limerence || benedict bridgerton

xii | muse

"I'm nervous" Alexandria said to Benedict as they approached the doors to the room where Benedict spend majority of his time these days. "Don't be, there will be plenty of other women in the room I assure you." Benedict reassured and Alexandria nervously gulped.

Alas, Benedict opened the door to the art room and Alexandria was in absolute awe at massive room that has a wooden interior and high ceiling with the many paintings lining the walls. "You never told me it was this fancy!" Alexandria said and Benedict shrugged.

Alexandria focused her attention on the other people in the room and felt her nerves settle when she saw other women modelling for each painter.

"Take a seat here and I'll guide you on what to do" Benedict said taking Alexandria over to a plush loveseat.

"You must be one of our new fellows" A man, who Benedict had never seen before said as Benedict rolled out his tools. "Is it really so evident?" Benedict said. "Conserve that youthful vigor, Soon you shall just be as jaded as the rest of us" The man said.

"After all, one form is much like another. Do you not think?" The man said his eyes gliding over to Alexandria who was currently getting herself situated. Benedict didn't answer as he was too busy taking in all of Alexandria.

Alexandria looked flawless as always, opting for a white dress this time which she normally wouldn't dare wear out in public and she had also done something to make her curls more accentuated. Figuring Benedict needed as much detail as possible.

"Tell me how to pose, Ben" Alexandria said, she was trying out many different poses but none were like any Benedict had in mind. "I'll show you" Benedict said walking over to Alexandria.

Benedict had envisioned Alexandria on her side which she already was. He moved her left hand to rest on the side of her head and her right hand to drape over her stomach. Benedict carefully pushed Alexandria's curls over her shoulder allowing her curls to flow beautifully, he wanted as much of Alexandria's chest exposed. Benedict grabbed Alexandria's jaw gently and moved it to the side.

Alexandria gazed up at Benedict with a doe like brown eyes and kept her eyes on him the entire time and her plump pink lips were parted ever so slightly. Once Benedict was finished positioning Alexandria, he didn't dare step away from her. Instead, he was stuck in a trance just taking all of Alexandria in. She looked to Benedict like a porcelain doll. Her skin looked creamy and porcelain white and her deep brown curls looked as though they were perfectly crafted by a sculptor, her big doe brown eyes truly made her resemble a doll.

"Ben?" Alexandria said breathlessly. "Sorry" Benedict said and returned to his stool to finally begin painting. "I have noticed everyone here is...naked?" Alexandria said making conversation and now feeling slightly awkward as she felt overdressed.

"Seems like I forgot to mention that part." Benedict chuckled with his eyes staying on the painting. "It was totally optional to have your model be with clothes or without, I figured you were more comfortable dressed" Benedict explained and Alexandria nodded in understanding.

Alexandria was surprised at how quickly Benedict could get sucked into what he loved doing most which reminded her of how easily she was sucked in when writing. Painting Alexandria didn't seem to be difficult for Benedict as she observed that he would rarely pull back for a break or get stuck.

Occasionally, they would make eye contact when Benedict looked up to make sure every single detail of Alexandria was perfect.

"What's so funny." Benedict smiled as he heard Alexandria giggling. "Nothing, It's just that you look like a grumpy old man when you're focused" Alexandria said which made her giggle more at saying it out loud and Benedict playfully shook his head.