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Prologue
Theemailonmyphone makes me do a double-take. "Congratulations, Isabella. You've been selected to paint a portrait for Evan Blackburn, CEO of Inno Corp."
My heart races as I read it over and over again. This is the breakthrough I've been waiting for—my art, my passion, landing me a commission with one of the most powerful men in the world.
"Izzy! You look like you just won the lottery," Myra, my hairstylist and confidante, chirps as I stroll into the salon. She’s the closest thing I have to a best friend.
"You won't believe it," I gush, unable to contain myself. "Evan Blackburn chosemeto do his portrait!"
"No way! Mr. Ice-in-his-veins, billionaire extraordinaire?" Myra exclaims, her eyes widening with shock and delight.
"That's the one. God, I've had the biggest crush on him for ages. Just the thought of meeting him..." My voice trails off, the butterflies in my belly going wild.
Myra laughs, "Girl, you need to play it cool. You don’t want to scare him off by drooling all over your canvas."
"Say no more," I sigh, already dreading how I'll contain myself.
Myra carefully sections my hair. "You know, Izzy, your long black hair is perfect for these soft curls I'm giving you."
A smile forms over me, watching her in the mirror. "Really? My anxiety isrealabout meeting Mr. Blackburn. Everything must be perfect."
Myra chuckles, "Don't worry, by the time I'm done, he won't be able to look away." She twirls another section of my hair around the curling wand.
"You're so lucky to have this beautiful olive skin. It's so radiant. It's the Hispanic in you, isn’t it?”
Chuckles come forth, "Guilty as charged. Hispanic roots, olive skin, and all that. My complexion has been a blessing."
Myra nods, her eyes still focused on my hair. "It's gorgeous. Paired with those brown eyes? Stunning. Mr. Blackburn doesn’t stand a chance."
That night, I found it impossible to sleep. My mind keeps drifting to Evan—his piercing eyes, that sculpted jawline, the photos I've seen of him in designer suits that probably cost more than my rent for a year.
I drift off into a dream, vivid and intoxicating. There he is, Evan Blackburn, standing in a room flooded with the golden glimmer of sunset. He strides over to me, his eyes softening as they meet mine, and suddenly, he's not the unattainable billionaire but a man, vulnerable and real.
"Evan," I whisper, losing myself in the moment. He leans down to kiss me, his lips a promise of all the unspoken desires I've held deep within me. My heart is about to burst out of my chest, the sensation so intense it's almost painful.
"Isabella, I've waited so long for a woman like you. Beautiful, sensual, passionate...Restraint is not an option. I must have you now." He kisses down my neck and chest while he undresses me. He cups my breasts with both hands, licks my nipples, and then gives them tiny teasing nibbles.
"Oh, my...Evan." My senses are going wild, and my thong is soaked, awaiting his touch. He begins to slide his hand down into my panties as I yearn for him. His plump penis is pleading for a pardon from its polyester prison. My hands stroke and caress the stiff outline and begin to unzip...
BEEP BEEP BEEP!! My alarm goes off."Damnit!"What I would give to finish that dream!
Waking up alone in my bed, the reality crashes back down. Something’s different. A newfound resolve settles within me. Meeting Evan Blackburn brings anticipation for what the future holds, my curiosity knows no bounds.
Whatever it takes, this portrait will be my masterpiece. Maybe, just maybe, life will imitate art.
Chapter one
Cold Canvas, Haughty Hearts
Theconferenceroomfeelscolder and darker than any studio I've ever worked in. Its minimalist design feels oppressive. Yet there's Evan Blackburn, sitting in his leather chair, appearing as distant and aloof as the room itself.
"You don't paint often in places like this, do you?" he says, glancing from his wristwatch to meet my gaze.
With a chuckle, I answer, "No, I'm used to more... vibrant settings. This room seems to swallow all the light."
He smirks, "Black can do that. There's something about its depth that I've always appreciated."
Peeking from behind my canvas, more of his features come into view—the curve of his lips and nose's point. "That fact has come to my attention. It's the challenge with your portrait—capturing that depth."
