The Artist's Artist | PRN

09. good time girl

A week later, Prince reached out, his request for my time arriving like a cherished surprise. We found ourselves enveloped in a scene of romantic allure, dining at his house amidst the glow of flickering candles and the soft, mesmerizing radiance cast by a chandelier above. With the elegance of a seasoned host, Prince poured rich, ruby-red wine into our glasses, and together we raised a toast to the moments awaiting us.

Seated across from each other, our plates adorned with carefully crafted dishes, Prince's eyes held a glimmer of intrigue. "There's been something on my mind," he confessed, his tone measured and his words layered with a seriousness that invited my full attention.

Intrigued, I raised an eyebrow, silently urging him to continue. "What is it?"

Leaning in slightly, his whisper became a hushed caress. "I have something to ask of you," he began, his low and serious tone a mixture of depth and sincerity "I'm interested in exclusivity – I want to be the only one you see. I know your career is important to you, and I respect that. So, I want to make sure this arrangement is not only worth your while, but also compensates for any potential loss of income."

His words hung in the air, a delicate balance of vulnerability and resolve. I took a moment to absorb the weight of his proposition. Prince had always shown respect for my choices and profession, a gesture that filled me with a deep sense of appreciation and gratitude. His consideration now was no exception.

"Your sentiment means a lot," I replied after a few moments, my voice thoughtful. I lifted my glass to sip my wine, savoring the moment before continuing. "And I appreciate your offer," I added softly, extending my hand to meet his. "But I need some time to consider what I want. This is a significant decision, and I want to make sure it's the right choice for me."

Prince nodded, his understanding evident in the unwavering gaze he directed my way. "Absolutely," he acknowledged, his tone patient and empathetic. "Take all the time you need. I wanted to express my feelings and intentions, regardless."

Our dinner unfolded, an exquisite blend of flavors and shared stories. The hours seemed to dissolve as we conversed and laughed, relishing the intimacy of the evening. As the night neared its end, Prince walked me to the door, his touch lingering as he leaned in for a goodnight kiss. The gentle touch of his lips carried a tender promise.

On the journey home, my thoughts swirled with the gravity of Prince's offer. His desire for exclusivity showcased his commitment and genuine care for me; a chapter in our story I hadn't anticipated. Though the status of our relationship remained uncertain, the sincerity in his eyes was for sure.

...

Some time later, Prince extended an invitation for brunch, a gentle reminder of the topic he had broached before. We found ourselves seated at the table, bathed in the soft morning sunlight and enveloped by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. With a thoughtful grace, Prince poured me a cup, his hand steady and his demeanor serious as he began to speak.

"I know we've touched on this before, but it's been on my mind," Prince shared, his voice a measured cadence of depth and sincerity. "I'm still drawn to the idea of exclusivity – of us sharing something more meaningful."

As I took a sip of the coffee, a spark of amusement danced within me at his words. "Are you trying to turn a hoe into a housewife?" I playfully quipped, a teasing smirk gracing my lips.

Prince chuckled, his eyes warm with affection. "I would never try to change you," he replied, his hand reaching across the table to gently clasp mine. "But I do want to be the only one you spend your time with. I can take care of you, financially and emotionally."

The warmth his words stirred within me was undeniable, a sense of gratitude for his understanding and acceptance. He embraced me for who I was, and he was genuinely invested in making this step meaningful.