Shelly PoV
I marveled as Damien drove to a part of town with huge buildings. Most were elegant with ancient styles used as inspiration. Some were probably pretty old themselves. Others had more of a flashy, modern aesthetic.
Damien wouldn't answer where we were going, despite how many times I asked him. He really liked his secrets. Wonder if he instructed Zara to not tell us his name. She acted as if her boss was some well known guy, but I had never heard of Damien Vonrey de Luthaine before. Granted, I didn't really keep up with the lives of the rich and famous. Maybe he actually was well known?
Damien chuckled. "Given up on asking where we're going?"
I sighed, waving my hand. "Like you'll tell me. People might call me stubborn, but I do actually know when to give up."
He frowned, but a smile continued to tug on his lips. "Aww. I was hoping you would keep asking."
I pouted. "So you can basically keep teasing me by keeping it a secret? No thanks!"
Damien chuckled as the car began to slow down. "Well, your wait is over. We're here."
I gasped as I stared at a large glass and concrete building. This was one I had seen in pictures before. I even did a paper on one of its exhibits back in middle school.
"Isn't this the National Art Museum?" I asked as I kept gawking.
He nodded as he parallel parked and took out a golden card from his pocket. "Sure is!"
I kept staring at the towering building. To think I was actually here. "Wow," was all I could say.
Damien stepped out of the car, his red eyes catching the sunlight as he flashed that mischievous grin, the golden card glinting in his hand.
"Let's go," he said again, his voice light but with an undercurrent of excitement, like he was sharing something special.
I got out of the car and rushed to catch up him. Damien smirked up sped up.
Hmm? Did he see this as a race? If it was a race he wanted then it was a race he was gonna get!"
My wavy orange hair streamed behind me as I picked up my pace, determined not to let him win so easily. The cool evening air brushed against my face, the towering glass and concrete facade of the National Art Museum looming ahead, its golden chandeliers glowing warmly through the windows."Think you can outrun me, huh?" I called out, my voice laced with mock indignation as I closed the gap between us. Damien glanced back, his red eyes sparkling with amusement, and he chuckled, quickening his steps toward the entrance."You'll have to catch me first!" he teased, his long strides making it a real challenge. I laughed, my competitive streak kicking in, and pushed myself harder, my sneakers pounding against the pavement.
People gave the two of us glances, but I didn't care. All I cared about was beating Damien.
We reached the entrance almost at the same time, panting and laughing. The museum loomed before us, its grandeur casting a shadow over the city. Inside, I could see the rows of paintings and sculptures waiting for us, each one a window into a different world. We stepped inside, the air conditioning hitting our skin, and the sounds of the city faded away. I followed Damien as he made his way to the front desk and showed the golden card. The lady smiled at him and opened the doors.
I glanced at him, raising an eyebrow. "What's that card for?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.
Damien smirked and held it up. "This is my museum membership card. It gives me access to all the exhibits, even the special ones. I can also bring guests. So, lucky you, huh?"
I rolled my eyes but couldn't help but smile. "Yeah, yeah, I'm lucky to such an important person as a friend."
He chuckled and led me into the first exhibit, his steps echoing on the polished marble floor. As we walked, I couldn't help but marvel at the paintings and sculptures around us, their colors and forms jumping out at me from every corner. I could feel the history and culture surrounding us, the stories behind each piece of art waiting to be discovered.
We stopped in front of a large painting of a group of people dancing in a ballroom, their dresses flowing and their smiles radiant. I gazed at it, trying to take in every detail, every brushstroke that brought the scene to life. Damien stood next to me, his eyes on me more than the painting.
I turned to look at him. "Hey, stop that," I said.
He grinned, his eyes never leaving mine. "Stop what?"
I huffed and pointed at the painting. "Look at the painting! You brought me here to see it, so look at it!"
He laughed and turned his gaze back to the painting, but I could still feel his eyes on me. It was a strange feeling, like he was studying me more than the artwork.
"You're a real art analyst, huh?" Damien said, his voice light and teasing.
I rolled my eyes. "Shut up. I just like looking at things properly, that's all."
"Properly? What's that supposed to mean?"
"I mean, like, really looking at it. Not just glancing at it and moving on. Taking it in and appreciating it."
Damien chuckled. "I'm the same way."
"Are you now? Then why were you watching me more than the painting?"
Damien's eyes flickered with amusement. "Maybe I find you more interesting than the painting."
I blushed and looked away. "Shut up."
He laughed. "In all seriousness, I was looking at how you were looking at the painting. You had such an intense look on your face. It was cute."
I blushed even more and tried to change the subject. "So, what's your favorite art piece in this place?"
He smiled and started to lead me to another part of the museum. "Come on, I'll show you. It's in the next room."