Page 25 of Sinful Skulls
“I’ll see you Monday then?”
He nods, giving me a smile. “Sure.”
“Bye.”
“Goodbye, Daisy.”
As I’m passing through the living room, I pause, staring at the couch. My eyes lift to the easel pushed into the corner of the room. I know it’s not polite to look at another artist’s work before they’re ready to show it, but …
My feet carry me softly across the space, and I slide between the wall and the easel. The air instantly leaves my lungs.
Oh my god.
My hand flies to my mouth to stifle my scream.What the fuck is this?
It’s me. It’s fucking me! That’s what it is.
I take a deep breath. I’ve got to get out of here.
As I’m sliding out, Henry walks into the room while drying his hands on a towel. I freeze, praying he doesn’t see me. He doesn’t glance in my direction as he walks to the front door and locks it.
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.
“Do you like it?” he asks, facing the front door.
I want to cry out, but no one would hear me.
He rests an arm on the wood frame and turns to look at me. “Do you like it?” he repeats.
“I’m, I’m naked,” I accuse, my voice cracking.
“I’m an artist. Don’t flatter yourself.”
“I was unconscious, Henry. You didn’t have my permission to undress me.”
“Is that your biggest concern with it?”
My eyes slide back to the painting. His statement just confirmed my fears. That’s not red paint.
“I’m not sure what you mean,” I say, struggling to steady my voice.
“Come.” He holds his hand out to me.
My gaze snaps to his.
“Would you like to finally see your father’s art?”
No. Please no.
“Take my hand, and I will show you. Soon, it will all make sense.”
I doubt that.
He walks toward me and grabs my hand, giving me no choice. I let him drag me up the stairs, looking over my shoulder at the slowly disappearing front door. We can all agree this might be my stupidest moment yet.
There’s a padlock on the outside of the door where we stop. He lets go of my hand to unlock it, and then he gently pushes me through. I tremble in the dark until he turns on the lights.
“Go on.” He holds his hand out, gesturing for me to peruse his private art gallery. The room is huge, and the walls are painted black. Each display is lit individually.
