Free Misty by Allison Hobbs Page B

places.”
    â€œWhere?”
    â€œI don’t want to ruin the surprise.”
    â€œI have to be cautious.”
    â€œYou win. Look here, an artist I know well and admire is having an exhibit and a party at a gallery not too far from your apartment. I thought you might like to check out his work.”
    Now, Anya was flattered. A smile crept across her face. “I don’t know anything about art, but I’d love to go. What time does it start?”
    â€œIt starts at seven, but people trickle into these events throughout the evening.”
    â€œWhat should I wear?” she asked, feeling flustered.
    â€œI’m sure you’ll look amazing in anything you select.”
    â€œI need at least thirty minutes to get myself together.”
    â€œDon’t rush, ma-ma. I’ll be waiting in the Range outside your building.”
    She raced to her closet and selected a black cocktail dress. A woman couldn’t go wrong in a little black dress. A little makeup, a quick touchup to her hair with the flat iron, and she was good to go.
    Holding a beaded clutch, she felt pretty in her black dress and stilettos when she exited the elevator and crossed the lobby. The concierge smiled in appreciation of her classy look, and she smiled back. But her smile vanished when she stepped outside and saw Majid and two other men sitting behind the wheel of a Range Rover that was exactly like Sergio’s. She’d forgotten that Sergio required bodyguards to accompany him everywhere.
    Like a perfect gentleman, Sergio, looking spiffy in a black suit, got out of his Range and opened the door for her. They made a striking couple, she thought to herself. During the short drive to the art gallery, she found herself constantly looking in the side mirror and watching Majid. He was tailing them for Sergio’s protection, but he seemed more like a shark tracking prey.
    The party at the gallery was lively and crowded with champagne and finger foods being served to guests on silver trays. The artist was from the Dominican Republic and his work was a vivid reflection of island life. Sergio introduced her to the artist and then the two men chatted briefly in Spanish. Anya drifted away, giving them privacy while she used the time to admire the art that looked vibrant and realistic.
    As she stared at a painting of a boy holding up a big fish he’d caught, she felt arms encircle her waist. “See anything you like?” Sergio said softly.
    â€œI like everything. Your artist friend is very talented. I’ve neverbought any original art, but I’m considering getting this piece. It’ll look good in my place.” She glanced down at the price tag and whistled. “Jesus!” she said in response. “Thirty-five hundred dollars! Wow, that’s steep.”
    â€œIf you like it, it’s yours,” Sergio said.
    â€œNo, I can’t let you—”
    â€œShh.” He held a finger to his lips. “Have another glass of champagne while I make the arrangements to have the painting delivered to your apartment.”
    Sergio strolled away and a server magically appeared with more champagne.
    Anya felt so warm and fuzzy inside, she was no longer annoyed by the presence of Majid and the crew. In fact, she nodded her head at Majid, acknowledging him. He stretched his lips into a smile that looked more like a sneer. Anya shuddered.
    Sergio returned and draped an arm over her shoulder. “I missed you,” he whispered.
    She smiled up at him, basking in the warmth of his attentiveness. She was proud to be with such a strikingly handsome man and the way he kept her cuddled close to him, she could tell he felt the same. They admired the paintings together, and Sergio seemed to have a personal experience with every scene depicted in the artwork. He told her interesting stories about Santa Domingo.
    â€œYou’ll have to go there with me one day; you’ll love my island,” he told her