Silver lining

The cute little street that housed multiple families ran businesses was packed with people. Flowers decorated the windows of the building and the atmosphere just screamed happiness. Not that the bright blue sky and sun had anything to do with this strong feeling or anything. Summer was definitely going on in Italy, and Alix could feel it as a cool breeze gently blew her hair over her bare shoulders.

Currently, the young girl who was the niece to the powerful English house and didn't even know it was looking at sunglasses at a street stall. Her designer dress giving out hints that she came from money, but she wasn't acting like it. As a bright smile was plastered on her lips as she conversed with the stall owner and tried on different sunglasses that were for sale. They were obvious knock off's, but Alix didn't care. She just liked trying on different things and experiencing new things while she had the chance to. As every girl in her family was taught from a young age to obey the men in the family, this little time alone was like she hit the jackpot in the lottery.

Across the street, her uncle, the head of the Davis family, sat. His eyes trained on his niece as he waited for the head of the Italian house and his heir to arrive. They just needed to sign some legal paperwork before there deal was to be final and frankly, the English house's leader felt that a public place would appeal to his safety far more than going there place and end up getting ambushed or something.

--

Summer, the idea of the season usually brought up the idea of warmth, good drinks, and parties with friends. For Carter though, it brought about the urge to go and find something new. Something interesting, he felt that art in the summer was better as it'll allow people to show what they were struggling with in the colder months, wrapped up in all of those layers.

With his black sunglasses on, Carter walked down the little side street that artists flocked to. His gaze down slightly as he looked at the paintings and other pieces of art decorated stalls. A small smile tugged at his lips as he saw some pieces that he liked and then frowned at others he thought were downright terrible. It was sad that not many of the artists out today were as talented as he was hoping, but, it was still early summer, hopefully, others are still working on possible masterpieces.

The young man was about to give up on finding the next piece to catch his attention when the scent of a delicious perfume caught his attention. Now, usually, Carter paid no mind to what a woman was coating herself in, but, as he followed the smell his eyes landed on beauty and then his eyes traveled to her art and he found himself drawn in. Carter stopped at the woman's stall and took in her art, his interest was peaked.

Luciano arrived with his father at their meeting. He knew before he arrived what his soon to be fiancee looked like. It was more than just because he was curious it was also that he was expected to know. Luciano greeted the head of Davis then sauntered off to go mingle with his bride while his father took care of the paperwork. From behind she had great angles and her hair was long and beautiful. Something you felt you could run your fingers through. She would fit in just nice in their family. He could see the innocence there and knew it would be a blast introducing her to his twisted ways. Luciano walked up behind her and put a hand on her back to lean over her and grab whatever first caught his eyes. He could smell her now, a soft subtle sent, truly intoxicating. Luciano smiled slowly looking down a her and handed her the pair that he had picked up. "Try these." he said and stepped back watching her listen to his advice. They were a crap brand but the shape was good. He grinned as she turned towards him. Yes she had just as lovely as a front as a back. Her face was innocent and yet he could see if she wanted to there was a ferocity that she could surprise anyone with. He nodded. "Those would do." he said and came closer taking them off slowly letting her eyes that cut into him shoot straight down into desire. He wanted to see those eyes plead and beg.

Luciano nodded as he set the pair down. "You would do well in front of a camera." he said. It sounded cold but he truly did find that of value. He then walked off towards her uncle not looking back and slipped into he chair at the little gathering. He knew she would come to understand soon enough the significance of this little act. He was truly pleased with his father's pick and decided for himself that he was pleased with it. How far she came to grow on him would be a different story. There were few that got under his guard but he knew all the right ways to break down every barrier in front of him and she would have no were to hide from him once he opened her up and saw everything that she was.

---

Adeline was sitting on the bridge wall a sketch pad in her hands propped up against her knee as she looked back at all the artists sketching. She was dressed up for the first day she knew it brought so many people out she wanted to impress were she could in her street cloths. Her brown hair floated with the breeze from the river below over her shoulders and wrapping a few strands around her neck now and again. Her art piece was on the easel beside her. She had only brought one today wanting to show it off because it had been her obsession for the bast week or two, time flew when she was working. She also only brought one because she wanted the chance to really capture this moment unlike so many artists who were consumed in their own work, she wanted to capture that intensity she saw in there. Her sea blue green eyes flickered up from her canvas and back down until someone stood beside her looking at the canvas.

Adeline looked up at him tilting her head. While he was watching the canvas she bit her lip. He was the kind of man that woman would ogle at. She blushed finding herself doing the same thing and dropped her eyes looking at his shoes. Expensive. He was a money man. She popped down from the bridge and walked over to him standing beside him looking at her canvas with him. "It's a feeling but I still can't say which one." she admitted and looked back up at his face feeling suddenly like she was unsteady as his striking intense eyes pinned her to where she was. She let out a breath and then bit her lip before looking back at the canvas. She would love to paint that feeling he just gave her. The complexity and the raw, it would be stunning in dark colors with specks of greens, gold, and red so intense it would bring people to their knees.

@ Jinx...
A light giggle escaped from Alix as she set a pair she was looking at down. The shop owner was just offering praise after praise, wanting to coax her into buying something. She wasn't planning to, her uncle told her no already. So, window shopping was all she was allowed to do, but. If she played everything right, she might be able to get a real pair later. If her uncle was in a good mood after this meeting of his.

The sudden feel of a hand on Alix's back caused the young girl to tense up. Her bright green eyes shifting to look up at the man as he leaned over her shoulder. She was about to ask him to release his hand but stopped as he handed her a pair she was unsure of. Her lips pursed, but slowly took the pair. Surely, her uncle would help her if this man tried anything else, right?
Putting on the pair that was suggested, Alix looked in the mirror and turned her head in different directions as she checked them out. They were cute, much more so then what she had originally thought. Looking up towards the man, Alix was about to ask the man what he thought but stopped as he cut her off, and blinked in surprise as he took them off of her. This man was making her a little uncomfortable, and she wondered why her uncle wasn't coming to her aid.

"Thank you?" Alix mumbled quietly, then watched in confusion as the man walked away and towards her uncle. Alix's lips moved into a slight frown as she watched the touchy stranger sit at the same table as her uncle. Her green gaze then looking towards her uncle and slowly moving towards him as he beckoned her over. "Alixandria." Ugh, Alix hated being called her full name. "This is Luciano Salvatore, he is your betrothed." A look of pure confusion appeared on Alix's features at the sudden news. "Betrothed?" She asked, looking at her uncle and the man who now had a name.

--

With a narrowed gaze, Carter felt the wheels in his mind turning and twisting. Registering every little detail that went into this painting. Every emotion that she must have felt, every store it could go with. There was a lot going for this particular piece of art, it just struck out to him. He quite liked it, it was extremely good for a novice artist in this day and age. It wasn't a copy of some already famous piece of art. It was pure originality and it sang of the need for being recognized.

"I see triumph," Carter spoke, his gaze not leaving the painting that was in front of him. "I can see the darkness that's surrounding the light, clawing at the small bit of light that's breaking through." He explained, pointing at how the darker colors looked like they were trying to devour the light goldish color. "But it can't get its claws in, because the light is too strong." A small smirk appeared on Carter's lips as he finally tore his eyes from the painting and looked down at the young woman who was standing next to him.

"This painting is telling a deep story, you must have been going through something rough when you were painting it," Carter commented, his gaze going back towards the painting. "The way that the blues and blacks connect but don't blend is amazing, not many can pull off this much detail so easily." A small smirk appeared on the young men look. "I don't say this very often, but I'm impressed." He told her, smirking a little once more as he took in the girls appearance. She looked quite adorable in that outfit, it really suited her and brought out the beauty in her eyes.

It would seem that Carter's parents were right to have chosen such a beauty for him. She was a piece that he wouldn't mind having in his private collection. To look upon and touch as he pleased. "Does the artist of this piece have a name?" Of course, Carter already knew Adeline's name, but, he wanted to hear it come off of her lips. "How much would you want for this piece?"

@ FallenHope95
Luciano stayed silent as the news shook her to her core and she looked him over with a mix of fear and he was sure he saw some appreciation there. They all stood from the table business finished and there was no reason to stay. Luciano knew he had the kind of body many women found attractive and it made business with them, or in this care a marriage a little easier. Repulsion was not a sexy look. His father stepped forward and patted her hand kissing both sides of her cheeks. "Yes my son is your betrothed now the paperwork was just finalized. You will make you house very proud." he said and then nodded to Mr. Davis and they shook hands walking little whiles off to give the two some time to talk.

Luciano looked down at Alixandria. He didn't really have anything to say. "Would you like to take a walk?" he asked looking over at the older men who nodded in support. He looked back at her rather annoyed. He wasn't particularly happy about the speed of things even if she was attractive and would be a good prospect but he was a man that liked to have his control in his own hands. It was a bit surprising that they hadn't even prepared her that she would most likely be married off for peace to those with the best offer at a strong unity that would support the Davis family in their dwindling position as one of the power families of Europe.

Luciano started off towards the park without much of an answer from Alixandria. He walked expecting her to catch up. When they were out of sight from he older men he slowed as they entered the park. He looked around at the flowers in bloom and the fountain not a long walk from here. Families all around them walked talking and little children screaming out of boredom. He ignored them like they were under him. "I am sure you have questions but it really is unnecessary. I am a very well respected businessman, I run DNA Model Agency. It is the most success modeling company since 1967. You will be brought up to speed on all the important things shortly and you will be moving into my condo here soon as well but until we are married you will have your own room. I am told we are expected to have one bedroom after that." he looked annoyed again and put a hand on the small of her back guiding her towards the fountain. He looked down at her as they stopped in front of it. "Anything else you need to initially get off your chest besides the obvious that you are shocked and little outraged to be in an arranged marriage? And just to be clear I choose you. I was not forced into this." he said annoyed by the idea of being forced into anything but even his father knew the importance of his son picking his own bride.

---

Addie bit her lip as he described her painting to her. He was right in so many ways. She blushed as he mentioned the hard time she must have been going through. He again was right. She had just moved to France out on her own to prove herself. She bit her bottom lip and looked at her painting through his eyes. She looked back at him as he said he was impressed and she beamed her smile bright and contagious. "I appreciate the praise." she said and put her hands behind her back holding the sketch pad back there causing her breasts to pop out as she swayed slightly with her pride. Addie grinned as he asked her name. "Adeline McKoy." she held out her hand for him to shake.

"How much?" she looked at the painting her eyes wide. She hadn't even thought about a price for it yet not even thinking about selling it. Addie tried to quickly go through the cost of labor and supplies and tack a good 15% onto it for value. It was a fairly large canvas. "450 eros." she said thinking it was a good price for a piece like this. "Although if you like the style I have more back at my loft a bit smaller and some larger if you were so inclined." she said and blushed realizing she probably shouldn't invite a strange man back to her loft even if it was for business. Come to think of it she still had paint globs over her plastic sheets and buckets of dirty water out along with the semi worn articles she tended to take off her layers when painting. Her cheeks burned. "We should set up a formal meeting though for that. I still have some unfinished pieces I am not quite ready to share." she admitted knowing that would give her the perfect cover story that was closet to the truth because she did have pieces she was working on when the mood was right.

Addie grinned at him. "I am sorry Sir... I didn't catch your name." she said and watched lightning strike in his eyes like hot cinders and it made her shiver and her belly ache like it hadn't in a long time. What it something she said? Addie bit her lip and looked down again. What was it about this man that made her suddenly feel like she was falling off the bridge behind her?

@ Jinx...
The shock of everything seemed to have sped everything around Alix up. She didn't even realize the Italian greeting that his father had given her, nor did she recognize his little offer to take a walk. She just moved, her legs moving of there own accord as she followed after Luciano.

As they entered the park, Alix slowed her pace. Keeping at least two steps behind the taller man as she took in the beauty around her. A small smile appearing on Alix's lips as she spotted some star gazer lily's. They were her favorite type of flower, back home, her uncle filled his garden with them to make her smile whenever she came to visit on the weekends. Closing her eyes, Alix breathed in deeply, taking in the sweet scent that they created. A calming feeling washed over the young girl as she slowly opened her eyes and looked up towards Luc as he placed his hand on her back. She was expecting a little romance in the gesture, but she had a feeling it was the opposite as he rushed them to the fountain.

Everything that Luc was throwing at her, swirled around Alix's mind, giving her a small headache. "I'm not outraged." Alix said quietly after a while. Her bright green eyes looking up into his hazel orbs. "Shocked yes, but not outraged." She did her best to offer him a small smile. "I've always expected my uncle would of set me up with someone, but I didn't think he'd do it so soon. I just turned eighteen." She clarified. "Why did you choose me? You said it yourself, you're a well respected businessman who's running one of the largest modeling companies in the world. What makes you want me? I haven't accomplished anything yet." As she waited for a reply, Alix slipped from his stare and moved towards the fountain and sat on the edge of it. Her bright green eyes looking down at the water as it rippled slightly.

"My apologies for seeming like a downer. I'm just, not sure I'm ready to marry." Her bright green eyes gazed up into Luc's hazel orbs once more. Her jugular bobbing as she gulped at the intensity of his gaze.

--

Once again, a small smirk appeared on Carter's lips as he turned towards her slightly and accepted the out stretched hand. He slowly raised it to his lips and pressed a small kiss to it. Keeping his gaze right on hers. "It's a pleasure to meet you, miss Adeline." He said, offering a small smile that took over the growing smirk that wanted nothing more than to tear this little fluff session down.

Glancing at the painting once more, a small nod of his head and a deal was made in Carter's head. "That seems like a reasonable price for this piece." He told her, letting her hand go and moving to grab his wallet in his back pocket. Then, as he's opening his wallet, a small chuckle escaped from the young man. "You always invite random people to your place?" He asked, a small teasing smile on his lips as he pulled out the money for the painting. This was like chump change for Carter, so he didn't mind pulling out so much cash in one sitting. "But, if you're serious, I'd love to come by and see your paintings. I have high expectations after seeing this one, miss Adeline." Carter said, offering the young beauty a small wink as he watched her with interest. The way her breasts bobbed in that shirt was tantalizing, he'd love to get his hands on them, but held back, They were in a public place, and she also didn't know what he knew.

Then, a small chuckle escaped from Carter as he put his wallet away after paying for the painting. "Perceptive." He teased as he looked towards the painting and gently grasped onto the painting he had just purchased. "Just, call me Carter." He said, leaving out his last name, not wanting her to go spaz on him after learning who he was. "Now. About that arrangement to see those other art pieces." He turned his darker eyes towards her once more, his gaze quickly flicking her up and down before looking into those eyes that could make a man weak in the knees from staring to long. "Why don't I swing by Saturday about noon, then after I can take you to dinner." He offered, throwing one of his signature looks that tend to catch every girls attention. Never in his life, had Carter been turned down for a date, much less been ignored on his offer to look at someone's art. His keep eye had helped multiple artists rise to fame.

@ FallenHope95
Luciano frowned. She wasn't outraged? She had no idea what she was getting into. He sighed letting it go. she would learn. Her upbringing had a lot to do with how she was behaving now and he would teach her different. She would be a Salvatore, they had pride and she would learn to fit in. It had not escaped his notice how she looked at those flowers and he realized prephaps she would feel a little more ready for this if she had dated and by the ways he was acting she obviously had not. Luciano took a breath and looked at her. She was not ready for the world her uncle had just signed her into. He touched the ends of her hair in appreciation. It was the smallest gesture that held more tenderness than he had shown yet. "I am just five years older than you Alixandria." she tried to comfort but perhaps it came across condescending. He had never been one for words.

The sweet little thing asked why her out of everyone and he knew it was more complicated than she could understand right now because of her sheltered existence. Her uncle had done a good job at hiding her away. He watched her sit and he looked down at her trying to truly understand his choice as well. "To be honest you are different than anything I know. I didn't want to be married into he same world I have always been in. I know what to expect of them but you are something else, new and innocent. I would be a liar if I told you that your beauty did not appeal to me." he was silent before she apologized and he nodded in understanding looking out among the people. "Yes the suddenness of it would be quite a challenge but your life does not end with this, just changes." he pulled out a handkerchief and handed it to her. He really hoped she wouldn't cry long he did not know what to do for that.

Luciano sat beside her and placed his hand over top of hers looking into her eyes. "How about this we will go on a date, you get to pick whatever you would like to do. Perhaps this will give you some time to feel more adjusted to the arrangement." he said. Luciano just wanted her to stop crying. He liked her better when she was smiling about the silly sunglasses then sitting here in all this beauty and crying.

---

Addie felt herself began to tremble as he pressed his lips to her hand. She had never been affected like this before. She swallowed and tried to stop the school girl blush that seemed to enjoy appearing for him but she had no success. Addie ran a hand through her hair as he let her hand go and pulled it to the side.

Addie was watching him pul out his wallet as he question her habits with strange men. "I... no of course not... it's just that." she looked down and back at her painting. "This is the first piece I have actually sold myself." She had gifted pieces to friends in the past that they loved and had sold her other canvases to a gallery before she moved to France but never had the money been placed in her hands as it was now and she looked down at it. She folded it and slipped it into her pocket. She bit her lip looking at the painting then back at him. She was kind of sad to see this piece go but glad it was going to someone that understood it. "Oh.. yes I am serious there are a few more pieces I think you might like in a similar style and some other pieces." she blushed remembering some of the other pieces she had been experimenting with. "And please call me Addie. Everyone that knows me does." she said.

When he gave her his name, only his first, she nodded. "Well it is a pleasure Carter." she bit her lip and watched him grip the painting tenderly. "Oh let me wrap it." she said. She never brought a painting out without wrapping it. She took it from him once he handed it over and wrapped it in simple white paper and twine. She smiled and handed it back to him. "There now it will get home safe and sound." She pulled out her phone as he talked about setting a time to see the other art. "Oh sure." she was looking at her colander plugging him in. She had just hit send when he suggested dinner then gave her those eyes that turned her straight into a much of desire. She swallowed and hummed before looking down. "Umm..." she took a breath trying to think why he would suggest dinner. "Like a business dinner yeah that is fine." She said not able to instantly come up with why he would want to take her out for a personal dinner. He was obviously not only a money man but a sexy, use to getting what he wanted money man. She could really use a client right now anyways so whatever it took to get him interested in her work maybe she could count on him to buy a few pieces or collections. She could already tell his type. He valued art that told the honest truth with he raw emotion which is most of what she made other than her cheaper pieces that she sold to tourists.

Addie bit her lip. "I should probably get your number so that I can give you directions later." she said looking back up at him. That look he was giving her had nothing to do with business and everything inside her told her so but she was trying to be professional and she was sure that so many woman took that look and ran with it she didn't need to be another of those for him, he would get board of the talented artist and move onto a more respectable woman before long.

@ Jinx...
At the sudden feel of her hair being touched, Alix stiffened for a moment before relaxing. Her gaze shifting to look up at Luc. Her lips pursed into a straight line. "You're only three years older then me and yet you've decided you want to get married?" She asked, not really sure she had followed his words correctly. Her tongue slowly slid past her lips and wetted them. She was trying to understand everything, but didn't quite know how she was suppose to start. Or where her mind would be able to end.

A look of confusion appeared on Alix's face as he pulled out a handkerchief. She was about to ask why but stopped as she realized that she must have allowed some tears to escape on accident. "My apologies for making a scene." She said quietly, looking down once more as she dried her eyes, being careful to not smudge her make-up too much. The stress she was suddenly feeling seemed to be surfacing as she dabbed at the tears that she was released, the only way she was used to showing her true feelings.

Once she was done, Alix rested her hands on her lap lightly. Then, she took a deep breath to try and relax herself before opening then and looking up at Luc. A look of excitement taking over the anxiety she was feeling moments before. "Really?" She asked, excitement showing in her voice as she slowly turned her body so she was facing him more, and giving him a good look at her once more. "We can do anything that I want?" She asked, making sure that she had heard him right. Then, a small goofy grin slowly appeared on her lips. "Then, I want to go hiking and have a picnic."

--

After everything was said and done, all that was left for Carter to say was, "Au revoir, lady Addie." Carter said, offering a wink after he gave her his number to contact him so that they could set up their dinner and art showing. Two things that the young man was extremely exited about. Noting beat spending time with a pretty girl, well, besides spending time in bed with one anyways, but that wasn't the point right now.

The days until the art showing and the little dinner that Carter planned with Addie came quickly. To say that the young man was a little nervous would be an understatement. He didn't show it though. He's learned over the years that a poker face was the best thing to play in multiple situations. Especially ones that were meant to act as a professional transgression. Even though he had plans for it to turn into a not so professional setting. Carter planned to use that little blush that he's seen dust Addie's cheeks against her. She had it for him, it was obvious to him. Which made it quite easy for him to figure out how he'd break the news to her later down the road.

Pulling up to Addie's studio in one of his favorite cars, Carter made a mental note to try and get her a better studio once they were together. He tried to hide his disgust at the small building in front of him and the not so respected neighborhood that the building was located in. "Probably should of gone with a less expensive car today." He mused to himself before stepping out. Carter then fixed his suit jacket cuffs before he pressed a button to lock his car an then headed towards where Addie said for him to meet her at.

@ FallenHope95
"No no not like that." he hadn't meant for her to think that him being older made him ready to marry. "I just mean we are not that far in age and my father believed it was the right time." he shrugged. He was only making this worse it seemed. When she took the handkerchief and dabbed her eyes he could see how hard she was trying o keep it together. "Oh please you haven't caused a scene no one is even looking." he couldn't really decide if she was going to be alright or not. But when he mentioned a date and she light up he relaxed.

Luciano was nervous when she repeated that she could do anything back to him. He nodded hoping he wasn't going to regret saying that. When she brought up hiking and a picnic he relaxed. "Yeah that would be nice actually." he said. He didn't really think of that as a date but he supposed spending time in any capacity would be sufficient. Maybe she would feel better about the arrangement once she spent some time with him and saw he wasn't as scary as he came off.

"Come I will set it up with you uncle now before you head back home." he said and offered her his hand as he stood. Luciano was glad to see that smile back on her face. He sighed relaxing as he tucked her hand into the crook of his arm. He walked back with her making sure to slow down near her favorite flowers and even stopped to pick one for her. He let her sniff it and paid the gardener there for the flower. He took her back to her uncle.

"I would like to set up an outing for Alixandria and myself. Shall I contact you with he best days?" he asked and her uncle was pleased to agree. Luciano nodded. "Very well." he said and then turned to Alix and smiled softly. "Until we meet again." he said. "You're uncle will supply you with all my contact information, fill free to call me if you like." he said and kissed her hand bowing at the waist towards her. "Addio." he said and left her with her uncle returning with his father to their awaiting car.

---

Adaline had cleaned up her little brick studio. She had cleaned everything from he ceiling to the floor to the sheets and her laundry. Everything was put away and she had just finished getting ready herself when she looked at the time knowing he would be here any moment. She had her hair up so that the curls she had made ran down her back in waves. She ran a hand over her dress. Her heeled boots clacked over the hardwood of her studio apartment. She had minimal furniture and only a few nicknacks other than the art she had made on display. She really wasn't settled into the space and she knew anyone would be able to tell she could pack up and leave tomorrow if she had to.

When Addie heard the doorbell she felt her stomach turning and kicking her. Why had she had him meet her at her apartment? She went to the little com on the door and turned it on seeing him standing there. He was so damn handsome in that suit. She bit her lip. "Hey you found it! I will be right down to let you in." she said into he speaker and then hurried out with her keys. She forced herself to take it slow on the stairs especially the last level were he could see her coming down the stairs through the glass pains. She smiled and waved as she saw him. She walked over and opened the door letting him in. "Hello, come on in." she said and stepped back. "It's a couple floors up." she said and lead him towards her studio. When she opened the door she let him in and then closed the door watching him look around. All her art was through her personal space. She really should have flipped it but the light had been so much better at the end of the studio she couldn't have possibly brought herself to do that. They walked into the back and Addie watched Carter analyzing her space.

Addie had a range of art on display for him to see what other of her styles he might enjoy as well, all ranging form a clear and smooth, to out of focus, and completely abstract. She had landscapes and portraits in all different styles. She had used different mediums in some including crayon drip and water color.

Addie walked with him through her paintings looking at them trying to see them how she believed he would. She bit her lip wondering if he would like them. She had an easel with a cloth thrown over it to hide the work in progress underneath it in the corner. Addie looked at Carter wondering what he saw in these, she felt oddly exposed with him seeing all of the paintings she had sone in the last few months she had been here.

@ Jinx...
Excitement filled Alix as she sat on a wooden fence. Her boot-clad feet hanging off of the edge as she used one hand to help keep her balance while her free hand held her phone and took pictures of her. Alix made multiple funny faces in the camera as she waited for Luciano to arrive for there little date. This was the first time Alix's ever done anything with a guy without any sort of supervision from a family member, so this was extremely exciting for her.

A few feet away, the picnic basket that her uncle had a servant prepare sat on a table. It was packed with some things that she was told were good for picnic's. She really didn't go to far into questions about it. She just said thank you and had it put in the car for her as she finished getting ready for the little date that she was to go on with Luciano. Just the thought of the little date caused butterflies to flutter in the young girls stomach, making her cheeks blush a little, and the picture she was just about to take make her look more adorable then what she was going for, but ended up turning out amazing.

Glancing up from her phone at the sound of a car coming down the dirt road. Alix slipped off of the fence and slipped her phone into her pocket. Her hands clasped behind her back as she waited for Luc to exit the car and approach her. An excited look dancing in her eyes. "You ready? I read about this place online." She told him, grinning in excitement. "The part on the trail I want to get to is about an hour walk away."

--

As soon as Carter layed his eyes on Addie, all of the blood seemed to want to run down into his dick. Thankfully, his pants weren't tight fitting and he could easily hide it. The dress and shoes that she was wearing were killing the young man, and he hated it. All he wanted was to push her onto that bed she had and ravish her until she forgot what her name was. She was just so damn stunning. "Gotta love GPS." He murmured as he walked up the stairs and looked around the room as soon as he was in her apartment. Never in his life, had Carter been in a living space so small.

Doing his best to hide his disinterest of her small living quarters, Carter headed straight for the paintings that were on the far side of the room. His eyes taking in each and every one of them. "You certainly have a talent for trying different things." He told her, glancing towards Addie as he placed his pointer finger against his chin as well as his thumb as he looked towards the art pieces once more. "I can sense a feeling of shyness from this one." He murmured as he pointed towards the portrait that she had out for him to see. "A first time, maybe?"

Then, Carter shifted his gaze towards the landscape. A small smile appearing on his lips. "A feeling of adventure. Interesting." He mused, quite happy to see the detail that she expressed in the painting. "What's that?" He asked, his gaze shifting towards the covered painting as he lowered his hand. Then, he gazed towards Addie, a look of interest appearing on his face as he motioned for her to move towards it. "Can I see?"

@ FallenHope95
Luciano pulled up in the four wheeler. He didn't normally drive it but he liked to be prepared. He was dressed for the hike in blue jeans and a button up shirt. He had a jacket looped through the backpack he slipped on. He had tons of water and snacks and emergency supplies just in case as well as some rope with he was itching to use on her pretty little form but he knew now was not the time.

Luciano smiled as she asked if he was ready. He nodded and took the basket he was assuming was theirs from the table. "Let's get going then, an hour will be quite a ways there." he said having done some research on this trail as well. He signaled to her to lead the way. "After you my dear." he said. He was actually pretty excited about this "date". It was nothing he expected of a date and her excitement was intoxicating. He had never been around anyone like her. He walked behind her watching her ass move as she took excited steps. He was use to the super models who wouldn't go further than the park to take photos. He understood sweat and makeup didn't mix but there were times you just couldn't get the same pictures from the easy access places. Luciano didn't bring his camera afraid she would ask to many questions about it. He wasn't ready to reveal that to her just yet.

They walked up the hill and he pulled out a water and handed it to her. "Stay hydrated." he instructed before taking his own water drinking form it. Luciano stopped with her when she wanted to stop enjoying the nature around them but fairly quiet. He didn't know how to have long conversations but he was glad that there was so much nature around them to distract against those small talk necessities.

---

Addie grinned as she watched him look at the paintings. She chuckled as he said she had a talent. "Some art is better expressed through different mediums." she said with a casual shrug though her eyes glimmered with her love of the art and talking about it. She watched him move to her portrait she had out. She had been experimenting with portraits more and more before she had taken to complete abstract for the past month. He suggested a first time and she blushed looking down saying nothing though her eyes were shy. She wasn't about to admit to him what that picture was about and she chuckled.

He moved to the landscape and he seemed to enjoy it. When he looked at the covered painting she shook her head and moved over to it. She stood in front of it and giggled. "It's not finished." she answered him and could tell he wanted his hands on that painting almost as much as he wanted his hands on her. "No you can't see an unfinished painting." she giggled. "It's bad luck you know. If you see it now while it's only partially done you don't get the full weight of it and art changes through creation so what might be there now might not be there later, or might not be the focal point but rather a hue in the large scheme of things." she chuckled and stepped forward towards him. "If you don't see something out I have a few more things tucked away. I just didn't think they would be your taste." she said and blushed seeing him so close. Her goal had been to get him to step back but he held his ground and now she was close enough to smell the depth of his sent. He was like rain on dry earth and electricity, it made her stomach clench and she bit her bottom lip looking up at him.

"I paint more every two weeks I have another unless it's a particularly big piece." she whispered because it seemed like the thing to do when they were this close. She swallowed hard realizing she could feel the heat from his skin. There was that tension there like the other day. She had never been this impacted and aware of someone before. It was like he looked at her and his eyes were even working on devouring her. She couldn't tell if it was all in her head or if he really was feeling that way but she had a feeling that if she leaned dup and pressed herself into him right now they would skip dinner all together.

@ Jinx...
An excitement filled Alix as Luciano didn't seem put off by the long distance they'd have to cover to get to the spot that she wanted them to get to. "Yes, sir," Alix said jokingly as she crossed her arms behind her back and turned towards the trail that they were going to be walking down. A small hop in her step causing her ass to bounce ever so slightly in the shorts that she was currently wearing.

Boot clad feet walked with sure steps, as they walked down the dirt covered trail. The silence that was between them wasn't really awkward, it was more of a relaxed feeling and Alix didn't mind it in the least bit. She loved nature walks, it was her favorite way to relax. It was probably weird to Luc though since he was a business guy, but, she hoped that if he saw a little bit of what she did, that he'd understand her a little bit more.

"Oh! Look at that!" Alix said, stopping to point at a particular pretty looking bird that was perched on a tree above them. "It's so pretty." She murmured for a moment before taking her phone out, not taking her eyes off of it as she pulled the camera up and then raising it to take the picture. Alix squinted ever so slightly before taking a step back, causing a twig to snap and causing the bird to fly away. "Aw," Alix mumbled, disappointed that she had missed the bird. "It was so pretty as well." She mumbled, then started to walk down the trail once more with Luc. Only looking up as they slowly entered a clearing.

A small gasp escaped from Alix as she stopped in her steps once more. "Luc, look@" Alix exclaimed, pointing towards the beautiful clearing that they had entered. It was the spot that Alix had wanted them to see. "Isn't this spot amazing!?" She asked, grinning as she looked at the man who was behind her this whole time.

--

"If it changes, then all I would be seeing muss Addie is the progress of you changing," Carter explained as he stood his ground. His tone was soft as he looked down at the beautiful creature that was in front of him. He wanted nothing more than to place his hands on her hips right now and push her back onto the bed. To feel her soft skin under his slightly rougher ones. To rip that little dress off of her. But he held back.

"I'd love to see everything that you've got." Carter's words held a different meaning to them as he looked into her eyes. He meant for them to sound like he was talking about the paintings, but, he was also admitting that he wanted to see her beautiful body out in the open for his eyes to feast upon. To devour, to savor and imprint into his memory for all he says to come.

A small snort escaped from Carter before he allowed for himself to smirk slightly. He slowly raised his right hand and brushed a few strands of her hair behind her ear. His fingers then slowly trailing behind her ear and then moving down to trave her cheek and then her neck. "Why don't we get out of here and get some dinner? I'd really like to know what's going on inside of that pretty little head of yours." Carter admitted before he took a step back. The hand he used to brush along her slip moving to gently grasp her hand as he tugged her towards the door behind them.

Once they were outside of Addie's building, Carter acted like the gentleman that he was and opened the car door for her. Helping her in before closing the door for her. His movements were just as relaxed as he went around and got into the driver's side before taking her to a rather fancy restaurant. The hostess greeting him by name and telling then that his usual table was ready for them.

@ FallenHope95
Luciano hummed under his breath at the way she called him Sir and how she held her hands behind her back. He was glad she was already turned and he couldn't help but watch her ass move in those shorts. Oh what he would do to be able to tie her up right not and give those cheeks a good reason to shake and bounce. He ran a hand through his hair. It was going to be a long hike and he was going to enjoy every torturous minute of it.

Luciano watched her turn from excited to relaxed and it was easy to move with her. This was something he could get use to. The way she smiled when he caught a glimpse of her face was all it took him to decide he wanted to photographer her. He sighed at the realization because that made things complicated.

They stopped to look at the pretty bird and he frowned for her when it flew away. He understood the feeling of a fleeting moment. Photography often had the difficulty in capturing the moment before it slipped past. "I am sure we will see more." he said and pressed a tender hand to her back. They headed back onto he trail and he followed behind her some more checking he map he had brought now and again.

When they made it to the clearing he watched her yet again bloom with that contagious excitement. He smiled as she looked back at him. He could see this spot in spring covered in flowers with her looking at him with that look of pure innocent pleasure. "It is lovely." he said. "Pick out a spot and I will set up the picnic." he said setting he basket down a moment while he drained his water. Luciano followed after her and se the basket down where she picked the spot. He set out he blanket that had been packed and set the basket on top. He dropped the backpack rolling his shoulders and hummed with the relief. It had been a good hike so far. He was looking forward to some food though for sure. "You will have to come sailing with me next. I know some spots you can only get to by water that you would enjoy." he said and sat not he blanket beside her.

---

Addie blushed as he gave her something to think about with revealing her pieces early but she didn't think that would be a good idea just yet. She wasn't ready to show him this piece. She bit her bottom lip watching his eyes as they moved over her. She looked down only to look up again as he spoke. She inhaled sharply her lips parting as his words came out like a purr. She looked at were she had the other paintings stored. "Well I should pull them out for you." she said softly and looked up as his fingers brushed her hair back that she had left to trice over her face.

Addie stood very still her body trembling despite her efforts. She felt her pulse quickening and she struggled to control her breathing as his finger ran down her neck. She wasn't sure if she was grateful or disappointed when he spoke of dinner. She smiled up at him. "Okay." she agreed to dinner and let out a nervous giggle as he said he wanted to know what was in her mind. It drove her crazy because at the moment he was in her head and didn't know what she was going to tell him when he asked but she looked at her art once more and tried to remind herself this was business not pleasure. He tool her hand and she gasped falling forward at the sudden pull. She stepped into his rhythm as they headed out the door and she just managed to grab her keys and purse on the way out.

Addie blushed and slipped into the car looking up at him as he closed the door. She buckled up and watched him move around the car. He walked with so much commando it made her shiver. She sat in the seat watching him as he drove. It was so much easier to watch him while he was driving than it was while he was studying her like she was one of her art pieces. They arrived to the restaurant and she got out going in with him and stopped at the hostess table. She looked around blushing. This was much more romantic than she had been expecting for a business meeting.

The hostess greeted Carter batting her eyes at him like he would bend her over and fuck her not he counter if she fluttered her eyes enough. Addie looked over the restaurant ignoring the woman as she tried to focus on what she wanted to propose for Carter. Since he was the first to privately buy form here in in France she would offer him first to all her art pieces that were for sale. It was a generous offer and she knew it but it could also be very lucrative for her. She would suggest seeing his private collection as well to better help her understand with pieces he might be more interested it. She did have an eye for art other than her own. Her professor in college for art history suggested she also pursue the very lucrative field of being a private art collector but Addie's first love was creating.

Once they were seated and the flirty hostess walked off disappointed with the lack of attention Addie looked back at Carter and grinned. "So I have some proposals for you to consider with my art if you are interested." she said though since they were here she could have assumed he was. You didn't take someone to dinner for business if you weren't interested anymore. The waiter came over with he wine list for Carter and Addie watched the interaction surprised as the wine was poured into her glass. She sipped it and hummed. It was amazing there was no denying it. Addie set her glass down ready to hop straight into her business proposals.