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A lady in a peach gown replied, “Karma and justice are like intimate lovers. They are better together.”

“I love that perspective,” said the old man.

I didn’t intervene in their art critique of my work. That was the beauty of art or any kind of creative project. A hundred people could look at the same painting, and each would interpret it differently. We saw art through our experiences—our pain, hope, and dreams.

An intense energy suddenly slid down my spine, making me shiver. I looked up; Attikus wasstaring at me from the corner. He wore a black tuxedo, standing like a masterpiece in my gallery. His swept-back dark hair enhanced his fine-boned face, chiseled jaw, and cheekbones that made supermodels jealous. He stood with his friends, Orion and Remington. His hands were placed on the intricate cane. Attikus responded to something they said, but his eyes remained on me. I didn’t know why, but my body hummed from his gaze.

“You look beautiful!” Elena placed a gentle hand on my back, pulling my attention away from Attikus.

She wore a cream-colored dress that accentuated her curves. Her wavy brown hair cascaded down her shoulders, looking elegant as usual.

“You too.” I gave her a one-armed hug. “Thank you for coming.”

“Have you tried the appetizers? They’re delicious!” Elena gestured to the table. “I couldn’t stop myself.”

“Glad you’re enjoying yourself.” I laughed as I walked over to admire the appetizers on the pretty plates. I feared if I ate anything, I might puke it all out tonight.

I first met Elena and her friends when they bought my paintings and commissioned me for additional work. Then Elena invited me to do a live painting at her wedding on this exquisite island her husband owned. I’d encountered many wealthy art collectors, but something genuine about these women drew me to them.

They didn’t pressure me about my family when that topic came up during a conversation. They respected my privacy, and that was important to me. I had unresolved issues I’d rather not talk about, and trust was a rare commodity these days.

Emmanuel had been my boyfriend, and look at what he’d done to me.

“No!” Elena gasped, staring at a couple standing in front of one of my floating island paintings. “Gotta grab Orion. I don’t want that couple stealing my painting.” She embraced me. “We’ll catch up later. You have a spectacular gallery! I’ll tell everyone about it.” She rushed over to Orion, grabbed his arm, and led him to the purchasing counter.

Audri walked out of the restroom, looking stunning in her baby blue dress. She saw me, beamed, and walked over to embrace me. “Ilovethis gallery. It’s quaint and elegant. The location is perfect too.”

“Thanks.” I beamed. “Attikus knows his real estate.” I looked at him and quickly regretted it.Why is he still staring at me?

“Is something going on between you and Attikus?” Audri smirked.

“No,” I said, surprised by her question. “He invested in this gallery, and I’m grateful for that.”

“Oh.” Audri studied me. “He didn’t invest in the gallery—he invested inyou.” She tapped my arm. “There’s no gallery without the artist.”

I didn’t know what to say. Attikus had mentioned he had a painting by me, but I didn’t know which one. Regardless, his investment allowed me to make more money without paying a commission to another gallery.

“I’m sure my little gallery is nothing compared to the other businesses he’s invested in.”

“I heard he’s working on a few projects with the boys. These men are exceptionally amazing.” Audri looked at Remington, who asked Attikus a question, forcing him to look away from me. “I’m not saying that because Remi’s my boyfriend. The boys are finalizing this fabulous WaterFyre Rising video game. I’m not a game person, but it was fun.”

More people surrounded the purchasing desk.

“I need to purchase two paintings I want before someone else takes them.” She squeezed my hand. “Talk soon.”

Audri walked over to Remington and congratulated Attikus on the gallery. This was also his opening. He’d put in a lot of money renovating this space for me. To be honest, I was so ecstatic when he offered me space with free rent for three months that I thought nothing of it. Was there a separate agenda behind the business deal? Was he this generous with his other tenants?

Attikus made his way toward me, using his metal cane with intricate etchings on it. He walked with a slight limp that didn’t deter from how gorgeous and powerful he was. The cane was an accessory that enhanced his persona, adding a touch of mystery to him. How had he gotten injured?

“I think all your paintings will sell out today,” Attikus said.

His baritone voice slid over me like a deep-tissue massage, removing the tight knots within me. A magnetic man with amagnetic voice was dangerous to someone like me who was sensitive to things like that. An artist notices details that others often miss, and Attikus Mount was a mysterious man made of fascinating details.

“That means I have to paint more quickly.” I smiled. I had several more paintings in storage that would be displayed there.

“Thank you for letting me lease this space and for coming today,” I said, trying my best to stay composed. I had shoved Emmanuel out of my mind so I could stay calm, but here I was, trembling distinctly with nerves.

“Your paintings are different from others I’ve seen. I prefer to invest in things with great potential.” Brown eyes stared at me.