Tainted

Chapter 21

Unedited<3

My eyes take in the beautiful portrait of Vincent I had just finished painting . I scan the artwork for any mistakes or areas that may need changing and find myself satisfied with the end result.

"I'm done." I sing as I peak around my easel and grin at Vincent who is so focused on his painting to not even notice me. I cant help but stare at him at this moment . Hes so engrossed in his painting that there is no false expression or ploy.  Just him and his work.

I find myself privileged to see this side of him . To see how his eyebrows knit together in concentration while his tongue slightly sticks out between his plump lips , a subconscious habit I've begun noticing over this past month .

"Oh Darling. "I hum , mimicking his nickname for me . His eyes snap to me and his face pulls into a relaxed cocky  expression .

"Yes my Love?"he hums back and sets his tools down and wipes his hand on the rag next to him.

"I've finished my painting.  Come look !"I smile and sit back , earning a soft chuckle from him as he makes his away around.  I purse my lips in anticipation as he stands behind me , his hands resting on either side of me on the back of my chair which I had swapped in place of the hard stool I had previously. 

"Wow."he gasps and leans closer to inspect it , his head stopping right next to mine as he takes in the portrait ."I look utterly amazing .Look at my beauty ! I'm just exquisite. "He rambles .

"Vincent!"I whine ."Stop being egotistical and tell me how I did!"

"Alright alright. "He laughs and pats my head . "You've improved so much my Love . It looks exactly like me."he sighs and leans in and plants a soft kiss on my cheek .

My face heats up as he pulls away and leans on my chair . "In fact , I'd like to display it at my next exhibition. The women will go crazy about having a portrait of me . You were even able to replicate my use of color ."

"Wait really?"I gasp and stand up in shock .

Vincent nods and grins down at me.
"Of course. It'd be my honor."he smiles and takes a step back and bends forward into a bow.

I find myself unable to control my excitement so I jump forward, wrapping my arms around him and pulling him into a hug . "Thank you so much! "

"Anything for you my Love. "He whispers and squeezes his arms around me and picks  me .

"Vincent!"I squeal as he spins me around.  "Dont you dare drop me or-"

He cuts me off by setting me down and taking a step closer to me. "Or what?"he asks , his tone deep and teasing as he grins down at me.

I instinctively take a step back and grab one of the clean paintbrushes on the side table behind me and point it at him. "Or this will get shoved into one of your eye sockets.  "I laugh and toss it back .

Vincent laughs and pats my head.
"You dont have a dangerous bone in your body ."he assumes as he starts walking towards the stairs leading to our bedroom.

"How would you know?" I ask as I follow behind him , not letting this topic be dropped like many others.

I'm not helpless ! I can hurt someone if I want to . Does he really think I won't be able to hurt him if I wanted to?

"You would've tried to hurt me a long time ago. "He says with a matter-of-fact tone .

I stay silent as I make my way over to the bed where I sit comfortably with my legs up . My gaze follows him as he moves towards the closet to look for clothes. "Why are you changing?" I ask .