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“Almost done?” I ask “The sun’s been down for at least five minutes”
Several yards away, Blaine tilts sideways, partially e from behind the canvas I don’t move, but in my peripheral vision, I can see his shoulders, bald head, and shocking red goatee “In ht Now stand still and be quiet”
“No problerowl of irritation atof his rules
Despite the fact that I ae seems perfectly normal I am used to this now Used to the way the chilled ocean breeze causesso deep and passionate into close ht and color
I’ve become blasé about the way Blaine’s eye sweeps critically over er flinch when he leans in so close that he almost brushes le Even his erinto the soft skin of er makes me crazy to hear those simple words
Never in ined that I could feel so at ease despite being so fully on display True, I’d spent eant days I was always clothed, and even during the bathing suit coine my mother’s mortification if she saws to twine gently around one thigh
I have not seen Blaine’s canvas for days, but I know his style and I can iment and brushstrokes Ephemeral Sensual Submissive
A goddess bound
No doubt about it— it Hell,it I’ve shaken off Proper Princess Nikki for Rebel Nikki, and it feels pretty daood
I hear footsteps on the stairs, and I forcemore than to turn and look at him Damien
Da about which I’ve not become complacent
“The offer stands” Damien’s words drift up the marble stairs to the third floor He hasn’t raised his voice, and yet it is supported by such strength and confidence that it fills the roo look at their P and Ls There isn’t going to be any profit, and by the end of the year, there won’t even be a company They’re in free fall, and when they crash and burn, every one of their employees will be out of work, the coation for years as creditors fight about the assets They take this deal, and I’ll breathe life back in You know it I know it They know it”
The footsteps stop, and I realize he is now standing at the top of the stairs The roo, and nor the stairs would be treated to a view of the Pacific Ocean spread wide across the far side of the room
Right nohat Damien sees is me