After My Death, My Husband Who Threw Me Into the Hunting Grounds Went Insane novel Chapter 85

AUDREY

My eyes grew wide. I didn't know if I heard him right. I slowly gazed up at him. "W-what did you say?"

"I like art very much." His lips curved into a sexy half-smile. "I've collected a few in my home. It would be nice having one of yours on my walls." Confidently, he tensed up and set his eyes back at the painting, slipping his hands into his pocket.

My face suddenly felt so warm, and so was my body. My palms were sweaty. His words took a while to sink in. If my hearing was right, he said he wanted me displayed on his wall.

"You want me to be a portrait's subject? Why?" My throat felt dry.

His eyebrow shot up. "You are naïve if you think you are not beautiful, Miss Hopkins," he said frankly.

I looked away from his beautiful face. I didn't know what to say. I didn't know if I should just rejoice because he also found me attractive. I wanted him to look at me that way, and now he was brazenly open about—not to mention he was my boss and probably one of the sexiest men alive.

On the other hand, I was confused. Where was this going to lead? What would his brother or family say if they saw my face attached to his wall at home? Or what if a colleague visits his home—perhaps, Mr. Jameson? I could never look at their faces again.

"Mr. Stark, I don't think my portrait would fit among your undoubtedly magnificent arts at home—"

He chuckled, and it was pleasant and delicious. It traced down to my deepest core. "And what made you assume they are magnificent? Why don't we discuss this matter somewhere else?"

"But that's the problem. Before we could talk about this any further," I tensed up. "I will decline—"

"I will pay you."

I looked up at him. "What?"

He shrugged. "Do you think I'm asking for it for free? I'll pay you a great deal. What do you say…" he cocked his head to the side, "about a million?"

The blood drained on my face. My mouth parted.

"One million, Audrey."

"For a portrait?" My eyes grew even wider. He's insane. "You can't waste your money on a mere—"

"Actually, I can." He smirked. "And it's not just any portrait."

What did he mean?

I was going to speak up again, but unfortunately, I was saved by the bell. A short-haired, young woman approached Stark. There was no way I would win a one-on-one debate with him.

"Maya," he said gruffly.

She grinned so wide it almost tore her lips. The girl sweetly kissed her brother's cheek. I could see a lot of admiration in her eyes. "Gabe."

"What is it?"

She pouted. "We haven't seen you for a week, and that's what you're going to say?"

According to the records, Maya Stark was twenty-two years old. She already had a Master's degree and had accomplished so much in the family business at a young age. She helped their father run the Stark Group as the COO.

Gabriel rolled his eyes. "We usually run into each other at a gathering like this, Maya, and I don't think we should meet often. I'm very busy."

"You were never free, anyway!" She sighed. "I'm just here because Mom is asking about you. How about you come with us tonight and have dinner at home?" Her eyes gleamed at the anticipation her brother would accept using her charms. I could tell she was very good at it. She was a beautiful young woman.

Her brother patted her hair and declined without thinking. "I have something important to discuss with my assistant."

"I'll just take a cab." I shrugged.

My boss exhaled out a sharp breath. "Then I'll see you outside."

"No, it's really okay—"

"I insist," he snapped. "Maya, I'll just see her outside. Tell Coulson we are leaving when I get back."

Maya curiously looked back and forth between me and his brother, then flashed a smile. "Okay."

"Come." Gabriel headed out first, then I excused myself and said my final greetings to his sister. I glanced back once again, and she had already gone to see her other brother.

It was cold outside the building when we stepped out. My boss stood at a distance as we waited for a cab to pass through. An awkward silence filled the air. Neither of us was saying anything. Finally, a cab pulled over in front of me. This was why I thought a car was essential. I could never complain now that my boss had actually provided it.

I watched Stark speak to the driver and hand out some bills. He didn't have to because I at least had the money for the fare, but there was no point debating it.

Stark turned around the car and opened the passenger seat for me.

"Good night, Mr. Stark," I said, but before I could step inside, he grabbed my wrist and leaned over my ear.

"We'll speak again in the office tomorrow," he whispered. I hummed when I felt goosebumps raised over my skin, but that was because he slipped an arm on my waist. "You have no idea of what I'm planning for both of us."

Stark pressed a lingering kiss on my cheek.  I closed my eyes, biting my lower lip.

"Good night, Miss Hopkins."

I murmured good night once more and finally stepped into the car. I sat there unmoving, still having not the slightest hint of what just happened.