he is my lord

Chapter 3

GABRIELLE

Ivan left me alone to shower and get dressed, and asked me to meet him in front of the pool house when I was ready. It seemed very thoughtful of him to leave me alone for a while, because I was feeling a little self-conscious after so much s*x. Not so shy, but more aware of what we had been doing since the night before. It had been a long time for me, and I had the delicious aches and pains to prove it. After taking a luxurious shower in the equally luxurious and recently remodeled marble bathroom, I remembered to be thankful that I had been careless enough to leave my clothes covered in mud when I was here before. That and Mr. Finnegan's ability to do laundry had me dressed in the same jeans and emerald green shirt I was wearing the night Ivan found me lost on the road, but not in the mud. Underwear and socks included. He had even polished my leather ankle boots and handed me a new toothbrush. I really needed to find out what Mr. Finnegan's guilty pleasures were so I could buy him a thank you gift. He was the kindest man. Looking in the mirror, I realized that Ivan was going to get a dose of me au naturel today. Without makeup and with wet hair, combed and French braided. I found a hair tie in the pocket of my jeans, which miraculously was still there after I washed them. However, I couldn't do anything about it and decided that if he didn't like the way I looked, it would be his problem. Anyway, he had already seen me a mess after the bath and he didn't seem to care. In fact, Iván went out of his way to tell me that she looked beautiful. I turned off the bathroom light and went out to look for him, thinking that it was very nice to be told that you were pretty. I wanted to believe it.

I wanted to believe it so badly. But my problem was not external beauty. I could deal with that. It was the part inside me that I doubted. She had been very selfish and sinful once, and so she still had to atone for it. I walked the path I remembered this morning, when we went to the pool to swim. As I walked down, I allowed myself to take in the art on display around me. The walls were covered, as was the grand staircase. In the light of day I could see the beauty of the painting and it made me dizzy. I got a lump in my throat and had to control my excitement because there was so much of it. I knew I could get lost in these works, and it had nothing to do with the charming, sexy owner. He helped, of course, but Ivan's art collection was fine. My eyes found a painting on the stairs with a subject I immediately recognized. It was a slightly different version of my favorite Mallerton on display at the National Gallery. What in the art world we call a simulation. The young bride on the white horse, Mrs.

Gravelle. The same beautiful girl with long dark hair in her wedding finery riding a magnificent white stallion decked out for the occasion. Only in this version, the pose of the horse and rider had been modified a little. I stared in amazement. Holy cow, he was looking at another Mallerton who wasn't even in the archives. I found his signature and leaned closer to scrutinize the structure of the letters without the benefit of my glasses. He presented himself as absolutely authentic at first glance. The painting needed a general cleaning, but otherwise it perfectly decorated Donadea's grand staircase. I really wanted to take it to London to examine it further. It would be a dream job to return this version of Mrs. Gravelle to her original glory. And this was just one painting of many waiting for your attention. This weekend at the wedding I was still reeling from the discovery of the Mallertons in Hallborough. The family portrait of Sir Jeremy and Lady Georgina Greymont with their children. There are now two uncatalogued works by Mallerton discovered in as many days. How crazy. Maybe I'll have to bring someone to help me, or at least ask Ben to come take the first inventory photos... "There you are." Ivan called from the bottom of the stairs. "I was wondering if you were lost, and now I see you've found something to distract yourself." He looked gorgeous smiling at me in worn jeans and a cream-colored linen shirt, and I couldn't help but imagine how he had been with me just an hour ago, without the expensive clothes that suited him so well.

That was Ivan. He carried everything, or nothing, so well. "Mrs. Gravelle is here on her wall. This is a Mallerton in your house, Ivan, and no one knows he exists except me," I told him as I continued studying the painting in amazement. "Ahhh, you like that one, right? Well, right?" "I wouldn't use 'good' to describe this discovery," I replied sarcastically without looking at him. The horse was depicted in mid-stride with its front leg raised, while Mrs. Gravelle sat serenely in her ivory wedding dress, looking beautiful and happy. He really wanted to know more about her. "Please tell me you know something about the woman in this painting," I said pleadingly. "There is a different version of this portrait in the National Gallery and it is my favorite Mallerton of all. The bride, the white horse, the romanticism of it all..." My words were completely lost as she tried to explain it. It was impossible to make anyone understand the meaning of what he had just discovered in his house if he did not already know the fine arts. Mallerton did not even limit himself in part to the realm of fine arts. He surpassed it. His works were authentic national treasures. "A painting like this is the dream of any conservator" –I finished without strength, unable to take my eyes off the canvas. He knew he sounded like a fool in love just hearing me babble, but he couldn't help it. I could tell that he was amused by it and that he liked that I was interested in his paintings. Actually, I couldn't blame him.

He had returned to Donadea - and to me - to take a look at his works. And he hoped to have me in his bed doing... him. I wasn't entirely sure if that was true, but it seemed pretty accurate from my point of view. I knew I liked being with him and I trusted that he was being sincere when he told me what he wanted. His frankness was pleasing to me. We were both attracted to each other. I had to accept that the s*x was amazing and that the arrangement would be private. He had told me that no one would have to know, much to my relief. And legally, he couldn't talk about anything, which made it even easier. Explaining to Brynne and Ethan, not to mention my father, that Ivan Everley was making love to me was not on my list of things to do. Never. "The bride was related to my great-great-grandmother. They were very close, almost like sisters, I have been told. It is in another painting that hangs in the main gallery, of ladies playing cards." He had walked up the stairs and was behind me, hands on my hips. She had to admit that his feel was pleasant, comfortable and not at all demanding. He made me feel like he was really glad to have me with him. Not the typical "I'll call you" the next morning right before you walk out the door. I was realizing that Ivan was nothing as he seemed at first glance, and that only helped my confidence grow even more. "It sounds amazing. I can't wait to see it." A painting of Mrs. Gravelle and other ladies playing cards? Had Mallerton painted it too? I sighed impatiently, eager to begin my evaluation and knowing that I was on the threshold of a significant discovery. Ivan had a remarkable art collection and I had only seen mere snippets of it so far. "The person you should ask would be my grandmother, but now she lives in Paris almost all year round and her days as a traveler are behind her. She is the only person I know who has even a passing interest in the family's works of art in decades. My grandfather, who died before I was born, certainly didn't do it according to her," he said dryly. "Does your grandmother live in Paris?" “She That's who she is.” “She Is she French?” "Well, yes, in the sense that she is a French citizen having been born and raised there. But she is Russian by blood. Her parents fled Russia with their families when they were children, during the revolution. In fact, she is a descendant of the Romanovs by Mother". I froze against him. "Is she descended from the Romanovs, like the Russian Romanov royal family?" It didn't surprise me that he needed a professional to look into his collection of paintings and advise him. It was not known what kind of treasures were buried here if Ivan had Russian tsars in his family tree. "Is that why your name is Ivan in Russian?" "Minor royalty descended from a royal house without country or status for more than a century, and yes, My name comes from my grandmother. It was also her father's last name. Her last name was Ivanova before she married my grandfather and became an Everley." He nuzzled my neck from behind, the rough unshaven beard making me shiver deliciously. "I should take you to Paris to meet my grandmother. I bet you would get along very well because of your love of art and painting. In fact, he's been nagging me for years to bring in someone to organize the collection. I should call her and tell her I've finally made it." Paris with Ivan. That would be hard to turn down if she ever really wanted to do it. "Well, I agree with your grandmother. You should have asked for a conservationist to come in years ago, like she suggested. From what little I've seen since I came down, I'm looking forward to seeing what else you have hidden in this house." I shook my head and turned to look at him. "Ahhh, I like the sound of that. "You're salivating for more," he said suggestively. "I don't think you'll be disappointed that this little painting might turn you on." He gently grabbed my chin and brought my face close to his. "There are many other paintings for you to see, but first I want to show you something from outside Will you allow me, Gabrielle?" His request was so sincere that it would have been impossible to say no, and I had also enjoyed everything he had done with me since he brought me here. Ivan had taken care of me in more ways than one, and he was sure that whatever awaited us would be worth it. The paintings I was dying to see had already been here for decades, in Donadea, and one more day I wouldn't change them. I realized that what he wanted to show me was important to him. . And then it happened. Suddenly, all I wanted was to please him. It was as surprising as it was powerful. A driving force within me. I was slipping into my role as easily as if it had always been that way between us. "Yes" – I said. "Please show me." The look on his beautiful face and the kiss he gave me let me know that I had made him happy too. "First he ties me to his bed and then blindfolds me. You are very perverted, Lord Everinghamwich." I couldn't resist the joke as I let him take me along a trail somewhere on his vast estate. He had driven us in his Willys Jeep for part of the way, pointing out various landmarks to mark the boundaries of the estate. I knew he wouldn't remember the details. He's been nagging me for years to bring in someone to organize the collection. I should call her and tell her I've finally made it." Paris with Ivan. That would be hard to turn down if she ever really wanted to do it. "Well, I agree with your grandmother. You should have asked for a conservationist to come in years ago, like she suggested. From what little I've seen since I came down, I'm looking forward to seeing what else you have hidden in this house." I shook my head and turned to look at him. "Ahhh, I like the sound of that. "You're salivating for more," he said suggestively. "I don't think you'll be disappointed that this little painting might turn you on." He gently grabbed my chin and brought my face close to his. "There are many other paintings for you to see, but first I want to show you something from outside Will you allow me, Gabrielle?" His request was so sincere that it would have been impossible to say no, and I had also enjoyed everything he had done with me since he brought me here. Ivan had taken care of me in more ways than one, and he was sure that whatever awaited us would be worth it. The paintings I was dying to see had already been here for decades, in Donadea, and one more day I wouldn't change them. I realized that what he wanted to show me was important to him. . And then it happened. Suddenly, all I wanted was to please him. It was as surprising as it was powerful. A driving force within me. I was slipping into my role as easily as if it had always been that way between us. "Yes" – I said. "Please show me." The look on his beautiful face and the kiss he gave me let me know that I had made him happy too. "First he ties me to his bed and then blindfolds me. You are very perverted, Lord Everinghamwich." I couldn't resist the joke as I let him take me along a trail somewhere on his vast estate. He had driven us in his Willys Jeep for part of the way, pointing out various landmarks to mark the boundaries of the estate. I knew he wouldn't remember the details. He's been nagging me for years to bring in someone to organize the collection. I should call her and tell her I've finally made it." Paris with Ivan. That would be hard to turn down if she ever really wanted to do it. "Well, I agree with your grandmother. You should have asked for a conservationist to come in years ago, like she suggested. From what little I've seen since I came down, I'm looking forward to seeing what else you have hidden in this house." I shook my head and turned to look at him. "Ahhh, I like the sound of that. "You're salivating for more," he said suggestively. "I don't think you'll be disappointed that this little painting might turn you on." He gently grabbed my chin and brought my face close to his. "There are many other paintings for you to see, but first I want to show you something from outside Will you allow me, Gabrielle?" His request was so sincere that it would have been impossible to say no, and I had also enjoyed everything he had done with me since he brought me here. Ivan had taken care of me in more ways than one, and he was sure that whatever awaited us would be worth it. The paintings I was dying to see had already been here for decades, in Donadea, and one more day I wouldn't change them. I realized that what he wanted to show me was important to him. . And then it happened. Suddenly, all I wanted was to please him. It was as surprising as it was powerful. A driving force within me. I was slipping into my role as easily as if it had always been that way between us. "Yes" – I said. "Please show me." The look on his beautiful face and the kiss he gave me let me know that I had made him happy too. "First he ties me to his bed and then blindfolds me. You are very perverted, Lord Everinghamwich." I couldn't resist the joke as I let him take me along a trail somewhere on his vast estate. He had driven us in his Willys Jeep for part of the way, pointing out various landmarks to mark the boundaries of the estate. I knew he wouldn't remember the details. Gabrielle?" His request was so sincere that it would have been impossible to say no, and besides, I had enjoyed everything he had done with me since he brought me here. Ivan had taken care of me in more ways than one, and I was sure he would. Whatever awaited us, it would be worth it. The paintings I was dying to see had already been here for decades, in Donadea, and one more day I wouldn't change them. I realized that what he wanted to show me was important to him. And then it happened. . Suddenly, all I wanted was to please him. It was as surprising as it was powerful. A driving force within me. I was slipping into my role as easily as if it had always been that way between us. "Yes," I said. " Please show me." The look on his beautiful face and the kiss he gave me let me know that I had made him happy too. "First he ties me to his bed and then blindfolds me. You are very perverted, Lord Everinghamwich." I couldn't resist the joke as I let him take me along a trail somewhere on his vast estate. He had driven us in his Willys Jeep for part of the way, pointing out various landmarks to mark the boundaries of the estate. I knew he wouldn't remember the details. Gabrielle?" His request was so sincere that it would have been impossible to say no, and besides, I had enjoyed everything he had done with me since he brought me here. Ivan had taken care of me in more ways than one, and I was sure he would. Whatever awaited us, it would be worth it. The paintings I was dying to see had already been here for decades, in Donadea, and one more day I wouldn't change them. I realized that what he wanted to show me was important to him. And then it happened. . Suddenly, all I wanted was to please him. It was as surprising as it was powerful. A driving force within me. I was slipping into my role as easily as if it had always been that way between us. "Yes," I said. " Please show me." The look on his beautiful face and the kiss he gave me let me know that I had made him happy too. "First he ties me to his bed and then blindfolds me. You are very perverted, Lord Everinghamwich." I couldn't resist the joke as I let him take me along a trail somewhere on his vast estate. He had driven us in his Willys Jeep for part of the way, pointing out various landmarks to mark the boundaries of the estate. I knew he wouldn't remember the details.

Donadea was big, I deduced that. The countryside of Northern Ireland was some of the most picturesque he had seen in the United Kingdom, so she could understand Ivan's attachment to this place. If I had a gem like Donadea, I would want to escape London whenever I could. "You have no idea, Miss Hargreave, how far my perversion goes, but I hope to enlighten you on the matter," she said silkily, delivering the perfect retort capable of silencing me. Now, why did that statement give me chills when less than twenty-four hours ago I wanted to smash his head in with a bat? It definitely had the charm factor. I felt excited as I untied the blindfold, which was actually a linen napkin that he had tied around my head, wondering what he wanted to show me so badly. I gasped when I found out exactly what it was. A dream garden with a round stone building in the shape of a gazebo located in the middle of the most beautiful natural landscape, next to a small pond, with a table and chairs and what seemed to be a picnic lunch. "This is... " I was at a loss for words when I approached the edge of the pond and saw fat Japanese koi with flashes of orange, white and yellow swimming lazily towards me, probably in search of food. The scene was so quintessentially romantic that it literally screamed "Jane Austen novel." And I had my own version of Mr.

Darcy charming me. Really. "Did you organize this picnic for us?" "Do you like it?" –She asked from behind me. I turned and looked at him, unable to do anything more than shake my head at him. "No?" His expression gave nothing away and I knew it was time to tease him some more. “Yes, I'm sorry but I don't like it.” I turned around and walked back to the fish and waited, wondering how long it would take for him to react. He came up behind me again, but this time he didn't put his hands on me. "Don't you like picnics?" he asked quietly. "I said I didn't like it, but only because I really LOVE it." He grabbed me and grabbed me. He tickled my ribs, his big body pressing against mine familiarly. "I like it and I love it, it's not the same thing!" I squeaked, trying to get away from his tickling fingers. I tickled him a few times too before he He threw me over his shoulder, catching me and laughing in that deep, sexy way of his. I dug my fingers into his ribs as he groped me, hoping it was affecting him. I think it was, because he started moving faster. towards our picnic, probably to get me off of him first. I laughed too when he dropped me into the chair, happy to see that it had affected him, even if just a little. Everything was so fun with him. Being here with Ivan was fun, and I knew I couldn't refuse to spend more time with him like this. Did you want more? Damn, he needed more.