Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 80660 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 323(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80660 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 323(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
“Our ultimate destination is the exhibit for decorative arts in Richelieu, Level One. Do you know it?”
“Very well.”
“I selected a lovely rolltop desk that belonged to Marie Antoinette for my purpose, but we have time.” He leaned close to Alexei as they reached the top of the stairs, making it look as if he only wanted to kiss the man’s neck, but he also whispered, “The changing of the security teams isn’t for another hour.” Shift changes always presented opportunities for chaos and distraction.
“Ah…then shall we hit the Red Rooms? Then maybe pass by and say hi to old Mona?” he inquired, referring to the long rooms painted a distinct shade of red that held the largest paintings in all of the Louvre. There was also a connecting hallway that led to the gallery that held the famous Mona Lisa. Naturally, that area was also the most popular area in all of the museum. Everyone stepping inside the museum had to pay homage to Leonard DaVinci’s masterpiece. He’d already seen it.
Soren wrinkled his nose. “It’s not that I don’t love Delacroix and DaVinci.”
“The crowds?” he guessed, and Soren nodded. They had some time to blow, and he didn’t want to spend it fighting through the crowds while trying to remain close to Alexei. Tightening his fingers around Soren’s, Alexei adjusted their direction. “We’ll go to Greek and Roman antiquities. Look at statues of naked men.”
Choking on a laugh, Soren happily followed along with him, mentally noting that Alexei hadn’t once looked at the map he’d stuffed in his pocket, and he didn’t seem to be using the signs.
“I take it you’ve been here a few times,” Soren observed cautiously, trying to give Alexei room to answer if he wanted to. He didn’t want him to feel pressured into revealing his past or giving more of himself away than he was ready to.
Alexei flashed him the widest grin, and it nearly stopped his heart. “I came here a lot when I moved to Paris with my mom. She loved the Louvre. Loved all the museums, really. The Musée d’Orsay. The Centre Pompidou. The Rodin. I think she went to all of them at least once while she lived here and dragged me along.” He stopped, his smile turning a little sad. “Well, not dragged. Some days I didn’t want to go, but she always made it fun. She loved art. I think she wanted to be an artist, but it didn’t work out that way.”
“Does she still live in Paris?”
Alexei shook his head and led the way over to an enormous marble statue of Artemis on the hunt. Soren stood silently beside him, unsure of whether he should give him time or change the subject, but Alexei continued softly, “She died when I was fifteen. Cancer. It happened suddenly. We had no idea until it was too late, but she didn’t suffer.”
“I’m so sorry.” Soren squeezed Alexei’s hand in his before bringing it up to his lips. He gently kissed each knuckle, earning another bright smile. “But I’m glad you had time together, to share her love of art.”
“True. We lived in Paris for only a few years, but we loved it here. We explored every inch of it. Besides the museums, the next favorite was Montmartre. I don’t go up there too often, because it reminds me too much of her. I half expect to see her popping out of a shop and waving to me.”
“Do you mind if I ask what happened after she passed?” There had been no mention of a father, but he seemed to greatly love his uncles.
“I went to live with my uncles in the States. I loved growing up in their house. It was amazing. When I was in the mood for company or an adventure, they were right there with crazy ideas and plans. And when I wanted to be alone, they gave me the space I needed.” The smile was warmer this time, losing that hint of sadness. “But when I struck out on my own, I always knew I’d come back to Paris. At least for a while. It’s the only place that ever felt like home besides my uncles’ home.”
“I’m glad.”
They walked along, looking at the statues in silence. Soren was surprised when a low chuckle rose from Alexei. They were standing in front of the Three Graces, but he couldn’t see what he found so funny.
“What?”
“Well, I know it’s bad taste to ask personal questions, but you could give me something.” Alexei glanced up at him with a smirk. “Maybe like a continent that you call home?”
Soren could only laugh and shake his head. He hadn’t even realized he’d done it. It felt as if he’d spent a lifetime not answering personal questions or simply avoiding them. He hadn’t meant to do it with Alexei.