It made sense. Each of the guys were well known for what they did, and it was a fact people traveled from all over the world to have their ink done by one of the Nautilus men.

Wow.

A black car was already in the large gravel drive, and Wes stepped out as I approached, nodding. An older Alpha who’d been with Eva’s security for years, I trusted him with my life. I didn’t think anything bad was going to happen to me here, but the fact they’d encouraged me to bring a backup comfort person only made me feel better.

“I think I’m more nervous than I should be,” I said quietly.

“Nerves are good,” Kade said. “They keep you alert. And besides, would you be nervous if you didn’t want to be here?”

He was right. I was nervous because I did want to be here and a brutal hope was blooming in my chest. Once we went into the house, I was terrified there would be something which would make this fall apart. And I didn’t want it to fall apart.

The dream I’d always had of being loved and courted was so close it didn’t feel real.

“Okay,” I said, managing to take a breath. “Lead the way.” I followed them up the steps and Wes fell in behind me. “How are you, Wes?”

“I’m doing well, Miss Williams. Happy to help.”

“Thanks.”

Luke held the door open, and we all passed through. One glance backward showed me Luke shaking hands with Wes, and my stomach flipped. I remembered the pack of businessmen from a year ago whose home I visited. The farthest I’d gotten up until now. I’d had security with me then too, and they were so offended I would bring him that it ended everything.

They felt insulted by the gesture. So seeing them not only encourage me to bring someone but welcoming them eased some of my nerves.

The inside of the house was both stark and comfortable, though those words didn’t usually go hand in hand. But the clean lines mirrored the ones at Nautilus, combined with dark woods and plush white carpets which ran up the stairs. And here, in the entryway, was another painting.

More chunky paint, this one featuring an ombre gradient from a nearly neon yellow to a purple so deep it was basically black. “You have another one.” The words slipped out before I could stop them.

“You know Elyse Taylor’s work?” Luke stepped up beside me. “I’m a fan. We have a couple of other pieces, along with the one at the studio.”

I flushed hot, suddenly wishing I had more than a bra on under my hoodie so I could take it off. “I do know her work,” I said. “Very well. I can’t believe you have so many of her pieces. It’s…”