Page 15 of The Artist
“I wouldn’t use the word fascinated; disturbed is more like it,” Thor muttered.
My head was hurting from the myriad of thoughts that were running through my brain, most of them relating to how different my life would have been if I’d grown up in Old Europe and had access to sex with a variety of partners.
Again, my gaze fell upon Belle and I wondered how any man could be intimate with someone as sweet as her and not want to keep her to himself.
CHAPTER5
Welcome Reception
Belle
On our second day in the Northlands, their ruler, Khan Aurelius, welcomed us at an official reception where the ruling family came to meet us. Since this was the fourth time the summit was held in the Northlands, we had met all of them before. Through my correspondence with Freya and Aubri over the years, I had learned the names of their family members and felt like I knew them.
Freya’s and Thor’s mother, Pearl, was an intelligent woman who always asked sharp questions and who adored the Motlanders since they were destined to be on the same council where she had once served. She was warm and caring while her husband Khan seemed regal and unapproachable in my eyes.
Then there was Khan’s brother Magni and his wife Laura, who were the parents of Mason and Aubri. They also had Dina, who was seven years younger than the twins and an adopted daughter called Mila who lived in the Motherlands. To be honest I found them all a bit intimidating because they looked like they could snap me in two if they wanted to. Magni was as tall as Mason and had the same sharp jawline and broad shoulders, making them both look like giants.
Indiana’s parents and siblings were also present as they were best friends with the ruling family. His mother, Christina, had been the first Motlander to cross the border and his father, Alexander, had protected her from any harm. Together they had Indiana, Jones, and Samara, whose real name I’d learned was Lara.
Last time we were here, Magni’s oldest son, Solo, had been here with his wife Willow and their children, but not today.
“Are you enjoying yourself?”
I spun to see Aubri walking up behind me. She was wearing a beautiful dress in a shimmering blue color that showed her toned arms and impressive cleavage. The dress reached almost to the floor and had a slit in front that cut more than halfway up her thigh.
“Yes, thank you.” Leaning forward, I pulled at the dress’s slit so I could admire her stilettos. “I love your shoes. I have a pair similar in a bright yellow color.”
“I figured that since you said you were wearing high heels, I could too.”
My lips parted in a smile. “Except I’m wearing heels to avoid neck pain from talking to the giants in your family. With your height, you don’t need heels.”
Aubri laughed and took my hand. Standing next to each other, I reached her chin. “Come on, beautiful. Let me introduce you to Indiana’s younger brother, Jones; he’s been talking about you non-stop.”
I kept a smile on my face as Aubri walked to a young man who resembled Indiana with his dark hair and brown eyes. The biggest difference between the two brothers was that Jones had a stubble while Indiana had a full-grown beard.
“Hi, Jones, look who I brought you.” Aubri’s eyes glinted with mischief.
“Hi.” The tall man seemed shy and stuffed his hands in his pockets.
“Don’t worry, we French don’t take people’s hands in a greeting like the Motlanders,” I assured him.
“Oh, no, it’s fine, I’m just…” Jones screwed up his mouth and looked away.
Aubri laughed and shoved at his shoulder. “Don’t be shy. You’ve been babbling about Belle for the past three and a half years. Now she’s finally here, so talk to her.”
Jones’ cheeks flamed red and his tongue zipped out to lick his lips as if his mouth felt dry. “Don’t listen to her. I haven’t been babbling.”
“I’ll give you two a minute.” Aubri grinned when she walked away, leaving Jones and me alone.
“Do you… ehh… do you remember me?” he asked and had a hard time holding eye contact. “From the last time you were here, I mean.”
“Of course.” I smiled. “You were at the welcome reception the last time too.”
Jones met my eyes for the first time. “We talked. You had that bright pink pant suit on with a large yellow necklace and feathery earrings.” His hands went to his ears. “Do you remember?”
“Vaguely.”
“I asked you if you liked it here and you said that you always enjoyed your weeks in the Northlands.” Jones said it as if our conversation years ago had been of great importance.
