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Laura wrapped her hand around my wrist. “I can get an Uber, but you’re not going anywhere. You’re staying here and you’re going to hang about until the end of the show and talk to her. How can you hate this? It’s amazing.”
I looked around again, hoping that maybe it wasn’t as overwhelming anymore, but it still freaked me out. “I don’t know… it’s a lot.”
“You need to loosen up, Archer. Really. You’re like a middle-aged man stuck in a rock star’s body. It’s not a good look. What would it take for you to have some fun?”
I shrugged. She handed me the whiskey she was holding. “Start with this. There’s only about thirty minutes left. Go find one piece of her art you like and I’ll tell her you’re looking for her.”
“Thanks… I think.”
She shook her head before walking away.
The crowd had thinned out significantly as I approached a corner of the room I’d not noticed before, finding a plinth that had a pencil drawing on top, rather than a statue like the rest. I twisted my head, trying to work out what I was looking at. It appeared to be an arm. As I looked closer, I saw the detail of the rope, but instead of restraining its owner, it seemed to be carefully placed, knotted in places. I wasn’t sure why, but I shuddered, my pulse hammering in my ears.
“Found something you like, Arch?” Laura asked. I turned to face my sister, finding Ionee standing next to her.
“Archer Walters, this is Ionee Millar. Nee, this is my idiot brother. Please forgive him. He forgets to think before he speaks sometimes.” Holding out her hand, I shook it, the softness of her skin against mine creating a sense of calm in my chest I’d never experienced before. Letting out a sigh, I let go, already feeling desperate to find a reason to touch her again.
“Archer Walters? Why do I know that name?” Ionee asked, looking puzzled.
“Arch is in a band. Alchemy Myth.”
“Ah. That makes sense. The dark, brooding, bad boy look. I could tell you I’m not a fan, but I would never be that rude to a fellow artist.”
“Ouch,” Laura laughed. “Look, we’re going to get a lift home with Lea and everyone else has left, so we’ll leave you alone while Archer grovels.”
“Who’s Lea and where’s Pete?” I asked, knowing he’d be lurking somewhere close by.
“He said he’d wait outside the front door for you and Lea is Nee’s best friend. Stop panicking, big brother.”
I pulled my jacket back on. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“Or you could not. I’ll be fine if you don’t call me every day.”
“Laura,” I growled.
“Fine. We can discuss it tomorrow. Love you, Arch. It was an amazing show, Nee. See you next week?”
“Thanks for coming Laura and tell Lea I’ll speak to her tomorrow.”
And just like that, Ionee and I were alone in a huge, silent room, surrounded by her erotic art and I’d never felt as nervous in my life.
Chapter 3
Ionee
Ikickedoffmyshoes and let out a contented sigh as I wiggled my toes against the cool floor. “Drink?” I asked Archer.
“Okay.”
I handed him a glass of champagne and took one for myself.
“Look, I’m sorry. I had no idea who you were. If I did, I would never have said those things about your art. I’m a dick.”
I nudged him with my hip, offering him a smile. “Don’t apologize for your opinion. I actually like that you were honest with me, even if I didn’t like what you said.”
He looked down at me, his dark eyes full of remorse. “Well, I should never have said it. You have a real talent.”
“And here comes the bullshit.” I rolled my eyes. “I liked it better when you were being honest.”
