Intimate

Chapter 9

Adrianna

I had come to see Klaus to get away from home. I couldn't be there right now. I had to stay away from anyone who had any links to me. I'd even booked a week off of work just to make sure I couldn't be found.

I'd hoped Klaus would let me crash at his house for a few days. From the party, it looked big enough to accommodate an extra guest. I guess I also felt safe around him, as much as I hated to admit that. He made me feel like he'd protect me against anything.

But I couldn't even ask if I could crash here, he didn't let me get a word in. Instead he just dragged me inside and left.

I felt almost like I was intruding. I didn't know if there was anywhere I shouldn't be allowed to go?

Oh well, I thought.

Time to myself inside this beautiful house. I may as well take the time to explore.

I carried myself over to a staircase and climbed up, brushing my hand across the cold metal banister as I took every step. It was kind of rusty and old.

I knew this place was breathtaking from the party he held. But it looked so different when it was empty. The statues and individual decoration pieces stood out, brightening up the old style it held.

There were so many rooms leading off from the large balcony. I didn't know who else lived here, it was pretty big and I already knew of Klaus and Elijah but I wondered if anyone else did. It was big enough for it.

As I scanned the walls and doors to see if there was anything interesting, I found myself drawn to the room at the end of the balcony with the door slightly open. A warm light protruded through the crack, contrasting with the ice cold atmosphere of the room that made the hairs on my arms stand up.

Stepping inside, instantly I was met with painting upon painting. They were all so beautiful and deep. I never really looked at art. I always found it boring, so I never felt the need to visit an art gallery or fill my walls with famous pieces.

My apartment did of course have a few pictures hung up here and there, but they didn't mean anything. They were just ones I thought would look well with the rest of the room.

However the ones before me were so beautiful and I felt calm admiring them. It was as if I could scratch away at the paint, and a million secrets would all come flooding out. The paintings were full of secrets, pain, fear. They stood out and really managed to touch me.

I wandered aimlessly over to a stand with a canvas rested against it. A painting of a little boy was painted with bright beautiful colours. He was lost, surrounded by thin long trees in a scary, dark woods. It was still slightly wet and the paint smelled strong.

I stood for a moment in awe, taking in how beautiful the painting was. It reminded me of the nightmare I'd had a few nights ago. It brought back the fear I'd felt. That must be how this little boy feels. 

From a picture painted on a canvas, it was almost like i could read the story. He felt small and insignificant in a world of things beyond him. He was scared and lonely. He didn't know which way to turn. He didn't know where he'd end up. I could actually empathise with the little boy in this painting.

I'd never experienced anything so powerful as that.

I wanted to run my fingers across it, but had to fight the urge as I didn't want accidentally to ruin it.

As my eyes examined the painters name in the bottom corner, a small smile crept up onto my lips.

K.M

Klaus. He clearly had a beautiful talent.

My thoughts were interrupted as a manly cough sounded from behind me. I turned to see Elijah stood in the doorway, his eyes intensely on me. A beautifully tailored suit hung perfectly off of his body.

I instantly felt my body begin to heat up under his gaze.

"I take it you like the paintings?" He spoke, amused.

It felt awkward being alone with Elijah. I didn't really know him, and I was in his house. It almost felt like I shouldn't be here.

I'd only had that one interaction with him at the party, and that was... different, to say the least. The way he stared at me, it made my stomach do little flips but also made me feel sick. I knew the way he behaved around me was to get at his brother.

His eyes were so dark and intense. If I looked into them for too long it felt like I could be captured by them.

I cleared my throat and shook my head slightly, pulling myself out of my thoughts. "Um... Yeah." I said, turning my back to him, putting my focus back to the painting instead.

"Klaus did them?" I asked. I already knew that he had, but I felt the need to make some conversation.

Footsteps began to make their way towards me slowly. "Yes, my brother has always liked to paint." I nodded as Elijah finally stopped by my side, looking at the painting also.

I'd already examined every inch of this painting, but I felt so awkward around him I felt like I had to keep my eyes busy.

"He's created many paintings, most of which he keeps stored away. But his most recent ones are here." He examined the one of the little boy lost in the woods. His eyebrows ruffled a little.

"Not one of his best, I must admit." He stated, unimpressed.

He turned to walk away. I couldn't help but scoff at his comment, stopping him in his tracks. "Not one of his best?" I said, defensively. "This painting is amazing! You should give Klaus more credit. Look at it!" I directed my attention back to the painting, it calmed me a little.

"I mean... It's got so much emotion behind it, I can only imagine what stories are being portrayed in this. How can you say it's not one of his best? He's clearly an amazing painter!" I argued.

My attention diverted back to Elijah, to see him with both hands in his pockets, smirking down at his feet slightly.

"What?" I snapped.

He inhaled sharply, the smirk not leaving his lips. He turned towards the door and started walking off, leaving me angry and annoyed.

"You're quick to defend my brother." He spoke as he continued to walk out of the room. I could hear the smirk on his lips as he spoke.

"I'm quick to defend talent." I corrected, slightly shouting to ensure he could hear me seeing as he had walked off mid conversation.

I guess my first interaction with Elijah had given me the wrong impression of him. He was an ass!

How is it funny that I'm quick to defend Klaus? Which I wasn't doing anyway, I was defending the art. It was a good painting and if I'm never usually one to like paintings and I like his work, then it must be good.

I hated the tension I could feel between those two. It was odd and kind of frightening.