Paint Me Curious Bronze [Curious] (Siren Publishing Allure)

by Silke Ming

  “Well if it isn’t sleepyhead!” said Millie.

  “Don’t move and don’t speak,” said Seamus impatiently.

  “Good morning,” she said, walking to the opened door of the secret room.

  She was surprised. All the whips, chains, and masks had been removed. The contraption with the restraints was still there, but was camouflaged by paintings hanging from them. She stared at Seamus and he stared back. She gazed at the painting of Millie. It was a true likeness of her.

  “Did you find the envelope I left you?” he asked.

  “Yes. How long ago did he pick it up?”

  “He was here around ten,” he said, still concentrating on his work.

  “Well I’m off to take a shower,” she said, pulling the robe tightly around her body.

  “I’ll make your…”

  “Don’t move,” Seamus said, raising his voice to Millie.

  It was October seventh and many of the preparations for the show were finished. Seamus was still working on his last exhibit, Millie’s portrait, which he had lovingly named Mother Ireland. The Podesta party was three days away, and Summer wished she had never accepted the invitation because as the time drew near, she began to feel uneasy about attending. She could not rescind the invitation at the last minute because she did not want to give the woman the satisfaction of thinking she was afraid of her, and being there would also give Seamus a little more exposure for his upcoming show. As far as Seamus was concerned, he said she could cancel and they would spend the time doing more important things.

  * * * *

  This time around for the Miami show, Seamus allowed her to make the hotel reservations, flight reservations, invitations, and find caterers for the first evening of the show, which was by invitation only. Together they checked everything off the list to ensure smooth sailing for the show. Limousines had been ordered for Miami and also to transport the couple back and forth to Whitney.

  “Somehow I feel that something is missing. I think I should have at least one more painting of the human body. Just one!” he said, his finger tapping on his cheek.

  “Why don’t you call Rachel. Perhaps another painting of her could be the missing link.”

  Maybe you’re right. I just don’t know if I’ve got enough time.”

  “You can do it. It took you only a couple days to finish Millie’s painting. Have you ever thought of raffling a painting?”

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea. Those who are attending can afford to pay my prices.”

  “Yes, but don’t you think it would encourage more people to attend, those with not so deep pockets?”

  “Let me think about it. Have you made an appointment to have your hair done? And have you something suitable to wear to the Podestas?”

  “I forgot to call Maria. Would you call her for me?”

  “Remind me to do that tomorrow morning. What are you going to wear?”

  “I haven’t given it a thought.”

  “You should. The who’s who will be there, and I want you to look your best. And I want Lana to be green with envy when you walk in the door.”

  “What are you going to give her as a birthday gift?”

  “I don’t know. What do you think?” he asked.

  “How about that painting of her that you placed behind the desk?”

  “That’s not possible. I’ve already sold it to her husband.”

  “When did you do that?”

  “The last time he was here. I forgot to tell you about it. I wanted to give it to him, but he insisted on paying for it. The check is still in the drawer.”

  “How much?” she asked.

  “Twenty thousand.”

  “Twenty thousand?” she shouted, her voice filled with disbelief.

  “What are you saying? That my work isn’t worth that amount?”

  “No, I’m just surprised that he would pay that amount of money for it.”

  “Well he did, and you’d better get it into the bank account before he changes his mind for some reason or other.”

  “So what are you going to give her for her birthday?”

  “How about a vibrator?” he asked, laughing.

  “You can go ahead and buy it. I’m sure she would like it, but then again, that could send her the wrong message. What kind of perfume does she wear?”

  They decided that for a woman who had everything, it would be the ideal gift.

  “So would you buy it when you go to get your hair done?”

  “Against my better judgment, and so that you wouldn’t be inconvenienced, I will do it.”

  “Thank you,” he said, kissing her. “I’ll do something special for you.”

  * * * *

  Summer walked into the living room, and Seamus stopped dead in his tracks.

  “Wow!” he said, devouring her with his eyes. “Don’t you look delicious!”

  “You look very handsome yourself,” she said, straightening his bow tie. “I’m not letting you of my sight tonight.”

  “That won’t be a problem, because I won’t be letting you out of mine.”

  She pulled her pashmina shawl over her shoulders, and they climbed into the well-polished Audi, now with its roof on to save them from the bleak fall winds. He drove onto the gravel road, passed through downtown Whitney, and travelled for another half hour, and turned into a long driveway with maple trees on each side. When they got closer to the house, the vegetation changed and poplars lined the driveway, which had been changed into a parking lot. Summer suddenly started to feel very nervous.

  “Why did I do this to myself?” she asked, looking around at the opulence of the Podestas’ grand home.

  “You have nothing to worry about,” he reassured her. “No one there will be able to hold a candle to you.”

  “You’re prejudiced!”

  “I know. As long as has it has anything to do with you, I will be prejudiced.”

  “Madam!” he said, offering her his arm. “Let’s go. Remember, I’ll always be by your side.”

  “Miss Summer Knight and Mr. Seamus Balsam,” said the butler, introducing them to the host, hostess, and the other invited guests.

  She had seen it only in the movies. She knew that some wealthy people lived that way, but she had never experienced it.

  “Darling,” said Lana, waltzing over in her ivory-colored gown and kissing the air around Seamus’s face.

  “Happy Birthday,” he said to her.

  “And Autumn, you look simply gorgeous,” she said, quickly glancing at her.

  “Come on, Summer,” said Fred, guiding Summer by the elbow. “Let me introduce you to some of the other guests.”

  She looked over her shoulder to see Lana leading Seamus to a group of people standing close to the bar. Fred introduced her to two older couples who were deep in conversation. She thought about Fred. Did these people know what a warped creature he was? Was there anyone else in the room that also provided the services which Seamus had provided? She turned around looking for Seamus, and noticed that his eyes were searching the room, possibly for her. Their eyes met and he smiled.

  Fred beckoned to the waiter, and he took two glasses of champagne from the tray and handed her one. Finding the group uninteresting, she slipped away after her third glass of champagne.

  “You are a gorgeous creature,” said the young man she accidentally bumped into. “We weren’t introduced. My name is Bryan.”

  “Summer,” she said, smiling.

  “Why don’t I get you a drink, Summer? Can’t have much fun around here without a glass in your hand,” he said.

  He, too, it seemed, was a little bored among the politicians and stuffy people.

  “I was on my way to my friend,” she said, politely slipping away from him.

  “Having a good time?” whispered Seamus when she appeared next to him.

  “Not really,” she replied.

  “We can slip away if you want.”

  She started to giggle.

  “I
think you are tipsy,” he said, looking down at her and smiling.

  A butler, along with a server, walked through the room serving a variety of hors d’oeuvres, which were very tasty. A short while later, dinner was served buffet style in the huge dining room which resembled the room of mirrors in Versailles. Summer had never seen so much food in one place. She had a difficult time deciding, and she finally chose poached salmon with white asparagus, and Seamus, beef Wellington with new potatoes. Looking around for a place to sit, Seamus spotted a little table for two on the patio. It was a nice night and so they sat outside dining and enjoying each other’s company.

  “You look luscious,” Seamus said, looking into her eyes. “Why don’t we skip the rest of the celebrations and go home?”

  She was about to reply when someone nearby started to giggle. The giggling got closer, and they listened. They heard the voices of a male and a female. The couple stopped and embraced each other, exchanging a deep kiss. When they were within view, Seamus realized it was Lana. She was with a much younger man.

  “Isn’t it a little chilly to be sitting out here?” she asked, surprised at seeing them sitting on the patio. “Have you met? Bryan, this is my friend Seamus, and this is…what’s your name again?”

  It was obvious she had had one too many glasses of champagne, and it seemed as if she had found herself a toy boy.

  “We’ve met,” said Bryan. “Hello again, Summer.”

  “I’ll be blowing out my candles soon,” she said, stepping ahead of the young man and entreating him to follow.

  “You handled her well,” said Seamus. “I want you to know that I will never put you in a position like this again.”

  “Are you jealous?”

  “I won’t allow you to be subjected to her insults,” he replied.

  “Don’t worry, Seamus. I feel sorry for her. All this grandeur, and she is still a very unhappy woman.”

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  The music started again and they returned indoors. The guests had now gathered in a semicircular glassed-in porch, decorated with huge vases of flowers and supported by six columns. A five-piece band played while the guests milled around, laughing and chatting. In the centre of the room was a table with a huge cake and one candle. Fred joined the musicians on the stage and made a moving tribute to his wife, who kissed him in appreciation for the lovely words. He then asked the guests to move closer to the table where his wife would be blowing out the candle on her birthday cake. Lana, smiling sweetly from ear to ear, approached the table and waited for the birthday greetings to start. Fred started the birthday song and all the other guests joined in, and then pretending to be coy, Lana Podesta blew out the single candle. She then thanked the guests for coming and said she was going to open all the “lovely” gifts which had been given to her.

  Fred brought his gift in and placed it in front of her.

  “Open it,” he urged.

  “I wonder what it is,” she asked, pretending she had no idea what it was.

  She opened it and gasped. Then she pecked Fred on the cheek again.

  “This has to be the work of none other than Seamus Balsam,” she said, staring in his direction.

  Compliments and applause filled the room. Seamus put his arms around Summer and kissed her on the cheek as Lana stared in his direction.

  “Before I go any further,” she said, “I would like to make a small announcement. The artist, Seamus Balsam, whom you all know painted this lovely portrait, will be having another show next month in Miami, and I’m sure he won’t mind if I extend an invitation to all of you. Those who cannot make the show can contact him here in Whitney to have a portrait painted. Just like mine!”

  Seamus acknowledged her, and she continued with the opening of her gifts. She seemed to love everything she received, and with the party dwindling down, Seamus suggested they say good-bye to their hosts and head for home. They thanked Fred, but Lana was nowhere to be found. When they passed the dessert table, Seamus picked up two large grapes and put them in his pocket.

  “Are you stealing the food?”

  He laughed and reached for another grape, which he popped into his mouth.

  “There’s no time like the present to take our leave.”

  They walked out to the Audi, nodding to other guests as they left. The driveway was still lined with many parked cars even though it was after one in the morning. Seamus reached into his pocket and removed the two grapes.

  “For you,” he said, putting the two grapes into her mouth. “Doesn’t that give you a sensual feeling?”

  “Uh huh,” she replied, unable to speak.

  “Kiss me,” he said.

  Their tongues bounced the grapes around from one mouth to the other.

  “Doesn’t that just turn you on?” he asked, running his tongue along her lips. Let’s go before Lana finds us.”

  They drove through Whitney, and Summer pointed out the street where Toby lived. When they turned onto the gravel road, Seamus sped along at top speed.

  “Slow down, Seamus,” she begged. “You’re going to crash my car.”

  “I’m in a hurry to get home,” he said.

  They turned into the driveway, and once inside the house, Summer removed her shoes and sat down on the sofa.

  “My feet are killing me,” she said.

  He sat next to her and massaged her aching toes and the arches of her feet. She closed her eyes and rested her head on the back of the sofa.

  “That feels so good.”

  “How much did you pay for this dress?” he asked.

  “Why do you want to know?” she asked, looking up at him.

  “Because I don’t want to ruin it, and if you are not out of it in five minutes, I’ll have to rip it off you.”

  “I don’t want you to do that,” she said, moving away from him.

  She left and returned to the living room dressed in her robe. He appeared on the landing totally naked, and she started to laugh.

  “Are you going to share the joke?” he asked.

  “He’s a funny fellow, isn’t he?” she asked, staring at his semierect prick.

  “He has a mind of his own. Aren’t you going to join me?”

  “I wholeheartedly accept the invitation, sir.”

  As she was halfway up the stairs, he rushed past her and returned a few moments later.

  “What do you have hidden behind your back?” she asked, trying to see.

  “Since we didn’t have dessert at the party, I thought we would have it here.”

  She sat on the bed, and he showed her the two grapes in his hand.

  “Open your mouth,” he said.

  He slid the first grape in and then the second one.

  “I want you to play with them.”

  “Uhhhh,” she replied.

  He slid his fingers between her legs and watched as she twirled the grapes around in her mouth.

  “Isn’t it a great feeling?”

  She nodded.

  “Move them around in your mouth,” he said, continuing to finger her.

  The sensual feeling from the grapes and his fingers between her legs heightened her ecstasy, and she accidentally bit into them. They both started to laugh hysterically.

  “Would you like to feel the real thing?”

  She didn’t hear him as she sat totally mesmerized by his touch. He stood up directly in front of her, his erection pointing directly into her face.

  “Take them in your mouth, but don’t bite them,” he said, moving his pair of prized possessions toward her lips.

  She took the first one in her mouth and then the second. Her mouth was full. She moved his sac around on her tongue and then deeper into her mouth. He gyrated as her tongue drove him to euphoric heights. He watched as she pulled them deeper into her mouth and then released them. He closed his eyes tightly and continued to move to unheard music.

  “Oh God, Summer,” he shouted, pulling his sac from her mouth and feeding her his long prick.

 
; He watched intently as her lips covered it and dragged him deeper into her mouth. He threw his head back, and his body shimmied uncontrollably as spasms tore through his being, and he could only watch as she continued to caress the crown of his dying erection with her lips.

  “That was beautiful,” he said, after he had caught his breath.

  He laid her gently onto her back, raised her knees, and buried his head between her legs. She bucked and gyrated as his tongue invaded all her sensitive parts. He stared down at her. Her eyes were closed tightly while her body moved in unison with his tongue. He inserted two fingers and she called out.

  “I love you, Seamus.”

  “I love you, too. Are you enjoying it?”

  “Yes, Yes,” she said, moaning.

  “Show me how much you’re enjoying it,” he said, moving his fingers furiously between her legs.

  She came with back-arching movements and loud proclamations of love. He crawled on top of her and drove his tongue into her mouth, bringing moans and groans from them both.

  “I will love you forever, Summer. I’m yours and you are mine!”

  Sunday morning with no Millie to disturb them, they decided to spend the time lying in bed. There were still a few things to be done for the show, but they could wait. Suddenly the doorbell rang.

  “It’s Sunday, isn’t it?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then who is it ringing the bell?” he asked out loud.

  The bell rang a second time, and he jumped up and put his robe on and hurried downstairs. She could hear his footsteps as they bounced down the stairs. She heard Rachel’s voice. She, too, had forgotten that the young woman had a ten o’clock appointment, so she jumped out of bed and ran to the shower. Seamus quickly joined her while Rachel headed up the stairs to ready herself for the painting. After a quick shower, the day’s work began.

  “Hello, Rachel,” said Summer, calling from below. “Would you like a cup of tea?”