Being bold isn’t something that has been encouraged in my life. Oh, sure, I’ve been known to speak my mind, but it rarely brings results. My life now, trying to live in the shadows so Ash doesn’t have to deal with me, is proof that standing up for myself hasn’t worked.
“I feel like I’m just turning myself into a stick figure.”
“It’s not that bad.” He gives my shoulder a small squeeze of encouragement. "The human form is one of art's greatest challenges. Every curve, every shadow tells a story." He takes the charcoal from me and begins to draw. "See how this captures not just the physical form, but the essence of you?"
I lean forward, studying the delicate lines and subtle shading. I see myself on the page, caught in a moment of vulnerability.
"It's about seeing beyond mere anatomy," Jim continues. "Notice how the light plays across the shoulder here, the gentle tension in these muscles. The human body is a masterpiece of natural design."
Heat creeps into my cheeks as I think about Ash's strong shoulders, the way his muscles move under his shirts. I push the thought away, focusing on the artwork.
"The key is finding beauty in every form," Jim says. "Young, old, muscular, soft, each body has its own poetry. As artists, we celebrate that sensuality while maintaining artistic distance."
I trace the lines he drew with my finger. "These are beautiful.”
“You can do them too.”
The lesson continues with simple exercises, but my mind keeps drifting to the way Jim spoke about beauty and sensuality.I wonder if I'll ever capture that kind of depth in my own work or experience it in my own life.
My charcoal makes hesitant marks on the paper. In my imagination, I'm bold but in reality, I fumble through.
"Don't be afraid," Jim encourages.
I glance down at my attempt at my self-portrait, all unsteady strokes, and feel defeated. Even this, something that normally brings me joy, I’m no good at.
“Let’s stop for a minute, Hanna. Look here.” He turns the mirror more directly in my direction and stands behind me. "The key is understanding how light and shadow define form. See how the curve of your neck down to your collar bone creates this beautiful line?"
His finger traces the air beside my reflection, not touching me but following the slope of my neck.
"The human form is all about these subtle transitions.” He takes my hand, bringing it up and setting it over my heart. “Notice your hand, your fingers. Can you feel the beat of your heart? How do we see that by the way your hand rests there?”
He guides me to turn slightly, demonstrating how changing angles affects shadow and light. I feel like I’m seeing myself for the first time. Seeing the sadness in my eyes that I’m always trying to hide. Seeing how small I carry myself.
“Here. Lift your chin.” The crook of his finger gently nudges my chin upward. “See how that changes everything?”
"Step away from my wife."
I startle and whirl around to see Ash standing in the doorway, his presence filling the room with crackling tension. His blue eyes have gone dark, dangerous.
Jim takes a measured step back, hands raised. "Mr. Ifrinn, we were just?—"
He can’t finish because Ash crosses the room in three long strides, his hand closing around Jim's throat before he canretreat further. His feet leave the ground as Ash lifts him, his eyes bulging with fear.
"Touch my wife again and they won't find your body."
Oh, my God. Is Ash going to kill him?
“Ash, no! He’s my teacher?—”
"I saw exactly what he was teaching you." His jaw clenches as he turns his head to me. "Did you enjoy having him look at you like that?"
“Ash, you’re hurting him.”
As if he only just realizes what he’s doing, he lets go of Jim, who crumples to the floor, gasping and coughing.
“Jim, I’m so?—”
“Get the fuck out. Now.” Ash's dangerous gaze follows Jim as he gathers his things and rushes from the room.
