She shook her head determinedly. “Not at all, Mr. Everley. Mostly I was curious to know if you brought me in here with the intent to ravish me. Merely asking about any rooms that aren’t crammed with art, so I can check them off my list. Are there any?”

I’d love to ravish you, kitten. Again, I couldn’t help the laugh that escaped me as I indulged in the verbal sparring with the best of the best. It was fun to talk to someone as interesting and witty as her. “Um… probably, yes? There must be a closet or cupboard that doesn’t have any paintings.”

“You don’t sound at all sure about that.” She pursed her lips sexily and snickered at me.

I’m not. This place is a fucking museum. “As much as I’d love to lock the door and drape you over that green chaise over there, and have my depraved way with you, I’m afraid it’ll have to wait, Miss Hargreave. Not when there’s money, contracts, and a non-disclosure still to be sorted. Work must come before pleasure, yes?”

“Oh?” She rolled her lips together and smiled at me. “So, you are a demanding sort of lord then. A real taskmaster when it comes to work?”

I laughed again. “With you, I’m afraid I’ll be even more of a taskmaster than usual. I simply have a great deal of work for you to do, and as I’ve told you before, you’ll be very busy day and night.”

She nodded her head slowly and said softly, “I figured. The contract better make all of this worth my while then.” Then she smiled at me.

“It will, kitten. I’ll make sure.” I stepped toward her and took her hand. I raised it to my lips and kissed, then tugged her over to the green chaise and indicated that she should sit.

She complied perfectly.

“Actually, I didn’t bring you in here to my study to ravish you, although the prospect of doing just that sounds really appealing, I must admit.” I winked. “You have that effect on me, Miss Hargreave, every—single—time.”

“I know,” she said with a devilish little grin.

“I know you know, kitten. You’re very perceptive about everything, but enough of that. I have another purpose in bringing you here, despite your very dirty mind, Miss Hargreave, plus I really wanted you to see one of my favorite rooms. This is where I do my work. I think the best view of the estate is from that big window.” I nodded toward the floor-to-ceiling window that looked out upon miles of green. Hills and dales dotted with sheep framed by sky and the sea beyond. “I thought you might like an invite into my sanctuary. Nobody else has gotten one of those before—in the four years since it’s belonged to me.”

“It’s a stunning view, Ivan, and I’m honored to be your first guest to receive an invitation. The beauty of this place is unforgettable, and I can clearly see why you call it your sanctuary,” she said while studying the view through the window. “Is that a church?” She pointed to the stone chapel and gardens perched into the sloping side of the hill.