Page 62 of Mine to Worship

“Artists would die to have a spot in your galleries.” The words rush out of my mouth as if he didn’t know that.

“Thank you.” He looks at a painting behind me and adds, “He is extraordinary, but you… you are something else.”

I blink, open and close my mouth, and Aubrey whispers, “Get a grip.”

My heart gallops in my chest. Emotions overwhelm me. I am afraid I will pass out.

Please let it be what I think it is.

“I made a detour to Las Vegas. Your reappearance has caused quite a stir in the art world. I want your paintings in my galleries.”

My mouth hangs open, and the girls hold my hands.

This is what every artist wants, a spot on Mount Olympus, but my brain has forgotten how to form words.

His full lips tip up in a smile full of understanding.

Andre plucks a business card from his jacket. “Here’s my card. Please call me.”

I take it with trembling fingers when I remember how to speak, and I blurt, “I am pregnant.”

His thick brows furrow.

“Congratulations, but why would that stop you from following your dreams?”

“I don’t know, I thought…”

“A person's life is about juggling responsibilities. Sadly, women are still punished, maybe because they can juggle everything too well,” he says, offers a curt nod, and leaves.

“He’s…” Tara says, tilting her head.

“Sexy as fuck. Hello? You saw what I saw, right? What color were his eyes? Silver? And that black, thick hair. I have never seen a man who oozes so much refinement and elegance,” Aubrey says, fanning herself.

But how can you describe a man that is more of a legend in the flesh? So many stories have circulated over the years about him. No one knows what’s true and what isn’t.

“I heard he has a zoo in a wing of his penthouse,” Tara says.

“And his parties are so private, nothing is taboo,” Aubrey adds.

“What am I going to do?” I ask as the card digs into my palm.

“Follow his advice. Juggle,” Tara says.

Aubrey grabs our hands. “Come on, let's celebrate.”

“I can’t drink,” I remind her.

“Then you can have a non-alcoholic drink.”

I’m still dizzy after the encounter.

Having my paintings in his galleries has been my biggest dream since I was little.

Chapter 24

Kian

After the second beer huddled with my friends in the booth at the back of the bar, my muscles start to relax. I have never been this stressed in my life, and yesterday’s events were stressful.

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