Page 79 of Merciless Queen
“Like what?” I asked.
“Like I hung the stars.”
I smiled, running my fingers along her face. “That’s because you did. You helped me create new galaxies.”
Caterina grabbed me, pulling me on top of her. “Good. I like seeing your eyes shine like the night sky.”
“You know, you’re really a big sap.”
“Don’t tell anyone, it will destroy my ego.” I leaned down and kissed her. “I love you,bellissima.”
“I love you,vita mia.”Caterina cocked an eyebrow. “You are my world. My heart. My life.” I kissed her again. “Can I paint your back, you know, after you wake up?”
“Do it now. If you feel inspired, why wait?”
Caterina lay on her back as I quickly scattered to grab my brushes and paint. Talking about stars and the moon inspired me, but instead of a canvas, I wanted to create art on Caterina’s skin. I scurried back to the bed with arms full of material. I pulled the blanket down to her thighs and straddled her.
“Are you okay if paint gets on the bed?”
“I can wash them when you’re done, so dive in,bellissima.”
I squeezed a combination of indigo and deep cobalt onto her back, swirling the colors together until they blended together to create the perfect midnight blue sky. I mixed in a small amount of violet, yellow, and a hint of pink to add dimension into the sky. My brush danced across her back, adding a few streaks ofsilver to add the starry glow of stars before I splattered white to create the perfect diamond sky. While I let the combination of paints dry, I traced her arms with my finger, feeling her skin jump under my touch. Everything about her was perfect.
The world disappeared into nothing as I listened to her soft breathing and felt her skin under me. Painting was already healing for me, but Caterina added another element to the whole process. I loved her more than anything, and I would forever be grateful for her. She showed me a whole new world of possibilities.
When the base layer was dry, I painted a dark silhouette of a couple. I liked to think the people I drew represented me and Caterina. My work was becoming a gallery of my love for the woman who saved me and showed me a whole new world of possibility. I painted the two women tenderly, like I was trying to capture their story with every stroke until they were perfect.
I reached over her and grabbed her phone, opening the camera and snapping a few pictures of the creation. This would be something I couldn’t have hung up in our room, but we would have the memory. Maybe I’d paint this on canvas one day, but right now, I’d enjoy it as it was.
“Look,” I said, handing Caterina her phone.
“Harlow, you really have a talent. I know a few people who would love your art. We could have it in a museum, if you wanted.”
My cheeks heated. “I don’t know if I want that. I like my art, but I don’t think it’ll live up to the standards.”
“There’s no pressure,bellissima,but I know your work is amazing. I think the world should witness it.”
“What if it’s not good enough, or too dark?”
Caterina pulled herself up out of the bed, careful of her back, and pulled me into her arms. “I know this has been repeated so I sound like a broken record, but art is supposed to make peoplefeel something. When I see your art, from the very first piece to this one on my back, I see strength. I see a beautiful woman healing. You’re a warrior,bellissima,and your art reflects that, too.”
I wiped the tears from my eyes and leaned forward to capture her lips. “I really don’t deserve you. I’ll think about it.”
“You deserve the world,bellissima,and I plan on giving you everything.” She nudged me off her slightly, pulling herself up. “Let’s take a shower. I’d say we could spend the day together, but I have to spar with Spencer and then go to a meeting at the magazine. Now that my father has the stick out of his ass, he can focus on it more, but I am needed today.”
“It’s okay. I think Lizzy wants to go shopping today, so I’ll probably do that with her. Y’know, enjoy life instead of being scared.”
“I’m so proud of the woman you’re becoming,bellissima.”
“It’s because of you. Now, let’s get in the shower. I want a morning orgasm.”
CHAPTER 63
Caterina
“Married life is killing your stamina,”Spencer teased as she dodged a slow jab.
I bounced on my toes, flexing my fingers as I watched her feet. Spencer was sneaky when it came to blitz attacks. “My stamina was pretty great with Harlow in the shower this morning and when she was riding my face last night.”
