Paintings

Tea? As if meeting you alone isn't bad enough. It took almost all of my effort to prevent my face from twitching.

"I'm glad for the offer, Mr. Carlos. But we have things we needed to do tonight. Maybe we can have some in the future." I said while assuming a downhearted expression.

"I see. That's unfortunate."

"Unfortunate indeed, Mr. Carlos."

I was about to excuse ourselves but Alicia suddenly poke my shoulder and whispered, "Mr. Jack, I don't think it's a good idea to decline his offer. I think I remember him. He's a big shot!"

Shut up, will you? I know he is! But now is not the time for that!

Due to the pin-drop silence, Mr. Carlos probably heard that since his expression suddenly shifted from being downcasted to relief and then to gratitude.

"Don't worry, Mr. Jack. I assure you that I wouldn't be taking too much time from you."

I don't know exactly why he was so adamant about having tea with us, but refusing him twice after having the approval from Alicia would be rude. Not to mention, it will give away a bad impression to these two and that's the least that I wanted.

"I don't see any reason to turn you down twice, Mr. Carlos. Please take care of us."

With that, he motioned us three towards his house.

As soon as we entered, the scent of coffee and a musky smell of books wafted into our noses and lingers. It has a relaxing effect to it. And most likely because this was originally Jack Miller's body who was addicted to books, I was instantly drawn to it. It was almost instinctual. The scent was enticing me, bewitching me, caressing my tired soul.

"Mr. Jack! Is anything the matter?" I was pulled back from my reverie when I heard Mr. Carlos' deep voice.

"No, I'm totally fine. Please don't mind me."

Get a grip, Sean! You don't have the luxury to space out in your situation.

He led us to the drawing-room. It has a homely feel to it. The type of room I would want for myself.

"Please, make yourselves comfortable." Mr. Carlos said before he excused himself.

We sat on the upholstered ivory divan as we let our eyes wander. Immersing ourselves to the simple yet elegant interior design. There was a fireplace by the center. A bookshelf filled with hardbound books at the corner. Ivory draperies that matched the divans. But what caught my attention were the three paintings of women that hung on the wall.

I shivered as soon as I saw it. With how homely and welcoming the drawing-room is, the paintings were so terrifying that they made all the hairs in my body stand.

They're terrifying but I am having a hard time retracting my eyes from them. The first was an image of a naked woman skewered by a bamboo. It was common sense that she was supposed to be tormented, in agony. She should be writhing in pain but instead, she looked as if she was on ecstasy. Wallowing in pleasure.

The second was a woman of unmatched beauty. Her figure is so godly that I've never seen a more well-proportioned body in my entire existence. But the thing is she was bathed in her own blood as a dozen or so men twisting her limbs with utmost adoration reflecting in their eyes. It's as though they were worshiping her.

"Mr. Jack—"

The third was a woman standing at the top of a mountain of men in their half-crazed faces. Her left hand covered her bosom. And even though it was only a painting, her silver hair seemed to be moving, dancing with the wind.

"Mr. Jack, you're trembling!"

As if seducing me, I found myself fully immersed in the paintings. I can feel a sucking force pulling something inside me. It's an uncomfortable feeling yet intoxicating at the same time.

"Mr. Jack!" I jerked as soon as I felt someone slapping my left shoulder. And as if being awoken from a nightmare, I found myself breathing heavily—stupified. My back is drenched with sweat.

When I finally gathered my wits, I realized that Alicia was now in front of me with a worried look on her face. While Dominick was behind her, his brows furrowed. But unlike Alicia, he seemed to be pissed off.

"Thank you for waiting, everyone!" Suddenly, we heard a familiar voice. It was Mr. Carlos who went to the kitchen earlier to get some tea. He's back while pushing a trolley filled with snacks and of course, tea.

"Did something happened? Why are you so pale Mr. Jack! Wait! Should I call the family doctor?"

"No! I'm fine. I just forgot to take my muscle relaxant. I seem to have worried you."

As much as I wanted to get away from here, I can't afford to cause any misunderstandings. Besides, Alicia and Dominick don't seem to be affected by the paintings. So it would be right to assume that only I am affected. And exactly because of that, I can't afford to ask them. Especially in the presence of Mr. Carlos.