Page 16 of If You Give an Artist a Killer Muse

Then, her face lights up with the brightest smile, her eyes flashes with glee, and she grabs my hand, shaking it enthusiastically.

My jaw drops.

“Is this a redo of our introduction?” Briar asks, grinning like a certified lunatic. “Hi. Hello. It’s nice to officially meet you, Rurik Campbell. My name is Briar Reyes. I’m a new fan of your work. I can’t wait to see what else you can come up with from that gorgeous mind of yours.”

Her grip tightens as I try to pull away again.

“You seriously have issues with touching people,” I growl, ready to slap her hand away without caring who sees.

“Only for you,” She winks, finally letting go.

I tuck my hands inside my pockets and scowl. “Well, quit touching me.”

“But your touch feels so good, angel.”

“Seriously, fuck off before I call security. You’re insane.”

“You’re making me blush.”

I’m going to fucking scream.

“Briar, there you are!”

Now I’m about to scream with relief as Briar turns around to see her friend running toward her with a gleeful look on her face and a satisfied-looking Oscar right behind her.

“Remember when I asked you to paint for my wedding?” Oscar asks me as he stops in front of me.

I raise a brow. “Yeah?”

I glance at Natalie and immediately notice the shiny ring on her finger. I blink and slowly turn to my friend in disbelief.

Oscar nods and chuckles. “I’ll send you the invitation.”

Well, that's fast. But then again, Oscar and Natalie have been doing this push-and-pull thing for months now. It's only a matter of time.

“What?!” Briar squeals, grabbing Natalie as they both jump up and down excitedly. “Holy shit! Nat, you’re getting married!”

“I’m getting married!” Natalie squeaks, staring at her ring. She turns to Oscar, and I can feel my heart burst with just the look he is giving her.

I can’t help but glance at Briar, too. She is looking at them with such adoration that it confuses me. Can crazy, murderous psychopaths feel love?

“Congratulations,” I say to them, seriously happy for them. “I can’t wait to paint for your special day. I promise to capture the perfect moment I know you’ll never want to forget.”

Natalie beams at me before throwing her arms around my neck.

A low grumble reaches my ear, and I glance to my left to see Briar glaring disapprovingly at her friend.

What the actual hell?

Natalie throws Briar a knowing smirk as she releases me, then promptly attaches herself to Oscar, who instinctively wraps a possessive arm around her.

“I hope you don’t mind that I proposed to her during your important day,” Oscar says, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Not at all,” I chuckle. “I’m happy you did.”

As Briar and Natalie continue their conversation, I seize the moment to excuse myself and put some distance between me and the walking migraine.

“I’ll be right back. I just need to go to the bathroom.”

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