Mind of an Artist Part 5






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Part 5


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(Liz’s POV)

Anxiously I watched Danny walk away from me to go to Zan. The crowd parted to let him through, until I was able to see all the way across the room, where Danny stopped behind Zan.

I witnessed their greeting, and I could tell Zan was surprised to see Danny. Obviously he hadn’t expected him to show up. I wondered if Zan had invited him, or if Danny had come on a whim. Zan said they hadn’t kept in touch, but maybe he’d felt bad about not going for a drink, and invited Danny to the opening to make up for it.

But this time there were no special handshakes or brotherly hugs, and I began to suspect Zan hadn’t invited Danny. In fact, I thought my earlier assessment had been correct. Danny had simply come to cause trouble, and ruin Zan’s night.

Their conversation was short, and I could see the genuine anger on Zan’s face. He moved close to Danny, poking a rough finger in his chest. Then Danny turned and moved back toward me, his smile widening as he got closer.

When he was just a few feet away, he winked at me. “Told you spit-fire. Told you to be nice to me.”

Immediately my eyes snapped back to Zan. He was looking straight at us, his face hard with fury, his eyes narrowed. He was more angry than I had ever seen him before,

Danny moved past me, but I hardly noticed. I felt like the breath had been knocked from my body. Had he told Zan about the kiss? Did Zan believe it was my fault?

I hadn’t even considered it before, but now that Danny had put the idea into my head, I was starting to worry.

Zan hadn’t blamed me when the guy in my class, Tom, had been coming on to me. He’d believed me completely, trusted me. But Tom was a stranger to him. Zan had known Danny for years. Would he believe Danny over me?

Danny obviously liked to cause trouble, and he hated Zan. I couldn’t help thinking that Danny would love to break us up. He would think it was great fun to tell Zan all kinds of lies about what had happened.

Had he told Zan I came onto him? That I kissed him?

I started shivering, and it felt like my whole body went numb. Would Zan leave me because he thought I flirted with Danny? Could everything we shared be over that quickly?



(Zan’s POV)

I watched Danny as he threaded his way through the people, making sure he really did leave.

He got about halfway across the room before I noticed his path was taking him directly toward Liz. I expected him to walk right past her, but he stopped and said something that made her look at me, and the color drain from her face.

Instantly I started toward them.

I pushed through the crowd as quickly as possible, wanting to get to Liz. And as I moved, I caught the eye of a security guard and motioned toward Danny.

I called myself a fool as I stalked across the crowded room. I should have followed my instincts and not left Liz alone. She’d been upset for hours, and Danny had just made it worse.

But Danny didn’t stay with her. He continued walking toward the door, and security caught up with him a few steps later, quickly escorting him from the building.

By the time I reached my angel, she was shaking again. I don’t know what Danny said to her, or why she was upset earlier, but it was time to find out.

I knew my agent Steve or the gallery owner wouldn’t mind if I left right after Danny had been taken out by security. My departure after a public argument would start a whole new set of rumors that would probably raise demand, if not prices.

What a load of shit.

Of course I really didn’t give a damn what they thought. I would have left even if they insisted I stayed. Liz was more important to me than anything else.

When I reached her I wrapped my arm around Liz’s shoulders, and leaned close to her ear. “We’re going.” I said in a tone that didn’t leave any room for argument.

Her eyes widened with fear, and again I wondered what the fuck Danny had said to her. Had he told her something about my past that had scared her?

That was the only think I could thing of. What else could he have said that would upset her?

And suddenly I was worried.

I tried to reassure myself that Liz was simply surprised by what Danny had said. I knew she would give me a chance to explain, to tell my side. But what if she was horrified by what I told her? What if she was angry that I hadn’t given her the whole truth earlier?

Fuck! I intended to tell her everything tonight. I just hope I hadn’t waited too long.

We moved toward the exit, and Steve must have witnessed some of the scene, because he was waiting near the door.

“Is everything alright?” he asked, looking anxiously from Liz to me.

I gave him a brief nod.

He looked at Liz again, and I could see the concern on his face. She was more pale than I had ever seen her, and her eyes were downcast. She had a look of complete shock, fear and misery on her face.

Steve’s eyes returned to mine. “The limo is right outside, Zan, and security will make sure you get to it safely.”

“Thanks,” I said with a nod. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”




The time after Danny talked to me passed in a blur. Zan was suddenly at my side, escorting me to the door. He spoke with Steve, and then we were in the limo.

There was a scowl on Zan’s face, a look of anger and frustration. He didn’t speak in the limo or the elevator up to the loft, but simply kept his arm stiffly around my shoulders.

I was terribly afraid of what was about to happen, and I couldn’t stop shaking. Zan was going to break up with me. I knew it.

Finally we were inside the loft and Zan closed the door behind us and turned to me. His eyes flicked quickly over my face. “Okay angel,” he said softly, “why don’t you tell me what’s going on.”

I shook my head, not sure where to start.

He took a step closer. “You can’t hide this from me,” he said, his voice a little louder. “I know you too well.”

My stomach clenched, his words confirming my worst fears. “I wasn’t trying to hide it,” I said breathlessly. “I just didn’t want to ruin your night by telling you earlier.”

An even deeper scowl crossed his face. “Liz?”

I didn’t know how to tell him that his brother had betrayed him. It was just so awful. A tear escaped my eye, and Zan reached up to wipe it away.

“Hey,” he whispered, “you can tell me anything.”

“Um,” I started, my voice choked, as I tried for the right words. “Danny came over this afternoon when you were gone.”

“What?” Zan sounded shocked. “He was here?”

I nodded, and more tears gathered in my eyes.

Zan’s eyes searched mine, and the blood drained from his face. “Oh fuck,” he said softly.

He was mad, outraged. Danny must have told Zan his version of what happened, and I had just confirmed his story that he had come to the loft. Did Zan really believe I had come on to Danny?

I started shaking harder, scared I would lose Zan, and more tears spilled down my cheeks. But I couldn’t give up without a fight. I loved Zan too much. I had to at least try to tell my side.

“I didn’t want him to, Zan,” I said breathlessly. “I swear I didn’t do anything to make him think that I wanted it.”

“Shit,” he breathed.

He reached out a shaky hand to my face. “Tell me what happened, angel.”

I looked down, unable to meet his eyes. “We were just talking at first, and he got so angry. He was saying the most awful things. Then he grabbed me, and kissed me. I didn’t want him to,” I assured Zan again, “and I fought him. I pushed him away.”

I shook my head, and risked a look into Zan’s eyes. “I didn’t flirt with him,” I said quickly. “I swear I didn’t. . .”

Zan wrapped me in his arms, crushing me to him. “Of course you didn’t baby. It’s not your fault.”

For a moment I couldn’t take in his words. I was so relieved he believed me, I felt like I might faint, but I still couldn’t stop shaking. I guess I’d been stupid to think Zan wouldn’t trust me. I’d just been so upset with everything that happened, I must not have been thinking clearly.

He stroked my hair. “What else happened?” he whispered.

“Danny was ranting,” I continued breathlessly, “about how you’d always gotten everything you wanted, and he never had anything. He said for once he wanted what you had.”

Zan kissed my head when I paused. “You can tell me Liz,” he urged. “Tell me everything.”

“He tried to grab me again,” I said softly, “but I told him to get out. I didn’t think he was going to, but then just left.”

“He left?” Zan asked with obvious surprise in his tone. “He didn’t do anything else?”

“No,” I whispered. I didn’t want to tell Zan everything Danny had said. I didn’t think there was any reason to repeat all the hurtful words.

Zan didn’t say anything, but pulled back, holding my face in two hands, meeting my eyes and searching them.

I still couldn’t tell what he was thinking. Maybe he knew I wasn’t telling him everything. I continued nervously. “I’m so sorry I had to be the one who told you that he betrayed you, Zan. He’s your brother.”

Zan released a deep breath and hugged me even tighter. “Oh shit baby,” he said shakily. “That’s the reason you’ve been upset all night?”

I nodded.

“Fuck,” his breath came out in a rush. “The way you were talking, I thought…” He trailed off, and kissed my head, and then whispered into my hair. “I thought he raped you.”

“What?” I asked incredulously, pulling back to meet his eyes. “Has he done that before?”

Zan shook his head. “I don’t know. But he used to get pretty rough with his girlfriends, slapped a couple of them around, and maybe worse.”

I started shaking again when I realized I had been alone with Danny, and thoughts flew through my head at what could have happened.

Zan held me to him, stroking my back. “Hey angel, it’s okay. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“I didn’t know,” I said dumbly. “He’s your brother.”

“He was my foster brother, but he isn’t a good person,” Zan said. “I should have warned you about him, but I really didn’t think we’d see him again. I had no idea he even knew where we lived.”

He pulled back enough to look into my eyes. “But I’ll make sure he doesn’t come around again. I promise I’ll keep you safe.”

“What are you going to do?” I asked nervously.

“Don’t worry,” he said with a reassuring smile. “Nothing I could get arrested for. I’ll just have a talk with him. Let him know his behavior is unacceptable.”

Suddenly I felt exhausted. I had been so worried all evening, running on overload, and now that I knew everything was okay it was like my body was shutting off.

And it seemed Zan could read my every emotion. “This has been eating you up all day.”

“I didn’t want to have to tell you what he did,” I said softly. I looked down at his chest, ashamed to meet his eyes. “And then at the gallery, Danny said he would tell you I had flirted with him, and kissed him. I was afraid you would believe him, and blame me.”

“What?” Zan growled incredulously. He took my face in his hands. “Angel, I’d never blame you.”

Tears spilled down my cheeks, and I gasped for air, trying to speak. “I saw Danny talking to you,” I breathed, “and I wondered if he was telling you what happened, and making it sound like I came on to him. And I thought you might break up with me.”

“Look at me, Liz,” Zan said softly, brushing the tears from my face.

I met his eyes, and he continued solemnly. “I know you would never cheat on me, and there is no way I would break up with you. Angel, you are the best thing that has ever happened to me.”

He kissed my forehead. “You make life worth living.”

More tears spilled down my cheeks, but this time they were tears of relief and happiness. “I feel the same way about you, Zan, and I was so afraid I would lose you.”

“Never,” he said fiercely. “And especially not because of a fucking asshole like Danny. He didn’t tell me anything about being here. And if he had mentioned kissing you, I would have beaten the shit out of him. I certainly wouldn’t believe him if he said you had come on to him. He has always been a liar. I wouldn’t believe him if he said the sky was blue.”

“I didn’t realize you disliked him so much,” I said. “The way you guys were together the other day . . .” I trailed off. “You never said anything, and I just assumed.”

Zan shrugged. “Just because we lived in the same house doesn’t mean we were close. I didn’t think he was worth wasting my breath. He’s a part of the past I hoped I’d left behind.”

“And after the way he treated you,” Zan said with a scowl, “my opinion of him is at an all time low.”

I nodded. I knew Zan didn’t like to talk about his past, and I could understand that. I wouldn’t push him, but I couldn’t seem to put Danny out of my mind as easily as Zan. Another shiver ripped through me. “I still feel all dirty because he touched me,” I said.

Wrapping me in his arms, Zan whispered into my hair. “We can fix that, angel.”

Picking me up easily, he walked through the dark bedroom and into the bathroom, stepping into the bathtub still holding me. He sat down, resting me across his lap, and reached to turn on the water.

“But Zan,” I protested, “our clothes.”

“Don’t worry about it,” he said softly.

His hand smoothed down my leg and removed my shoe, tossing it out onto the floor, and then he repeated the action on the other side.

The water lapped at the soles of his boots, but he was unconcerned. He kissed my forehead. “This is about you, baby,” he rumbled. “I want you to feel clean and safe.”

I rested my head against his chest, tightening my arms around him. “I always feel safe when I’m with you.”

He kissed my head again as he reached for the bubble bath, and squeezed a generous amount into the rising water. “We’ll make sure you’re clean too.”

The tub filled quickly, and it was a weird sensation since we were still fully clothed. The bathroom and bedroom were dark, and the only light was coming from the main room. The soft glow only partially illuminated the bathroom, leaving us in a comforting darkness.

I’d been so worried and upset for hours, and it felt wonderful to just be held in Zan’s strong arms.



Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!

My mind was racing a million miles an hour, thinking about what could have happened to my angel.

I was almost weak with relief that the worst she had experienced was being kissed against her will. At the same time I was enraged that Danny had dared to come to my house, and put his hands on Liz.

I held her closely as the bathtub filled, stroking her hair, whispering words of reassurance and love, while at the same time I was planning how to keep her safe. I never wanted to see that look of fear and panic on her face again.

Shivers still raced through her small body as she clung to me. I wanted to kill Danny for doing this to her, but I pushed thoughts of revenge to the back of my mind for now. My first priority was to make sure Liz was okay.

When the tub was full, I reached to turn off the water, and set the thermostat to keep it at a constant hot temperature, then I wrapped my arm back around Liz, holding her securely. She was sitting across my lap, her head resting on my shoulder, and I put my cheek on her forehead.

I wanted to tell her everything about my past. I felt like I needed to tell her, but now was not the time. I didn’t want to put any more pressure on her.

Placing a soft kiss on her forehead, I whispered against her skin. “Do you want to talk about it, baby?”

“This whole thing is my fault,” she whispered. “I shouldn’t have let him in when you weren’t here. I was stupid.”

“You’re not stupid,” I said forcefully. “You are innocent, and trusting, and it isn’t your fault. It is my fault that I didn’t warn you.”

“But if I hadn’t let him in, none of this would have h-happened,” she said in a rush, her voice catching. “He’s a stranger, so I shouldn’t….”

“Sssshhh, angel,” I said softly, rocking her slowly. She was making herself more upset. “It’s not your fault. You didn’t know.”

I felt her release a deep breath, and hoped she was calming down. “You didn’t have to keep all of this to yourself, Liz,” I whispered, trying not to sound like I was accusing her of doing anything wrong. “You could have told me when I got home.”

She shook her head. “I was so proud of you tonight. All of those people came to see your art.” Her lips touched my neck. “If I told you what happened, you would have been so mad. You wouldn’t have been able to enjoy the evening.”

She was right. I wouldn’t have been able to enjoy myself at the party, but I really didn’t enjoy them much anyway. They were simply a necessity of my profession.

Of course I liked having my work displayed and being recognized for my accomplishments. But being forced to interact with all the pretentious critics and collectors quickly got old.

Tonight I had been too worried about Liz to pay much attention to what was happening at the party. And then Danny had shown up.

I’d wanted to punch him just for what he said to me. If I had known what he did to Liz, I would have taken him apart.

“Angel, I was worried about you,” I whispered, stroking her cheek. “You are so much more important to me than any party.”

“I know Zan, but you work so hard,” she said. ”It was your opening, and you really deserved it.”

I felt a sense of amazement. Liz had been trying to protect me. No one had ever done that before.

“My sweet angel,” I said. “I know you were trying to protect me, but please promise me you won’t keep things like that from me. I want to share and support you in everything, the good and the bad. Okay?”

“I promise,” she said softly. “I’m sorry, Zan.”

“Liz,” I stopped her before she could upset herself again, “there is nothing to be sorry about. Please just talk to me in the future.”

I noticed she had stopped shaking, and I kissed her forehead again. “How about we get you out of those clothes and make sure you feel clean?”

She nodded.

Carefully I helped her take one arm out of a sleeve, and then the other, pushing the dress down her body until it pooled around her waist. Then I reached for a washcloth, dipping it in the soapy water before placing it on her skin.

It was dark in the room and the water rose up to Liz’s shoulders, so I couldn’t actually see her body, but that didn’t matter. I held every beautiful inch of her perfectly in my memory.

Starting at her neck I rubbed the cloth gently over her, making sure not to miss anywhere. I wanted to be certain that I washed off any of the places Danny might have touched her.

I smoothed the washcloth across her soft shoulders, and over the curve of her upper back, before moving to her chest. I took a deep breath before reaching her breasts.

An image of her beautiful breasts filled my mind; the velvety feel, the rosy color of her areolas, the sweetness of her nipples as they hardened into a tight points. Her creamy mounds fit so perfectly in my hand, and in my mouth.

I felt my cock start to swell. I had to stop my line of thought, it was driving me crazy, and I’d never be able to finish bathing her.

It went without saying that I wanted her, but I did my best to keep sex out of my touch as I continued. I slid the cloth around and over her breast, trying not to think too much about where my hand was, and how much I wanted to really touch her.

I finished one breast, and then the other, and was congratulating myself on my control, when my arm accidentally brushed her peak. My stomach clenched with desire, and I swallowed hard.

I had to keep going before my lust got the better of me.

“Lift up a little, baby,” I said, my voice gruff with need.

Liz put her hand on my shoulder and leaned forward, and I carefully pushed her dress and panties down her legs. Then I wrapped my arm around her waist, helping her settle in my lap again.

She laid her head back on my chest, and I continued washing her, gently moving the washcloth across her skin.

Every inch of her is so tempting to me, and I swallowed hard again. I wanted to kiss my way down her arm, following the path of the washcloth. I wanted to lick across her flat stomach, and nip at her lower back.

Somehow I was able to keep it together, but I knew I was in big trouble when I reached her legs.

Those shapely legs are so often wrapped around me as thrust into her. They held me tightly, moving with me, keeping me deep inside.

Shit. I was already semi-hard, and as I washed down her leg, all I could think about was coming back up and reaching her sweet pussy.

Slowly I moved up her calf, using all of my concentration to keep my desire in check, but then Liz parted her legs.

She probably did it out of reflex, to give me more room, but I had to bite my lip to stifle a groan. Instantly I went from semi-hard to rock hard.

Fuck! I wanted her so much!

I practically held my breath as I moved the washcloth down her other leg and back up, and then carefully slid it between her thighs. I swallowed hard. I wanted to slide my fingers over her clit, again and again until she came apart in my arms. Then I wanted to pump two fingers inside her, brushing her G-spot until she came again.

I tried to think of anything instead of the fact that my hand was between her legs.

Painting was the first thing that came to mind, but it didn’t help.

The circles I used to mix paint on my pallet were the same I used to stroke Liz’s clit. Painting a line on a canvas reminded me of tracing her delicate lower lips with my fingers. And dipping paintbrushes into water to clean them, made me think of dipping my tongue into her soaking wet pussy.

It took a supreme amount of effort to pull myself back to reality and simply use a couple of gentle strokes of the washcloth over her core, and then move it away.

My breathing was harsh, and I wrapped both arms around Liz, holding her tightly, willing myself to calm down. This was for her, to make sure she was feeling okay, not to fuel my desire.

I kicked off my water-filled boots, as I stroked her hair. She wasn’t saying much, and I was still worried about her.

After a moment I got control of myself, and whispered into her ear. “How’s that, angel? Better?”

She nodded, and her lips brushed my neck again. “It was a perfect idea,” she said softly. “ Thank you, Zan.”

I kissed her head. “Anything for you.”

It probably wasn’t much later than ten, but I thought we should just go to bed. It had been a long, stressful day, and we could both use some rest. I could hold Liz until she fell asleep, even though I would probably be awake for hours, my mind racing.

“Are you ready to go to bed, angel?” I said softly.

“Yeah,” Liz said with a nod.

Standing up, I carefully lifted her and carried her out of the tub. I put her on her feet on the bathmat, and grabbing a fluffy towel, I started to dry her off.

It was lighter near the door and I couldn’t help my eyes sliding over her body. She is so damn beautiful, and of course I wanted her. I always did. But Liz needed TLC, not my lust.

Then I noticed a dark area on her upper arm. At first I thought it was a shadow, but as my eyes adjusted, I could see it was really a large bruise that had obviously been hidden by the darkness.

Instantly I was enraged, and the words burst from me before I could stop them. “What the fuck is that?”

Liz winced and moved to cover the bruise, but her small hand only blocked about half of it from my sight.

Shit. Danny must have done it, and I wanted to kill him. Liz had said he had grabbed her, I just hadn’t realized how rough he’d been. It made me think Liz had come closer to being raped than she realized, but I didn’t want to scare her any more, and quickly swallowed my anger. I didn’t want her to think I was mad at her.

“Let me see, baby,” I said softly.

Slowly she lowered her hand, and I reached out, gently taking her arm, lifting it to examine the injury more closely. Unmistakably it was a handprint; a large, rough, masculine handprint, marring the porcelain skin of Liz’s arm. I could see the imprint of the heel of a palm, and four distinct finger impressions. I was sure if I looked at the back of her arm, I would see the thumb too.

I released her, and cupped her cheek, meeting her eyes before speaking. “I promise you, he won’t ever touch you again.”

She nodded, giving me a weak smile.

Carefully, gently, I began rubbing the towel I was still holding over her skin again. I started at her neck, and worked my way down, doing my best to keep my touch light and soothing and not sexual. When I was sure she was dry, I reached for another towel and wrapped it around her, covering her from chest to knees.

Then I started stripping off my own wet clothes. When I reached my boxers, I used the excuse of reaching for another towel to turn away, hiding the evidence of how much Liz was affecting me. I dried myself quickly, wrapping the towel around my hips before I turned back to her.

Liz remained silent, watching me carefully as if she was afraid of what I might do, and it made my heart ache. Was she scared of me?

I approached her slowly, careful not to make any sudden movements, and I was glad to see that she didn’t move away. Again I lifted her small form into my arms, making sure to avoid touching her bruised arm, and carried her into the bedroom, placing her on the bed. “Stay here baby,” I said. “I’ll get some pajamas for you.”

A look of confusion crossed her face. “We’re not going to make love?” she asked. “We always…” she trailed off.

Liz had been through so much, and I didn’t want her to think she had to have sex with me to prove her love. I cupped her silky cheek. “Angel, I think we should take one night off, and get some rest,” I said softly.

Instantly tears filled her eyes, and I knew I had said the wrong thing.

She folded her arms across her body. “You don’t want me,” she gasped. “It’s because Danny kissed me, t-touched me, isn’t it? You think I’m dirty too.”

Oh shit. I hadn’t even considered she might think that. I took her face gently in both hands. “Of course I want you, angel,” I said fiercely. “But you’ve had a rough day, and you’ve been really upset. I think you need to get some sleep.”

Tears spilled down her cheeks. “Please make love to me, Zan,” she begged, clutching at my arms. “I need to feel your love. Please, I want to feel your touch on my skin, not his.”

Fuck!!! I wanted to give her some time to feel comfortable again before we made love. She was upset, and possibly not thinking clearly, and I certainly didn’t want to give her any reason to fear sex or feel disgusted by rushing into it after a traumatic experience.

I also felt like we shouldn’t make love until I told Liz everything. It seemed like a betrayal somehow. That was why I had come home from the gallery so late. I didn’t want to leave us time to make love before we left for the party. I wanted to wait until we got home, and tell her the truth so she could make the decision about whether she still wanted to be with me.

But I knew now wasn’t the time to burden her with any more. I would wait to tell her about my past, and just hope she didn’t hate me for doing it.

I wrapped her in my arms, crushing her against me. “I love you, and I always want you, and nothing could change that,” I said fiercely, kissing the top of her head. “I had to use every bit of control I possess not to take you in the bathtub.”

“Really?” she whispered.

I nodded. Taking her hand, I lowered it to my hard cock to give her proof. “See what you do to me, baby?” I whispered, stroking her hair.

I had resigned myself to the fact that we wouldn’t be having sex, but now that Liz wanted it, I knew I’d have to work hard to keep myself under control. I was so aroused, I felt ready to burst. But I wanted to take my time with Liz and make sure she felt my love.

I kissed her forehead. “I’ll spend the whole night making love to you and worshiping every inch of your body if you want,” I promised. “I’ll show you exactly how much I love you and want you, angel.”

“Yes,” she breathed.




I was so relieved that Zan still wanted me.

I had instantly panicked when he said he wanted to go to bed without making love.

He had been so understanding, and so wonderful bathing me, but his touch had been completely sexless, almost clinical. At first I thought he was just trying to soothe me, but when he didn’t want to make love, his actions suddenly seemed too careful. It made me think he was disgusted that Danny had touched me, and I couldn’t stand it.

The thought that Zan didn’t want me made me feel cold.

He said he thought I should get some sleep, but nothing would make me feel better than him kissing and touching my body.

Holding my head in two hands he leaned down slowly, brushing his lips against mine. “I love you, angel,” he whispered. “And I want you so much.”

I reached up touching his face. “Kiss me,” I breathed.

He kissed me tenderly, his hand cupping my cheek, and I sighed, kissing him back. It always amazed me that with just a simple kiss he could make me feel so loved.

After a moment, his lips left mine and he placed soft kisses all over my face; on both cheeks, my eyelids, my forehead and nose.

“Zan,” I whispered.

His lips touched mine again, and even though the kiss was still gentle, there was also more of a demand. For the first time I could tell that he really wanted me, and was working hard to keep his desire in check.

My heart soared, and I felt the familiar butterflies in my stomach that I always got whenever Zan was near. One of his looks, one touch was enough to do it to me.

He continued to kiss me softly, and I opened my mouth, flicking my tongue across his lips. A small growl escaped him and his tongue met mine. His hand slid into my hair, clasping the back of my neck and pulling me to him as he deepened our kiss.

Our tongues dueled together, slipping into each others’ mouths, tasting, exploring. We took brief gasps of air as our lips clashed, but finally we had to break apart.

Zan took a large breath but didn’t release me, instead his lips found my neck. He started out kissing me gently, and I wrapped my arms around him. His lips moved across my throat to just below my ear.

He nibbled and sucked at my skin, drawing gasps from me. Another growl came from him and his teeth scrapped across my throat.

I grasped at his head as my neck automatically arched back, giving him more room. He sucked hard on my throat, and I knew it would leave marks, but I didn’t care because it felt so good.

His kisses moved across my collarbone and to my shoulder, his hand caressing a path his lips followed. When he reached the top of the towel wrapped around me, he lightly traced the edge of it to my back. I felt him move, shifting on the bed until he was behind me.

He kissed one shoulder blade, and scraped his teeth across the other, making me shiver with desire. He brushed my hair aside, and then his lips pressed to the nape of my neck. Slowly he moved down, kissing and nipping along my spine, stopping at the towel.

I think he was going deliberately slow, to be sure I really did want to make love. But I wasn’t going to leave him in any doubt about what I did want. I reached for the edge of the towel wrapped around me and unfastened it, letting it fall to the bed.

Zan groaned and whispered against my skin. “Angel, you are so beautiful.”

He continued down, placing open-mouth kisses all the way along my spine. His hands slid slowly across my skin, caressing my shoulders, over my back, down to my hips, and then started up my sides.

Using just his fingertips, he moved up, barely touching me, as his beard tickled my back. He took soft nips of my skin, then soothed them with his tongue, as his fingers skimmed over my waist and ribs. His mouth reached my shoulder as his hand approached my breasts, and I shivered with anticipation of him touching me.

His teeth scraped across my shoulder, as his fingers just brushed the sides of my breasts. Instantly my nipples hardened and my back arched as I gasped with the sensation.

Zan’s mouth moved up to my neck, and his fingers continued sliding across my ribs to my stomach. His thumbs barely skimmed the edges of my breasts, moving all the way underneath, to the valley in between.

He sucked hard on my neck as his hands moved up, caressing the sides of my soft mounds, teasing the undersides. My back arched more as I reached back to grasp his head, silently begging him to take full possession of my breasts.

Accepting the invitation, he cupped them, kneading them softly, his thumbs tracing my areola. My nipples already hard, drew into even tighter points, aching to be touched.

Finally his thumbs brushed over my sensitive nubs, and I cried out, shuddering in his arms. Zan nipped at my neck as he continued to stroke them. I could feel shocks of electricity all through my body, each of his touches seeming to go straight through to my clit.

Suddenly he growled and released me long enough to move to face me again. Instantly I was in his arms again, and he kissed me hard, trusting his tongue into my mouth. He lowered me back against the bed, lying partially on top of me.

His lips left mine, moving down my throat and across my chest, going straight for my breast. I felt his hot breath an instant before his mouth closed over me. I moaned with pleasure as his tongue brushed across my hard nub, and slid my fingers in his hair, grasping him to me.

Sucking hard, he traced the edge of my breast with his tongue, while his hand gave my other breast the same treatment. He used quick flicks of his tongue and thumb to tease my nipples and I felt moisture pour from my core. The thought flashed through my mind that Zan could probably make me come by just touching my breasts.

My body shifted restlessly as my arousal grew, aching to be touched, and Zan sensed it. With one final lick of his tongue, he left my breast, stopping briefly to take the other into his mouth, and then moved down.

His hands stroked over my sides as he kissed across my stomach. Slowly he moved lower, his teeth grazing my skin until he reached my dark, triangle of curls. His fingers trailed through my hair, and along my thighs, spreading them with soft caresses.

I expected to feel his mouth on my clit, but instead he kissed the inside of my leg. His hands trailed down my leg, and he kissed along the same path, making me jump when his tongue slid across the back of my knee.

He chuckled and continued down, nipping at the back of my calf until he reached my foot, and placed a kiss on the bottom.

Instantly he switched legs, this time starting at my foot and heading up. Again his hands proceeded his mouth, smoothing up my calf to my knee, and across my thigh.

He nipped at my inner thigh, moving slowly up, spreading my legs even wider. When he reached the hollow of my thigh, he paused, and I couldn’t help squirming, anticipating his mouth on me.

His head dipped suddenly, and he took a long lick from my core up to my clit. I moaned softly, my whole body jerking in reaction.

He sucked at my clit and lower lips before plunging his tongue into me. Once, twice, three times he entered me, and then withdrew, brushing my G-spot on the last stroke.

Again he sucked my clit into his mouth, scraping it with his teeth before releasing it. I thought he would go back to my core, but he brushed his chin stud over my clit and started moving up my body.

He licked a line up my stomach, stopping briefly to kiss each breast. Continually moving, he placed kisses over my chest and neck before kissing my chin.

Stopping suddenly, he looked into my eyes. “Are you sure you want to do this, angel?” he said softly. “We don’t have to rush into it.”

I reached up, touching his face. “I’m sure Zan.” With my other hand I skimmed down his back until I found the towel still wrapped around him, and tugged at it. “I want you.”

Zan smiled. He lifted his hips, stripped the towel off, and dropped it to the floor. “I want you too, angel” he whispered.

He cupped my cheek, and leaned down pressing his lips to mine. “I want you so much.”

His hand stroked over my body as he lips met mine again. He kissed me tenderly, deeply, and I could feel his love.

Zan settled over me as he continued to kiss me, aligning our bodies. I was so desperate for him, and his weight on top of me made me wild with desire. I grasped at his back, one hand sliding into his hair, holding him close. I spread my legs wider, and raised my knees so his hard cock pressed against my soaking center.

He growled into my mouth, and started to slowly rock against me. His erection slid from my core to my clit, and back again and again.

It felt so good and I shifted my hips, needing him inside, but he avoided entering me. He kept his motion steady, sliding through my slick folds, and all I could think about was how good it would feel when he was moving in me. I grabbed his ass and arched up.

Zan broke our kiss with a deep chuckle. “Not so fast, angel,” he rumbled. “I’m going to take my time, and love you slow and thorough.”

I kissed his neck. “But come inside,” I whispered. “I want you inside.”

One corner of his mouth lifted in a smile. “Anything for you, baby,”

I nearly sighed with relief. My core was already starting to pulse, and I ached to be filled by him.

Moving his hips again, he slid down until the tip of his erection was aligned with my soaking pussy, and holding my eyes, he started to slowly push inside. His thick length stretched me so wonderfully, I couldn’t help smiling.

I love how close to him I always feel when we are so intimately connected. There is nothing standing between us, and it is almost like we are one person. Through his beautiful eyes, I can see what he’s thinking and feeling. I can almost see his soul.

He stopped when he was completely inside me. Reaching up to stroke my cheek, his eyes never left mine. “You know that this isn’t just about sex for me, right angel? I love you. I want to share my life with you.”

Tears filled my eyes. “That’s what I want too,” I whispered. “I want to be with you always.”

Leaning down, he kissed me tenderly as he started to move. So slowly he withdrew from me, every long inch of him caressing my inner walls deliciously. When he was almost all the way out, he changed directions, sliding leisurely back inside.

He kissed me harder as he continued to move, his tongue stroking into my mouth, echoing what his body was doing. He felt so good inching inside me, and I grasped at his muscular back.

His lips left mine, trailing kisses down my neck. Softly he nipped and sucked at my skin and I gasped with pleasure. I was so aroused, that even with his slow pace I was building up quickly.

From my neck his lips went across my chest, tracing my collarbone. He placed open-mouthed kisses over my skin, tasting every inch.

After a moment his kisses moved down to my breast. He sucked it into his mouth, rapidly stroking over my hard nipple with his tongue. The energy surged through me, making my whole body spasm and jerk around Zan, and my fingers dig into his back.

I was so close to climax, but at the same time, I felt I would never get there. I wrapped my legs around him, thrusting my hips up to meet him. “Zan, please,” I begged.

He looked up from my breast, and smiled. “I know, angel,” he purred. But he didn’t change his pace, continuing to slowly stroke into me.

Taking my other breast into his mouth, he sucked it hard. He shifted forward, and his next thrust made him slide over my clit. I whimpered with the intense sensations, and my hands slid across his back.

I could feel Zan starting to shake, and a fine sheen of sweat covered him. He was losing control.

My body arched, and my head thrashed from side to side. My breath came in harsh pants as my core pulsed around Zan’s hard length. I grabbed his ass, trying to get him to go faster.

He groaned, and released my breast. “Shit baby,” he growled.

Leaning down, his lips met mine again, and he increased his pace inside me slightly. Our mouths brushed together, as we attempted to take gasping breaths around the kiss.

He continued his slow rhythm, but I could tell he was barely holding on. The muscles in his chest and arms corded like steel, and each thrust brought a harsh groan from deep in his throat.

I kept my grip on his sculpted ass with one hand, but moved the other to his back, digging my fingers into his muscles, attempting to draw him closer. I thrust my hips forward hard, meeting his every surge, taking him as deep as possible.

Suddenly my whole body tightened and arched, and I knew the end was close.

Zan broke the kiss and lowered his head, thrusting into me hard. His movement slammed our lower bodies together, and caused him to brush over my clit each time.

I gasped with each of his surges, and the pitch of my voice rose unnaturally. My arms and legs clamped around him, as my inner muscles squeezed his thick length.

“Zan!” I called out as the pleasure became unbearable. “Zan!”

He looked up, his eyes meeting mine, and I plunged over the edge.

Electricity surged through my body, and he thrust into me twice more before loosening his control and allowing himself to come. He growled with the release, panting harshly as his hips continued to pump, emptying his hot seed into me. But his eyes never left mine.

Everything he was feeling was so clearly visible in his eyes. I could see worry and tenderness but I could also see all his love and desire. I knew then that I had been silly to think Zan might not love or want me any more.

I had panicked, pure and simple. I suffered needlessly when all I had to do was ask him. I would have been able to see through his eyes, exactly what was on his mind.



I couldn’t stop looking at my angel as she came down from her climax. She was so beautiful to me, especially since I realized I wanted to marry her.

Our lovemaking had ended sooner than I anticipated, but that was okay. I’d let her catch her breath, and then I’d start all over again, and again. We had the whole, long night ahead of us.

I stayed inside her, not wanting to lose the incredible intimacy, as I stroked her cheek. I could clearly see the love shining in her eyes, and I held her gaze, wanting her to have no doubt that I loved her just as much.

A soft smile curved her lips, and she reached up to touch my face.

My eyes never left hers as I cupped her small hand and brought it to my lips, placing a kiss on her palm.

It was true there were some obstacles were in our way that still needed to be resolved, but at this moment they didn’t matter at all. There was simply Liz and me and our love.



~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


TBC





Mind of an Artist
Part 6
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