My Alluring Indiscretion

Chapter 24- First kisses

Playlist for this chapter:

'Wolves' by Selena Gomez

'Now Or Never' by Halsey

'Capital Letters' by Hailee Steinfeld

'Lights Down Low' by MAX

'Good For You' by Selena Gomez

🔸🔹🔸🔹🔸

Emma's POV

I plucked the last strings and welcome the tears pooling in my eyes. My chest was constructed with emotions, on the precipice of recovery. Applause erupted all around me and I looked at the audience in shock, momentarily forgetting where I am. There was no mocking, boredom, only admiration and smiles. Relief flooded through me. I grinned at Ellie and Jordan, only now realising how badly I was shaking.

"You were amazing Emma!" They said in unison, taking turns embracing me. They never looked prouder of me and I could hardly believe what I'd just done. I looked around, my eyes scanning the people in the cafe, until at the back I spotted Bennet. My heart skipped a beat when I saw who was standing next to him, tall and broad. I couldn't look away from Leo, truly trapped under his gaze. He'd never looked at me like this before. With a gaze so immensely soft and tender, he conveyed feelings that undid me.

The ride home was filled with noise. Everyone went on and on complimenting my performance, Bennet made a joke about managing me, Leo stayed quiet and so did I. I was still deliriously stuck on that stage. I felt so confident and comfortable in my body like never before. This was who I'm supposed be. Music fulfilled me and today I truly realised it.

At home, everyone congratulated me and then headed off to bed. Before I could walk away Leo takes my hand in his and leads me to the room upstairs. The one which is off limits.

"You were...I don't have words. Your voice is beguiling Emma." I blushed. Hard.

"Thank you but why have you brought me here?"

"I've never shown this room to anybody." Leo runs a hand through his hair. We are currently standing outside the door, while I wait for Leo to open it in anticipation. "This is how I express myself." Leo sighs and stands hesitantly, still not turning the key to unlock the door.

"Leo just open the door." I say and so he does but almost insecurely. I enter the large dark space. I hear the click of the switch being flipped and then the room being lit up. It was nothing like I ever imagined. I even imagined maybe he was hiding some fifty shades of grey shenanigan behind this secret door but never this.

The walls of the room, were not brick but glass. In it stood large canvas's, spread all over the room. Colours bursting bright on all of them. I was never one for art, I never understood it the meaning behind, but now as I ran the tips of my fingers over the coarse surface, I knew nothing about these painting were disingenuous.

Each and every painting here was raw with emotion, taking over my mind and soul. Showing me a deeper meaning that was hiding behind the mere stroke of a brush.

"You were so brave today. You just went for it. I started to realise I don't want to hide this side of me. Not from you at least." The smell of oil paints, only added to the allure and effect of the masterpieces. There was one painting in particular that stood out. The canvas was painted in an ornate yellow scheme, a tinge of red mixed in to create a gloom effect.

Dirty Blonde curls cascading down the shoulders of a petite figure. Her face, Oh her face is what left me bewildered. Her smile was radiant, it could light up a dark night but there was something in her eyes, they were sterling blue yet empty. It baffled me how a smile so wonderful could not reach her eyes. She looked delicate, like a mirage, one look away and she's gone. Even in silence, it was as if she was calling out for serenity.