Find Me Alastar(104)

“I can buy them for myself,” I reply.

“I want to buy them.”

“Why?”

“I just do,” he replies. “I want you to stay here in London and I want you to be happy. You have left everything in Australia for me and I am going to make sure I look after you.”

“I didn’t leave Australia for you. I came here with my own free will.”

His face drops.

I can tell this means a lot to him. I begrudgingly take the card and kiss him gently on the lips. “Thank you,” I whisper as my hands rub through his two-day growth. His beautiful eyes watch me. “Look after me. That’s all I want. The money means nothing.” I smile gratefully.

He kisses me and his tongue sweeps gently through my mouth. “I do love you, Emmaline,” he whispers into my mouth.

I smile broadly. “And I love you, my Irish Fiasco.”



* * *



The day at the work is dreary until I am summoned to Mark’s office to see the detectives.

Knock, knock.

“Come in,” calls Mark.

I swallow the nervous lump in my throat. The two men who were sitting stand to shake my hand.

“This is Detective Peters and Detective Sloan,” Mark introduces them.

“Hello.” I nervously shake their hands.

“Please take a seat.”

I sit down.

“We have been investigating the artwork that you noticed was missing and have a few leads that we wanted to share with you.”

“Oh, great.” I smile. I was hoping they would keep me in the loop. “What have you found?” I ask.

“We agree with you. This is more than likely an inside job.” My eyes widen as Mark interjects. “You can’t think it is anyone from here, surely?”

“Perhaps,” one of the officer’s replies.

“Or perhaps it is someone that is circulating the scene constantly.”

I frown. “What do you mean?”

“Well, on further investigation, we have found that four auction sites have been targeted.”

“Oh, really?” Mark frowns.

“Yes. So it isn’t someone who is exclusive to just this establishment,” says one officer. “However, it is surrounded by the weirdest set of circumstances. Some of the paintings that have been stolen have no street value at all, and it seems that any valuable piece of artwork that was stolen has had insurance.”

I frown. “But if there is no street value, why would they be getting stolen?” I ask.

The two detectives shrug. “We have no idea.”

“What can we do to help?” asks Mark.

“Keep your eyes open. The thief knows art and mixes socially within the inner circle.” Mark and I both nod. Wow, this is like a television cop show.

“If you see anything suspicious at all, please call us immediately.” The officers both stand and we all shake hands.

“Thank you for coming.” Mark smiles and the officers leave.

Mark’s attention turns to me. “We are going to catch this *, and when we do, it will be me and you who brings them to justice.”

I smile broadly. “I can’t wait.”

I take a seat back at my desk and look around at my coworkers. Shit, it could be anyone here. I tap my pen against my desk nervously and check the time on my computer. 12.40pm. Twenty minutes until I get to see Brelly. I’m missing her. I have so much to tell her and I am dying to hear what that flog Julian Masters is up to.

“Oh, she’s over at this desk,” I hear someone call.

I look up to see a deliveryman carrying a huge colorful flower arrangement.

“Emerson Mathews?” he asks.

I bite my bottom lip to stifle my stupid smile. “Yes.”

“I have a delivery for you.”

My excited eyes fly around to Travis and he shakes his head in disgust.

“Sign here.”

I quickly sign and take the huge bouquet from him. “Thank you.” I inhale their beautiful scent. I have never received flowers before. Liam was too tight to ever have anything delivered.

I open the small white envelope and read the card.

Because of Us.

Forever your love, Alastar Xx



I put my hand on my heart. Oh my God.

Because of us.

What does that mean? Oh, I love it, whatever it means.

“What does it say?” Travis sighs.

I get all teary. “It says because of us.”

Travis screws up his face. “What’s that f*cking supposed to mean?”

Deidre screws up her face. “Hmm, random.”

“Whatever happened to you’re hot?” Travis shakes his head in disgust. “How are normal f*cking guys supposed to keep up with this shit?”

I smile broadly. “It means I am going out with a deep and absolutely perfect man.” I sigh dreamily.

“Is this the guy from the bar?” Deirdre asks.

“Uh-huh.” I sigh as I swing my chair side to side. That’s it. Life complete. Because of us is the dreamiest message I ever heard of.

I immediately take out my phone and text Alastar.

Because of Us.

I love you.

xx



The drive from the airport to Alastar’s parents seems to be taking forever. It’s Friday night and we have just made the flight from London. I’m as nervous as hell. I don’t know why. Alastar is freaking perfect, so his parents must be nice. We have had the most beautiful week together. We have laughed and laughed and my trepidation at moving in with him seems a distant memory. I cook breakfast, he drives me to work, and we kiss on our corner like lovesick teenagers as we try and say goodbye to each other for the day. After work, he picks me up and we cling to each other once more before we go home. He cooks a magical dinner, and then we make love all night.