Celt. (Den of Mercenaries #2)(5)

“Of course, before we can discuss anything further, I would ask that you sign this non-disclosure agreement. It’s just a formality,” he was quick to explain when she frowned, “to ensure my client that only those that are directly involved with its sale know of its whereabouts.”

“Of course,” she replied, though she was still a little unsure that it was absolutely necessary, but it only made her more curious about what was hanging beneath the fabric.

Gabriel withdrew a folded sheet of paper from his breast-pocket, along with a pen, opening both for her to sign. After only a brief hesitation, she did so, carefully scribbling her signature along the dotted line at the bottom after she finished scanning over what it said.

“Very good. Let’s have a look, shall we?”

Wrapping thick, but manicured fingers around the edge of the sheet, Gabriel lifted the fabric, dropping it to the floor as he unveiled the painting.

Amber blinked once, then blinked again, trying to make sure she was seeing correctly, because if she wasn’t mistaken, this artwork was not one that had been seen in public for the last twenty years, at least.

She had learned about this very painting when she was still in school. While the painting’s origin had started in Germany, ultimately it had been purchased by a family that had chosen to stay anonymous, though they did lend it to museums to be shown, but after a few years, for whatever reason, the painting had been thought to be lost, or at the very least, sold in a private auction.

As she looked it over, taking in every detail she could, from the shades of black and gray used in the actual art, to the gilded frame it came in, Amber wondered whether this particular painting had, in fact, been stolen.

It would explain the non-disclosure agreement she had been made to sign.

L’amant Flétrie was what it was called, The Withered Lover, christened after the woman featured in it—painted in cool shades of gray, black, and white. The subject sat in a lone chair, the room around her barren and lifeless, as she stared out the window though nothing was there. Only the profile of her face could be seen, displaying scarred skin that had excruciating detail.

It was both beautiful and haunting.

Even if the circumstances that had brought her in contact with it were sketchy at best, Amber was still grateful to have been close to something of this magnitude.

She didn’t have to voice her awe at the sight of it, not in a room with the two of them. They understood its value, maybe even a little more than she did.

“You would like me to make a replica of this?” Amber asked, still having not taken her eyes off of it.

“Yes. Only the one. After reviewing a little of your work with Elliot, I’m sure you’re more than capable of meeting our expectations.”

Nodding, Amber said, “I’ll need to find supplies—the right paint and canvas for …”

“Not to worry, we have already covered that for you. Just let Elliot know of anything you need, and I’ll make sure you have it.”

“I would love to.” Just the experience alone would benefit her in the long run … even if she could never tell anyone about the work.

“Just so you’re aware, we expect them to be identical in every way, so do not leave any personal signatures that declares it different from the original.”

Though she wasn't entirely comfortable with the idea, she still nodded and said, “I understand.”

“Excellent. The auction is being held in three weeks, we’re—”

“I’m sorry, three weeks? I can’t guarantee they will be ready in that short of time.” Amber looked to her boss. Since he was the one that assigned her hours, he really had the final say in whether or not she would have time to both work at the gallery and get the painting done.

“Elliot and I have already spoken,” Gabriel said drawing her attention back to him. “He’s giving you time off to complete it. Of course, you will be compensated for your time. Twenty-thousand dollars. Half now, and the other half once the painting is finished and delivered.”

It took everything inside her not to react at the number she had been given. Though the painting was worth more than two-million dollars alone, she was sure, getting paid twenty grand was still amazing to her.

And though she wasn’t getting paid nearly that much for her own work, she was still getting more than she ever had for her skills alone.

“Do you think you can handle this?” he asked when she didn’t respond.

She would be an idiot to turn it down—or maybe she was an idiot for accepting. “Absolutely.”

“Excellent.” He reached into his pocket again, this time pulling out a small rectangular piece of paper, her check. “If you have any questions or concerns, please have Elliot get in contact with me. I’ll check in with you a few days from now to make sure all is going according to schedule.”

Amber nodded again, almost at a loss for words. “Thank you.”

Gabriel inclined his head, then looked to Elliot. “A moment.”

As they stepped away, Amber took another moment to look over the painting, a slow smile spreading across her face. In the art world, this wasn’t just as simple as doing someone a favor, this could open doors for her that she wouldn’t have been able to on her own.

This was the break she had needed.

And she had herself to thank for it.