Dragging a hand through his hair, he considered his options. He could go to bed and will himself to sleep. He could call her and satisfy himself with the sound of her voice. Or he could go uptown and beat on her door until she let him in.

He grinned, liking the third choice best. Snatching up a shirt, he tugged it on as he headed for the door. Sydney gave a surprised gasp as he yanked it open just as her hand was poised to knock.

“Oh. What instincts.” She pressed the hand to her heart. “I’m sorry to come by so late, but I saw your light was on, so I—”

He didn’t let her finish, but pulled her inside and held her until she wondered her ribs didn’t crack. “I was coming for you,” he muttered.

“Coming for me? I just left the restaurant.”

“I wanted you. I wanted to—” He broke off and snapped her back. “It’s after midnight. What are you doing coming all the way downtown after midnight?”

“For heaven’s sake—”

“It’s not safe for a woman alone.”

“I was perfectly safe.”

He shook his head, cupping her chin. “Next time, you call. I’ll come to you.” Then his eyes narrowed. An artist’s eyes, a lover’s eyes saw beyond carefully repaired makeup. “You’ve been crying.”

There was such fury in the accusation, she had to laugh. “No, not really. Mother got a bit emotional, and there was a chain reaction.”

“I thought you said you’d made up with her.”

“I did. I have. At least I think we’ve come to a better understanding.”

He smiled a little, tracing a finger over Sydney’s lips. “She does not approve of me for her daughter.”

“That’s not really the problem. I’m afraid she’s feeling a little worn down. She had her plans blow up in her face tonight.”

“You’ll tell me.”

“Yes.” She walked over, intending to collapse on his badly sprung couch. But she saw the bust. Slowly she moved closer to study it. When she spoke, her voice was low and thick. “You have an incredible talent.”

“I carve what I see, what I know, what I feel.”

“Is this how you see me?”

“It’s how you are.” He laid his hands lightly on her shoulders. “For me.”

Then she was beautiful for him, Sydney thought. And she was trembling with life and love, for him. “I didn’t even pose for you.”

“You will.” He brushed his lips over her hair. “Talk to me.”

“When I met Mother at the restaurant, Channing was with her.”

Over Sydney’s head, Mikhail’s eyes darkened dangerously. “The banker with the silk suits. You let him kiss you before you let me.”