The Theft by Andrea Kane

Author:Andrea Kane
Language: ron
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

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Chapter 10

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"Noelle. Thank you for making time for me." André—all magnetism and charm—strolled into the sitting room and kissed her hand; a kiss that lingered an instant or two longer than was proper. "As I explained to your father, I spent the morning sketching Lulworth Cove—which is breathtaking even during the winter months. Afterwards, I stopped at a small tavern in Poole for a cup of tea. That's when it occurred to me how close to Farrington Manor I was. I know I was supposed to await your summons, but I couldn't return to London without making an attempt to see you—not when I was within miles of your home. I hope you don't mind."

"Of course not," Noelle assured him. "Actually I was planning to send you a note this very day. I'm as eager as you to begin the painting of my portrait."

"Now that, I doubt." André stepped back, clutching both her hands in his, his deep-set eyes assessing her with ardent approval. "You're even more beautiful than I remembered. I've envisioned capturing you on canvas since the instant we met—and now that you've returned from that party you insisted on attending, I can hardly wait to get started."

"Wonderful." Noelle appraised André's melting good looks with a far more discerning eye than she had the first time he'd been here. Back then, she'd assumed he was blissfully ignorant of Baricci's ulterior motive, that his assignment was simply to accept the commission and paint her portrait. But now, considering the possibility that André might not be an unknowing pawn but an envoy sent to extract information from her … well, that prospect succeeded in reducing his overt sensuality to dust.

His dress was informal, she noted: dark trousers and an open shirt with rolled-up sleeves; clearly the attire of an artist. He was casual and loose of limb—although, beneath his disarming veneer, she sensed a fine tension that hadn't been there before.

This game of cat and mouse was going to be most enjoyable, Noelle concluded silently. Even better than a rousing game of piquet.

And just as easily won.

"Please, come in." She began the charade, gesturing towards the long expanse of windows. "I've had this area cleared so that you might work with as much light as possible."

"Excellent." Scanning the area, André nodded his enthusiasm, then collected his materials and crossed over to the designated site. "This spot is ideal."

"I'm glad." With apparent self-consciousness, Noelle glanced down at herself, smoothed the folds of her rich violet day dress. "I hope this gown is suitable. I tried to choose something colorful, hoping it would make your job easier."

In the process of assembling his easel, André paused. "My job is already unspeakably easy," he told her huskily. "In fact, so easy it's absurd to think I'll actually be receiving money for doing it." A provocative wink. "But we won't tell that to Mr. Baricci."

"Of course not." Noelle gave him a sunny smile. "Now, where would you like me to sit?"

André pointed to an empty space directly across from the windows.

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