Page 27 of The Collector's Temptation

Smiling gently, I crossed over to her and wrapped her in my arms. “Jamais, petite miette. Never.”

She remained stiff in my embrace and raised a single eyebrow.

“When I built this studio, my brother Charles gave me that chaise as a joke,” I informed her with a lopsided smile. “There is a television show we used to watch together, and in one episode, an artist paints one of the characters in his boxers, posed provocatively on a sofa much like this one.”

Kerrigan’s lips curved, and her green pools sparkled with merriment as the tension seeped from her muscles. “I remember that one. The glasses, black socks, and balding head really dialed up the sexy.”

I frowned playfully and tightened my arms around her. “I don’t like hearing you call another man sexy,miette.”

Kerrigan giggled and went up on her toes to place a sweet kiss on my lips. “Don’t worry. You’re the sexiest man I’ve ever known, Aston Couillens. I only see you.”

“Good,” I grunted before taking her mouth in a deep kiss that had us both gasping for breath when we pulled away.

“I’d like to meet your brother someday,” she said with a soft smile. “He sounds like quite the character.”

I rolled my eyes. “That’s one way to describe theconnard. He knew very well that I would never use this. But then, neither of us ever expected you.”

Pink bloomed on her cheeks as she beamed at me.

Dipping my head, I placed a kiss on the apple of each cheek, then ran the tip of my index finger over them, tracing the sun-kissed sprinkles. “I love these.”

She frowned. “My freckles?”

“Mm-hmm. I want to kiss all of them.” My gaze turned hot as I followed their path from her beautiful face to the top of her breasts. “Every single one.”

Kerrigan shivered, and her breathing stuttered.

“But first, I’m going to paint your gorgeous body so I can study the constellations.”

She giggled at my description as I led her over to the chaise.

When I tugged at the sheet, she didn’t let go, her expression turning apprehensive.

“Don’t be shy,belle. Your curves aremagnifique,” I said in a deep, sultry voice. “Absolutely mouthwatering.”

“I’ve never had body issues, so why do I feel so nervous?” she wondered with a self-deprecating laugh.

“Se détendre, Kerrigan. Lie down and relax.”

She inhaled slowly, seeming to draw in courage before dropping the sheet and climbing onto the sofa to settle on her side.

Merde. She was every bit as exquisite as I’d imagined. My cock stood at attention, and my hands itched to feel all of that pale, silky skin. But I fought for control because I didn’t want to risk Kerrigan changing her mind. I’d been dying to paint her since the first moment I laid eyes on her.

“You’ve seen the painting,oui?” I asked, practically croaking from the dryness in my mouth.

She hummed her agreement and raised just enough to support herself on her elbow, then bent her knees slightly.

I picked up the fabric and draped it over her so only her ass and hip were covered. Then she extended her arm out so it was resting on her leg, and I placed a flower in her hand—as opposed to the feather fan the woman in the painting had held.

Standing back, I observed her pose, then made a few slight adjustments. When I was finished, she turned her head to look back at me over her shoulder.

The curve of her torso and position of her arm left a gap between them that showed off the swell of one of her incredible breasts.

“Mon Dieu,” I breathed. “Vous êtes si chaud et magnifique. Je voudrais te baiser.”

“What did you say?” she asked, her green orbs glinting with desire.

“You are gorgeous,” I edited, choosing not to tell her that I’d also said I wanted to fuck her.

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