1: New Boss

Celeste.

The first thing I did when I stepped into the studio was shrug off the heavy robe concealing the Victoria’s Secret lingerie beneath it.

The fabric had been clinging to me like a guard protecting a forbidden secret.

Anna appeared from one corner, a palette in one hand and a brush in the other.

Taking a seat, I saw a smile tug at the corner of her lips. “Damn, girl, you look unreal. You sure you still need makeup?”

I chuckled softly, my fingers brushing through my hair. “Of course I look gorgeous. The red lingerie never fails me,” I murmured with a smug grin.

Her lips twitched before she clapped excitedly. “Is it the regular soft touch this morning, or are we going for something sexy?” she teased.

I waved dismissively. “Just go with the vibe.”

She nodded, then got straight to work.

Anna had been my closest friend since fifth grade, and whatever was going on here had remained our little secret ever since I turned eighteen.

She had always done my makeup while I posed in front of the lens in daring little outfits that revealed every sinful curve I possessed.

The sound of an assistant adjusting the lights pulled me from my thoughts.

I watched as one assistant shifted the lighting while another rolled out the cream backdrop. Someone else positioned the velvet couch at the center of the studio.

“What’s up, babe? Why does your face suddenly look dull?” Anna’s voice made my brows knit together.

“Huh...? Oh, I’m just tired,” I murmured, trying to brush the topic away.

But who was I kidding?

Anna was the only person who knew the real me, unlike the endless battlefield between my mother and me.

Most girls grew up with bedtime stories and warm dinners. I grew up with strangers spending the night and my mother screaming on the phone about money that had already vanished into thin air.

My father died before I was born. He was wealthy, powerful, and apparently obsessed with my mother. He left her everything—his company, accounts, and properties.

And guess what?

She wasted it all before I turned eighteen.

She sold his company, devoured his fortune, and drifted from one wealthy man to another until I decided to earn my own money.

But that didn’t mean she approved of how I earned it. She hated my job just as much as I hated hers—if jumping from one man to another could even be called a job.

“Come on, babe, what’s the problem?” Anna asked, dusting powder across my cheek.

My shoulders slumped in defeat. “Can I really hide things from you?” I sighed. “What gave it away?”

She paused and stared at me. “If I can’t tell when something’s wrong, then what kind of best friend does that make me?”

I almost rolled my eyes at her words.

“You should already know whatever is making me feel this way has to do with my mom. She doesn’t want me doing this shoot.”

Anna sighed heavily. “At this point, I think it’s time you talk to her about what you want.”

To be honest, my mother didn’t give two shits about having a conversation with me.

She cared more about appearances than she cared about me. According to her, daughters from respectable families didn’t pose in lingerie campaigns.

However, she seemed to be forgetting that respectable families also didn’t burn through their dead husbands’ fortunes while hopping from one rich man to another. But apparently only my sins mattered in that house, and frankly speaking, I couldn’t care less.

Clearing my throat, I changed the topic. “I heard there’s new management. Do you think our contract to keep my face hidden still stands?”

I was glad Anna didn’t press further because her eyes lit up instantly. “Trust me to protect your rights. Besides, I heard his name is Zane... or Zayne. Shit, I can’t remember.” She tapped her forehead dramatically, making me laugh.

But the sound of the studio door opening made my laughter die in my throat as my gaze landed on the figure walking toward us.

My fingers tugged lightly at Anna’s arm, earning her attention. “Is that the photographer?” I whispered.

She was still gawking at him when she jerked her head in a nod.

My heart skipped a beat, and I could swear he was the finest man I had ever seen.

He looked nothing like the dull, baggy-pants-wearing, heavy-mustached photographers I was used to.

Damn.

This man was breathtaking, with dark eyes, a sharp jawline, tattoos peeking beneath the sleeves of his black shirt, and the kind of quiet confidence that made a woman stare too long without realizing it.

And don’t even get me started on the way he walked.

He carried his camera loosely in one hand while his gaze swept over me.

“All set?”

Even his voice made my knees weak.

“Y...yes,” I stammered before awkwardly clearing my throat.

“What do you think of the outfit?” I murmured, rising to my feet.

There was no way he wouldn’t look at me twice. However, his next words made my jaw drop.

“The red was definitely the right choice for human flesh,” he muttered with a faint smirk before averting his gaze.

Heat crawled up my neck. *Human flesh?* What the hell was that supposed to mean?

“If you’re ready, step into the spotlight, Miss.” His voice dipped with impatience, making my fingers curl as I moved toward the couch.

“Let’s begin,” I murmured.

He adjusted his camera before grabbing a robe and tossing it in my direction. “Use the robe.”

I swallowed hard, trying to cover myself when his voice stopped me halfway.

“Lose it slowly.”

I adjusted myself before letting the robe slide down my shoulders, exposing my cleavage and collarbones.

Zane’s eyes flickered briefly across me before he lifted the camera.

My toes curled as I pretended his gaze didn’t ignite something dangerous inside me.

“Lay back,” he instructed softly.

I stretched against the velvet cushions.

“Good,” he murmured as the sound of the camera echoed through the studio.

“Arch your back. Show me something sexy.”

Even though his tone remained professional, I couldn’t stop my cunt from dripping.

I obeyed, and another sharp click followed.

“Now... eyes on me. Yeah, just like that.”

My breathing turned uneven as I held his gaze.

“Perfect.”

Something about the way he worked felt dangerous, especially the way his eyes glided over my bare skin.

He barely touched me, yet his gaze did all the damage. It felt as though he could see through the confidence I wore like armor.

“Turn your head,” he said softly.

Once again, I obeyed.

The flash burst again.

“Beautiful.”

It was the first time he had complimented me, and that alone made my cheeks burn.

I crossed one leg over the other deliberately, his gaze following the movement through the lens.

Click. Another shot.

“Is there a problem? Why aren’t you focusing?” he asked.

My throat bobbed as I realized my thoughts had already drifted into dangerous territory.

“I am focused,” I replied, trying hard to sound composed, though I knew I was failing miserably.

What the hell was wrong with me? He was a complete stranger, yet here I was acting like someone who couldn’t control the chaos inside her head.

He must have noticed because he paused again, and this time our gazes locked for almost a full minute.

Maybe he knew I was a mess in front of him. I expected him to snap or say something crazy, but instead, he smiled.

The kind of smile that sent a shiver racing down my spine.

“We’re done,” he declared, handing his lens to his assistant.

My eyes widened as I rose to my feet. “So soon?” The words slipped out before I could stop them.

He tilted his head slightly. “Do you want to do more poses for me? Maybe a private session alone? I wouldn’t mind.”

My stomach twisted while my lips parted in shock.

Out of nowhere, he laughed. “See you again, princess,” he murmured with a wink before turning and walking away.

I remained rooted to the spot.

One thing rang in my head...

Stay away.

I knew this guy. I knew his kind of people in this industry and I knew better to not get along with him and his kind.