Painted Love
Chapter One
The Queen Anne & Gallery
The scene was smooth, calming; relaxing even. Colors blended and swirled on the canvas bringing life to the wind in the sails of the boat. The Queen Anne was the last of her kind, but still in beautiful shape, her wood polished to a shine. For years she sat docked in the bay allowing anyone who was willing to pay a token to take a tour of her decks.
Rin, a young girl of 24, has been wanting to immortalize the grand ship for years. Today had allowed her that chance. The rain that had been flooding the city for the past week had finally stopped, letting the sun shine and she finally got a day off, a day to herself. She smiled and lifted her her brush to the canvas, finishing her signature at the bottom right hand corner.
"Very talented."
She jumped at the sound the very male voice, causing the brush to jerk in her hand. It left a black jagged streak across the painted canvas. She starred at the once beautiful scene captured on the canvas, now ruined. She looked down at her hand, holding the brush. The bristles bent and ruined from the harsh punishment it had gained.
She slowly turned on the bench to the sight of a man standing a few feet behind her. She took in the expensive business suit, his long shiny white blond, almost silver, hair tied back in a loose ponytail, and his spectacular golden eyes piercing her souls. Somehow, her insult got caught in her throat.
"My apologies," He came towards her," I did not mean to startle you." He stopped a foot away.
Rin couldn't bring herself to speak, fearing her voice would crack. She turned back to her easel, packing her things back into her hard case.
"I am terribly sorry. I ruined your painting." He continued.
She shrugged, still not trusting herself to speak. The man looked like a god. It had to be against the law to look that gorgeous and sexy. She couldn't embarrass herself anymore then what she was. Here she was a little unknown artist dressed in an old ragged pair of jeans with a paint splashed man's dress shirt thrown over a orange tank top. He had to be a rich man, dashing in looks, and would never be seen with the likes of her.
She started for the subway trying to remember the train she was needed to get back to her loft. If she could get there in time she might be able to save the painting.
"Please allow me to pay for it." The man was following her.
She continued walking, not walking to stop to face him, "It was an accident, sir. You do not need to pay for something I might be able to repair."
"Repair? You think you can?"
Rin sighed and stopped, but not facing him, "Yes, if I can get back to my place before too long. Now, excuse me." She started walking again. It was the truth, she just doubted that she make it in time.
"Then allow me to give you a lift."
Yet again, she came to a stop, turning herself slowly towards him. He was standing there, hands shoved into his pants pockets. He was looking at her with a face of stone. It was hard to tell if he was joking or not. The only emotion she could make out was a small flicker in his eyes. "Why?"
He shrugged, "Its the least I can do."
She looked at her watch, sighing. She had already missed the 5:30pm train. If she waited for the later train, there would be no chance of saving the painting. "Alright."
...}{...
Sesshomaru didn't know what caused him to offer the ride, but he had. She was a talented artist. He would give her that. From what he had been able to see before allowing his mind to speak out loud, was brilliant. He hadn't meant to say anything, intent on waiting until she finished before giving her his brother's card. Instead, he spoke out loud, ruining the painting. He had offered to pay for it, but when she refused his offer saying she might be able to repair it, his hope soared and he offered her the ride.
What the hell was wrong with him? He looked down at her strolling along side of him. She was kind of cute looking. She was a head shorter then him, with a single long, dark braid swinging gently against her back. Of course she was a little thin for his taste. He could circle her waist with his hands, but nothing a few good meals couldn't fix.
If anything, he would have to say it was her eyes that drew him. When she had turned after the incident, those dark chocolate eyes starring at him widen causing her to give him a startled doe look which tugged at his heart. Had he known that he would have gotten to meet this exquisite creature when he had woken up this morning, he would never have called for the limo. The long, gleaming, black car with the driver opening the back door did seem a little over the top now.
"I've changed my mind?" the girl whispered.
She had stopped at the sight of the limo, leaving to come to a halt a few feet a head of her. "What's wrong?" Sesshomaru frowned at her as he waved the driver away, giving them a little privacy.
She looked at him and waved at herself, "Not exactly in the shape to be ridding in a..." she waved at the limo.
He smiled, walking towards her, "It's fine." He placed a hand at the small of her back, "Come along, now. The longer we dawdle, the longer that Painting has to dry." He got her to the door where he waved the driver to take her things before lowering her down into the car. As he joined her,he thought that today hadn't really been that bad.
...}{...
Did he have to stand there and keep looking at her? Hell, did he have to follow her up in the first place. It wasn't like she was ashamed by her apartment or anything. She always kept it neat and clean. Even the corner where she painted was cleaner then most artist's places. The place was just a little plain compared to his clothes and the limo.
Walking in, you passed the bathroom door and the raised platform where her bed, a full size second hand four poster which was given to her by a friend was along with her closest. The only privacy was a floating wall. A hallway lead to the dinning area next to the kitchen and living area. The living room area had a small T.V. on a coffee table, with two over stuff chairs and a couch. Two side tables graced the ends of the sofa with a lamp at one end and a pile of bills needing to be paid. Her art corners was in the corner behind the couch. There was a small table where her case sat next to her easel and her few finished paintings were lead up against the wall.
Her kitchen was small with a stove, a large refrigerator, a sink, and a few cabinets and drawers filled with her worn dishware. A small island was separating the living and kitchen. Her small, sadly used wooden table was pushed against the far wall of the dinning area and only had two mismatched chairs. All in, in all it was a nice cheap place to live.
She peeked over her shoulder to see him leading on the back of one of her chairs starting out the window holding a cup of cheaply made coffee. He hadn't said a word since thanking her for that cup before she sat down to get to work on the painting. Normally, when she sat down to work, everything just faded away, but this time this man clung to her to her senses causing her to be very aware of the man.
She couldn't believe she allowed this man, someone she didn't know what his name was, into her apartment. Why? Okay, sure, he was good looking...alright, drop dead gorgeous...but still she was smart enough not to let a stranger into her place. So why was he there? What had caused her to agree to let him to come up with her while she repaired the "Queen Anne".
When she had first asked why he had wanted to come up his excuse was: "In case you are unable to repair the damage. I will be able to pay for the replacement of it."
She had, of course, tried to tell him he could give her his number and if she was unable to repair it, she would call him. He, of course, guessed she was lying. He just smiled at her asking if it would take long to finish it. When she shrugged her shoulders, he had just smiled even more and gave her a small push towards the front door of her building.
Now, she was almost done and it had taken twice as long. All because he was there. She had never been this distracted by a man before. Sure she had gone out with boys, but nothing even close to him. She was drawn to him like a moth to a flame and every second she was around him, it got warmer.
"Done." she announced, setting her brushes down to look at the painting.
"You are very talented, miss."
Oh Christ! How the hell did he get so close? Thank the gods she didn't have another brush in her hand. "Thank you." She squeaked.
"How would you like to put it into a Gallery Show"
"Gallery Show?" He owns a Gallery? Explains the expensive suit and limo.
"I know the owner of the Windscar Galleries. I could get him to put a few up in the next showing."
"Windscar Galleries?" Oh god, she had dreamed of just having one of her paintings hung in one of the best Galleries in the country. Now, this man was offering to get a few of them there.
...}{...
Inuyasha groaned as he watched the black car roll up before the front doors of his Tokyo Gallery. He knew it was his big half brother. He just had to deal with him a few days ago at the family dinner his mother had every week and their father forced them to get along for.
"Sesshomaru?"
Kagome, his wife of four years and still as beautiful as the day he met her, turned in her seat to look out the office window as well.
"Sure is, honey." He stood from his desk walking towards the door, "Stay here."
"Behave, dear. Some of those pictures are not ours anymore." She warned, turning to him as he passed her.
He stopped gave her a kiss on the cheeks, "Of course. I would never ruin my marriage for him." He smirked and continued on out to meet his brother half way. "What do you want?" He asked, crossing his arms.
"I have an artist I want you to show in the next Gallery Show your giving next Friday."
At least the man was straight to the point. Inuyasha would give him that. "Why?"
"She has talent."
"Whoa, hold on there." Inuyasha was mentally slammed, "She? The artist is a girl?"
"What of it?"
Inuyasha threw his arms up, "If I didn't know better, I would guess you were trying to impress her..." Inuyasha stopped, looking at his brother. "Did his eyes just flash?" Whoa, wait. You are trying to impress her." Inuyasha crossed his arms again smirking, "What's wrong with you that this one isn't drooling over you and throwing her at you?"
He was calmed, though that flash hadn't left his eyes, "Look, I sent my driver to bring her and a her paintings here. You can see for yourself that she is talented."
The Ice Prince was asking him to do something for girl. This man didn't need any help with girls. They could be seen following him around like puppies and he ignored them. Oh sure Sesshomaru dated, but only for his own pleasure and to get dad off his back. If this one was refusing him, why try to impress her? He had many more to choose from to indulge in before throwing her away like all the others. Did this one get under his skin somehow? What did she have that the others didn't have?
Inuyasha saw Sesshomaru's limo pull up and park behind his car. He watched as the driver got out and rounded the car to open the door back door. He reached in, pulling out a framed picture before his eyes widen at the sight of a pair of smooth, tanned legs. "Damn!"
...}{...
Rin took a deep breath, looking up at the driver, holding the newly framed "Queen Anne". The man, who she had found out was Sesshomaru Taisho, had told her to go to shop to have a frame made for the painting. He had even paid for it, telling her to give the owner his card. He had warned that he would be waiting for a call the next day before leaving her place.
So on her way to work the next day, she dropped off the painting and the card at a local shop. She was surprised when they called before her shift was even over to tell her that it was finish. She picked it up and was surprised to find the dark wood carved with roses and vines.
"Ma'am?" The driver called out to her.
She looked up at him and smiled, "Can't turn back now, huh?"
He shook his head, "No, I'm sorry, Ma'am."
She sighed and took his hand, pulling herself from the limo. She took the painting from the driver and stepped onto the sidewalk. She took a deep breath before looking up at the building before her. The glass front showed the large gallery floor and Sesshomaru standing with some man that looked closely like him. The same white blond hair and golden eyes, but younger, more impulsive looking. He was dressed neat, if not showy. A cleanly, pressed dress shirt with no tie and slacks with highly polished shoes.
She straighten her back and started for the front door. She gave Sesshomaru a weak smile as he held the glass door open for her.
"Good to see you again, Rin."
She nodded, allowing him to lead her over to the other guy who was gawking at her. She knew her suit wasn't new or flashy, but it was clean and neatly pressed. The skirt stopping just above her knees, the jacket's sleeves cuffed above her elbows. She was business like, if anything. So why was he starring?
"Rin, this is my half brother and owner of the Windscar Galleries, Inuyasha Taisho." Oh great his half brother! "Inuyasha, the artist I told you about, Rin Sakura." He introduced them.
Rin shook his hand, smiling at him, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Taisho."
He nodded, still gawking at her. She started to grow uncomfortable. He would look her up and down before looking at Sesshomaru, who just waved her on.
"Show him the "Queen Anne"."
She nodded, flipping the painting over, showing the old fashion sail boat. The man looked down at it, his eyes growing wide at the sight. He slowly stepped forward taking it from her carefully. "This is impressive. The details, I can almost feel the wind in her sail." He looked up again, "Rin Sakura? How come I never heard of you?"
She blushed, "I'm an unknown artist."
Can someone's jaw drop that far? "Unknown? With this Talent and he found..."
"I don't have many paints. These are the only ones I have." She waved to the driver behind them how was holding a few of them. "Time and supplies are not really at the top of my list these days." She explained, looking down.
"I'm sure that will change, soon."
Both Rin and Inuyasha looked at Sesshomaru. What did he mean?
"Yes, well, If your other paintings are as good as this, I'm sure we will have no problem selling them." Inuyasha stated looking back at her.
"I just ask you not to sell this one." she pointed to the "Queen Anne". "It is to be a gift."
"Oh, of course, but we can still use it in the show?" Inuyasha asked lowering the painting.
"You can ask the owner." She waved to Sesshomaru.
Both men looked at her, but it was Inuyasha who spoke first, "You're giving the painting...to...Sesshomaru? Why?"
Rin just smiled a blush creeping up her face. "If it wasn't for him, I would never have gotten a chance at meeting you or getting my paintings in your wonderful gallery." She looked at him shyly, "If you want it."
He looked taken back at first, but then raised a hand to her cheek, cupping it in the warmth of his palm. "Thank you, Rin."
...}{...
She had given the painting. The gesture had warmed him and sent an urge to kiss her through his body. Everything melted away, leaving them in a world of their own. He want to ravish those soft heart shape lips, under his own.
"Oh, her sweet smell. Take her...Ours."
"Well," Inuyasha's voice broke the daze, drawing both of their attentions. Sesshomaru quickly restrained himself. "This is surely a big surprise." his half brother stated. "Does dad know?"
Know what? He didn't even know what was going on. He had never lost control of himself before. Females were never that important to him. They would throw themselves at him, begging to be chosen, but not one even attracted his attention.
He was going to look into this more. He had to know why this girl attracted him. He would have to explore it more, but with his family prying? He didn't need his father or stepmother making more out of it then it really was, whatever it was.
He lowered his hand from her face, turning to his half bother. "I shut that mouth if you want this painting in the Show." He took the frame, handing it back to his driving with orders to return home.
"Whatever man. He'll find out sooner or later." Inuyasha turned to Rin again who looked confused "We'll store the other paintings until next week. If you give me your address, I will mail you your ticket."
Sesshomaru, without a second thought reached out, placing his hand on her's as she reached into her purse for a pen and paper. "Send her ticket along with mine. I will be picking her up that night." He looked down at her. She was looking up at him eyes wide and confused. "Can't have you riding the train on your big night." The excuse was for his half brother more then for her.
She agreed, nodding her head slowly, "What day is the show?"
"Next Friday at 7pm." Inuyasha answered.
She seemed to be running it through her thoughts. It was her big night, what could be more important?
She looked at her watch, gasping at the time, "Oh please excuse me. I must be going." She shook his brother's hand before turning to him.
"I'll drive you." He stated before she could say her good byes. Saying goodbye to his brother, he lead her out with a hand at the small of her back. "I would really like to treat to dinner." He stated once outside. Did he just ask her out on a date? Yes and it felt right. What was going on him?
"Mine, all mine."
"I'm sorry, I can't. She whispered sounding down about declining him. "I have to work the dinner shift."
'Dinner shift? Where on earth does she work?' For some reason he didn't like the idea of Rin working in some low class restaurant. Sesshomaru excused it for knowing her to being talented. He knew she should be painting. He looked down at her, knowing he had to fix it. Deep down he knew she could be great and he wanted to be there, helping her along.
...}{...
Yes I know I still have "All is Fair in Love and war" to finish, but I have had some unexpected things happen to me. First my computer broke, then I got writer block towards the tale. This tale, "Painted Love" Has been in my head for a while now and needs to be let out before I lose it. I do hope you like it and review.
