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Relief washed over me, and I mentally thanked Brynn for saving me from sharing personal details with someone I didn’t know.
“Well, River, if Holden breaks your heart, just let me know. Maybe I can talk you and Brynn into getting a room together on the lower floor.”
I choked and turned away quickly. What the fuck? This guy was seriously forward. He was obviously a member at 4 Play, too.
“Behave, Pierre,” Brynn scolded.
Pierre chuckled, then Brynn got down to business and had Pierre give us a tour of the new pieces that had arrived. Vaughn walked quietly behind us, and I constantly checked over my shoulder for Tim.
“River,” Vaughn softly said from over my shoulder. “I’ll make sure no one messes with you, including him.” He gave a discreet nod in Pierre’s direction. “You’re safe.”
I released a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. “Thanks,” I replied in a hushed tone. “I appreciate it.”
Once Vaughn had reassured me, I was able to relax and enjoy the rest of the afternoon. Some of the art pieces were seriously strange, but one in particular grabbed my attention. A faceless woman stood naked, her palms covering her breasts. Red, yellows, and blues dripped down her skin, mixing together. The complexity of who she was, her feelings, and the depth to her many layers struck a chord inside me.
I slipped my arm through Brynn’s. “This is amazing.” I remained still, admiring the painting and the emotions it evoked.
“You like it?” Brynn glanced at me, then back to the piece of art.
“Yeah, and the longer I stand here looking at it, the more I love it,” I confessed.
“Pierre, are there any additional pieces to this one?” She patted my hand.
“There are four total. They can be sold separately or together. In my opinion, it would be a shame to separate them. The girl has different poses and colors in each. Would you like to see the others?”
“I would,” I chimed in. Pierre took us to the back of the gallery, where the other three pieces graced the wall. In two of the paintings, the girl had a face and was crying. In the additional one, she was faceless.
“What do you think?” Brynn asked me. “They’re gorgeous, if you want my opinion. If you and Holden don’t get them, I will.” Brynn grinned at me.
“Hands off, lady.” I giggled, then took my phone from my back pocket. “Pierre, can I take a few pictures and send them to Holden? I would like his thoughts as well since they’ll be in our new home.”
The color drained from Pierre’s features. Maybe he didn’t think Brynn was serious when she explained that I was Holden’s girlfriend, but it seemed as though he understood now.
“Turn your flash off.” He stepped away and gave us some privacy. I snapped the pictures of the pieces individually, then together.
Hey, babe. What do you think of these for the penthouse?
My phone buzzed almost immediately.
They're fantastic. Buy them, and we’ll store them until our place is ready. On second thought, I’d like to strip you down and paint you. He added a smiley emoji.
I laughed as my fingers danced across the screen with my response. I love you too. I’ll let Pierre know we want them.
Excellent, meet me at 4 Play when you and Brynn are done. Let Brynn know the guys are here as well.
I replied with a heart and an eggplant.
LMAO. Get your ass over here. I miss you.
“Pierre, we’d like the set, please.” I grinned at Brynn. “Holden likes them, too.”
“Of course, he does. You picked them out.” She gently nudged me with her elbow and winked at me. “Tell Pierre to put the art on Holden’s account.”
I blanched. “He buys here a lot?”
“Next time you’re on the top floor of the club, look around. A lot of expensive, seductive art.”
“And how would you like to pay for this today?” Pierre asked, rubbing his hands together. “The total cost is five hundred thousand dollars. We take credit card—”
