Page 105 of If You Give an Artist a Killer Muse

I frown. “Do you care who buys them?”

His brows furrow as he licks the saltiness from the fries on his lips. I want to grab his face to lick his lips for him.

Jesus. Calm down, girl.

“I mean,” He shrugs again. Almost shyly. Jesus, he’s so fucking cute. “I would love to meet anyone who supports my work.”

I sigh, contemplating his words. Would he feel weird around me if I told him I bought all his paintings? We didn’t exactly have a good relationship back then.

Not that what we have is any better, but it’s something.

“Well then,” I clear my throat and grin at him. Rurik looks at my mouth briefly before his eyes narrow when I hold my hand. “Hi! I’m Briar. I bought your paintings from your last showcase.”

Rurik stares at my hand and blinks.

“What the fuck, Briar.” It wasn’t a question, more like a statement.

My grin only widens as I wave my hand like a little pest. “What?”

To my surprise, he slowly takes my hand and shakes it once. “It was you?”

“Me, as in the person who bought all your paintings? Guilty as charged,” I say, wrapping my fingers around his despite his attempts to free himself. “Only your paintings, though. Unfortunately, I don’t have enough space in my apartment for everything else.”

But Rurik stares at our intertwined hands, and his Adam’s apple bobs up and down from how hard he's swallowing.

“Thank you,” He whispers, his voice strained. “Uh, thanks.”

“Thank you for sharing your talent with the world, angel,” I say, lifting his hand to kiss the back before releasing it in case he spontaneously combusts from the attention.

“Can I ask why?” He tucks his hand under his legs as if afraid of touching something.

“What kind of question is that? I saw some beautiful paintings, so I bought them.”

“Oh.”

“You’re so cute, Rurik.”

“Don’t.”

“Wanna get out of here so you can be reunited with your glorious paintings?” I wiggle my eyebrows playfully. “They’re scattered all over my apartment. I’d love to give you a tour.”

Rurik swallows hard, his expression uncertain. “Uh…”

“After you give me a tour of you,” I add with a suggestive wink. “Preferably naked.”

Rurik’s eyes flash, but he scowls. “It’s too late to deal with your shit, Briar.”

“Then come over, and I'll tuck you into my nice, warm, comfy bed.” I purr, sipping on my drink like a damn lady.

“Damn it, Briar,” Rurik groans, closing his eyes as he rubs his face. He looks so done with me that I almost feel bad.

Almost.

After a few moments of him muttering to himself and cursing under his breath, he lowers his hand from his face, his expression one of defeat.

I feel a surge of hope as his gaze meets mine. Those captivating blue eyes reflect a mix of fear, curiosity, and, most significantly, desire. It simmers just beneath the surface of his irritated demeanor.

My face breaks into a stupid grin.

---