“Perfect! Thank you for your help, Aiden! You’re a pro, a real pro!” He claps enthusiastically before starting to shoot the pictures.
Blinding lights flash incessantly, burning my eyes. Yet I stand my ground and follow Aiden’s instructions, easing my discomfort from the sidelines.
I didn’t think I’d ever say something similar about Aiden Morgan, but I have to admit he’s rather reliable. The issue is I can’t trust kindness without real reason behind it. He has to want something from me, and it’s almost certainly sex. It would be a massive lie to pretend I’m not into him. Aiden is cruelly handsome and makes my insides squirm with anticipation when he touches me, but I don’t wanthim.
I don’t want to be with someone. I don’t deserve it. I lose everyone I love. That’s my curse, and I have to live with it until I finally cut the thread.
Aiden shakes me out of my reverie, alerting me that the shoot is over. “Are you okay?” he asks, brushing a strand of hair away from my face.
I swat his hand away. “I’m just tired.”
He doesn’t push for a different answer and simply excuses himself as his phone buzzes in his pocket. Aiden walks out of the room, and I plop down on a nearby chair, slumping like a dirty rag. A steadfast click-clack on the ground coming up to me, startles me out of my thoughts.
A young man stands in front of me in all his splendor and smiles down at my slumped frame. A faded mix of rum spice and musk envelopes my nostril as his dark and lustrous voice speaks up, “What a pleasant coincidence to meet you here.”
“Oh, Mr. Lacroix, was it?” I get up instantly, brushing some invisible dust off my clothes. “What are you doing here?”
“Call me Andrew. I came by to greet a friend. Little did I know I’d have the pleasure to run into you again.”
Here’s another type of gaze I’ve seen in women before but not yet in a man. It’s not lust, nor is it envy or disgust. It’s a gentle yearning. The friend he came to see must be very dear to him.
“I’m here for work.”
His gaze sharply drifts over my outfit and for a second, I could have sworn his eyes darkened. “You look amazing.”
I scratch the back of my nape. This man is making me nervous. His features send a vague sense of familiarity through me, and I’d prefer not to feel these nauseating emotions.
I hide my hands behind my back as I dig my nails in my flesh. “Thank you, but it’s all thanks to the staff and Mr. Morgan for choosing the outfit. If he hadn’t been on set, I would’ve been lost.”
“Aiden Morgan?” His gaze narrows on me. “I’m glad to hear you’re well surrounded. I hope you won’t find this inappropriate, but I was wondering if you were free to grab a drink with me sometime.”
He’s asking me out? Oh my God, why? He should stay away from the likes of me. I’m the worst kind of influence. I’ll end up seducing the poor man.
Before I manage to answer, Andrew’s gaze settles on something behind me, and two large palms grab my shoulders. A broad torso presses against my back and the owner’s familiar fragrance grazes my nose. Aiden leans against my ear, completely unbothered by our audience.
“You’re done for today, right?” he asks. “Don’t forget about our little...date.”
He stops talking and eyes Andrew with a suspicious tightness. I assumed they didn’t know each other personally but his reaction to Andrew is strange. “Aiden, this is Andrew Lacroix. Andrew, this is Aiden Morgan.”
Aiden scoffs, reaching out to shake Andrew’s hand and the mood drastically dampens. What the hell is going on?
I pinch Aiden’s arm for his rude behavior before facing Andrew again with a polite smile. “It was nice meeting you again. Unfortunately, I have matters to tend to and won’t be able to stay. I hope you don’t mind.”
“I understand. It was a pleasure, and I hope to hear your answer about my offer.” He smiles and squeezes my hand, his thumb circling my skin tenderly. “Nice to make your acquaintance, Mr. Morgan,” he says, barely glancing at Aiden.
Aiden’s brows furrow. “Likewise.”
I hesitate momentarily, then against the voice in my head telling me to leave, I say, “If you give me your number, I’ll contact you about youroffer.”
His eyes light up, and he hands me his phone. “I’m glad you’re at least considering it.”
“What offer?” Aiden asks, wrapping an arm around my waist and glaring at the device in my hand. “You gave me hell whenIasked for your number.”
“Be quiet.”
“You’re so mean, baby.”
“Don’t call me that.”
