Page 16 of The Man in the Painting

“Please make it quick...sir,” she adds as an afterthought. “I’ve got to start work for the day.”

I incline my head to study her face, compelled by the hint of defiance in those big blue eyes of hers.

“My name is Abram Harden,” I say. “I’m an art dealer, and I own a few galleries. I’m also an artist, but I haven’t painted anything in a while. Let’s say I lost the zeal that I used to have for my craft. However, like you...I’m in a bit of a pickle where I have to come up with a new art series by the end of the month. Therefore, I want you to be my muse.”

“Me?” she asks, looking at me like I’d suddenly grown horns.

I shrug in reply. “Yes, you. Melody. I want you.”

Her cheeks go red again, and she drops her eyes for a second.

God, she’s so beautiful.

“I want to paint you in different forms,” I continue softly, hoping she won’t reject my offer. “It’s going be a series of three.”

“But...But I’m not a model or anything close,” she says, shaking her head like she can’t comprehend the concept of posing to be painted. “I don’t even have a model figure. I’m fat and….”

“You’re just perfect,” I interrupt gently. “You’re everything I need for my unveiling.”

She holds my gaze, searching my eyes as if to reveal my true intentions.

“Can I think about your offer?” she finally asks after a few seconds of tense silence.

“Of course,” I reply with a nod. “You have till the end of the day.”

“Tonight?” she asks.

I nod again. “Yes. If you return here tonight after work, I’ll take that as a yes.”

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