Definitely not most people.
Mina’s capable hands were shaking. She couldn’t believe he wanted her to curate the display. She’d never managed anything that large. An exhibit? Sure. Two? Maybe. But an entire collection? No way. Dr. Peabody expected her reaction, though, and jumped in to save her.
“Of course she’ll have a team to help her,” he said, smiling broadly, and patting her shoulder soothingly, “but as you requested she will be the curator in charge. She will have the final say in all of the arrangements, and will be your main point of contact with the museum.” He turned his proud smile on Mina. “From the time they first joined the Oppen, Mina and Ivy have been my hardest workers. Between the two of them I’m positive that you’ll have everything exactly the way you want it.”
Ivy gasped when her name was included and Mina’s eyes flew to hers. A collection like this could make Ivy’s career. She’d been working through the ranks, repairing, organizing, archiving… anything and everything that was asked of her. She’d never put anything ahead of her work. She’d gotten her doctorate at twenty-eight, and it was clear that she was going to make a name for herself one day. The Genovese Collection, though, would make sure that day came sooner rather than later.
Mina shook her head, stunned. She had no idea what Marco was playing at, but if there was any chance he actually intended to allow his family’s artifacts to be cataloged and displayed, Mina had no choice but to play along, if only for Ivy’s sake.
She looked at the man dominating the room and shivered again. Just for Ivy’s sake, she thought. I’m not going to let him make a fool of me, though.
“I’m flattered,” she said, meeting Marco’s eyes with a challenge of her own, “and I’d love to manage this exhibit for you, but I must point out that there are other people—more qualified people—who could fulfill your needs better than I can.”
Mina watched closely to see if he recognized her underlying meaning, and she wasn’t disappointed. Marco Genovese was many things, but slow on the uptake was not one of them. He cocked an eyebrow at her, his face a study of patience and polite interest.
“Perhaps there are more experienced people available,” he said blandly, “but it was your passion for the subject, your willingness to stretch your boundaries, that I believe makes you the perfect candidate for this position.”
Mina’s cheeks burned. Her lack of experience was what landed her in Marco Genovese’s bed in the first place, and he’d definitely spent the majority of that night stretching her boundaries.
“Your confidence is overwhelming,” she said through clenched teeth. “I promise: Dr. Fielding, Dr. Peabody, and I will do everything we can to make sure that you are satisfied with the exhibit.” Ivy smiled, her face actually peeking out from behind her curtain of hair. Dr. Peabody beamed with pride, nodding and making little noises of agreement, and Mina knew she was well and truly stuck. She couldn’t back out now, even if she wanted to.
Not that you want to, a little voice said. Her night with Marco Genovese had been everything she could ask for—excitement and passion and romantic murmurings in the dark. Those incredible fingers slid over every inch of her body, exploring slowly—so slowly—that she thought they must be finding the nooks and crannies in her soul. Marco learned the spots that made her whimper in ecstasy, and the rhythms that made her scream as she orgasmed over, and over, until she collapsed like a rag doll in his arms. Even then he didn’t stop. He petted her and kissed her, whispering mysterious nothings in the rolling accents of his native tongue until sleep claimed them. It was everything she’d ever dreamed of, but the knowledge that it was temporary—it could be taken from her at any time—was more than she could bear. It was better to end it on her terms; so, she did.
Or so she thought.
Dark eyes followed her every move. His face was still a mask of polite interest, but his eyes were hard. His presence at the museum made it clear that her terms hadn’t suited him, and he wasn’t a man accustomed to disappointment. She could feel his eyes as they traveled over her, and her skin tingled in response. Her cheeks were flushed, her pulse fluttering in her throat, and she shifted in embarrassment as she felt her nipples harden under his gaze as if it was a physical touch.
Marco’s face barely changed, but Mina could see the satisfaction there. He was pleased at her reaction, pleased that he could trigger such a response without ever raising a finger.
“I am so glad to hear you say so,” he said. “This project has consumed me over the past few days, and I am looking forward to proceeding as quickly as possible.” He turned, breaking their gaze, and focused on Dr. Peabody.