Aiden leans into my ear to whisper while the other three are busy chatting. “You owe me acoffee date.”
12
Aoi
I sigh and dash away from the center of the room.
I’m just not cut out for modelling. I suck and it’s burdening everyone on site. The camera taking pics of me and the snipping sound it sends echoing across the room is making me nauseous.
Carter, the photographer, must be frustrated and disappointed by the show I’m putting on. I look like a fish out of water and I fucking hate it. I’m slowing down the crew and they’re certainly all very busy without me wasting their time.
I keep avoiding that bright spotlight like the pest and I’m sure everyone in the room can tell. I don’t know how to fix this, but I have to, because this is part of my job. It’s too important for me to fuck up.
A rhythmic tune plays in the background, supposedly to set the mood but it's not working. Aiden watches me from the sidelines, not bothering to hide his mocking smile as he walks up to me.
“Don’t be a dick,” I scowl, already too on edge to deal with whatever bullshit he wants to spout. “I’m not in the mood.”
“I thought you liked my dick.” He smirks, feigning hurt after I slap his arm. “I can help you if you want.”
I cross my arms over my chest. “What’s it gonna cost me?”
“Do you think I’m that greedy?” He plants a palm over his heart in fake indignation. “You’re breaking my poor heart.”
I raise a brow, not buying his act, so he drops it and instead leans in closer to me, his voice dropping to a murmur. “If you give me a nice kiss, I’ll share my expertise with you.”
I try to refuse, but he stops me by holding his pointer finger to my lips. “Don’t even think about refusing my help, Aoi. You were stiffer than a broom, and I’ve seen how bendy you can be.”
Shame coats my cheeks. Was I that bad? I don’t want to burden everyone by being a lost cause. I consider agreeing but it feels like I’m getting the short end of the stick. Still, I can kiss him if it means not looking absolutely ridiculous during the shoot.
Our eyes lock and for a thick minute we stand in silence while I contemplate throwing myself off the building to avoid this nonsense. My heart races in my chest and nausea swarms over me, urging me to bolt and hide in a corner where no one can find me.
“Fine.” I scan our surroundings, hoping no one’s around. “Not here. I can’t afford to be seen.”
He grins, more than satisfied and I want to smack his face just to wipe that damn grin off his mouth.
I catch his hand and pull him further into the dark hallway, hidden by the shadows until I’m certain we’re out of sight. “We have to be quick, though.”
His firm hand slides around my waist pressing me against his broad chest. “You’re really adorable.”
He parts my lips, introducing his velvety tongue, and my fingers dig into his arm as I squirm in his embrace. Shutting my eyes, I tip my head back, welcoming the softness of his mouth on mine.
I completely melt in his touch, craving more. Yet when I slide my arms around his neck, he slowly breaks away. “Greedy, aren’t you?”
I pull away from him but instead of letting me, he strengthens his grip on my waist, drifting lower to cup my ass. “I didn’t say we were done.”
“You said one kiss,” I counter, tilting my chin to meet his mouth but stop abruptly.
I can’t do this. I’m in the middle of work and Aiden is the definition of trouble. I can’t afford to fuck this up.
“Now show me what to do. The break is up.”
Aiden smirks, devastatingly content with his ability to get what he wants. He intertwines our fingers and together we walk to the middle of the room. I notice the photographer and other staff members eyeing us with curiosity.
His other hand suddenly takes hold of my chin, forcing me to look at him. “Focus on me, Aoi.”
I nod, too stunned to say anything. He guides my body in a natural pose, taking the chance to slide his hands over my body. Carter smiles, a hint of mischief glimmering in his gaze behind the camera, seeming pleased by the scene unfolding in front of him.
Aiden’s hands graze the curves of my body, molding me into the perfect sculpture. I hold my breath as he concentratedly works his charm. By the time he’s done, Carter’s grinning like the cheshire cat.
