The Arrogant Artist : A Billionaire Boss Romance (International Bad Boys Set Book 2), стр. 52

“Of course, I need to pay off my new Maserati somehow.” He chuckles.

Dick!

“Anyway, I want to ask you something, and just hear me out before you say no.”

“That isn’t a great way to start a conversation.” I ignore Daniel’s pessimistic tone.

“Check your text messages.” I’ve just sent Daniel some pictures of Emily’s work. I listen as I hear him messing around with his cell.

“Where did you find these?”

“What do you think of them?”

“Is this a local Ibiza artist?” he questions.

“I’m not telling you until you tell me what you think of them?”

“I instantly want to represent them.”

Yes. I fist-pump the air.

“The artist’s name is Emily Chapman.”

Silence.

“Did you hear me?”

“Yes.”

“And?”

“Are you serious? Emily did these?”

“Yes. I wouldn’t mess you around like that. I also don’t want you to blow smoke up her ass because she’s with me either.”

“These are incredible. I was ready to sign them on, no matter who they are. But—”

“But what?”

“You’re dating her. Don’t you think people will assume she slept her way to the top.”

I frown. I want to say ‘fuck them,’ but Daniel has a point.

“She’s got talent, Daniel,” I reiterate.

“I can see. Just ask her if this is something she wants first before organizing her life.” I hate it so much when Daniel makes sense. “Can you ask if the New York Gallery is interested in her work? If they would be willing to add her to my exhibition.”

“Louis,” Daniel says my name sternly.

“Please, Daniel. Just ask.”

My brother lets out a heavy sigh. “Fine. I will, but if they aren’t interested, don’t push it, okay?” I agree, but I know that once they see her work, they’ll want her. It’s my superpower, finding artists in the rough and turning them into diamonds.

“Also, I have another favor.”

Daniel groans and says, “Fire away.”

“Emily really misses her friends, and I’d love for them to come out and see her. Maybe a girls’ weekend in Paris. They can stay at my apartment.”

“Who the hell are you?” Daniel asks.

“I just want to make the girl I love happy.”

“Love?” Daniel’s voice rises.

“Yeah. Love. I know it’s too soon. Hence, I’m not ready to tell her yet. But yeah, she gives me all these feelings.”

“Yes, I can help my lovesick brother. Are her friends cute?”

“They are off-limits,” I warn, but he just laughs.

“Fine! Leave it with me.” He hangs up on that note.

Now I need to find my woman and make love to her.

We’ve been back from Ibiza for a week. Emily and I walked hand in hand back into the home to the shocked faces of my staff.

“I knew it!” Gabriel grinned when he welcomed us back with open arms.

I told Emily that I wanted her in my bed now that we’re back home, and it took her all of two seconds to agree. Mainly because my fingers were kind of distracting at the time, even though I think they were incentivizing.

But tonight, we’re debuting as a couple at an art society gala in Geneva, Switzerland.

“I’m so nervous.” Emily looks over at me, holding my hand as the helicopter lands. I can feel her visibly shaking underneath my palm.

“It’s going to be okay. You look beautiful… like a princess.” I look over at Emily who’s wearing some couture frock that Felix found for her. A black, off-the- shoulder tulle evening dress with a front split. Gold floral embroidery across the front makes it look like she’s stepped out of the pages of a fairy tale. I pick her up again and help her from the helicopter, and we quickly make our way to our limousine, which will be taking us to a mansion that sits along the banks of Lake Geneva. “You and me,” I tell her, making sure she understands exactly what I’m saying.

“You and me,” she repeats.

I kiss her forehead as the limousine slows down to the entrance of the event. The driver opens our door, and I slide out first then help Emily out of the car. The bright flashes of the paparazzi give her pause as she gathers herself. We step onto the red carpet for the first time as a couple. The paparazzi scream their questions at us, many remembering Emily from the Monte Carlo event. There are a couple of reputable reporters lining the red carpet, and when they see me holding Emily’s hand, they try and vie for my attention by shouting their questions. Eventually, I stop at one.

“Monsieur Marchant, it’s so good to see you in public again,” the reporter starts. “Can we expect any new works from you soon?”

“I am socializing again, but I’m also busy working in the studio. I’ve been recently inspired.” I pull Emily into my side. The reporter picks up on my not-so- subtle cue.

“Ah… so this young woman with you tonight is the reason for your new inspiration.” I lean over and kiss Emily’s cheek, her fingers squeezing mine tightly. I know she’s uncomfortable about this.

“Yes. Without her, I’d probably be dead in a ditch somewhere.” Emily looks up at me, those cheeks flush pink with embarrassment. “She inspires me to be a better man. Every. Single. Day.” I take her hand and kiss her knuckles, the paparazzi lapping it up. The reporter is eating up the exclusive I’m giving him.

“Everyone is so happy for you. It really has been a trying year for you both professionally and personally.”

Okay, I guess the reporter is going there, I should have expected it

“Yes. It has been, but I’m happy to be on the other side in a better, healthier mindset. Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom before you can rise again.” Emily squeezes my hand, giving me her strength.

“And will Louis Marchant rise again?”

“Of course. But I’m more focused on my art, not popularity contests or how many celebrity friends I have.” Yes, that was a direct dig at Elisabeth and Yves and their fake online life.

“Sounds like you have changed.” The reporter gives me a warm smile. “Do you think