AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Hearing the car start back up and drive away, I look over my shoulder once more. There’s no way that can be the last time I’m going to see my father. I refuse to believe it.
Sighing softly under my breath, I enter the large home. Shaking off these awful feelings, I try my best to think as positively as I can.
Once I’m alone in my own space, I’ll let my emotions out. Idris will not see me cry, not before we’ve even held our first real conversation.
Looking around, I’m caught off guard by the beauty of the place. After seeing the outside, I shouldn’t feel too surprised.
There are different pieces of artwork all illuminated under spotlights. Different styled paintings to carved statues, all glow under fluorescent lighting. Still standing at the entrance of the place, I’m gawking.
No wonder why this guy’s home is surrounded by a gate. A few of these paintings can go for a fortune if they’re authentic.
Coming from the daughter of a thief, I know a little bit about the profits one can get. My father might’ve tried to keep me away, but some art is impossible to hide.
“You like what you see?”
Idris is watching, patiently waiting for me to stay caught up. His smile is now reaching his eyes and he looks amused.
He’s another piece of work. I know if I look his way, I’ll want to stare and appreciate each stroke of this man’s appearance. From his cheekbones to the clef in his chin, every inch of this man’s face is a work of art.
I don’t even want to get started on his body.
“Whenever my father got pieces in, I’d sneak into his office and do a little research on them. Over time, I learned to have an art appreciation.” Peering at one closer, I take in each stroke of oil paint. “I’m assuming you bought these from him.”
“Some,” he agrees, “but not all.”
Looking away from the closest piece, I continue moving along. I don’t want this man to think all it takes is a few sparkly objects to catch my attention. To play fair, I’d like to come off as mysterious as Idris is.
Much to my dismay, I’m stopping again once I make it past the entrance. In a large opening, I spot a grand staircase with a whole chandelier hanging from the ceiling.
When a gasp escapes my lips, I can’t miss his throaty chuckle.
How does someone keep all of this to himself? Maybe he lets some people inside now and then to enjoy their reaction. He seems amused.
Instead of letting myself take in the crystals cascading down the chandelier and losing myself in its beauty, I refocus and follow him up the stairs.
“Is that how you know my father, making purchases from him?”
Despite not knowing anything about the man, Idris is quick to show he’s an open book. Unlike my father, his answers come immediately.
“That is how we met, yes. He’s introduced me to others. Sometimes, I harmlessly tip him on pieces I find on my own time.” With amusement dripping from his words, the curl of his lips hides a layer of mischievousness.
Since he is so happy to answer my questions, I might as well ask him the one that’s been plaguing my mind ever since my father rushed me into packing up two bags with very little information.
“Who is after him anyway? Why is all of this necessary?”
This makes the man frown. Not like he’s angry, but more uncomfortable. “He didn’t tell you?”
When I shake my head, he curses under his breath in a language I don’t understand.
“How about we get you settled first, then we can talk.” He urges me up the steps before I’m met with a long hall with doors.
It’s going to take me forever to learn the layout of his home. Even now, I’m struggling to keep up with everything around us.
Knowing this guy has been pretty nice with letting me share his home, I don’t fight against his offer. The last thing I need to do is give him a hard time simply because I’m feeling a bit lost. Giving him a nod, he leads me in the direction of the room I’ll be staying in.
“Sorry for the new smell. I had them bring in things I thought you’d like.” He rubs the back of his neck as he explains. “William mentioned a young daughter, but we share different definitions of ‘young’.”
I stifle a laugh at the amount of pink. From the bedspread to the matching small dresser and desk, it does give off kid vibes.
