An Artful Seduction by Tina Gabrielle

never given the opulence and wealth of the beau monde a second thought. He’d been raised as the heir to an earldom. But tonight, for the first time, he was seeing it through different eyes.
    “You’re looking particularly glum tonight,” Brandon said.
    Grayson sipped his champagne. “I didn’t want to attend, but the host, Lord Ruskin, is a friend.”
    Glasses clinked and laughter floated. The elegant ballroom offered warmth, expensive champagne, and fine food. But his thoughts were of a small shop with novice artwork and colorful décor.
    Brandon raised his glass of claret. “Why not? The mamas of the ton are nearly throwing their daughters at your feet. Soon you’ll have to choose one.”
    Grayson didn’t care about the eligible debutantes and their eager mothers who reminded him of vultures circling their prey.
    The orchestra began a lively country reel and dancers swirled on the parquet dance floor.
    His mind kept turning to yesterday’s confrontation with Eliza.
    She’d intended to leave his home during a snowstorm wearing only her gown and wet shoes. Her wellbeing shouldn’t matter to him, but it did. He didn’t want her suffering frostbite or coming down with pneumonia, and his reasoning had nothing to do with their upcoming visit to Dorian Reed.
    The mystery that was Eliza Somerton was slowly unraveling. She wasn’t the calculating charlatan that she wanted him to believe. Her eyes had flashed emerald fire when she’d insisted that she would sell another of Amelia’s forgeries. His temper had risen, but afterwards he’d had time to calm and think.
    He didn’t believe her.
    She’d been desperate to reclaim the forged Wildens painting. If she intended to sell another of Amelia’s forgeries, then why bother with the Wildens painting? Why not let it sell at auction? Chances were no one would suspect it was a forgery. Amelia’s work was meticulous. He’d discovered it only because of Eliza’s avid interest in the painting at the Tutton auction. Otherwise, he’d never have given it a second glance.
    No, Eliza’s bold retort had been an attempt to anger him. She’d only been half successful. He had been angry, but he’d been even more aroused. He’d swept her into his arms then pinned her against his gallery wall and claimed her lips. He had not imagined the fervor of their first kiss. It didn’t matter that it had been swift; the undeniable magnetism was present. She’d tried to resist, but her passionate nature had quickly taken over.
    He relived the feeling of her hands slipping up his arms to caress the strong tendons in the back of his neck then tangle in his hair. Her body had arched toward his, and her moans had been a heady invitation. Her nipples had been taut beneath the thin fabric of her dowdy gown. In his hunger and desire, he’d wanted to peel off her clothing, and crush her breasts to his broad chest. He’d rouse her to the peak of excitement, then lay her down on the settee in his gallery and plunge inside her hot, welcoming body.
    “I’ve been thinking about Miss Amelia,” Brandon said.
    “What?”
    “Amelia. I’ve been thinking of her.”
    Grayson’s brows drew downward. “I’m not surprised.”
    “I plan to visit the Peacock Print Shop. I want to offer her a commission to paint my portrait,” Brandon said.
    “Have you lost your wits?”
    Brandon shrugged matter-of-factly. “You told Eliza that you know Amelia is the painter, correct?” Brandon didn’t wait for Grayson’s response. “Since it’s no longer a secret, I’ve decided to seize the opportunity. My grandmother has been pestering me to have my portrait painted.”
    “So? Go to the Academy. There are dozens of qualified portrait painters.”
    Brandon shook his head. “There’s something special about Miss Amelia. I can’t stop thinking of her. It’s a perfect solution. I need a portrait; she needs the money.”
    “Don’t fake generosity on my behalf. You’re like a randy schoolboy. You told