The Erotic Artiste

CHAPTER 21

Evelyn woke up the following morning after a restful night's slumber. As her eyes fluttered open, she remained momentarily confused about where she was until her surroundings came into focus and her vision cleared. The morning light spilled brightly through the expansive windows of Akeno's bedroom, causing her to shield her eyes and head with the bedsheets.

'Is he still beside me in bed? What time is it?' Was the first thing she pondered.

Recalling the previous night spent with the art collector, Evelyn smiled at its memories. It was an experience unlike any other, one that had helped her uncover new facets of her own sensuality. Mr. Hiro had made her discover things about herself and every aspect of him stirred her emotions. Reflecting on their intimate night wrapped in soft sheets, she had no regrets and would do it all again.

'But what next? What now?' she pondered.

Memories of the moments leading up to them falling asleep, mixed with a hint of sudden awkwardness, flooded back into her mind. Why had that happened? She also remembered a shift in his demeanor midway through their lovemaking and how he went from being gentle to fucking her. Additionally, she remembered his avoidance of eye contact thereafter.

'Perhaps his sentiments mirrored mine and like me, he also thought that the intimacy shared during our lovemaking seemed to have stirred unwarranted emotions within us,' she speculated.

A tinge of sadness washed over her as she acknowledged his apparent desire to maintain a purely physical relationship. Yet, this truth had been evident from the very start, a reality she had quickly accepted.

'You engaged with him for the sake of art, Eve. Stay focused on your pursuits. This is only the beginning. So do not bother if he chooses to keep things physical,' she reminded herself.

With a smile, she lifted the sheets from her head and rose from the bed, noting Akeno's absence by her side. Wrapping a sheet around herself, Evelyn scanned the room for her gown, only to find it absent.

In her search for clothing, a note on top of a nearby bedside drawer caught her eye. She grabbed the note, penned by Akeno, and read its contents.

"Good morning, my dear. By the time you wake up, I would have departed for work. Take your time and make yourself at home. Breakfast has been arranged by my maid, and you are free to leave when you want to. My second driver stands ready to assist you and take you home. I trust you enjoyed a peaceful sleep. Let's talk soon. Have a splendid day."

Evelyn nodded in acknowledgment before setting the note aside.

'At least he left a note,' she thought with a smile.

Discarding the sheet, she proceeded to the bathroom, where neatly folded and new clothes awaited her: a fresh T-shirt, panties, shorts, and a new toothbrush. Evelyn couldn't help but smile at Akeno's thoughtful gesture, which succeeded in making her morning more comfortable.

After a long and refreshing shower, Evelyn wore the well-fitted new clothes and grabbed her purse before leaving Akeno's bedroom.

Upon descending the stairs, she met with an elderly woman in uniform, unmistakably Akeno's maid. The woman warmly greeted her and escorted her to the dining room where a delectable breakfast awaited on the table. Subsequently, she presented Evelyn with the gown she had worn the previous day, now cleaned and neatly folded in a plastic bag along with her shoes.

"Thank you," Evelyn expressed her gratitude.

"You're welcome, madam. Is there anything else you require?" the maid inquired.