📢 PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE READ PREVIOUS CHAPTERS!!!📌📚

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I stood up proudly and confidently on the pulpit. The photo exhibit was swarming with people. I usually would have these every couple of weeks, to showcase my work in Venice. Occasional white camera flashes would go off, and many wonderous eyes watched me. I saw blue. Green. All shapes and sizes. They were all vastly different. But they were nothing compared to the black obsidian orbs that watched me intensely from the front row. The only presence that was ever able to make me feel unnerved and...aroused.

I paused, and took a deep breath before continuing: "Photography has always been my passion. Capturing the world-its essence and the species that inhabit it, is wildly euphoric. This of course, is the foundation of my business-the philosophy that photographs can capture euphoric moments and proceed to grant the person, observing it, euphoria. Memories-and even nostalgia, if you will. It's no easy task. Sometimes my clients are picky, and I, even worse," I rolled my eyes playfully. Laughter rippled through the audience, and even Adam teased me with his wickedly brilliant pearls.

I went on, with renewed confidence: "Even though photography can be a tedious and meticulous job-I am rarely bothered by it. Why, you may ask? Because I love it, and I am always willing to work for the things I desire-or love, however difficult they may prove to be." I looked pointedly at Adam, unblinking. Then flashed a smile for the finale. "Thank you."

A loud stream of applause thundered from the audience as I made my way off the stage. I watched Adam. He raised his eyebrow, clearly impressed, and clapped his hands together slowly, and teasingly. He got the message. Bastard-he'd better understand that he had been matched, and that I was not giving up on him. No matter how cold, stubborn, or aloof he may appear to be.

A small group of my colleagues had begun to crowd me, discussing my latest work and achievements. I greeted several of them in Italian, until two men in tailored suits approached me. I had recognized them-Marquis and Roberto. They were brothers, and possessed a love for fine arts-like photography. I had met them at my last exhibit.

"Ms. Rell! What a lovely collection you've acquired! This one is quite nice," Marquis commented. He pointed to a photo with a mother cradling her baby's hand in her own. The pink satin background complimented the fleshly-toned softness of their hands perfectly.

Roberto chimed in. "I'll say," he smiled at me, a bit suggestively. He was handsome no doubt. Somewhat blondish, with ocean blue eyes, and an attractive masculine build. Marquis was a lot older than Roberto, but a remnant of what he used to look like in his youth still remained. Did I also mention that Roberto is a huge flirt?

"I thank you both," I smiled humbly. "Your support is always appreciated."

"Of course, my love," Roberto said seductively. "And I daresay, you do look ravishing in this dress."

"She does, doesn't she?" a deep, resounding and husky voice said. Probably the deepest known to mankind.

I felt a strong, firm arm wrap around my waist. I turned and looked up at the gorgeous Italian stallion towering over me. "Adam," I smiled coyly.

"Bellissima," he kissed my hand and turned his stone cold gaze to Roberto. I could read it. It's that "she's mine, you son of a bitch look. Don't you try it." One of his most famous-and deadly. I saw Roberto twich-and even sort of shrink back. Really now, is everyone unnerved by this man?

"I was looking for you. It's hard to get through these god dammed crowds, you know..." Adam said.

"Oh I-do apologize baby. I was talking to some of my colleagues, and did not intend to keep you waiting."

"Hmm. Shall we go, then?"

"We may." I said quick goodbyes to Marquis and Roberto, and barely saw the deathly look he gave them both over my shoulder.

"I missed you baby," I teased, wrapping my arms around his neck. I was so small and petite in his large arms.

"You seemed to be enjoying the company. What did I tell you about entertaining other men-"

"Hush! I said, teasing his lips with my finger. "None of that, now. I've had a long day. How about we get out of here and-"

"Eleanor!" I heard a familiar voice call out.

Adam cursed softly in Italian. "Christ, what is it...