Page 27 of His to Possess
Rex leaned back, his demeanor shifting instantly. The heat between us cooled, and I was left feeling slightly off balance.With a casual gesture, he signaled the server to clear our plates and bring dessert. The abrupt change in atmosphere left me reeling.
"I've made some modifications to the weekend schedule," Rex announced, his tone businesslike. "We'll be attending an event."
I tensed immediately. "I thought we agreed I wouldn't be seen publicly with you."
Rex remained unfazed by my protest. "You'll be there in a consulting capacity. It's for my friend's vernissage. Luka Byron."
My mouth fell open. For a second, I couldn't say a word—I was frozen, trying to make sense of what I'd just heard. I must've misunderstood him, because there was no way this could be real. Luka Byron was one of the most captivating painters of our era, and just as elusive. Having the chance to work with him would have been a rare and priceless opportunity. I stood there, staring at him, still trying to wrap my head around it, before I finally realized I could speak again. "Your friend is Luka Byron?" I finally managed to stammer. "The elusive and famous painter? The abstract master that never attends his exhibitions?"
A small, knowing smile played on Rex's lips. "Indeed, Luka is my friend. One of the very few, actually."
I was still struggling to grasp this revelation. Luka Byron was a legend in the art world, but he was difficult to reach. He also only exhibited in a select few galleries, which made those shows that much more valuable.
"I can't promise Luka will be there in person," Rex continued, as if reading my thoughts. "But I know for a fact he's worked his ass off for this vernissage. The pieces he's presenting are outstanding."
My mind was racing with possibilities. Despite my reservations about being seen with Rex, the chance to view Byron's work before anyone else was incredibly tempting. I triedto keep my excitement in check, but I could feel my resolve weakening.
"That's settled then."
I took a sip of wine. I knew I didn't have any say in this, but for once, I didn't mind. After all, it was difficult to conceal my excitement, so I was desperate for a distraction. "And what exactly will my 'consulting capacity' entail?"
Rex's eyes narrowed slightly, catching my tone. "You'll be there to provide your expert opinion on Byron's new works. It's an opportunity to showcase your knowledge and potentially make valuable connections."
"And what about discretion?" I pressed. "Won't people wonder why I'm suddenly in your company?"
A small, enigmatic smile played on Rex's lips. "Leave that to me. I assure you, your professional reputation will remain intact. There's nothing for you to worry about." He spoke with such conviction that it involuntarily made my shoulders relax ever so slightly.
I watched as Rex stood, his eyes flicking to his watch. The gesture was casual, but I knew its significance. During our conversation, the remaining courses had continued, but I was barely paying attention to them, and now dinner was over. My heart rate quickened as I realized what came next.
"Shall we retire?" Rex asked, his voice low and smooth.
I nodded, unable to trust my voice. As I rose from my chair, I was acutely aware of the lingerie beneath my dress, of the way the garter belt hugged my waist. Rex's eyes followed me as I moved, and I felt like prey being stalked by a predator.
Chapter 12
Laurel
As we left the dining room, Rex’s hand rested gently on the small of my back, guiding me down the hall. I felt the soft brush of his fingers even through the fabric of my dress.
Without a word, he led me into his bedroom, and I took in my surroundings with curiosity and trepidation. I had half-expected something ostentatious, maybe a little decadent, but the room was surprisingly understated. Elegant, with clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic. The only notable decoration was the Volkov painting, which hung proudly on the wall opposite the bed. I found myself drawn to it, feeling a sense of comfort and nervousness as I approached.
Rex stepped up behind me, his presence filling the space between us with unspoken tension. I sensed him more than I felt him, his warmth radiating against my back. He didn’t touch me; he didn’t need to. His proximity was enough to make my breath quicken. My body tensed as I attempted to keep my composure.Men like Rex were cocky; the last thing I needed to do was to feed into it by showing him the way he already affected me.
“The Veiled Maiden.” His voice was like a caress as he spoke of the painting. “There’s something irresistible about her, don’t you think?”
I stared at the painting, at the veiled woman’s face, and I understood her abandonment and submission. I felt my own resistance weakening, like the maiden, exposed and vulnerable. I wonderedwhyhe had been so drawn to the painting. With the kind of wealth he possessed, he could easily purchase any painting in this world he wanted. Yet, this was what he had chosen. This was his fixation.
Rex’s breath tickled my ear as he continued, his voice a sinful purr. “I wonder what it would be like to uncover her. To see what she hides beneath that veil.”
His words were a blatant innuendo, and my cheeks flushed at the implication. He was toying with me, enjoying the game. But that knowledge did nothing to dampen my response.
“Her expression,” he whispered, his lips brushing my ear. “It’s as if she’s offering herself up. Waiting to be unveiled, inch by inch. Wouldn’t you agree?”
I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly dry. My body thrummed with awareness, every nerve ending alive and tingling. I was keenly aware of the fact that I was standing before a masterpiece, but it was Rex who captivated me.
It took me a moment to regain my ability to speak once more. I gave a weak nod, unsure of what to say to him. “I suppose so.”
“Do you know what I find most captivating about her?” His lips curved into a wicked smile, and his fingers ghosted lightly over my shoulder. “It’s that hint of rebellion in her eyes. The way she surrenders herself, yet still dares to challenge.”
