If You Give an Artist a Killer Muse: A Dark Grumpy Sunshine Romance

Chapter 2

Rurik

Smile. Just keep on smiling.

I keep reminding myself to smile at everyone here, showering me with praise for my artwork. I”m honestly proud of the work I do. But I can”t fully enjoy the moment with a migraine in the form of a petite woman creeping up behind me.

I pretend to study my painting, but my gaze keeps drifting to the side. With a heavy sigh of relief, I notice that Briar, the migraine-turned-woman engaged in conversation with her friend, is no longer paying attention to me.

What is it about that woman that makes me feel weird?

Despite my telling her I don’t know her, I do.

Okay, I don’t exactly know her, but I know of her. At first, when I saw her, I thought she looked familiar and couldn”t quite place where I”d seen her. But when Oscar said her name, realization punched me in the face.

I saw her face plastered on my stepdad’s emails months ago. Despite the pictures looking a little grainy, her photographs took my breath away, and I was rendered speechless by how she was the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen in my life. How could I not? Her long, wavy black hair, sun-kissed skin, and caramel-looking eyes—which I can now confirm—have specks of gold when the light shines on them.

She”s so beautiful, it makes my chest ache.

It’s her eyes.

They remind me of someone I met years ago when I first arrived in New York—the one with the disposable face mask and pink duffle bag. But I highly doubt she’s Briar. Also, anyone could have light brown eyes that look like caramel, right?

My stepdad told me to stay away from her because she was crazy. He wouldn’t tell me what she does, but I know she’s involved with dangerous and murderous people who call themselves the Charons. The type of people my stepdad has been trying to bring down.

Any attraction I had disappeared into the ether after his warning.

Am I an asshole for assuming she’s a murderer herself? Even if she’s not, she’s guilty by association, right?

The fact that Oscar knows her makes me question him, too. But I know Oscar. I’ve known him since I graduated from University. He offered me a job at the gallery when I had no idea what I was doing with the rest of my life. No, he’s cool. Just because he’s friends with her doesn’t really mean he’s like her, right? I’ve never seen him in any of my stepdad’s files.

There’s just something about her that makes my head go crazy and my insides lurch.

“How are you feeling, man?”

I shake out of my thoughts and turn to my friend Oscar. His eyes are soft and friendly, making me feel immediately guilty for thinking he was like Briar.

“Great!” I say with a smile. “I still can’t believe this is happening. I want to thank you for the opportunity to showcase my art in your gallery.”

“How many times do I have to tell you?” Oscar chuckles. “You don”t have to thank me.”

“You’re not letting me give you a percentage of my sales. C’mon, there must be something I can do,” I insist, shaking my head. “Please. Name it.”

Oscar sighs heavily, studying me for a moment. He shrugs. “It would be cool to have an artist live painting at my wedding.”

I cock my head. “You mean I get to paint my surroundings as they happen to live?”

Oscar nod. “Yeah, you can paint people dancing at the reception or when my future wife walks down the aisle—whatever you think needs to be captured.”

I had never done that before. I”m used to painting landscapes, where the view remains still forever. But with live painting, I have seconds to capture a moment in my mind and transfer it onto canvas.

That’s a challenge I can get behind.

“I would love to do that for you and your future wife,” I beam. “Who is the lucky woman, and when is the wedding?”

Oscar chuckles, sipping his wine. His gaze quickly flickers to the side, and I can”t help but follow it. Briar and her friend Natalie stand in the corner, laughing at something on Briar”s phone.

Is Briar his fiancée? Why do I suddenly feel a sharp sting between my ribs?

No, it can”t be her.

“Natalie?” I ask, turning my attention back to him. “She”s who you”re engaged to?”

“Eventually,” Oscar swallows hard.. He clears his throat before giving me an easygoing smile. “I”ll have to convince her first, but we”ll see.”

I laugh, shaking my head. Even I’m not blind to see how she looked at him throughout the day.

“I’m sure everything will work out for you,” I tell him, patting him on the shoulder.

Oscar grins, “What about you?”

“What about me?”

“You’re like a tight vault when it comes to relationship talks. No special someone?”

Just as I’m about to say no, a voice like sweet melody cuts me off. I turn sharply, barely stifling a groan.

“He doesn’t know it yet, but that special someone is me,” Briar winks, linking her arms with Natalie’s as she stands beside me.

Oscar’s face immediately brightens at the sight of them.

“Ladies,” He says. He looks at Natalie and gives her a playful, stern look. “Whatever happened to not drinking too much?”

She rolls her eyes. “Sorry, Daddy. It’s dangerous to bring me anywhere with an open bar.”

Oscar rose a brow, a slight quirk playing on his lips as he stares at Natalie.

I look away.

Those two keep giving lovey-dovey looks at each other, and I refuse to provide Briar with any more attention in case she sees it as an invitation to talk to me some more.

A light touch on my elbow catches my attention, and I look down to see my migraine personified, staring up at me with a wicked grin.

“Long time no see,” Briar winks.

She fucking winks at me. Who the hell does she think she is? What girl is this aggressive and can’t take the hint?

The sharp sting against my ribs intensifies, prompting me to pull my arm away from her.

You’re in control.

Leave, leave, leave.

I take a step back and mutter, “Excuse me.”

Oscar and Natalie are still focusing on each other, so I highly doubt they notice or hear me walk away from them.

I set my half-empty glass on a nearby table and lean against it, burying my face in my hands as I take a deep, slow breath.

My heart pounds erratically in my chest.

Inhale.

One. Two. Three.

Exhale.

One. Two. Three.

I feel my shoulders drop as I force my body to relax and my heart to chill the hell out.

“Are you okay?”

No.

My eyes snap open, and Briar’s concerned gaze meets mine. She slides a glass of ice water toward me. “You’re looking a bit pale, angel. Drink some water.”

I glare at the offered glass. Am I supposed to trust that this psycho didn’t slip something into it? No way. Without another glance, I walk away.

Moments later, an arm snakes around my waist. I try to break free and turn to shout at her to get her filthy hands off me, but I make the mistake of inhaling first.

Immediately, I’m surrounded by the intoxicating blend of mixed berries, dark chocolate, and a hint of jasmine.

Shit.

Briar wraps her other hand around my neck and yanks me down to her level.

“That’s probably the fifth time you’ve walked away from me, Rurik,” she whispers against my ear. I fight the urge to shudder as her breath tickled my skin. “As much as I appreciate the view of that delectable ass of yours, it’s rude to walk away while I’m still talking.”

What the hell?

“Then quit talking to me.” I snap back, trying to remove her grip from my neck.

From an outsider”s view, they probably think we’re locked in some intimate embrace.

I can’t have that.

“Why?” Briar asks with a grin. “I want to hear your voice.”

“Let go of me, Briar.”

“Ooh, yes. Say my name again. Your accent is so sexy.”

I sputter, trying to comprehend the audacity of this woman.

“Don’t stop,” She murmurs, her voice dripping like smooth honey. “Keep talking, please.”

“Get your hands off of me, Briar. I mean it.”

“Call me lass next.”

“Are you completely oblivious to social cues? Are you seriously stupid or intentionally aggravating?”

“Now you’re just flattering me.”

“Fuckyou!”

“I was hoping to wine and dine you first, but sure, yeah.”

The heat of her hand sears my neck. Thankfully, she lets go, and I step back, extending my right hand to maintain some distance.

Then, her face lights up with the brightest smile, her eyes flashes with glee, and she grabs my hand, shaking it enthusiastically.

My jaw drops.

“Is this a redo of our introduction?” Briar asks, grinning like a certified lunatic. “Hi. Hello. It’s nice to officially meet you, Rurik Campbell. My name is Briar Reyes. I’m a new fan of your work. I can’t wait to see what else you can come up with from that gorgeous mind of yours.”

Her grip tightens as I try to pull away again.

“You seriously have issues with touching people,” I growl, ready to slap her hand away without caring who sees.

“Only for you,” She winks, finally letting go.

I tuck my hands inside my pockets and scowl. “Well, quit touching me.”

“But your touch feels so good, angel.”

“Seriously, fuck off before I call security. You’re insane.”

“You’re making me blush.”

I’m going to fucking scream.

“Briar, there you are!”

Now I’m about to scream with relief as Briar turns around to see her friend running toward her with a gleeful look on her face and a satisfied-looking Oscar right behind her.

“Remember when I asked you to paint for my wedding?” Oscar asks me as he stops in front of me.

I raise a brow. “Yeah?”

I glance at Natalie and immediately notice the shiny ring on her finger. I blink and slowly turn to my friend in disbelief.

Oscar nods and chuckles. “I’ll send you the invitation.”

Well, that”s fast. But then again, Oscar and Natalie have been doing this push-and-pull thing for months now. It”s only a matter of time.

“What?!” Briar squeals, grabbing Natalie as they both jump up and down excitedly. “Holy shit! Nat, you’re getting married!”

“I’m getting married!” Natalie squeaks, staring at her ring. She turns to Oscar, and I can feel my heart burst with just the look he is giving her.

I can’t help but glance at Briar, too. She is looking at them with such adoration that it confuses me. Can crazy, murderous psychopaths feel love?

“Congratulations,” I say to them, seriously happy for them. “I can’t wait to paint for your special day. I promise to capture the perfect moment I know you’ll never want to forget.”

Natalie beams at me before throwing her arms around my neck.

A low grumble reaches my ear, and I glance to my left to see Briar glaring disapprovingly at her friend.

What the actual hell?

Natalie throws Briar a knowing smirk as she releases me, then promptly attaches herself to Oscar, who instinctively wraps a possessive arm around her.

“I hope you don’t mind that I proposed to her during your important day,” Oscar says, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Not at all,” I chuckle. “I’m happy you did.”

As Briar and Natalie continue their conversation, I seize the moment to excuse myself and put some distance between me and the walking migraine.

“I’ll be right back. I just need to go to the bathroom.”

Oscar frowns before nodding and turning his attention to the ladies.

*-*-*-*

I let out a sharp breath, leaning over the sink to cup my hands and splash cold water on my face. I need to calm down. I don’t know what’s wrong with me today; I’ve never cursed or snapped at a stranger just because they annoyed me.

That’s not me.

I’m calm.

Collected.

Chill.

Laid-back.

I splash water on my face again before grabbing a handful of paper towels and dabbing my face. After I toss them into the garbage, I stare at my reflection, place a hand on my chest, and inhale slowly.

Fucking migraine of a woman.

I exhale, shaking my head. I’m Rurik Campbell, damn it. My stepdad is a beloved senator. He does his best by getting rid of riffraff. People think I’m so sweet and quiet. I’m a great goddamn artist on my way to leaving my mark in the industry. My goal in this short life is to live fully until the last beating of my heart.

No woman is going to ruin my carefully laid-out plans.

I glare at my reflection again, shaking my head in frustration as I reach for the door to leave. But before I can step outside, the lights flicker off, enveloping me in darkness.

Suddenly, I”m assaulted by a blend of scents—berries, jasmine, and dark chocolate—followed by a soft yet firm hand slamming over my mouth.

I don”t even have time to yell before I”m forcefully shoved into a stall.

I scramble to avoid landing on the toilet, slamming my hands against the sides for support.

My survival instincts kick in as I attempt to push the person away with ferocious strength. They emit an animalistic hum, and I hear the sound of a muffled snap before I find myself shoved down until my knees buckle, my ass landing on top of the toilet seat cover with a grunt.

I feel the person’s weight straddling my lap, causing me to stiffen with confusion.

“Ssshh, angel,” a melodic voice whispers. “It’s me.”

Briar?

I blink and stare at her in disbelief. Briar’s lips curve in a wicked grin as my vision adjusts from the darkness.

“Hello, you,” she whispers, her nose brushing against my jaw as she inhales. “Holy shit, you smell perfect. What is that? What brand?”

I’m going to die. This psycho woman is going to be the death of me. It’s often the boring, quiet one who gets killed in those cheesy horror movies, right? This is my scene.

Shit. I could feel my heart about to take flight, and I can’t breathe —

Shit. Shit. Shit.

Breathe, you stupid asshole.

I try to speak, but her hand remains firmly clamped over my mouth. Her eyes narrow at my struggle, and she rolls her eyes with a sigh before releasing me. However, instead of freeing me completely, her fingers tighten around my neck, locking me in place.

I glare at her as I inhale deeply, ignoring the painful rattle against my chest. “What the actual fuck do you think you’re doing?”

Her chest is pressed against mine, her long, wavy black hair fanning her face as she looks down at me. Fuck, why is she sitting on my lap?! I could feel the warmth between her legs radiating against my crotch and — Fuck.

“Such naughty words coming from a good boy such as yourself, angel.”

“What the hell is wrong with you? Are you insane?”

“I’ve been called worse.”

I try to shove her off of me, but she doesn’t budge.

“That’s not something to be proud of — Get off me!”

She pouts, “But you keep running away from me. I figured sitting on you would keep you in place, angel.”

Why the hell does she keep calling me that?

I try to stand up, but her thighs squeeze so tightly that it throws off my balance. I can feel puffs of warm air coming from her lips, brushing against my skin, making me want to clam up. Turning my head to the side, I find that the strands of her hair follow my movement as if they have a mind of their own.

Fuck this shit. What the bloody hell is her problem? I growl, shooting her a glare filled with fury.

“I have to know something, angel,” Briar’s eyes glimmer with unrestrained insanity as she says, “Have I done anything to offend you? I’m pretty sure we just met today, but you”ve been acting as if I smashed all your artwork.”

“What makes you think we just met today?”

She raises a brow, “I would have known if I was touched by an angel.”

My face falls. She’s on drugs. She must be. No sane person would be as deranged as this woman on my lap.

“So?” Briar presses. “What have I done?”

My stepdad said you”re highly dangerous. Also, I need to stay the hell away from you.

But I don”t want her to know about him. So I say, “You”re too aggressive. Too forward. Now get the hell off of me before I do something that”ll end up with you buried six feet under.”

Shit. No, this isn”t me. I don”t go around threatening people!

“Ugh, fuck. Keep talking dirty to me — It’s making me hot and bothered,” She rolls her hips teasingly, grinning at me when my whole body stiffens and my palms slam against her thighs.

To stop her. That’s it.

Fuck.

Crazy, psycho migraine of a woman —

“Oh, hello there,” Briar giggles softly, looking down between us with her brows raised. “Does someone want to come out and play with me?”

“Fuck off!” I growl, my fingers digging against her thighs as I try to push her off again.

“Normally, I hate being manhandled, but when you do it? It feels so damn good,” She gently rubs our noses together. “More.”

“Get the hell off of me, Briar!” I shout, but the more I try to push her off, the tighter her legs squeeze my waist.

“Love the way you say my name.” She purrs, “and the way you hold me. I feel so protected.”

“I will fuck you up if you don’t stop.”

“Oh, yes, please do.”

“Briar, if you don’t get off of me, you’ll see!”

“What? What will I see? You? Naked? When? Now? God, yes.”

Her finger lightly brushes against my Adam’s apple, causing me to swallow hard. Her eyes quickly fixate on my throat, and they darken with a crazed gleam that should spur me to run away and escape.

I close my eyes tightly, willing my body to relax against hers. Maybe she”s one of those psychos who thrives when people are struggling, so if I don”t fight back, she might find me boring and finally leave me alone.

I feel her body slightly pulling away from me, but I’m not stupid enough to let my guard down. I opened my eyes to find her staring at me.

“What do you want from me?” my voice became hoarse. “What have I done? Why are you attacking me?”

She cocks her head to the side, making her look innocent. “Attacking you? Angel, I’m trying to worship you.”

I can’t help myself. I wrap my arms around her tiny waist and attempt to twist my body to throw her weight off of me.

However, she immediately anticipates my move, wrapping her legs around my waist and hooking her feet behind my back. She then encircles an arm around my neck and tangles her fingers through my hair. I find myself tangled in a blanket of limbs, unable to move.

“That’s it, angel,” She chuckles, “I love the feeling of your muscular, strong arms caging me in.”

“That’s not — I’m not trying to — Briar!”

“Keep shouting my name, angel. Ugh, has anyone ever told you how fucking yummy you are?” She drops her forehead against mine. Our eyes clash, and she smiles so widely that I just notice the dimples on her cheeks. “Don’t tell me. Because then I may have to find those other bimbos and kill them for tasting you before me.”

“Briar,” I will my voice to be collected. “Let go and get off me. Now.”

“I don’t think so,” she murmurs, tightening her arms around my neck with a sigh. ”Forgive my sins, angel, for I intend to savor every inch of your delectable body until your deliciousness has thoroughly blessed me.”

For fucks sake.

An inhuman sound vibrates between us, and to my horror, the sound is coming from me. I”m making those strange noises as the tip of her nose trails against my jaw and below my left ear. Then, I feel the tip of her wet tongue tracing circles against the skin of my neck, eliciting a growl from me.

I can’t think.

My mind is so clouded I’m momentarily speechless as my hands clench against her waist.

Fuck. What the hell is happening?

I feel her chest vibrating from her chuckles, and I can’t help but feel something else in my chest other than how my heart is propelling.

Unpleasantness—Yeah, that must be it—not pleasure. I can’t feel anything with this crazy woman unless it’s hatred and disgust.

“This is the last and final time I’m going to ask you, Briar.” I force out. My voice sounds rough. God, I’m going to take a hot shower to wash the scent of her and her warm, sweet-smelling saliva off my skin.

“Ask away, angel,” she murmurs with that grin. “You can have whatever you like.”

She wiggles her hips again, and my fingers dig into her waist to the point that I know should hurt her. She doesn’t seem fazed, though.

“Get. The. Hell. Off. Of. Me.”

“You’re like a broken record,” she sighs as if I were a toddler needing reprimand. “Don’t you have anything new to say?”

Like a rubber band stretched to its limit, I snap. “You’re fucking revolting. I can’t wait until the senator gets rid of the likes of you from society. The moment we’re out of here, I will make your life a living hell.”

All traces of teasing, flirtation, and humor are wiped away from her face.

I swallow hard and hold my breath as she slowly gets off me in one fluid motion, giving me the space I asked for. I can’t help but shiver the moment the cool air envelops me after she takes the warmth with her.

“It’s a good thing we’re in the restroom, angel. You need to shit out that stick that’s deeply stuck far up your ass.”

I let out a cruel laugh that I don’t even recognize in myself, “I guess it”s true what they say. You are fucking crazy, you psychotic murderer.”

That finally makes her pause.

Her face is stoic.

I fight the urge to flinch.

“What did you call me?” She whispers so quietly. I wouldn’t have known she was speaking if I weren”t already staring at her.

I puff my chest out, gathering as much anger and bravery as possible. “You’re a murderous psycho.”

The silence stretches between us.

She blinks.

The tiny hairs on my arms stand up straight.

It all happens so fast.

One second, she is standing in front of me with her face blank, and the next, I feel a sharp jab on my neck before my vision turns black.