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Hayden had a commanding presence. I couldn’t imagine him taking orders from anyone. Still, his advice was something beneficial, and I appreciated it. “Thank you; I’ll keep that in mind.”
On a far wall were rows and rows of accolades he’d already received for his designs. He achieved more than anything I imagined for myself. He truly was an emerging icon.
I glimpsed over at him and found him staring at me. “You’re watching me?”
He leaned against a worktable and folded his arms. “I am…it’s your beauty. It’s, how do you say? Hmm…unnatural.”
I grimaced. “Unnatural?”
He lowered his brows. “You make a face? No…I’m not meaning negative. You have large violet eyes, high cheekbones, and a luscious mouth. It’s a…Hollywood movie star face from the glamour age. It’s rare. And your curves, and long shapely legs. They are sensually inviting. No man’s immune to it.”
My cheeks heated. “No more.”
He huffed. “You blush and you’re timid. That I don’t understand at all. I find it…annoying.”
I snorted and furrowed my brows. “I’m unnatural and annoying? Ha. I find you rude.”
Hayden shrugged and smiled. “I say what I think. You’re too shy for all you have. Beauty. Talent. Women who have little of what you have stand taller. You should have more confidence. That’s why I pushed you out of your cage and onto the runway. And now, women around the world want to be you in my dress.”
I lowered my eyes. “Your designs are beautiful, without doubt. But I’m not interested in the spotlight. I love designing, that’s what gives me life. I’m thankful for the experience at your show. It took me out of my comfort zone. But I have legal cases I’m involved in.…”
“Oui, I understand. And that’s why you were worried?”
I nodded.
He sighed. “Christina surprised me. I had no idea she was so horrible. However, I still stand by my decision. I’m happy you wore my dress. You upheld the vision I had for it.”
“I’m glad it worked out for you and Givenchy. Thank you.” My eyes darted to the door. Have we been gone for a while? What will people say? “Thank you for the tour. You have a lovely home—”
“Before you go, can I sketch you? You inspire me.” He didn’t break eye contact as he went to a workstation and opened a drawer, pulling out a sketch pad. “You can just stand and walk around here…please. Mon Dieu. You have me pleading in my own home. Come, look.”
I went over to stand beside him by the workstation, and he showed me some of his sketches—which were primarily of nude women. They were artsy, but they were still naked. Was he expecting the same from me? “I’m not taking my clothes off—”
“I didn’t ask.” He picked up a remote and pressed a button, and a woman’s haunting voice filled the space. “I love the female form. But what I want from you is a sketch of your face.” He had his sketchpad open, and I didn’t see the harm.
“Well, okay…what is this song?”
“It’s ‘Face to Face’ by Siouxsie and the Banshees.”
I started to sway and stopped myself.
“Oh, please dance. It’s nice to see you enjoy yourself. Here, I’ll dance, too.”
Hayden swayed with me. He took my hand and spun me around.
I let out a laugh and touched my smile. He’s too much.
“That’s better.” He picked up his sketchpad, and I walked to stand across from him, returning to his book of designs. The designs were truly remarkable.
“Talk to me, Nadia.”
“Can I ask where you grew up?” I was curious since Wyatt shared he met Hayden in foster care.
“Paris. I never knew my birth dad. My mom was a teen; she had me and didn’t want me. So I was moved around relatives for a few years until I ended up in care.”
“I’m sorry. My…my birth mom was a teen too. I was adopted.”
“I know.” He folded his arms. “We’re not so different. My parents were cruel like yours, but your story is more public. Justus Black, oui?”
