My Secret Master (A Dark Billionaire Romance) Read Free Page B

little in the way of resistance. Veronica didn't seem to care that I was exhausted, she just poured me another drink, stating I deserved it.
    Watching me closely, she asked the question that had been burning between us. “You really don't know who he is, Naomi?”
    “You're saying that like I should. No, I don't have a clue. Why?”
    “Well.” She tilted her head back, that mop of hair waving like there was a breeze in the room. “Here's the thing. I actually do recognize his name.”
    “What?” I almost spilled my wine as I leaned forward. “Why didn't you say anything before?”
    Shrugging, Veronica drained the last of her glass and pursed her lips. “I assumed you knew. Most folks around here do. Listen, it's sort of like... You know, you assume people know some names by default.”
    Unless she was talking about Santa Clause, then no, I didn't know many names by 'default.' “Spill it. Who is he?”
    Pouring out the last of the bottle, Veronica tapped the rim of her drink in thought. “He's majorly rich, but that's not how I know of him. Seth Hart is one of the biggest financial contributors to CCFA, and I work with a lot of people from there in this industry.”
    “CCFA.” My heart skipped. “The California College of Fine Arts!?”
    “Yeah, that's right. Why do you look so pale?”
    Touching my cheek, I tried to slow down my brain. My thoughts were buzzing. “That's—that's the college I've been trying to get into.”
    Veronica gaped at me. “I'm trying to be relaxed here, for your sake. But that's an insane coincidence, Naomi. Like, extremely insane.”
    Hanging my head, I breathed out loudly. The scent of the alcohol was bothering me, making my stomach ripple with sourness. “I know it is.”
    Is this just a coincidence? Fate?
    What does it mean?
    “No,” Veronica said. “You don't. Here, this is the part I was waiting to give up.” Digging into her pocket, she pulled out a crinkled card, offering it like it might bite. I reached for it just as reluctantly.
    Turning it over, I realized it was a business card.
    “Why did he give you this?” I asked.
    “He wanted me to tell you to call him, he... he wanted to know if you took commissions.” Veronica hesitated, biting her lip. “I said I wasn't sure. He insisted I give you that, so you could reach him.”
    I had a strong urge to throw the card away, but part of me was intrigued. “How long did you guys talk for?”
    “Not long. I was busy, and he pretty much just handed me the bidding form and a blank check.” She laughed, shaking her head in disbelief. “You understand how much money you made tonight, right?” Veronica searched my dazed eyes, her tone softer. “You don't need to take his personal commission for more cash, is my point.”
    I was still staring at the card. “Money aside, this guy might be my in. He'd be able to help me get past admissions at the college, if he has as much pull as it sounds.”
    What would he want from me, though, in exchange?
    Is this really about my art?
    Veronica grabbed the empty bottle, standing with a groan as she cracked her back. “Well, this gallery is going to be done, now. Your stuff will stay up for the month, but you don't need to come here, since it's all sold. I can cut you your share, and then.” The wine bottle crashed loudly into the trash. “Then, I guess you can do whatever you like.”
    Tucking the business card into my pocket, I stood as well, lost in my own head.
    “Naomi.”
    “Yeah?” I looked up to find the worried face of my new friend. How fast, but yes, we did become friends.
    “Just remember, you don't need to call him. You don't need to do anything, alright?”
    Can I really just do nothing? I wondered.
    Frowning, I took one more look around the room, finally ending on the large piece, the one Seth had walked in on me painting last night.
    My mind was a blur, considering all my options. There was potential in this venture for the one thing I really wanted.
    It's another