Read Online The Master & the Muses by Amanda McIntyre - Free Book Online

but Thomas is quick on his feet,” William responded, not looking at me.
    I did not understand how William could so easily dismiss what had happened between us. It was not how I believed it should be. I wanted to speak more to him about it, but it would have to wait—Thomas, smiling triumphantly, walked toward us.
    â€œThere we go. I’ve taken care of that.” He gave me a wink.
    â€œMay I ask what you stated in your message, Mr. Rodin?”
    He tucked his arm around my waist and leaned in close. Again, I was assaulted by his exotic, earthy scent.
    â€œCall me Thomas,” he whispered, and placed a hasty kiss on my temple. “I insist.” He wagged his finger at me.
    â€œVery well…Thomas. Again, may I ask what message you sent?” For all of his charismatic charm, I needed to know what he had told my family so I could uphold the lie when I returned home. It was not something I was looking forward to.
    He shrugged. “Simple, really. I told them you were staying in town to help a friend.”
    â€œA friend?” I repeated, seeing my father’s face in my mind as he read the note.
    He opened the pub door and the boisterous sound from inside came spilling out onto the street.
    â€œYes, you do have friends, don’t you, Helen?” he called to me above the din, ushering William and me ahead of him.
    â€œYes, of course—” I started, but the noise drowned out my words. The thick smoky haze caused me to squint. The acrid scent of ale and sweat permeated the air. I held my hand to my nose as I was pushed forward, the crowd catching me in its current. I lost sight of both William and Thomas. I tried not to panic as I stood in the midst of the sea of men, most of them drunk. A hand snaked around my waist and instinctively I batted at it.
    â€œIt’s only me, Helen.” Thomas pressed his mouth near my ear. “Hold tight and stay close. I’ll get us to our table.” He did not let go as we weaved through the crowd. Ahead I saw one of the barmaids, gripping two tankards in one hand. She bumped into Thomas, causing him to stop. He acted surprised at first, then threw his head back and laughed.
    â€œAnnie, you little trollop. How are you?” He released my hand and grabbed her face, kissing her hard on the mouth. With a sly smile, he discreetly tucked a shilling down the front of her low-cut bodice, then he tugged me to his side, clamping his arm around my waist.
    â€œAnnie.” He grinned with pride. “I want you to meet my newest pupil, Helen.”
    The woman looked me over from head to toe, her dark brown eyes snapping in challenge.
    â€œâ€˜Pupil’ is what you call it now? Be mindful, Helen. Thomas surely enjoys his role as teacher.” She kissed his cheek and eyed me again.
    â€œDo you think she has what it takes, Thomas, to be one of us?” she said, as if I did not hear what she was saying, or didn’t care if I did. Regardless, if she was the example of an artist’s model, I did not intend to become like her. Although it seemed my new employer found her most agreeable.
    Thomas’s laughter melded into the roar of the crowd. “Bring us a round, Annie, and some of those oysters. Come, Helen. Pay this wicked wench no mind. She’ll be lucky if she ever sits for me again,” he shouted, but his smile revealed he was teasing.
    â€œWatch out for that one, Helen,” Annie called over her shoulder as she handed the pitchers to the barkeep. “Be sure you know what Thomas will have you sittin’ on!” Thomas reached over and smacked her bum. Her surprise turned to glee as she faced him, plucked her fingers down her cleavage and retrieved his monetary gift. She gave him a sly wink and kept her eye on me as Thomas pulled me toward the back of the pub.
    â€œThomas! Will here says we’ve got us a new stunner,” exclaimed a ruddy-faced man with spectacles perched on his rose-tipped nose.