s o u l b u r n s

viii ~ don't read, period

THERE WAS ONE WORD THAT ONE could use to describe Eli Weston—even above creative, articulate, rude, mysterious and maybe even arrogant—it would be precise. His work was beautiful and that could obviously be the reason why he was so famous. Or rather, his work.

Adelaide entered into his office with pure curiosity, she wondered what exactly he wanted with her. They never seemed to have the best conversations and so she expected to be out of his office under a few minutes.

"Sit down." His gruff voice sounded from the corner of his office where his easel was placed. "I'm curious about something."

"That would be?"

"What is your name?"

She sat on one of the cushioned seats by the door, already knowing that he wouldn't want her too close. "Adelaide. You don't know my name?"

"I do."

"So, why did you ask then?" Her eyes squinted in confusion.

"Because, I just wanted to hear you say it." His face never left his painting as he worked. "I need your help."

"What?"

"I said that I needed you to help me with something." He repeated.

"I know, I just couldn't believe that those words would be coming from you."

"Adelaide." He says in a warning tone.

"Alright, sorry. What can I help you with?"

"I like to listen to books while I paint. It helps me focus, in a way." He paused shortly to dip his brush in the pastel besides him. "The list of the books, I particularly prefer, that Laura compiled for you is on the desk to your left."

"Okay. So, what am I supposed to do with the list? You need me to create a playlist?"

"If that's what you want to call it."

"But for real." Adelaide rolled her eyes slightly.

"I need you to read to me."

"Mr. Weston, have you considered my work? When would I have time for this?" She asked carefully as she reached over to grab the printed paper.

"Don't worry about that, I'm sure that you can somehow work something out. And by the way, Hannah did say that you were good." Adelaide could just hear the smirk in his tone.

And in an effort to prove to him what she herself didn't yet understand, she agreed. "You read a lot of classical novels." She noted as she skimmed through the list.

"As you can see."

Rolling her eyes she opened her laptop to an ebook site and crossed her legs on the comfortable couch. "I'm going to begin reading now."

Adelaide had been reading for a while and it seemed like Eli had finally began to fix his focus from the artwork to the words she was saying because he suddenly stopped her. "What do you think you're doing?"