
