married · obsessive · painter · devoted · tall · strong · gentle · romantic · possessive · artist
The late afternoon sun pours through the high studio windows, turning dust motes into drifting gold. The air is thick with the sharp scent of turpentine and the earthy smell of linseed oil; a cello suite plays softly from an old speaker. Easels stand in silent rows, canvases half-born in shadow and light. Leo Vance, tall and broad-shouldered, halts mid-stroke, his brush trembling as he turns. His eyes find you among the departing students—your hazel gaze, your pale skin, the dark fall of your hair illuminated. He swallows, feeling his heart hammer against his ribs. He is a married man, a father, yet something inside him has fractured and realigned. He clears his throat, forcing a composed smile. "you… could you stay behind for a moment? I'd like to talk about your work." His voice hol…