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sounds, staring intently at various aspects of the exhibit, enjoying the background music that played tunes that would have been popular at the time, and the open bar that flowed in the corner not only made this an incredibly enticing scene, they made it a perfect one. Lacey had outdone herself with this exhibit opening.
    She herself stood at the center of all the high energy, beautifully dressed up for the occasion. Lacey wasn't one of those women who was completely self obsessed, always wearing the latest fashions. Yet although she was careful to downplay her assets during regular work hours, she apparently had had no problems dressing up tonight to show off her curves—as he'd requested. Tonight, she about had Sebastian's brain already wrapped in knots. He hadn't even seen her in person yet, as he didn't want to steal her thunder. The second he stepped into the gallery, attention would shift from Lacey to him. Her immediate supervisor had, under Sebastian's casual yet unyielding suggestion, allowed Lacey to spearhead this entire exhibit on her own. Sebastian had trusted her to do a fine job, and she had. He wanted her to get the glory for it that she could. His presence would distract people. He wasn't actually at the Bernal Center all that often, as he was generally too busy running a worldwide corporation to spend much time in any single place—not to mention his relentless pursuit of the last pieces of his scattered gold hoard.
    Of course, during the past year he'd begun to spend more and more time here. Despite his own insistence that women were playthings to be had, enjoyed, and set loose so as to allow the next one to come along, he couldn't deny even to himself that Lacey was in a different class. Deep inside, his dragon rumbled again with that irritating conviction that Lacey was his. That she, and she only, belonged to him.
    That she was his mate.
    Setting his jaw as he battled his own self, Sebastian shook his head. He refused to believe that. But he also knew the reason he was so interested in her was more than the beauty of which she was mostly unaware, and usually kept buttoned up. It was her interest in the same field that fascinated him. It was, yes, her mind, as well as her charm, her wits, and that odd something that just drew him again and again to her.
    His dragon roared again, frustrated and eager to get out. Frowning, Sebastian forced it down. No. Lacey was brilliant, she was intriguing, she wasn't interested in him in that fake, breathless way so many women were, and he always found himself somewhat relaxed around her. Yet for all that, she was a woman. As such, he would never trust her. None of them were to be trusted.
    Then why had he brought her the gift from Madrid?
    Well, damn it. Because he knew that she alone among all women would appreciate it. He also simply wanted her to have it. To be as dazzled by small piece of his own treasure hoard as he was. It was ridiculous, and something he would not admit to anyone else alive. His dragon rumbling with immediate triumph deep inside him, Sebastian reached for the small, beautifully wrapped package on his desk and gently placed it into his jacket pocket. With a final glance at the monitors, he left his office to head downstairs and see the fascinating woman in person.
    And tonight, he vowed, to finally taste her sweet lips.
     
     

Chapter Seven
     
    "Your work ethic and passion for the subject have paid off tonight, Lacey." The voice of Lacey's immediate boss, who stood next to Lacey as they both watched the swirling excitement and enjoyment of the capacity crowd in the room, held admiration and, she was sure, no small amount of relief at the opening's success.
    "Thank you. I'm just thrilled everyone's enjoying it. Honestly, it does help that Mr. Bernal is well known. It's got people pretty excited about this part of California's history. I couldn't have done it without him." Lacey might be a history geek, but she was a geek with dreams and goals.