Earthy brown eyes slowly draw into slits. Essence asks, “What did you just—”
“Manny,” Alexis cuts in. “Everyone, give us a second.”
With her silky palm squeezing my hand, I’m dragged away by a woman half my age.
We stop behind a steel figurine. Alexis mutters, “Essence needs you.”
I revert to Spanish, “Qué?”
“She has a heart of gold.”
“Good.”
Alexis pinches the bridge of her nose, then faces me head-on. Well, the tiny Latina does her best, looking up defiantly. “You’re thinking about screwing her. I can tell.”
“I forbid you to say those words!”
“I’m 20.”
“I am your father,” I growl. At age 15, I learned I was having my first child. Although not much more than a niño myself, I raised Alexis better than to speak such foul language.
“Imani said Ms. Richmond will invest in the art gallery because of you, Father.”
My gaze narrows pensively. “This is why you finally invited me to your showcase?”
Alexis hardly meets my gaze while dragging a hand through her thick, dark hair. “I’m too shy for this, Father.”
My hand sweeps around the loft in confusion. “For this? I don’t comprehend.”
“I hyperventilated and stuttered over my words.” Alexis’ hand scrubs over her throat as if she’s staving off an anxiety attack. “All the other artists spoke for five minutes--I counted. I barely cleared sixty seconds of discussing my art.”
I nod. My daughter was timid growing up. She didn’t get it from me, and definitely not her mama. “I haven’t ventured into the art world in three years. You’re aware of the reason I stopped.”
“I’m sorr...”
“Never apologize!” I growl. The volume of my tone is magnified by the venom in my veins and the brick walls. Essence is staring. Poppy watches discreetly. Imani urges me on while popping a martini olive into her mouth.
The entire gallery’s abuzz with curious onlookers. Questions of my aggression are sparked in their eyes. Aye, they’re gonna wonder if I’ll explode again.
“You’re drawing attention,” Alexis whispers. “I hate attention. So, now you have to help Essence.”
“I know that.” Though my voice has lowered to a respectable level, it’s ribboned in lethal undertones. Thoughts of why I stopped showcasing cause me to wriggle my tensing jaw. “Whatever I must do, I will do because you ask, mi hija.”
Alexis draws into her usual shell, relieved by my response.
Three years ago, my daughter wasn’t even legal when an art critic... HE...
I cease the dark thoughts swarming my mind. Let’s just say I would kill for my flesh and blood.
Chapter 4
Essence
“I’ll showcase for A Touch of Essence only if the beautiful woman bearing the name poses for me,” Antonio says upon returning from his conversation with Alexis. His words curdled the blood in my veins.
First, he tugged aside the kind young lady he clearly manipulated. I had to stop from stalking over to them when he made a spectacle of himself.
Next came the yelling.
Apparently, I’m too in my feelings that I catch the tail end of Poppy’s conversation with the three of us. She volunteers as a tribute to pose on my behalf and offers her yacht, a worthy backdrop for the painting.
Damn, if I didn’t require an investor, I’d remind Poppy how many times she’s mentioned her boat!
I siphon some of her fakery. “Yesss, Ms. Richmond will enthusiastically sit for—”
“No. You.” Every utterance from Antonio’s sinful mouth is a compulsion, driving me closer to him. I'm lost in his eyes. His demanding response encourages me to nod like a bobblehead.
Get behind me, Satan.
“Hah,” I retort seconds too late. “Next, you'll demand me naked...” Which I don’t mind as a fantasy. My cruel, teasing grin vanishes when Alexis shifts uncomfortably. Ashamed of myself for arguing with what must be her lover, I clear my throat. “Hard no.”
At the lull in our conversation, a group of three Latinxs—two guys and a girl—edge their way into our negotiation. One of the young men, who tucked a baggy button-up into his jeans, exclaims, “Alexis, you’ve got some good stuff.”
“She’s exceptional,” Antonio cuts in.
I snort. Does Antonio need to insert his dominating presence in every aspect of Alexis’ life?
While the other two congratulate her, the original one cocks a seductive brow. Though rough around the edges, he can’t take his eyes from Alexis and requests her autograph.
At the young man’s flattery, Antonio’s eyes roll away. I offer a snarky response, “Aww, they can’t all be here for you. This isn’t even your showcase, Mr. Silva.”
Confusion stains the most attractive face I’ve ever set eyes on.
Alright, Essence, a little too bitter.
And then his hand slides around my waist. “Excuse us, Poppy.”
The blondie stammers on wine. “But—”
My heart stutters as I’m crushed to Antonio’s side.
Breathing him in.
Tucked into the brick wall of his side.
As he leans in to incline his lips to my ear, I take comfort in his alpha move of holding me up. Girl, he’s keeping you from stumbling on your weak knees.