Page 15 of If You Give an Artist a Killer Muse

Inhale.

One. Two. Three.

Exhale.

One. Two. Three.

I feel my shoulders drop as I force my body to relax and my heart to chill the hell out.

“Are you okay?”

No.

My eyes snap open, and Briar’s concerned gaze meets mine. She slides a glass of ice water toward me. “You’re looking a bit pale, angel. Drink some water.”

I glare at the offered glass. Am I supposed to trust that this psycho didn’t slip something into it? No way. Without another glance, I walk away.

Moments later, an arm snakes around my waist. I try to break free and turn to shout at her to get her filthy hands off me, but I make the mistake of inhaling first.

Immediately, I’m surrounded by the intoxicating blend of mixed berries, dark chocolate, and a hint of jasmine.

Shit.

Briar wraps her other hand around my neck and yanks me down to her level.

“That’s probably the fifth time you’ve walked away from me, Rurik,” she whispers against my ear. I fight the urge to shudder as her breath tickled my skin. “As much as I appreciate the view of that delectable ass of yours, it’s rude to walk away while I’m still talking.”

What the hell?

“Then quit talking to me.” I snap back, trying to remove her grip from my neck.

From an outsider's view, they probably think we’re locked in some intimate embrace.

I can’t have that.

“Why?” Briar asks with a grin. “I want to hear your voice.”

“Let go of me, Briar.”

“Ooh, yes. Say my name again. Your accent is so sexy.”

I sputter, trying to comprehend the audacity of this woman.

“Don’t stop,” She murmurs, her voice dripping like smooth honey. “Keep talking, please.”

“Get your hands off of me, Briar. I mean it.”

“Call me lass next.”

“Are you completely oblivious to social cues? Are you seriously stupid or intentionally aggravating?”

“Now you’re just flattering me.”

“Fuck you!”

“I was hoping to wine and dine you first, but sure, yeah.”

The heat of her hand sears my neck. Thankfully, she lets go, and I step back, extending my right hand to maintain some distance.

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