Set in Stone: A Contemporary Adventure Romance Novel (Legend Book 1) Read online

  I heard him step closer, and I made out the sound of his rocks glass being set on the ledge of canvases. If that spilled, Elaine would kill him. His warm fingers hooked under my chin and lifted my head to meet his heated stare. I rose back to my full height, never breaking eye contact. I couldn’t . . . even if I wished to do so.

  The Duke of Avalon held me captive with a silence so deafening my ears burned. The way he studied me struck deep. His clear eyes searched my face for something I wasn’t able to understand. This man took me in as though I held the key to his world. As if I were his queen and he my king, come home after a long battle.

  “Take this.” He pressed a red crushed-velvet bag into my hand. The duke leaned forward and whispered into my ear, causing my eyes to close as his lips brushed so close. “It is a token of my thanks. That you would give back to the charity that aided your own elementary school with your success is a wonderful thing. Also, I wish to speak with you later about commissioning you for a piece.”

  He drew back away from me; his eyes took me in from head to toe. I didn’t feel as strange as I had when Sir Thomas raked his gaze over me. This man was different. He didn’t want just what he could see.

  “I thank you, and yes, we shall speak again on the commission.” I nodded, clutching the bag in my hand.

  A trace of a smile played at the corner of his perfectly defined lips. “I look forward to it, Ms. York.” He bowed his head, picked his glass back up, and walked past me.

  “Your Grace.” I curtseyed to him again, not as low this time. As soon as I was sure he wasn’t able to see me, I almost collapsed. Elaine would hear about this! The Duke of Avalon! A duke! And not just any duke—the Black Duke—the one the noble vestige whispered about.

  I had to go deliver a speech and unveil my creation. I hurriedly looked down at the small gift in my hand. I pulled open the delicate bag and tipped it over. In my surprise, I almost dropped the diamond bracelet that glinted in the dim light.

  I didn’t need to be a jeweler to know it was real. This had to cost thousands of pounds! With a huff, I placed it on my wrist; I’d return it to him after we spoke again tonight. I didn’t want to offend a fellow patron, let alone a man nicknamed the Dragon. I took slow, deep breaths, gathering myself. Smile screwed back on, I then rejoined the group of people to unveil my main piece. I had to push out the idea that my inspiration was already here in the flesh.

  Four

  Avalon

  I had entered the art showing about forty-five minutes after it had started, which made it easier to slip in, say a quick hello to the heads of the Children’s Art Charity, grab a drink, and watch. I swiped a glass of whiskey lazily off a passing tray. I was impressed at the smooth burn as it slid down my gullet. I swirled the contents and shoved my hand into my pocket, bringing out my watch.

  The concealed weapon next to my chest vibrated in warning.

  Upon the turn of the century, guns were taking the place of swords and had for a while. Excalibur, my most trusted and prized position, had become virtually useless. Thankfully, M had it melted down from a sword to a pistol. This left its magical properties intact, and its abilities transferred to the specialized bullets I used. Whenever it sensed danger, the pistol, as it had once done as a sword, would vibrate to convey the warning.

  My heart pounded in fear when I saw her speaking to Sir Thomas Mordred.

  My mouth had become dry.

  My hands balled into fists.

  I had attempted to make a phone call to M, asking him about the G.R.A.I.L. president, but never was able to push send. Our meeting so early on in the night had taken me a bit by surprise. For she stood there in front of me as I glowered in the dark, demanding I showed my face.

  She was something not from this world. The pale blue dress made her look like a Greek goddess, and long waves of dark brown hair with red highlights brushed away from her face elegantly. I was staring, but I couldn’t help it. My eyes flickered over her slender body, the dress hugging every curve much like that of her nightgown in our shared dream.

  What cut me over and over again was her smile. That radiant, warm, seductive smile could halt me from doing anything. I exhaled as I watched her chatting with someone who appeared to be a journalist.

  Her mannerisms were befitting of a lady. Every movement she made was grace.

  I ached.

  My lady.

  My beautiful, aggravating, gentle lady.

  Now, though, I turned my attention away from Alexandria and allowed my thoughts to return to M.

  I sought out my mobile phone and pressed the call button.

  M picked up immediately.

  “Sir.”

  “Were you just not going to tell me that the bastard was here?” My voice was dangerously low. I was seething. This was important information. This could ruin everything. I had to speed up my plan now. I carded a hand through my styled hair and strands broke loose from the gel and fell over my eyes.

  “You told me not to tell you anything, Avalon. I am only—” M sounded cool and collected like he always did.

  “He touched her!” The whisper was forceful. “He shook her bloody hand, and now, he knows where she lives, what she does. M, this isn’t good.” I glanced behind me. “I must speed up the plan. I’m going to offer it to her tonight.”

  There was a small silence.

  “You think I’m pushing, don’t you?” I felt my hope sinking once again.

  “No. You’re concerned about her. Just take the night to think, Avalon.” M’s calming voice always spoke to my common sense. “Breathe her in at this moment. From what I can tell, she looks ravishing.”

  I heard the clicking of heels approaching. “I have to go.” I stuffed the phone back into my pocket, nodding at the woman who passed. Her eyes shone with approval, bowing her head slightly as she recognized me.

  Back in the crowd, I nodded at those from the CAC. A few smiled and nodded back at me; others just surveyed me carefully. I knew I wasn’t well liked by the elite. I’d been granted my nobility a long time ago, so long ago that rumors had spread like wildfire. My face twisted into a sneer; I had won something that was my right.

  Applause brought me back to the present. On a platform, the president of the CAC, Hannah More, stood with Alexandria next to her. The young woman beamed with pride, smiling at the crowd. My stomach lurched; something was magical about her. The ring on my right hand burned as if begging me to use it. My fingers balled into a fist, fighting against the sinful urges in my head.

  “Thank you all for coming! Tonight, we not only celebrate the Children’s Artistic Charities but also this lovely young artist, Ms. Alexandria York.” Mrs. More paused for more applause. “As you all know, these wonderful pieces shown here tonight are up for sale, and half of the proceeds go to the CAC.”

  The vibrating against my chest had stopped, and the holster stilled. I hadn’t seen the snake since I had first noticed him talking with Alexandria.

  He must have left. My critical eyes scanned over the crowd. He wasn’t here.

  “Thank you, thank you all for coming. The CAC, Elaine, and I really do appreciate your support and the generous offers coming in tonight already.”

  Her voice brought my eyes to her.

  “As you know,” she went on, “I have been sculpting for a very long time, and I have to say, it is the medium I love. Creating something from dirty, grimy hunks of clay and turning it into a beautiful and timeless stone is my passion.” She paused as if remembering something. Her eyes grew nostalgic, and they rested on me. “Someone once told me that it was as if I were God, breathing life into dirt.”

  A brief moment of laughter trickled through the crowd. My heart constricted. For the first time in years, I felt it in my chest, that twisting of a heart begging to be unlocked. I glanced around, making sure people didn’t notice my face. I couldn’t let anyone see her words had affected me. I swallowed a gulp of whiskey and glowered at her.

  “I have been inspired by many thing
s in my career, but one thing remains permanent. As you can all see by the statuaries around you, mythology of all types is my focus.” She stepped toward the purple-covered, life-sized statue. “Ladies and gentlemen, honored guests and patrons, may I present to you, Legend.”

  Alexandria unveiled her masterpiece by pulling away the fabric. A gasp echoed through the crowd before loud applause erupted.

  The noise faded into the background. It took all I had not to drop my glass. The creation staring back at me rocked me to my core. A strong, masculine knight stood tall with a mighty sword over his head. He was standing next to a pool of water; an outstretched hand broke the surface. My lips pursed. A part of me wanted to run, to leave and slip into my car and rethink this entire thing. The other part of me couldn’t look away. Sure, the man was none other than the legendary King Arthur. But his eyes—it was like looking in a mirror.

  People had started pushing past me to get to Alexandria to congratulate her, shuffling me back. A sense of loneliness crept over me, followed by a surge of determination.

  She’s mine this time.

  I finished the rest of my drink and stalked through the crowd, muscling my way to the front. My target wasn’t Alexandria; oh, no, I’d speak with her in a bit. I singled out the redhead, Elaine McLeod. Pasting a tight-lipped smile on my face, I approached her. She paled for a moment before she lowered herself, though not nearly as gracefully as Alexandria had done.

  “Your Grace, thank you so much for coming!” Her smile was wide as she popped back up. “What may I do for you?”

  “It was an eventful evening, to say the least. I would like to know if there have been any offers on that wonderful piece of art.” I pointed at the looming figure center stage.

  “Well, yes, and the highest bid we’ve received—so far—has come in from Sir Thomas Mordred, and he hasn’t even seen it.” Elaine tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, blushing.

  My blood ran cold at the mention of his name.

  “I see, well, here.” I pulled out my checkbook and filled out a slip. As I handed it to her, she looked confused.

  “Um, sir, there isn’t an amount written in?”

  “I know.” With a half smirk, I whispered, “Whoever bids the highest, why don’t you make mine ten thousand pounds more and double it?”

  I watched her tiny mouth fall open. I chuckled. She quickly snapped it shut and nodded vigorously.

  “Yes, sir! Thank you so much!”

  I turned and walked toward the back of the room again. It wasn’t long before Alexandria’s gaze burned a hole in my back. I didn’t have to ask who or why. I turned casually, another drink in my hand. Alexandria was glaring at me as Elaine waved the check in her friend’s face, no doubt explaining my offer. I raised the glass, nodding over to her.

  She stalked toward me. She was either annoyed or in shock by my forward nature. The closer she got, the more I could tell it was the former rather than the latter.

  “Ms. York, I must commend you on your latest piece.”

  She was having none of it.

  “I must thank you again, Your Grace, but a few things just aren’t right here. This.” She took off the diamond bracelet and set it on the high top table between us. “This is too much. And the bloody offer is too high. Now, sir, I must thank you for your kindness, both on your gift and offer, but what are you truly after?”

  I let her unload on me, keeping a calm exterior. My interior heated but not in anger. Alexandria’s face flushed, her chest rising and falling as if she was afraid of what my response was going to be.

  “The bracelet is a gift, Ms. York. I would advise you keep it.”

  I held my hand up at her mouth opening in protest.

  “Please,” I continued, “I insist. I would be offended if you didn’t.” My eyes challenged her blue ones. “As for the offer, it stands. Though, I do have one question for you.”

  Her jaw tensed.

  I leaned across the table. “Just what exactly inspired you?”

  A moment of silence fell between us. I could feel her recoiling from me. She was smart. Her eyes studied my face, and I could tell she was trying to see past my cool demeanor. Too bad for her, I had many years of experience at this game.

  “Nothing that you would understand,” she spat back.

  “I understand.” There was no mistaking the statue’s eyes for anyone else’s but mine. So I had affected her.

  Good.

  Not only was I able to delve into her mind, but I had influenced her art, as well. She didn’t need to know that I knew.

  “I cannot accept the bracelet. Please understand, Your—”

  I covered her hand, sliding the diamond piece back across the table to her. It wasn’t meant to be a gentle touch. It was firm, demanding. Her eyes flickered back up to my face.

  “It is a gift.” I tilted my head in warning.

  Finally understanding, she took the bracelet off the table and clasped it around her wrist again.

  “Happy?” Alexandria pouted, knowing she had lost.

  “Very. Now, I must ask about your commission prices. I have a piece I would like done at my estate.” I kept the conversation anchored in business, hoping it would entice her to stay engaged.

  “How big?” she asked.

  “Life-size, much like this one.” I nodded at Legend.

  “When would you want the piece done by?” Alexandria crossed her arms; the diamonds flashed on her wrist.

  My lips curled into a light smile. “It suits you.”

  Her expression went from defensive to flustered. I pulled a card out from my jacket pocket and handed it to her.

  “Please, I would love a work of art like Legend in my home. When you are ready, give this number a call, and we can discuss all the arrangements.” I circled around the table, my fingers daring to brush a loose strand of hair from her face to tuck behind her ear. “I was right; you are far more beautiful than anything art could create. Ms. York.”

  I bowed slightly before turning on my heel. I couldn’t hide the smirk on my lips as I left her to decipher my message.

  I sauntered down the quiet street, and a sleek black Aston Martin pulled up. The back door popped open, and I slipped inside. M was already sitting in the backseat next to me. Handing me a cigarette and lighter, knowing I’d need one, he spoke.

  “Any luck, sir?”

  I inhaled the burn that would eventually be the death of most normal humans who smoked. I paused, letting it settle before exhaling. “I believe we shall be hearing from her soon.”

  “So you made the offer then.” He adjusted his glasses.

  “Yes. Let’s just hope she accepts our offer first.” I held the calm façade as best as I could. Yet the fear that coursed through my veins over the thought of him getting to her first was well heeded.

  Five

  Alexandria

  As soon as I could, I shut myself in my room—away from the hordes of people, away from the cameras, and away from him. I didn’t know what to think or what to do. The highest bidder had been Sir Thomas, and Elaine had insisted on adding the ten thousand pounds and doubling it.

  Just like he had said.

  No, he demanded it. Just as he had demanded I take his bracelet.

  I glanced down at my wrist. The flashing gems hooked together made it one of the most breathtaking pieces of jewelry I’d ever seen.

  He probably robbed the crown jewels.

  I carefully placed my mother’s set back in its black velvet box and put it back in my safe. Men. Men were so confusing. I had never meant to catch the interest of the Duke of Avalon. His gray eyes were cold, unyielding, as if frozen in time. There was so much depth to them; I didn’t dare even touch a toe to the surface. The feeling of being sucked into something I’d never be able to escape threatened in his eyes.

  My fingers played with his card. It was simple . . . black and steel gray with his name and a number scrolled in perfect script on the back. I squinted at the writing. My heart sank to
my stomach as my feet brought me to the wooden box where I had stashed the card from the roses earlier.

  I was right; you are far more beautiful than anything art could create.

  Heart thundering and hands shaking, I pulled the small note out of the envelope, rereading it with his words humming in my ears.

  Alexandria,

  I wish you all the best on your first art show. You must be very excited and you should be. I cannot wait to see what you have created, though your beauty in and of itself is one creation no one can best.

  I wish you all the luck in the world.

  I threw the note on my vanity in disgust. But was it disgust? The heat that flushed my cheeks deceived me. I couldn’t allow him to fluster me.

  God! What am I doing?

  He was a duke, for crying out loud. A bloody noble and I was—I was . . . an artist.

  I sat on the edge of my bed. I recalled how his eyes had taken me in. He’d openly perused me from head to toe, and somehow, he had managed to come out looking respectable. I couldn’t say the same for Elaine’s Sir Thomas Mordred. I shivered. I disliked something about that man even more than the Duke of Avalon.

  But why? I paused.

  Both wanted to commission work from me. I started pulling out the hidden pins in my hair one by one. Which one would I start working for first? I had to think this through. The idea of being alone with Sir Thomas made my stomach lurch, whereas the thought of being along with the Duke of Avalon made me . . . Butterflies batted their wings crazy low in my belly, and I swallowed.

  This was no good. No good! Slamming the pins onto my vanity, I bounced around my room on one leg followed by the other as I rid my aching feet of the gladiator heels I wore. I stepped out of the dress and hung it up carefully. I really would have to thank Elaine again. The dress had gotten so many compliments, as had my newest piece—which now belonged to the Duke of Avalon. That chunk of money would serve me well for the upkeep of the studio, even after the CAC took its share.