“Flynn,” Lady Cecelia greeted, stepping into the tiny flat. Her pretty mouth made a predictable moue of distaste at the small confines before she smiled at the sight of his trunks. “Thank God. You’re finally moving. It’s about time. I’ve always told you that these rooms are beneath you.”

Flynn didn’t budge from the door, as baffled as he was repelled at her presence. “What do you want?”

Cecelia fluttered her lashes and sauntered back in his direction. “That’s not much of a welcome for an old friend, Flynn.” She reached out an expensively gloved hand and stroked his forearm.

Flynn stepped back. “We are not friends.”

Her eyes narrowed slightly before they widened again. “Don’t be like this, Flynn. We both know that we were quite spectacular together.” She advanced another step closer. “We could be again,” she breathed.

“I’m sure your Italian count might have an opinion on that,” he said coldly. “Good day, my lady.” He held the door a little wider.

“That Italian does not possess half the skill you do,” she purred, seemingly undaunted by his rudeness. “In the studio or otherwise.” Her sooty lashes were fluttering again. “I admit, I should never have let you go.”

“You didn’t let me go, Cecelia. I left.”

She waved her hand as if she hadn’t heard him. “I always knew you were destined for great things, Flynn.”

“Well, right now, I am destined for Italy. And I need to finish packing. Goodbye.”

She blinked, this time in what looked like genuine surprise. “Italy? What are you thinking?”

“That Italy is far away from London.” And you, he refrained from adding.

“But you can’t leave. Not now.”

Flynn was hanging on to his patience by a thread. “Watch me.”

“But you’re famous. Together, we’ll be feted like royalty.”

“I can assure you, Cecelia, that I am no more famous now than I was a year ago. Just a whole lot smarter.”

She was shaking her head. “Now is not the time to be humble, Flynn,” she snapped. “Not when you have princes offering patronage. Now is the time for you to embrace your celebrity.” She preened slightly. “And I will be there at your side every step of the way.”

Flynn was frowning. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. And I certainly don’t need you anywhere, least of all at my side.”

Cecelia laughed, and it wasn’t a pretty sound. “Come now, Flynn. Start acting like a gentleman and not an ignorant urchin from the stews. Your exhibit that’s opening at the academy this afternoon will only get you so far—”

“I beg your pardon?” Flynn felt himself go hot and cold all at the same time.