Page 75 of Reveal Me
‘It’s the laying yourself bare that draws people in. That’s true intimacy.’ I reach out to cup her face, brushing a thumb over her lower lip. ‘I want to see them. I want to know every piece of your soul. Lay it bare for me, the way I’ve laid mine bare to you. I already know they’re going to be exquisite. They come from you; they could never be anything else.’
‘Very well.’ She knocks back her drink. I do the same. ‘I hope you’re not underwhelmed after all of this. My parents think I should spend my time pursuing other interests. But art is the only way I know how to express myself.’ She shrugs.
‘Which is exactly why I need to see it.’ If I can see how she views the world, perhaps then I can work out a way to give her everything her heart desires. If she’s really stepping down to live an ordinary life with me—I need to ensure it’s extraordinary. I want to give her all the happiness she’s been denied.
‘I should warn you, I’m no Van Gough.’
‘Van Gough was crazy.’ I follow her across the room, placing my empty glass on the table as I pass it.
‘Aren’t we all?’ She glances over her shoulder at me.
‘Maybe.’ I shrug. ‘Though, I keep my crazy well under control.’
‘Like this afternoon?’ She teases.
She has a point. I’m not sure what was crazier, barging in on her afternoon tea with Finegan, touching her in her own drawing room where any of the staff could have walked in, or agreeing to stay for dinner when clearly it will get back to her family. Yep, I’m definitely losing it.
I follow her through the huge wide corridors, taking in the majestic décor; gilded portraits, crystal chandeliers, and enough candles to stock a factory. We pass by several members of staff, all who bow or curtsey for the princess. It’s a stark reminder of who she is. Who her family are. The power that they wield. They’re not going to let her go easily, but I’ll fight for her, harder than I’ve ever fought for anything. Because I love her, more than I’ve ever loved anything or anyone.
We reach the far end of the building, and she pauses outside a doorway. ‘Promise you won’t laugh, okay?’
‘As if I’d laugh at you.’
Vulnerability flashes through her chocolate eyes for a split second.I place my hand on the base of her spine. ‘Don’t you think I felt vulnerable sharing my space at Reveal? It is the essence of who I am beneath the mask. The things I orchestrate down there are the way I express myself. It’s different, but it’s also the same.’
Understanding flashes through her eyes. She touches my forearm, conveying something words can’t, then pushes the door open.
I follow her into a bright airy room with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the grounds. Several canvases dot the edge of the room, some finished, some unfinished. Discarded overalls hang on the back of a chair to the left of the room, alongside a selection of brushes and paints. What really draws my attention is a giant canvas punctuating the centre of the room on an easel.
It beckons me over, demanding my attention. Swirls of crimson bleed into black, creating a shadow unfolding like a secret. It’s dark and discreet, and if I hadn’t been part of the scene itself, I’d never see the truth to the sweeping curves that subtly portray arched backs, and bodies that are entwined and writhing. Sensuality screams from every stroke. It’s by far the most erotic art I’ve ever seen. I need it for my bedroom.
A low whistle escapes from my mouth. ‘Wow. This is exquisite.’ I trace a finger tentatively over the spot where the two dark forms are joined.
The princess stands beside me; her arm brushes against mine. ‘Do you see it?’
‘I see it. I see us. And I see you.’ Not just in the painting, but in her portrayal of the scene. The boldness of the colours. The bleeding of one form into the other. The unapologetic desire pulsing from the picture. I swallow, drinking it all in. ‘And I feel it.’ I grab her hand and place it over my heart.
She stares up at me from under thick dark lashes. They sweep across her cheekbones as she exhales a sigh of yearning. The painting reflects every part of her personality—her depth, her sensuality, and exactly how suppressed she is by this life that she’s living. I need to get her out of here. Not just for my sake, but for hers.
‘I want to buy it.’
‘It’s not for sale.’
‘Everything’s for sale for the right price.’
‘Even my freedom?’ She cocks her head to the side.
‘Even your freedom–though the currency is rather different.’
‘How are we going to make this work?’ She exhales heavily. ‘I’ll have to find a job. A home.’
‘Move in with me. We’ll deal with everything together.’
She sighs. ‘As much as I love the idea of living with you, Ipoint blank refuse to go from being dependent on the crown, to being dependent on you.’
‘Stubborn woman.’ I brush a thumb over her lips. ‘Don’t you realise I’m equally as dependent on you—just in a different way. I want to be with you all day, every day. I want to take you out, show you the world, spoil you the way you deserve. I’m going to marry you, Layla—public revolt or not. Fuck them. Everything I have will be yours then anyway.’
Her eyes well with tears. ‘I’ll step down. As soon as Sabrina’s wedding is over. But we have to find a way for me to work. I have a degree in arts, but who will hire me when I’m the star of yet another scandal?’
