Tainted

Chapter 5

My fork digs into the chicken served on my plate ,the thought of Vincent being married to the rich harlet across the table makes my blood boil,—and I don't know why .

The table is occupied by people laughing and eating as wait staff hang in their shoulders spilling wine as elbows bump their bottles without remorse . People dab their greasy mouths with slight laughter , feigning modesty as they discuss business ventures and gossip amongst the upperclass .

It has just reached noon and theyre already drinking . How do wealthy people stay wealthy when they spend all their money like ...this?

"Lorain, dear."Amariah calls from across the table , silencing everyone else as all heads turn towards me . Her eyes are laser focused on me as she taps her long nails on her glass with a twig of her eyebrow .
"Do share how you met my darling ,Vincent ."she requests with a smirk on her ruby painted lips .
Clearing my throat , I set my fork aside glancing over at Vincent next to me ,who glares daggers at his wife . "It was the evening before his recent exhibition. I was ...."

I can't tell them I was haggling at a market . These people would weep in glee at that information .

"-shopping. "I finish with a smile as Vincent softly chuckles next to me "We bumped into each other ."

Amariah's facial expression turns sour ,not satisfied with my answer.

"I think it's good that Vincent had taken in a student to learn his work so that if something had to ever happen-"Mister Gunther coughs from the other side of the table ."-someone will be able to continue his work ."

"Isn't that what makes an artist great?"another old lady ,whom I haven't met yet chimes in ."Their paintings are worth billions because the artist will never be able to make anything like it again . Other artists could try but it simply isn't the same."she shrugs and sips her wine.

Her statement is true. No one can perfectly replicate a style of another artist. Every one is unique .

"I just want someone to at least be able to mimic my technique."Vincent finally speaks up with a grin on his face. The table then erupts into loud bantering and arguments ,finally taking the attention off of me.

Vincent leans down , his breath hot on my face as pieces of his hair tickle the exposed part of my neck .
"Have you heard anyone mention the man that brought us here ?" Vincent asks .

Very odd question . Not really what I was expecting .

"No , why?" I ask .

"No reason ." He shakes his head and smiles at me .

I flinch when I feel something warm slide down my thigh to my knee. I roll my eyes when I see that it's Vincent .
"Hands off ."I hiss softly and swat his hand away ."You're married. Or did you forget that?"

Vincent ignores my refusal of him touching me and forcibly grabs my hand and squeezes it under the table.
"I don't love her . Nor does she love me."he whispers and pretends to listen to the others talking .

"Either way, don't touch me."I snap an try to pull my hand back but he grips it harder , cutting off the circulation.

"I don't know if you've forgotten last night Love but you now belong to me ."

Images of his hand around my neck and that scary look in his eyes brings fear in me again and my body goes stiff .

Back to violent Vincent .

"It's still wrong."my voice goes shaky as I try and calm myself down.

"She cheats on me all the time Love."he shrugs and pushes his plate aside.