Craving: A Kylo Ren Tale

Twenty-Five

"Straight to the gallery," instructs Kylo.

It's not a far drive from the airport, but I almost wish it were longer because the views are amazing. It's absolutely magical here.

It's only around 4 P.M. but the sun is already setting, and it's painting the gorgeous architecture with hues of pinks and oranges. Every street looks like a winter wonderland postcard - a light dusting of snow, Christmas markets, decorated trees, wreaths on every door, candles in the windows.

The art show isn't for another two days, and we leave in three, so I'm very excited to explore the city. I've packed plenty of warm layers and walking shoes to take myself on adventures. Kylo will be busy with meetings, I was told to keep myself entertained during the day.

But first things first, Kylo wants to drop his photographs at the gallery so they can be framed and hung. He'll come back tomorrow to check that everything is to his liking, I've emailed back and forth with the owner about the specifics.

When we arrive, I'm surprised to see that it's a classic eighteenth century style building. But as we walk inside, my senses are on overload. The contents of the building could not be more different from the facade.

There are bold photographs and paintings lining the walls, modern and risqué, harsh and colorful lighting coming from the ceilings. Definitely the Kylo aesthetic, I can see why he's close with the owner.

He strides into the gallery and greets Cardo warmly, well, as warm as I've ever seen him. They shake hands and even share a brief hug, clapping each other on the back and sharing "It's been too long" and "So glad to see you again".

"And you must be the one I've had the pleasure of corresponding with," says Cardo. He's got beautiful honey colored hair and bright blue eyes. They trail my body, starting at my heels and working up to my face slowly. I offer a handshake, he kisses it instead.

"I like this one," he smiles at me while throwing the comment towards Kylo.

"Mm yes, I'm quite fond too," he replies.

Both of their eyes are on me, intensely, and this isn't the first time Kylo has spoken with someone as if I'm just an object in the room to be admired. I should be shocked by such treatment, but his words of praise will always cause me to melt. No matter the context.

Eventually they turn their attention to the portfolio, and I excuse myself to take a lap around the room. I'm curious about the other art and the space where Kylo will be showing his work.

As the men chat about the upcoming show specifics, I slowly stroll through the gallery. Admiring the odd and sultry pieces, arranged on the walls in thought provoking ways. Many different artists with different styles, but Cardo's taste is obvious. Dark, sexual, menacing at times.

After a while I find myself getting lost in a particular print with a woman's naked form in the center. There are multiple hands reaching from outside the frame, grabbing different parts of her body. Her face is slightly blurred and I can't tell if she's experiencing pleasure or pain.

I'm staring at every detail, trying to understand how she must have been feeling, when I sense them standing behind me.

"This is one of my favorites. What do you see?" inquires Cardo.

"These men, they're using her body," I reply. Turning to face them, I see that they both have predatory eyes. Their friendship makes sense to me - they're both sharks. I stare at Kylo as I continue, "But I think she likes it."

"I think she does too," he answers darkly. Knowingly.

"An interesting interpretation," muses Cardo, pleased with my answer. "One of the better ones I've heard. And what do you think of the gallery?"