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MASON

‘IF YOU KEEP LOOKING at me like that, we’re going to be late.’

Anya’s emerald eyes meet mine, and a smirk plays around her lips as she slowly pulls her stockings up her thighs. I track every movement she makes as the sheer stockings ride up her bare skin.

‘Then don’t look,’ she teases.

‘Impossible not to.’

Stepping into her boots, Anya performs a twirl, popping her hip.

‘What do you think? Does it say “professional artist”?’ she asks, planting her hand on her hip as she waits.

Anya’s legs look endless wearing her knee-high boots and a short skirt that reveals a generous amount of her thighs. Her shirt is loose-fitting, tucked into her skirt, and her hair falls down her shoulders in a half-up, half-down style, the loose curls framing her pretty face. She somehow looks dressed up while also keeping it casual. She is back to herself now, and that beautiful smile of hers has been on her face almost every day.

‘You look perfect, Blush.’

Her cheeks turn pink as she beams at me, running her palms down her skirt. She turns, facing the floor-length mirror on her wall, assessing the outfit for herself.

Tonight is the art show, where the art she submitted for her assignment is on display and up for auction. Considering the struggles she’s faced so far in her journey of becoming an artist, I know how big a deal this is for her.

Pushing to my feet, I pull her into me. Wrapping my arms around her waist, I rest my chin on her shoulder, kissing the side of her head.

‘I’m so proud of you, Blush.’

Bringing her hands up to curve around mine, she smiles, eyes shining under the ceiling light.

‘Thank you, Mase. I’m so nervous about tonight. What if it doesn’t sell? What if every other piece sells, and mine doesn’t? What if it looks really bad in comparison to the others?’

I shake my head. ‘It will look perfect on display, because you did a great job, and they wouldn’t have selected it if they didn’t think so.’ Tightening my hands around her, I give her a gentle squeeze. ‘Besides, if it doesn’t sell, I’ll buy it.’

Leaning back into me, she laughs. ‘I love you so goddamn much.’

‘I know you do. What’s not to love?’ I smirk.

She rolls her eyes. ‘Okay, we really will be late if we don’t get a move on.’

Anya gathers all the items she needs, and when we get to the bottom of the stairs, Zayden is already there, shrugging into a leather jacket.

‘Ready?’ He grins up at her.

Exhaling a shaky breath, she nods. ‘As ready as I’ll ever be.’

The Uber is cruising down the street by the time we step outside the front door, and we make our way over to it. When I notice Anya’s hand shaking, I capture it in mine and kiss her knuckles.

When we arrive, Nora and Cami are waiting by the door. They turn, offering bright, warm smiles as the girls all hug each other. I love that she has found them. She needs good friends after everything she’s been through.

‘Ladies,’ I say, when the girls finally break apart.

‘Hello.’ Nora smiles.

I raise a brow when I notice Zayden staring at Nora for a long moment. She meets his eyes, then blushes, quickly looking away.

My eyes dart to Anya’s. Her lips twitch, indicating she noticed the exchange as well.

‘Let’s go inside, it’s freezing out here!’ Cami says, wrapping her arms around herself.

There are people everywhere once we step inside, and Anya’s eyes widen as she takes in the vibrant art on the walls. There’s a vast variety of paintings strung up everywhere. The room is divided into a snake-like walkway, making us loop around the room in an ‘S’ pattern.

A hum of conversation buzzes through the room, alongside footsteps on the hardwood floor, laughter and the sound of glasses clinking. Most people seem to have a glass in their hand. My gaze shifts around the room, and I notice rows of complimentary champagne lined up along the table. I reach for one, as do the others. A small band towards the back is playing soft jazz music. There’s a nice calm vibe in here as people meander about, making idle chitchat as they look at all the paintings.

Placing my hand on Anya’s back, I rub in gentle circles, hoping to soothe her nerves. Pressing her lips together, she looks a little distressed as her eyes roam over the room.

‘There it is,’ I murmur, pointing out Anya’s piece.

It looks stunning, the beautiful blend of light blue and purple twisting together. My eyes caught it immediately. I’m not sure if it’s because I’ve seen it before, but it is certainly striking in comparison to some of the other pieces around it.

‘I love that you made her eyes the same colour as the background,’ Cami comments, moving her glass to her mouth as she takes a quick sip. ‘It looks so beautiful.’

‘It really stands out,’ Nora nods in agreement.

‘Thank you.’ Anya smiles, cheeks blossoming a pretty red as she takes in everything.

‘Let’s take a look around!’ Cami suggests, leading the way, her heels clicking against the wooden floorboards.

I recognise a few familiar faces – people from campus and some of my classes – and I nod in greeting when we pass them. The art show has drawn a large crowd, and a few times the group gets separated.

When we return to Anya’s painting, a couple is admiring it.

‘Stunning colours,’ the woman says, her lips pursed slightly as she looks at it. ‘Just beautiful.’

Casually stepping up beside them, I join them in looking at the piece. ‘I’ve heard this is in high demand,’ I murmur, attempting to look a little pensive as I scan my eyes over it.

‘Is it?’ the man beside me asks, glancing at me.

‘I heard there might even be a bidding war for it.’

‘You don’t say?’ the man replies, looking impressed. He turns to the woman beside him, touching his fingertips to her elbow. ‘We’d better get our bid in, then.’

‘Certainly!’ she agrees, and the man writes down the number before quickly crossing the room to where a gallery assistant is standing behind a makeshift counter.

Grinning, I turn back around, noticing most of the group are down a few paintings now, except for Zayden, who is hovering nearby, a crooked smirk on his lips, his hands dug deep into his pockets.

‘Well played,’ he says, nodding his head at me.

‘I don’t know what you’re talking about.’

‘Mmhmm.’

Glancing back, I notice a woman placing a ‘sold’ sign in front of the painting. Smiling to myself, I return to the group and take a casual sip of my champagne.