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Picking up the platinu ood collection, but…I just don’t believe you would drop that kind of s in return I’ve been in this business long enough to know that, Rafiq”

A slow, lazy smile spread across Rafiq’s handsome face “Beauty, talent, and a sharp mind”

He sighed and, froany-colored flask He unscrewed the cap with harsh fingers and took a swig, apparently unconcerned byhim do it

“Miss Pryce…”

“You can call eline,” I said

“Evangeline,” he said softly “I think it’s about tiirlfriend”

His words were an utter surprise, so h in absurdity and discomfort

“I’m sorry, did Iabout you buying ht?”

“And what I would require in exchange for such a gift, yes I’m sure that kind of money would not be unwanted in your life, would it?”

I paused, but that in itself was the answer “No, it wouldn’t,” I said, eyes cast down

Rafiq sighed again and took another drink He looked around to allery unnoticed

“Do you knoho I ahty threat, but a sincere question

I shookbrown eyes

“Rich Powerful But not as rich and powerful as my father,” he said “And at present you could say he is somewhat…displeased with me”

“Displeased?”

Rafiq stood up straight and shrugged “It’s a bit of a long story Suffice it to say, the lifestyle you witnessed last night is enerated soe to my family’s reputation”

“Really? I can’t iine,” I replied dryly, unable to help myself

Rafiq narrowed his eyes athalfway around the world just to scold me for it”

Nothing about his family experience was relatable to me—not the wealth, not the power, and certainly not trouble with h they wanted to see me stable and safe, they never sha halfway around the world fro a visit

“What does this have to do with me?” I asked

Rafiq rubbed his fingers against his full lips “I would like for you to pretend to be irlfriend while my father is in town; to make me look more respectable, more, what’s the word, traditional than I currently am And, truly, there is no one eline You are a perfect fit for the role”

Heat flushed across my skin, and butterflies erupted inopen Was he seriously offering to pay me to be with him?

“You are a gorgeous, successful A and talented I’ve no doubt he will see you as a perfect mate for his heir,” said Rafiq He returned his flask to his jacket, and leaned his big hands on the counter, bending just slightly ne, mixed with the sharp scent of rum

For a split second, his proposition had al a woent, and rich He was clearly interested in the arts, even if he was just a casual collector Being by his side, even te fancier andthan any vacation I would ever be able to take Rafiq lived the fantasy life an artist like me would never be able to touch

But critical thinking forced its way back intoabout the situation felt unco I felt dirty

I shook my head and pushed his platinum card back across the counter “Look, I… I appreciate that you enjoyOceanic hoallery, Rafiq—the artist certainly isn’t”

Rafiq pursed his lips, but said nothing, and only nodded He shoved one hand in the pocket of his slacks, and came out with a business card, which he tossed next to the platinum credit card that was still on the counter “Think about it, Evangeline I really do love your work, and I’d love to be able to bring all of it home with me”

Before I could respond, he turned and left the gallery