Page 58 of Omega Artist
What the fuck are you doing, asshole? It’s not fair to give her false hope.
Despite knowing all this, I don’t regret asking her to come. Alie’s not a hookup—never has been. She’s my best lay in years, and my paintings are what brought us closer, so why not?
I’m brought back to reality when I notice her hand waving in my direction. That gives me the opportunity to ogle her, admiring how her fitted navy turtleneck is stretched across her girls.
Busted!
I can’t control the growing semi that’s tightening my jeans, and slide a hand into my pocket to rearrange myself. She’s perfected the turtleneck look to a T. How many different turtlenecks does she own? Tonight’s is paired with snug beige pants that hug her perfect ass.
This girl has the ability to turn me on in no time…
The corner of my lip tugs upward, and a large smile brightens her lovely face. Somehow, her expressive brown eyes appear bigger than usual. Soraya whispers something into her ear, and they burst into a fit of raucous laughter. I’m not sure that I like how comfortable they are together, especially after Claire’s earlier indiscretion. I’m just hoping that they’re not up to something when I see them disappear to the back of the gallery. But I’m being paranoid, since they reappear upstairs to join me a moment later.
“Look who I found while you were busy selling your art to the happy few!”
“Aren’t you the proud owner of one of my paintings? I remember gifting you the first one I did after I thre—” I stop in my tracks. My first painting after stopping for two years because of Delia’s death. My first painting to get back on the proverbial horse. My first painting to repay her for ruining her expensive boots. My best friend clears her throat to stop me from fixating on the ghost that suddenly entered the room, but it’s the weight of Alie’s stare that jars me from my unwelcome pity party. “I’m being rude. I’m sor—” Once again, I pause mid-sentence, then try another approach. “Good evening, Alie.” I nod and give her a warm smile to finally acknowledge her presence while fiddling with my watch. I swallow the lump that’s blocking my throat, but breathing still aches. As eager as I am to touch her, it isn’t safe to be any closer… Otherwise, I won’t behave.
“When I got here, I didn’t know anyone, so after studying a few pieces, I just thought maybe I should just ask someone where you might be.”
“And lucky her, she found me!” my energetic friend jokes, throwing her arms into the air. “Of course, I asked inappropriate questions before I even introduced myself. Of course, Alie provided more inappropriate answers after I got around to introducing myself as your childhood best friend.” My brow spikes higher with each piece of information. “Of course, Graham ruined my fun by telling Alie where you were. Anyway, we decided that we like her.” She’s talking about Alie as if she wasn’t standing next to her. Suddenly, I’m glad that Claire’s nowhere to be found because I wouldn’t have been able to deal with both of them in front of the first girl since...
My ongoing inner monologue is interrupted by the blur of Alie’s hand rushing to cover it as she bursts out laughing at Soraya’s bluntness.
Does this woman have any clue how fucking breathtaking she is?
She’s wearing a bit more makeup than usual on her eyes. I don’t know the first thing about makeup, but it makes her lashes seem even thicker and longer than normal. She’s a mix of raw sex appeal and innocence, and yet she doesn’t shy away from broadcasting her single forbidden zone, which ramps me up every time I see her.
Yup, I’m definitely breaking my own rules with this girl.
Flames of embarrassment lick my cheeks, and I pretend to be unaware of my not-so-subtle boner. I cast my eyes down, inhale deeply, and say, “I blame my lack of manners on my nerves. I’m not much of a people person, as you must know by now.” Then I turn to Soraya. “I’m not going to ask what you discussed because that would be prying,” I offer playfully, as if our earlier bickering didn’t happen, and return my attention to Alie. “So, what do you think?”
“I like Soraya.” She winks at me, and my friend giggles, fully aware that I was alluding to the art. Without breaking eye contact, she adds, “Her mood board is an awesome idea that I might borrow one of these days.”
“Thanks, Alie.”
“You’re most welcome.” Turning back to me, she continues, “Oh, and I approve of your new addition.” She leans my way and runs the pad of her thumb over my left eyebrow… well, the barbell that was added to it a couple of days ago. Chills break out along my spine, and I can barely keep my composure.
“Thank you.” My fingers reach for hers, getting reacquainted with her skin. “Piercings and tattoos are as addictive as you are.”
“Well, you two have a lot to catch up on, so I’ll leave you to it. Alie, it was a pleasure meeting you.”
My young lover nods at my departing friend. “Likewise. I’ll see you in a bit. You’re sticking around for a while, right?” Soraya confirms. “It was a pleasure to meet your husband. He’s such a charmer!” A pang of jealousy hits me in the gut, and I bite the corner of my lower lip. “You two make a beautiful couple.”
“Thanks. So do you.” My face warms at my friend’s words, and I stand, dumbfounded. “By the way, Alie, disregard my warning. You have nothing to worry about. I shouldn’t have mentioned it.”
The athletic blonde mouths a thank you to the curvier brunette before my friend ambles away without another word.
Meanwhile, I’m frowning, perplexed and wave at a few people that I recognize. I clear my throat, curious about their exchange, but too much of a coward to ask.
“It’s a great exhibition. You’re so talented.” She pecks my cheek. “Aren’t you proud, Omega Artist?”
Taken aback, I disregard her compliment and focus on the nickname.
She lets out a hearty laugh. “What?” Her eyes are laced with mischief. “We both know that I’m the alpha here, right?” She plants another quick kiss on my cheek to seal the deal.
I don’t protest, knowing that she’s accurate, and I don’t mind it—there’s nothing wrong with being an omega.
After a few seconds, I manage to impart, “I’m glad you came.” Our fingers are intertwined. Her eyes are heated. My body is combusting.
