Page 42 of Arrogant Playboy

I step forward and touch one of the works, the bright red paint and long strokes across the canvas catching my attention. I can see her pain, her anger, and her fear in the paintings.

“Emily, these are …” I’m unable to talk because they are so beautifully broken and raw. My heart breaks knowing why they are so hauntingly good. “May I?” I ask, taking out my cell. She gives me a nod as I take a couple of photos of her work. “These are spectacular.” I run my hand over them as I notice one that isn’t as angry or violent. It’s an image of a couple embracing and making love with every twist and turn of the couple with their lovemaking on show. I stare at this painting because itcould be Rosie and me and everything we’ve been through. “He’d love this,” I say, tapping the image. Louis needs to see this to remember that what they had together was beautiful before the devil came and destroyed it.

“Take it,” Emily says.

What? I turn and look at her. “You’re giving me this?”

She picks up the artwork and gives it to me. “Give it to him. If it helps him move on,” she says.

Fuck, this is going to devastate Louis. “He’ll love it,” I say, taking the canvas from her. “You’ll think about my request?”

“I don’t know.”

“The event is in less than a month. If you want to do this, I can help you. Anything you need, I can help,” I tell her.

“I’ll think about it.”

Guess that is all I can hope for. I’ve gotten further than I thought I would have by making it through the door. “Don’t be a stranger. No matter what your answer is, no matter your relationship with Louis, know we’re friends. Okay?”

“Thank you,” she says and then gives me a hug, surprising me as she starts to cry.

“Hey.” I stare down at her shaking in my arms. “Emily, are you okay?” She shakes her head, and I pull her closer. “Let it out. You’re safe now. Just let it out,” I whisper to her, and she does.

17

ROSIE

“You’re back from Dubai,” I say, popping my head into Ivy’s office.

“Yes, come sit down, close the door behind you,” she says, so, I do.

“How was it? I bet you had the best time. I saw your photos on your socials, it looks magical.”

“The place is amazing. The level of opulence and innovation is mind-blowing. The meeting went well, and I think we can come to an arrangement. They are aiming for the office to be open in months not years. Things work quickly in Dubai.”

Oh, wow that is fast.

“I know a lot has happened in a short time with you personally and you probably haven’t thought much about what we spoke about before I left. But have you had a chance to think about Dubai?”

“It does sound exciting …”

“But your mind has been elsewhere.” I nod. “How is everything then?”

“Emily is doing so much better.”

“And how are you?”

“I’m doing good,” I answer.

“I’m here if you need anything. I mean it, please don’t be shy my door is always open.” I nod. “I just heard that you’re working on the Kent house for Daniel.”

I swallow. “Yes, I am.” My palms start to sweat as I try and remain as neutral as I can regarding him.

“It looks like such a gorgeous house. I think you’re the perfect person for the job. He mentioned how much he liked the Suffolk house.”

“Yeah, we’ve gone over some concepts. I haven’t had a chance to get down there with everything that’s been going on.”

“Don’t think it’s been Daniel’s priority either. I’m sure the project will be full steam ahead when he gets back from New York.” Ivy smiles.

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