Brad's POV
"Never repeat that mistake, even if she declines, find a way to keep tabs on her" I scolded James.
"Sorry that will never happen again" he apologizes.
I waved my hand at him dismissing him. I was rattled with fear when I was informed April went out alone without James. I couldn't help but get worried about her safety. The Montgomerys aren't people to underestimate, they can strike any moment from now. I don't want to be caught unprepared when that happens. I'm putting measures in place to ensure no harm comes her way. When April left the mansion, there was a group of special security agents trailing after her secretly. I assigned them to protect her. I also trust James to keep her safe as well. He is good when it comes to combat and guns. I'm still not confident in her safety, protecting her personally could put me at ease. I'm contemplating on how to get her to accept to be my secretary. She is hotheaded as me, the only way I can get her to abide by my will is to bully her into accepting it, and I'm good at doing that.
"Sir the car is ready" Michael informed me. I got invited to a brunch by a new investor I'm trying to convince to invest in my company. His schedule is tight like mine. Today is the only day available to meet him. Fortunately for me, it is a Sunday, he will be surrounded by his family and will be in a gayily mood. An advantage to me. A perfect time to finalize the deal, and get him to sign my proposal.
A thought flashed in my mind, I'm forgetting something. Suddenly I remember, my paintings session with April. I picked up my phone from my pocket and called to decline the invitation, promising to meet him another time. I have never chosen anyone over my business, not even my demanding family. April got me doing this without a second thought. I just can't miss this opportunity to see that wild curly girl.
My heartbeat was in anticipation, as I walked towards her studio. I quietly walked in. My pulse rugged as my eyes landed on her. There she stood, looking beautiful in a floral mini summer dress with her perfect curly hair dangling below her shoulders. She is like a breath of fresh air. My eyes twinge watching her perfection. She was engrossed in whatever she is scribbling down on her notepad that she hasn't noticed someone is in the room with her.
My throat went dry as my gaze landed on her tempting sexy shapely legs. I'm glad she didn't conceal it with her hideous jeans, if I can have my way, I could ban her from wearing jeans, leaving her beautiful legs exposed to me every day. I shook my head at the dirty thoughts.
I unconsciously took my phone and took a picture of her, capturing her beauty.
"Mr. Smith," She said realizing I was in here with her. I gaze at her intensely, which got her blushing making her eyelashes flutter seductively unintentionally. I suck in a breath at this innocent action.
Her face darted into a dazzling smile making her beautiful eyes twinkle. I could watch her all day without blinking. This is crazy but I can't help it.
"Good to see you, I'm glad you are here, are you ready for our first painting session. I promise you it's going to be so memorable!" she blabbed excitedly with a gleam of what looks like mischief.
Why is she so gaily, what is she planning? I got my answers as I stared at the pile of clothes on a table. Strange peculiar costumes.
What the heck!
She dart a grin at me when she noticed the bewilderment on my face as I stared at the costumes.
"What are these costumes for?" I asked
"It's meant for you " she replied cheerfully. This is what she has planned all along to ridicule me. I'm sure Veronica is her accomplice.
"There is no way I'm going to wear these ridiculous costumes" I warned.
She laughs, going through the costumes
"Ah," she sighed, " This is the perfect one for a start. She had in hand, what looked like wolf fur clothes, clothes worn during the medieval age.
"We will start with Mr. Smith the Barbarian" She announced with her hands waving like an opera singer.
Like hell am I going to wear these hideous clothes
" The fact that I volunteered to be your model against my will, doesn't mean I bargain to be used as a clown"
She laughs " I'm doing a series of paintings entitled different Shades of Mr. Smith. It's like Brad Sebastian Smith travels back into time, painted as different characters from different eras. By the way, I like your suggestions, painting you as a clown is not a bad idea" she grins taunting me.
She can't be serious. This is crazy. "I'm not doing this"
"It was said in the contract that lynx art gallery will provide me with all I need to equip me to produce excellent works. And I need a model. Are you going to deny me that? It will be a breach of the contract" she said, trying to convince me.
That was smart, using the contract to get me to accept this ridicule. Christ, what am I going to do with this crazy nut job? I placed my hands on my waist with amusement.
"If that is the case, I can hire popular male models for you to use for this ridiculous project of yours"
She shook her head. " I want you" my heart skip a beat. The words felt like a different meaning in my heart.
"I meant I need to use you alone for this project, You are a businessman right?"
I nodded.
"See this as a lucrative project, do you know the money we are going to make from exhibiting your paintings to the world" She paced around like she was giving a presentation speech to woo me.
"You are fucking Brad Sebastian Smith, imagine the tons of ladies that will line up just to buy a painting of you"
Clearly shows she is keen on humiliating me in front of the whole world.
"Okay, I can't do this, if this is your idea of a painting session to make me look like a folly, count me out" I raised my hands in frustration.
She spouted with a pouting face, batting her eyes at me like a puppy refused a bottle of milk.
I can't believe I'm going to do this. "okay let's get this over with"
Her eyes flip wide open in surprise. "Great" she exclaimed in a girlish high pitched voices
Like a fool I am now, I'm going to accept this humiliation, just to get the chance to spend more time alone with her, secretly stealing glimpses of her pretty face. There is this void-creating inside of me whenever I'm away from her. It is like something delicate is missing in my life. Mother was wrong, she is rather gradually getting me wrapped around her fingers. I realized one thing, I'm willing to accept the worst things just to get lost staring at her alluring eyes.
"Uh, okay change into this quickly, I'm going to get some refreshment" she winks at me and headed out of the room.
I chuckled at the situation. I'm reduced into this, I stared at the barbarian costumes and shook my head.
I put it on anyway. I looked so ridiculous. The costume felt itchy and so uncomfortable.
She was back with a tray of pastries, that consisted of cupcakes and cookies with freshly made fruit juice. She gently places it on a small coffee table facing the window.
She paused staring at me. Her lips were pressed firmly, she was trying so hard to suppress a laughter
"Don't you dare, think of doing that" I shot a hot sneer at her.
"Fine I won't, you don't look that bad, one more thing then the look is complete"
She brought out a shopping bag. And scan through, she scooped out a wig cap. Her face was drawn with satisfaction.
"Put on this "
When I showed no sign of doing that myself. She took the liberty and put the hideous wig cap on my head. What have I gotten myself into
She stared at me with approval. "That's better" She smiles.
She took a camera from the same shopping bag. What is she going to do with that?
"Mr. Smith, I need you to give me some caveman poses"
What the fuck!
"Miss Jackson what is the meaning of this," I asked with annoyance.
"I'm taking pictures of you, I need to incase we don't finish up the painting today and I need to continue without your presence" she shoots a sly smile at me
That surely was a lie. I know there is no need for this, she is an artistic genius and can use her imagination to paint me perfectly without needing any pics.
My mind flashes to our last encounter, I frown reminiscing it. Ah, this is revenge! I know it was Veronica who planted this idea into her mind. Crazy nut jobs.
She took a shot, without me noticing. I have had enough of this
I took off the funny clothes quickly enough, leaving me bare-chested with only my pants on
She gasped her face flushed red. She quickly covered her eyes with her palms, turning her back at me.
Ah, the tables have turned now. I chuckled at her reaction.
I moved, closing the space between us. I swiftly wrapped my hands around her waist bringing her closer to me. I turned her to face me. Her grey eyes flicker as she quiver. She averted her gaze, avoiding my eyes, I softly patted her chin, causing her to stare at me. She inhaled deeply. Without taking my gaze from her, I took the camera from her hand gently.
I let to go off her placing the camera on a table.
She saw it as an escape, but unfortunately for her, before she could take a step, I grip her hand jerking her close to my chest. I grasp her waist trapping her.
"Crazy" I whispered in her ears.
"This is your little revenge huh, ridiculing me" I smirked. I'm sure this is what is about, the scary movie I made her watch. She is using this as payback.
"No" she managed to say shuddering. I smack, I like the way I'm affecting her this way. I could hear the rasp of her breath, the beating of her heart at a fast pace. I wonder what is going through her mind.
A raving desire flares up in me, it unbearable, Right here having her vulnerable in my arms, I could give in to my desire, crossing that dangerous line. My heart sunk in, like a jolt of electricity run through me when she bit her plump lips. That was the awakening. The world exploded as I suddenly crashed my lips on hers. She froze, her lips parted, giving me the chance to fully have taste of her soft lips. I gently guide her hands to wrap around my neck as I kiss her harder, giving into this sweet temptation. She gave in and kissed me back. Our lips entwined together moving perfectly like our lips were molded just for this kiss. I run my hands through her curly hair, burning flame of desire run through me making me crave for more. I am getting out of my mind
I am at the peak of going dangerously further with her. I reluctantly pulled away from her. It took a surge of willpower to pull away from her sweet lips that has just become an addiction.
Our breath rasped as we stared deep into each other eyes. Without saying a word to her, I stormed out before, I lose control and kiss her again.