A DATE

SOPHIE

"Sophie, this is Mr. Julian Montgomery, your art patron. He discovered your work, 'Sinless Rebel,' at the Vince Art Exhibition last fall and was immediately captivated. He's also the proud owner of the piece..."

As the Dean introduced him, I gazed at Mr. Montgomery non-stop. A sense of familiarity nagged at me, but I couldn't quite place it. His deep ocean blue eyes held a warm smile, but he remained silent, leaving me lost in thought.

"Sophie... Sophie..." The Dean's voice broke the spell, and I blinked, refocusing on him.

Then, Mr. Montgomery spoke, his voice low and smooth, "Hello, Sophie Carnegie. It's a pleasure to meet the talented artist behind the masterpiece adorning my living room."

My mind froze. The whispered words from last night echoed in my mind:

"Savor it, girl... Your turn." I felt a jolt of recognition - I had slept with my art patron!

JULIAN

As Seamus introduced us, I kept my gaze fixed on Sophie, studying her reaction. At first, her expression seemed indifferent, but then a flicker of recognition danced across her face. I sensed a shift in her emerald eyes, a spark of memory that revealed she had recalled our previous encounter_ a puzzle solved as I earlier wondered if she had genuinely forgotten or was simply a skilled actress, pretending not to know me.

I extended my hand, hoping the touch wouldn't awaken the primal attraction I'd felt since our night together. From the moment I woke up, I couldn't shake the thought of her. Discovering her identity had only intensified my desire to be close to her, which is why I had decided to become her art patron. As our hands touched, I felt a jolt of electricity, and I knew I needed to keep her near.

Sophie's voice trailed off, "Uhm..." as she tried to withdraw her hand from mine. I sensed her unease, but I didn't let go. Just then, Seamus intervened, "Sophie, you'll accompany Mr. Montgomery to his art studio, where you'll be working on your craft." Sophie's eyes widened, and she looked at me uncertainly. "His art studio?" she repeated. "What about the school's studio?"

Seamus adjusted his glasses, his hands clasped together. "Mr. Montgomery's patronage comes with one condition: you'll work in his private studio. He's a great admirer of your art and wants to provide you with the best resources." As if on cue, Seamus's phone rang. I nodded, and he excused himself. "I'll leave you two alone. Mr. Montgomery can answer any questions you may have." With that, he left the office, leaving Sophie and me alone.

The tension between us was thick. I could sense Sophie's discomfort, but I didn't release her hand. Not yet.

"Do you remember me, Little Lamb?" I asked softly, finally releasing her hand.

SOPHIE

His voice sent shivers down my spine as he called me "Little Lamb." I felt a flutter in my chest, and my inner skin grew damp. "Little Lamb, sir? I-I-I'm Sophie, and I...I didn't know you were..." My stuttering ceased as he gently placed his finger on my lips, silencing me. "Don't apologize," he whispered, his breath caressing my skin.

As he tucked his long hair behind his ears, memories came flooding back. I recalled how he had pulled his hair into a bun, and my senses stirred. He stood up, and I thought he was leaving. I sighed in relief as I thought he was leaving but instead, he locked the door, trapping us in the office together. My heart skipped a beat.

Biting my lower lip, I watched as he walked towards me, his fingers trailing along my chin. I couldn't contain the soft moan that escaped my lips.

"Do you regret last night? Do you want to do it again?" he asked, his gaze piercing with intensity. My heart skipped a beat as I struggled to respond. Instead, I followed his hands as he led me out of my seat and carried me placing me on the dean's table. I was helpless, unable to resist his touch. I couldn't resist his touch, I didn't want to.

His hand caressed my back as I clutched to his shoulders, my body surrendering to his embrace. Suddenly, his lips brushed against mine in a gentle, yet breathtaking kiss. I felt lightheaded when he broke away.

"Take this black card, Lamb," he said, his voice low and husky. "Let's go on a date tonight. I'll send a car for you when it's time. Dress impeccably; we're going to an exclusive venue, so feel free to acquire what you need." He adjusted his tie, his eyes never leaving mine. "Then, we'll discuss why I want to be your art patron."

He placed another kiss on my neck, sending shivers down my spine, before turning to leave. "What just happened?" I whispered, stunned, staring at the black card in confusion.

Just then, the door opened...

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