Page 38 of Sinful Skulls
Eventually we all agree, and she bounces away from us.
“I think you’re in for a treat. Be fucking prepared,” I warn Ash. I’ve seen Daisy’s artwork and it’s spectacular, but I’ve only seen paintings of nature. This will be something new, and I have to say I’m a bit excited.
When the girls step outside, Ash stops breathing. “How did she get prettier?” he asks under his breath.
I watch as Daisy works her magic. I’m nothing short of amazed at how well Lexie is responding to her. When she suggests Ash be in the portrait, I brace myself, sure that Lex is going to take off. She’s a bit of a runner.
Lexie doesn’t run, but she looks uncomfortable, so I decide to head in and start supper. Ash said Jesse has been up here, so I’m sure the fridge and cupboards are full.
Once everything is in the oven, I walk over to take a peek out the windows. My eyes widen at the pose Daisy has my friends in.Fuck, that’s hot. Ash has one hand over Lexie’s throat, the other on her stomach, holding her tight against him.
It makes me question my delicate little flower.
She’s done a lot of talking about how good her family is and how different she is from them. I toss the apple in my hand a few times before taking a bite of it.
I’m close enough to see her canvas. It’s dark, sexy, and completely different from anything I’ve seen her paint.
Something happened in Paris. I understand the shock of finding out you’re adopted, but this is more than that. She ran … all the way back to the States. She gave up studying in the art capital of the world. The only emotion that justifies her behavior is fear. She’s afraid of something.
I want to know what or who scared her, but I know I have to be patient. The important thing is she’s here with me now. That’s how it will remain until I figure out exactly what happened.
Later in the evening, after supper, I ask Daisy if she’d like to go for a walk.
Lexie looks nervous that we’re leaving her alone with Ash, but I think they have some things they need to talk about.
And I know that Daisy and I do.
“Did you like the painting?” she asks quietly, keeping her eyes on the ground.
“It was different.” I keep my answer short and vague on purpose.
Her head tilts back, and she looks up at me. “Like bad different?”
“I didn’t say that. Why are you labeling different as bad?”
“It’s … I guess it’s not.” She sighs and returns to looking at the path ahead of us.
It’s getting dark, and she jumps when a squirrel runs across the path. “Oh my god, I thought that was a bear!”
I chuckle, and she smacks me lightly on the arm.
We continue to walk until we find a place to sit down. “This place is amazing.”
“Maybe we can find something similar to rent. I’ll look online when we get back to the cabin,” I tell her.
Her gaze roams over the darkening mountainside.
“It’s my favorite,” I tell her.
“What?” Her eyes meet mine.
“The portrait of Lexie and Ash. It’s my favorite.”
Her cheeks turn pink, standing out in the fading light of the day. “Really?”
I nod. “Because it came from somewhere in here.” I boldly place my hand between her breasts. You can almost see her thoughts racing round the golden ring of her eyes.
“Well, they all came from there,” she reasons, her eyes held captive by mine.
