Chapter 109 - brush strokes of passion

Stella's POV

I awoke before dawn, tingling with inspiration. Slipping from Lawrence's sleeping embrace, I tucked the sheet around his bare shoulders and pressed a feather-light kiss to his temple.

Even relaxed in slumber, power and intellect radiated from him. But vulnerable too in these unguarded moments shared only with me. I would capture that compelling duality today in paint if my humble talents sufficed.

Selecting a small canvas and vivid oils, I ensconced myself at the suite's sunlit windows overlooking the awakening city below.

My brush darted and swooped, blending hopeful golds and passionate crimsons suggestive of last night's tender intimacy.

Though abstract, the emerging image felt alive, my own quickened heartbeat pulsing through each impassioned stroke. Creating has become intensely personal, a conduit for spirit.

Some while later, strong arms enfolded me from behind as Lawrence propped his bearded chin on my shoulder. His refreshed scent mingled tantalisingly with pa