by JA Low
“Really?” A tiny bit of self-doubt creeps in.
“Cherie, yes.” He nods. “In fact, I want these two.” He points to my first two canvases. “I want to hang them up.” He picks them up. “Come. Come now.” He stomps off, I jog to try and catch up. We go back along the rocky path and enter back into the house. He’s on a mission to somewhere and I’m just following behind him, utterly confused. He stops in his long white hallway where some of his paintings hang. He takes them off and hangs mine up. He stands back and admires them. “Look. Look at your work.” I take a step back and try to see what he is seeing. I push all the negative thoughts from my mind and look at what I have achieved, then finally a smile forms on my face. “See. Now you see what I see.” He smiles at me. “You are amazing, Emily Chapman.” Tears begin to threaten, he pulls me into his arms and I let them fall.
“Thank you.”
“It’s what any partner would do.” I look up at him. “You’re mine, Emily.” He looks down at me. “I’m not letting you go, not now, not ever, okay?” I nod, the tears falling down my cheeks, happy tears.
“Okay.” I am all his and I don’t want him to let go of me either.
26
Louis
“How’s it all going with Emily at the house?” Daniel asks.
“Amazing,” I tell him. My brother bursts out laughing. “What’s so funny?”
“You are pussy whipped,” he chuckles. “You sound like you’re on cloud nine.”
“One, fuck you, and two, I am. I am so fucking happy.” I sound giddy. I would probably want to punch me too.
“I’m happy for you.” Daniel’s tone turns serious. “I think Emily is the right fit for you.”
“She is. I’ve never felt like this before. I thought what Elisabeth and I had was love, but this…this is different. It’s easy, effortless, it’s just natural.”
“I’m just glad to have my brother back.”
“You’re just happy I’m painting again, let’s be serious,” he chuckles.
“Of course, I need to pay off my new Maserati somehow.” Dick!
“Anyway, I wanted to ask you something, and just hear me out before you say no.”
“That isn’t a great way to start.” I ignore his pessimistic tone.
“Check your text messages.” I just sent him some photos of Emily’s work. I listen as I hear him messing around with his phone.
“Where did you find these?”
“What do you think of them?”
“Is this a local Ibiza artist?” he questions me again.
“I’m not telling you until you tell me what you think of them?”
“I instantly want to represent them.” Yes. I fist pump in the air.
“The artist’s name is Emily Chapman.” Silence. “Did you hear me?”
“Yes.”
“And?”
“Are you serious right now? Emily did these?”
“Yes. I wouldn’t mess you around like that. I also don’t want you to blow smoke up her ass because she’s with me either.”
“These are amazing. I was ready to sign them on no matter who they were. But…”
“But what?”
“You’re dating her. Don’t you think people will assume she slept to the top.” I frown, I want to say fuck them but Daniel has a point.
“But she’s got talent.”
“I can see. Just ask her if this is something she wants first before organising her life.” I hate when Daniel makes sense. “Can you ask if the New York Gallery is interested in her work, if they would be willing to add her to my exhibition.”
“Louis,” Daniel says my name sternly.
“Please, Daniel, just ask.” My brother lets out a heavy sigh.
“Fine. I will, but if they are not interested don’t push it, okay?” I agree but I know that once they see her work they will want her. It is my superpower, finding artists in the rough and turning them into superstars.
“Also, I have another favour.” Daniel groans. “Emily really misses her friends and I would love for them to come out and see her. Maybe a girl’s weekend in Paris, they can stay at my apartment.”
“Who the hell are you?” Daniel asks.
“I just want to make the girl I love, happy.”
“Love?” Daniel’s voice rises.
“Yeah. Love. I know it’s soon, hence I’m not ready to tell her yet. But yeah, she gives me all these feelings.” I can hear Daniel snickering.
“Yes. I can help my love sick brother. Are her friends cute?”
“They are off limits,” I warn him and he just laughs.
“Fine. Leave it with me.” He hangs up on that note. Now I need to find my woman and make love to her.
We’ve been back from Ibiza for a week. Emily and I walked hand in hand back into the home to the shocked faces of my staff.
“I knew it.” Gabriel grins, welcoming us back with open arms. I told Emily that I wanted her in my bed now that we are back home, it took her all of two seconds to agree. Mainly because my fingers were kind of distracting, even though I think they were incentivising. But tonight we are debuting as a couple at an art society gala in Geneva, Switzerland.
“I’m so nervous.” Emily looks over at me, holding my hand as the helicopter lands. I can feel her visibly shaking underneath my palm.
“It’s going to be okay. You look beautiful. Like a princess.” I look over at Emily who is wearing some couture frock that Felix found for her. A black, off the shoulder, tulle evening dress with a front split. Gold floral embroidery across the front of it. It looks like she’s stepped out of the pages of a fairy tale. I pick her up again and help her from the helicopter and we quickly make our way to our limousine which will be taking us to some mansion that sits along the banks of Lake Geneva. “You and me,” I tell her, making sure she understands exactly what I am saying.
“You and me,” she repeats. I kiss her forehead as the limousine slows down to the entrance of the event. The driver opens our doors and I help Emily out of the car. The bright flashes of the paparazzi give her pause as she gathers herself together. We step onto the red carpet for the first time as a couple, the paparazzi scream their questions at us, many remembering Emily from the Monte Carlo event. There are a couple of reputable reporters lining the red carpet and when they see me holding Emily’s hand, they all try and vie for my attention, shouting their questions. I eventually stop at one.
“Monsieur Marchant, it is so good to see you in public again,” the reporter starts. “Can we expect any new works from you soon?”
“I am socialising again, but I am busily working in the studio. I’ve been recently inspired.” I pull Emily into my side. The reporter picking up on my subtle cue.
“Ah. So this young woman with you tonight is the reason for your new inspiration.” I lean over and kiss Emily’s cheek, her fingers squeezing mine tightly, I know she is uncomfortable about this.
“Yes. Without her I would probably be dead in a ditch somewhere.” Emily looks up at me, those cheeks flush pink. “She inspires me to be a better man every day.” I take her hand and kiss her knuckles, the paparazzi lapping it up. The reporter eating up the exclusive.
“Everyone is so happy for you. It really has been a trying year for you both professionally and personally.” Okay, I guess the reporter is going there.
“Yes. It has been. But I am happy to be on the other side in a better, healthier mindset. Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom before you can rise again.” Emily squeezes my hand, giving me her strength.
“And will Louis Marchant rise again?”
“Of course. But I am more focused on my art, not popularity contests or how many celebrity friends I have.” Yes, that was a dig at Elisabeth and Yves and their fake online life.
“Sounds like you have changed.” The reporter gives me a warm smile. “Do you think it will be awkward tonight seeing your ex-wife and protégé?” Emily stills. What the hell? I didn’t think they were coming to this event, t
hat’s why I said yes. I turn and look at Emily, her face has paled a little. We need to get out of here. My body is on high alert.
“It will not be awkward for us,” Emily answers for me. “Louis and I wish them nothing but good fortune. They are having a very successful year, and wish them all the success in the future.” Fuck. I love this woman.
“Thank you.” I cut the interview short and pull Emily away from the spotlight. I pull her quickly up the red carpet ignoring the rest of the reporters.
“Louis, hold up,” Emily calls from behind me. She is practically running behind me. I push through the gilded doors, and out of the glare of the spotlight. My hands cup her face.
“We can go. We can turn around and walk straight out the backdoor, no one will know. I do not want to put you in a dangerous situation again.”
“Louis.” Her voice is soft. “It wasn’t your fault last time. I’ll be fine. I’m sure he is not stupid enough to try something again.” I wish I had the same optimism.
“I can have a bodyguard with us within the hour.”
“Louis, please. It will be okay.” She reaches up on her tiptoes and kisses me softly. “I love that you are so worried about me, but I promise everything is going to be okay.” She tries to reassure me.
“If you feel uncomfortable at any moment, sunflowers okay?” She nods.
“I promise. Sunflowers.” She gives me a wink, which relaxes me the tiniest of bits.
Thankfully, the room is so large that we are seated nowhere near them. They are all the way over on the other side of the room, with maybe a thousand people between us. I still want to punch Yves in his smug face, but luckily they have stayed on their side.
“Louis, I need a bathroom break.” Emily pulls on my sleeve. I’m chatting with the gentleman beside me. I try to excuse myself from the conversation but Emily stops me. “I’ll be fine. He is still seated at his table. If he moves you can come and get me.” I look over to where Yves is sitting, and she’s right, he is sitting in his seat.
While Emily is gone I keep an eye on Yves’ table, when a body slides in beside me I relax. I turn around to welcome Emily back safely but instead I see Elisabeth. What the hell?
“You’re looking good. Much better than the latest gossip reports on you. You’ve cleaned up well.” Her bright red lip curls. “I hear it’s because you have a new muse.” She says the word muse as if it were acid on her tongue.
“Yes, you were replaceable.” She doesn't react at my dig.
“I’m sure she won’t last. No one is as talented as I am as a muse.” Her hand slides up my thigh trying to find its target. I jump at her touch, my entree wanting to make a second appearance.
“Actually, she’s better.” I take her hand and remove it from my leg. “I’ve never felt this way before. I now know what real love is.” Each barb finds its target and I see the barest of flinches.
“You and me both, Louis,” she throws back. Okay, not going to lie, that stings a little. “Yves doesn’t put me on a pedestal. He understands that sometimes a lady likes it a little rough.” My fists ball, bile creeps up my throat. “I hope your new love can handle the pressure of being the perfect partner to you.” What does she mean? “You treat your women like glass dolls, Louis. But guess what? We won’t break if you manhandle us a little. Keep that in mind next time you’re fucking your muse.”
“Fuck you.” I take a swig of my wine, my hand shaking with rage.
“You wish you could. Come find me when you get board of Miss Strawberry Shortcake.” Elisabeth stands up and walks away, my heart is beating a millions miles a minute. Shit. Emily. I look up and see that Yves is still at his table, but Emily isn’t back yet. My phone vibrates in my pocket, I pull it out and see the word sunflowers flash across it. Shit! I jump up out of my chair and rush toward the bathrooms. I don’t even think just run straight into the ladies bathroom, a couple of women scream with surprise.
“Emily. Emily,” I call out frantically. She’s not in here. I run back outside and see her step out of an alcove. She’s shaking, holding a white envelope in her hand, her face is white. “Emily.” I pull her into my arms and feel her whole body shaking. “Cherie, what’s the matter? What’s happened?”
“This.” She hands me the note. I open it up.
I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you since Monaco.
When the time is right, you will be mine.
Yves
xoxo
My hand is shaking with rage. How fucking dare he. I am settling this once and for all.
“No.” Emily grabs my arm just before I stride off. “Please, let’s go home.”
“He needs to be taught a lesson.” She shakes her head.
“No. I want to go home. I want to go back to our bubble.” Emily is shaken up, and she is pleading with me to get her away from here. As much as I want to punch his face in, Emily’s welfare is more important. I take her hand and escort her back outside along the red carpet, moments later the limousine arrives. Emily jumps in first and hits the privacy screen, as soon as I close the door to the car she’s on me, her legs straddling me, nimble hands are fumbling with the zip of my tuxedo pants, in seconds she has them open and down, her hand is pulling out my hardening dick. “I need you, Louis.” She’s almost breathless.
“You have me,” I tell her, seeing that she needs this, needs me in this moment. My fingers are pushing aside her panties and then her pussy in engulfing my dick. I let her control the pace, this is all Emily, all her needs. She bucks against me wildly, riding me like the good girl that she is, my God, she feels so fucking good. Harder and harder she rides me, taking me deeper, making me fill her up.
“Yes. Yes. Yes.” She bucks and moans as her orgasm takes over, moments later I follow behind her. We are a sweaty, messy heap. Emily gives me a satisfied smile then her face pales. “Oh, Louis. Shit.” She tries to move off me but I hold her there.”
“Cherie, what is it?” She looks down between us but a mountain of tulle covers where we are joined.
“I…we forgot protection.” I stop, now feeling her bare, and fuck me if my dick doesn’t get hard again.
“I’m clean. I promise you. I was checked before we slept with each other. I was kind of optimistic.” She gives me a weak smile.
“I’m on the pill,” she whispers. “I just…” I move the hair from her face.
“You needed me. I don’t regret it. And if by some chance something happens because of it…” I let the words hang in the thick air between us. A tiny frown creases her brow. “I would happy.”
“Happy?”
“It may not have been in the plan and I would hope that we would have been together a lot longer before babies came along. But sometimes life throws you curveballs, and well, I for one would be embracing it.” Emily’s face softens.
“I would too.” My eyebrows shoot up.
“You would?” She giggles.
“Let’s not go planning any soon. I’m just happy with the practicing at the moment.”
“Yeah me too.” I grin at her, my dick twitching inside of her, making her giggle. “I love you, Emily Chapman.” She freezes. “I just need you to know that because if anything happens you know I mean it not because of an accident.” Her long lashes slowly blink as she stares at me in shock. “I know it’s way too soon but I’ve been feeling this for a while now.”
“You have?” She seems shocked.
“Yes. But I didn’t want to scare you off.” This makes her smile.
“You think your love would scare me off.” I shrug.
“Kind of. It’s too soon. I know this.”
“I love you too, Louis.” I still.
“You do?”
“Yeah I do. I’ve been fighting my feelings for you because I thought it was too soon as well or maybe one sided, but now I see that you feel them too.”
“I do.”
“Good. Well, let’s go home so you can make love to me, Mr. Marchant.” I groan as she says my name.
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“Say it again.”
“Mr. Marchant.” This time she says it seductively.
“Thank fuck for the helicopter, because I can’t wait to get you home.”
27
Louis
“Where are we going?” Emily laughs as the wind blows her golden hair across her face. We’ve taken my vintage sports car out for a spin today, I’m taking her on a date. A proper one because I realised I haven’t done that yet. We’ve stayed in bed making love over the past two days after returning from Geneva, exploring each other with new loved up eyes.
“Just somewhere.” I don’t want to give anything away. She eyes me suspiciously but doesn’t push it, just enjoying the sunshine and the amazing views that are passing us by. We don’t have to travel far but I have driven her around in circles just to confuse her.
“Louis, this is spectacular.” I knew she would be blown away, the lavender fields of Provence are divine, add in an old castle and some vineyards to the mix and you have a winner. I open the car door for her and hold out my hand, she loops her fingers with mine.
“Monsieur Marchant, it is an honour to have you at our winery today, please follow me, everything is set up for you.” Emily looks at me and smiles, I’m waiting for her to say something but she keeps her mouth shut and just takes in her surroundings. Little does she know I have hired the estate just for the two us so we won’t be disturbed. The manager walks us through the grounds, giving us a detailed history of the castle. Emily of course was taking it all in. I assume that as she did an art history degree that she would also like normal history. Once we finished the tour the manager leads us into the garden where the staff have set up two easels for us with two fresh canvases and paints. Emily looks at me bewildered and rushes toward the blank canvases.
