Page 23 of Sinful Skulls
His words slow the beat of my heart. He’s not judging the woman in the painting. Henry is reading her mind.
“If you would have painted her simply giving in to the pleasure, it would have turned out like any other piece of exotic art. If you would have painted it with her winning the fight and not enjoying what was being done to her, that would bore the viewer.” He turns to look at me, and I swallow hard. “But this,” he points with two fingers, “this is real. It’s raw. It’sreflection.This is how masterpieces are created.”
He walks toward me and places his hand on my shoulder. “The stuff you’ve been sharing with the world is mediocre at best, and I don’t say that to be mean. It’s only mediocre because it isn’t you. It’s not coming from here.” He presses his hand to my chest.
I don’t know what to say. I’m in shock.
“If you’d like to explore your art in greater depth, meet me again tomorrow.”
Chapter Ten
Daisy
I’m practically a zombie by the time supper rolls around the next day. After we eat, Henry insists I lie down on his couch to get some sleep.
“You’re exhausted. Get some rest.”
“I’m okay.”
“Please. I understand finding out you’re adopted has turned your world upside down. You haven’t been staying up all night overthinking, have you?”
A sigh escapes my lips. It’s nice that he noticed. “I’m trying not to.”
He covers me up with a soft blanket. “Maybe you’ll have an easier time sleeping here since you’re with family.”
Maybe. I focus on the ticking of the grandfather clock across from me. My eyes grow heavier and heavier until I fall asleep.
When I wake, I find him sitting in a chair, facing me with an easel between us.
He doesn’t notice I’m awake at first. His attention is on the tip of his brush, but when it returns to me, his hand pauses midair. “You’re awake.”
I sit up, rubbing my eyes. “What time is it?”
“Almost midnight.”
“Oh, shoot. I’m sorry I slept so long. I should get going.” I hurry to stand, and he jumps up to steady me by my elbow.
“You must have been tired.”
“I was. Thank you for letting me borrow your couch. It was really comfy.”
He smiles. “My house is your house. It’s late. I’ll walk you back to campus.”
The next few days go much the same. I find myself wide awake at night and then passing out on his couch each evening.
“I really need to get my days and nights straightened around,” I joke.
He holds the lobby door to the dormitory open. “I’m just glad you feel comfortable enough to sleep around me. At least you’re getting some rest.”
“Thank you for supper, and for walking me home … again.” I laugh lightly, rubbing my temple. “Goodnight.”
“Goodnight, Daisy. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
The minute I step into my room, Carly tosses a pillow my direction. “Bitch, you’re so fucking lucky. Please tell me you’re fucking him.”
“Who? Henry?” I ask, dropping my bag to my bed.
“Henry? Oh my god, youarefucking him.”
