Page 207 of If You Give an Artist a Killer Muse

“Briar,” He whispers against my lips.

I open my eyes to see him looking over my shoulder. I turn around and gasp.

Flickering lights — fireflies — dance in the darkness around us. Normally, I freaking hate bugs. But fireflies? They’re just so cool.

Rurik's eyes light up with amusement as he gazes at them. "Looks like the stars decided to join us this time," he jokes, a playful grin tugging at the corner of his lips.

I grin, looking between the fireflies and their glows lighting up Rurik's face. He must feel my eyes on him because he turns to me, reaching out his fingers to gently brush against my cheek as he leans closer and captures my lips again.

We stay like this, kissing in our little slice of paradise with fireflies glowing between us while the sounds of the water rippling and the trees rustling in the background.

I breathe in.

Peace.

I breathe out.

For once in so long, I feel 100% at peace. Despite being surrounded by darkness, Rurik is here, keeping the light on.

We stayed here for a few more hours until I ask, “Ready to drive back home? It’s almost midnight.”

Rurik looks at his watch, “Leave in 15 minutes? I’m really enjoying this.”

“Of course,” I’m enjoying these quiet moments with him too.

I glance up at him and grin when he looks back at me. He raises a brow and… Fuck, can I just tell him I love him already?

No, he’ll freak out.

Rurik squeezes me and kisses the side of my head before getting up.

“Where are you going?” I ask with a playful pout.

He rolls his eyes, a small smile tugging his lips. “Wait here, Briar. I forgot to grab something in the car.”

I stare at his ass as he saunters off. The pants he’s wearing makes his butt look like a peach. I want to bite and squeeze it.

Jesus.

I need to get a grip. I glance up again at the sky and feel peace settling within me again.

I suddenly feel hands covering my eyes, and stiffen, my hand going to my hip, where I keep my small dagger.

“It’s me,” Rurik whispers, kissing my cheek. “I’m going to uncover your eyes, but keep your eyes closed until I say so, okay?”

I relax despite being confused with what’s happening. “Okay.”

He lets go, and I hear rustling.

“Okay. You can open your eyes now.”

“What the…”

Rurik is sitting in front of me, holding a big cupcake with an unlit candle. He grins sheepishly, “I, uh… I may have made a little detour before coming to get you.”

I stare at him. “What…? What is this?”

He clears his throat, then glances at his watch. His gaze remains fixed on it, his lips gradually curving upward with each passing second. Just as I'm about to let my impatience shine through, he breaks into a full grin, swiftly retrieving a lighter from his pocket and using it to ignite the candle.

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