“Here’s another coffee,” Andy squeals, running back from the cart as quick as lightning.
“I love you,” I blurt out, enunciating each word. He saved me from a killer hangover by making sure I had a coffee fix every hour.
The day is hectic—photographers, models, new season clothes. It is exciting and raw, and I love it.
Usually when I walked into this studio, my head would completely dissolve into what I was doing. For some reason, today was different.
The thought of another girl in his arms has my fury reaching new heights. Surely this can’t be healthy.
Alec has clearly forgotten about me. He’s probably fucking everything that moves right now, while making sure I never get with anyone. Selfish to not even try and let me move on.
I sigh to myself as I take one of the model’s measurements.
“A few more models to measure and then we’ll wrap it up,” one of the head secretaries announces. I nod as enthusiastically as I can manage.
I hear a throat being cleared behind me. My eyes travel towards a tall man holding a large camera.
I assume he is a photographer. It’s obvious he wants my attention; he’s staring right at me. Big blue eyes. Strong angular jaw.
“Aren’t you with the models?” he finally asks, his hands fluffing his medium light hair around his head.
“If I had a penny for every time I heard that one.”
“No, I’m not a model. I’m one of the assistants.”
The photographer nods, wiping what looks like his lenses with a cloth. He puts them down and extends his hand forward.
“Mason.”
“Siena.” I smile, meeting his hand.
“Dimples, cute.” He winks softly.
“So, Siena, fancy taking me to dinner tonight? I’m not from around here, and I’d love to wine and dine a beautiful girl whilst I’m visiting.”
I study his face for a moment, maybe a moment too long. “Uh... I guess, why not?” I shrug.
“Hey Andy, would you like to come to dinner tonight with me and Mason?” I point towards Mason as my eyes fall onto Andy.
“Just you and me then.” Mason grins. “Take my card, call me once you finish here.”
“Okay.” I nod, hugging onto the clipboard where I’ve jotted down the measurements.
“Alec’s gonna be pissed,” Andy sings under his breath as we watch Mason walk away.
If he’s not making love to someone, he’s probably killing someone—argh, it’s just too much.
My thoughts are interrupted when the head secretary claps her hands and explains our next jobs for the day. After that, everything is blurry.
I sit on the benches outside, fiddling with Mason’s card between my fingers. I pull out my phone and give him a call.
“Hello.”
“Hi. Uh. This is Siena, from a few hours ago?”
“How can I forget? So glad you called. Can I assume I’ll collect you from somewhere tonight?”
“Yes. I’ll text you the address.”
“Looking forward to it.”
I put down the phone and sigh. Yes, I’ve been waiting to finally get a bit of male attention, but something just feels wrong. Mason seems like a nice enough guy, but he’s not right for me.
Yet here I am, entertaining this. Oh well, he’s not even from around here. It’s a harmless dinner, I tell myself. Nothing more.
“Girl, you better drop me a missed call if he starts messing with you,” Andy warns. “Don’t have him going all Daniel Leaver on you now.”
I smile and shake my head as I apply some eyeliner to my eyelids. I’ve taken out my ponytail that I’ve been showcasing all day and let my hair fall loosely.
“I’ll be okay. You didn’t want to come, remember?”
“Yeah, 'cause my girl needs to get laid, not cockblocked by your boy.” He points to himself and grins.
“I don’t want to sleep with the guy,” I snap back.
“Why not? He’s the perfect guy to have a one-night stand with. He’ll be gone next week. That way, you can finally move on.”
I stay quiet, putting my phone into my handbag. Is Andy right? I don’t even know what to think anymore. My heart is already beating fast at the thought of going out with a complete stranger.
I take in a deep breath and plaster a smile across my full rouge lips. If I don’t move on, I will never move on. My feet begin to move towards the front door.
The restaurant is buzzing with people; servers are shooting around all over the place holding trays of different seafood.
The main wall in my view is an aquarium, all sorts of colorful, tropical fish and sea creatures swim around the large surface.
My fork plays around with the crab cake on my plate while I’m listening to Mason ramble on about how he got into photography. I should really be paying attention—it’s his passion.
My eyes follow a beautiful rainbow-like fish swimming across the aquarium; behind it stays another silver, bigger fish.
It follows the rainbow fish’s every move, every flipper, every dive. The two fish look like they are one; they swim as one.
“I hope I’m not boring you.” My eyes snap back to a sheepish-looking Mason. My face flushes before him. God, I’m horrible. He’s being so sweet and here I am staring off and ignoring him.
“Something on your mind?”
Silence. Mason stares at me long enough to uncover the truth in my eyes. “So, how long are you planning on staying in the city?” I ask, changing the subject.
“Next week. My next stop is Nairobi, Africa.”
“That’s awesome. It must be amazing to just go with the wind and do what you love.”
“Yes, it is.” Mason replies. “Look, Siena, I...”
I peer up at him through my lashes as he stutters. “I think you’re drop-dead gorgeous. I’m serious.” He rubs the back of his neck nervously.
“You’re not so bad yourself, Mr. photographer.” I wink back and take a lousy bite of my food.
“Can we, uh... stay in touch?”
“Sure.” I nod, not sure how sincere I’m coming across.
The rest of dinner slides along smoothly; we laugh and chat about many other things. Mason is truly sweet; he has a passion and he follows it just like me.
His blue eyes light up when he talks about what he loves.
Or I could call it a night and be done with this. I prefer the latter, to be honest, but I feel like I need to do more. Nothing else will help me move on.
Mason closes the space between us and I begin to talk. “Thank you for a lovely evening, I-“
“Let me kiss you.” He interrupts my polite goodbye. His eyes are staring intently at my pursed lips.
I smile and lean in to kiss his cheek, but he catches my lips with his own. I’m caught off guard for a moment but force myself to close my eyes and try to enjoy the kiss.
Even if it feels wrong, even if his lips feel weird against my own, like they don’t fit.
I fight through my own inner turmoil, fight the urge to release myself and run away. There is no passion in this kiss, not even a flicker of a spark.
“Good night, Mason,” I say as I detach myself from him. I fish into my handbag for my keys as he runs his fingers through his hair.
“C’mon Siena, I can show you a good time.”
I wanted to laugh but held it in, Mason was being dead serious. This was my fault, I shouldn’t have let him kiss me.
“It’s not a good idea, Mason. I’m sorry-“
“It’s just sex.” He nods reassuringly. I sigh inwardly as I hold out my keys.
“Let me fuck you.” He leans in again, and I have to take a step back. He’s not coming across threatening, he’s just trying to seduce me.
“She said goodnight, Mason.” A deep familiar voice spills out towards us, my heart and eyes fly over to the owner of that voice that melts me, puts me in a trance.
“Who the fuck are you?” Mason snaps into the night.
I wince at his words. This is not going to go down well. “Mason, you should go.” I plead desperately.
My voice comes out breathlessly, like all the air has been sucked out of my shocked body.
“Is this man bothering you?” Mason whispers my way.
“Seriously, Mason, just go.” I speak through gritted teeth. I’m trying to save his stupid arse.
I’m so angry right now, I want to push Alec, to slap him clean across his perfect God-like face. I know if I show how angry I am, Mason would try to stay, thinking I need protecting or something.
If I don’t get rid of him now, he’ll get hurt.
“Mason. Thank you for a lovely evening. Really. You can go, I know him.” I point towards Alec, or the silhouette puffing out clouds of smoke calmly. Like he’s enjoying watching this unfold.
“Look if he’s harassing you, I can deal with him-“
“Mason?” Alec calls out, his voice calculating. Rolling each syllable off his tongue.
“That’s none of your busine-“
Alec’s hand is wrapped around Mason’s neck so fast, I shriek before snapping out of my trance.
“Let him go, Alec!”
Silver slits pierce into fearful blue ones. “Oh, it is my business, Mason.”
“Alec, stop!”
I manage to wiggle myself between the two of them. Alec lets go and Mason falls back, coughing and splattering against the door.
“Are you okay?” I try to help Mason stand up straight, but he shrugs me off and with one last stern look towards a smirking Alec, he leaves.
Have you ever been so angry you feel like you’re about to explode? Well, that is how I feel right now. I feel like I’m about to unleash.
My heaving chest rises and falls as I watch Mason disappear. “How. Dare. You.” I spit out, turning to face Alec.
“I missed you too, baby.” He inches closer.
I shake my head and open my front door. As I go to shut it, his big foot stops it from closing. Effortlessly, he’s in my apartment, looking around.
“Leave.” I whisper. This is too much. He has to know how much he’s hurting me right now.
He turns to face me, his eyes soften as my own well up with tears. “Why can’t you leave me alone? Let me move on.”
“You think fucking that tool was going to help you move on?”
“Yes! I mean no. I don’t know, but it really is none of your business, Alec. You can’t just barge back into my life and claim it.”
“Now that’s where you’re wrong.” He stands inches from me. His hot breath fans against my face. I fight off a shudder. I don’t want to melt before him. I hate the strong effect he has on me.
“I’m not barging back into your life, tesoro.” His large thumb swipes across my bottom lip. “I never fucking left.”
His finger trails down my neck between my cleavage and lands on my chest, above my heart. “I’ve always been here.”
I suck in a sharp breath at his touch. How I’ve longed for his sweet touch. God, having him this close to me, I’m about to crumble any second.
“You. Are. Mine.” His possessive, rough voice shoots through my body. Breaking down all the walls I’ve spent ages building to protect myself.
“Let me show you a good time.” Alec mocks Mason, and I try to hide the smile brewing across my face. I can’t break now. I’ve been so fucking strong.
Andy is clearly not home, which is so typical. He probably assumed I would need some privacy when I text him that the date was going okay and that I was okay.
“Are you hungry, tesoro?” He ignores me, searching the kitchen cupboards like an animal.
“No. Now go.” My finger points confidently towards the front door as I stare him down.
Alec chuckles as his eyes travel the length of my body. I feel naked under his lustful gaze. He steps forward, bringing his hot lips towards my finger. He takes it into his mouth and sucks lightly.
“Are you going to leave?” I plead weakly, my voice hoarse and deceiving.
“Are you going to sit on my face?” He asks, licking his lips like he’s just asked what’s for dinner.
“Alec.” I whisper, my eyes close. He’s not fighting fair.
“Stop fighting me tesoro. Stop fighting us.”
“You... You still hurt people.”
“Fuck! Yes, Siena. People who fucking deserve it. You don’t have to be a part of that!”
“I can’t just ignore that.”
“Look at me.” He grabs my hand and places it above his heart on his chest. “It beats only for you tesoro.”
“Alec.” My tears fall slowly from my eyes.
“Don’t fight us.” He whispers, the pads of his rough thumbs wipe at my cheeks. “So fucking beautiful.” His forehead presses against my own.
“How many women have you slept with since-“
“Zero.” He interrupts, his eyes pleading with my own. The truth is slapping me in the face, yet I still find it hard to believe.
“Bullshit.” I scoff.
“Fuck Tesoro. My dick has been starved. What do you want to hear?”
“Don’t lie to me!”
“I’m not lying. I may have used some of your photos to get through some tough times.”
My eyes go wide as I stare at his smirking, smug expression.
He closes the remaining space between us, his full lips so close to mine. “I love you tesoro.” His eyes close briefly.
I want to kiss him so bad, I want to tell him I love him too and wipe away the painful look in his eyes. I want to rip off his clothes and devour him. — but I need time. This is all too much.
“I’ll go.” He breathes out and the words cut through me but I know it’s for the best.
I watch him walk towards the front door, my heart feels like it’s ripping out of me. “Don’t look at me like that.” He warns, sighing as he observes me.
“Fuck, what do you want, Siena?” His desperate, pleading eyes are my undoing. I snap, my body moving on its own. Flying to freedom, to happiness, to him.
I throw myself on him, my legs straddling his waist, my lips meet his. He squeezes my arse while I moan into his mouth.
I feel my back hit the front door, my dress getting pulled up above my waist. My panties get pulled to the side and Alec’s large finger invades me, I suck in a moan. “Yes.” I tremble.
“No one else will ever make you feel this way.” Alec groans against my neck, nipping his way down to my breasts.
“You never gave anyone else a chance.” I snap back breathlessly.
He bites down on my now extremely hard nipple and I hiss at the pain. “Fuck.”
“Look how wet you are for me, tesoro.”
God, his words are torturing me, I can feel myself tipping over the edge. Everything he’s doing to me, bringing me closer and closer to pure bliss.
Who am I kidding? It’s only him that can make me feel this way. No one else.
I feel his hard length against my wet, dripping entrance. He slides it across my folds, mixing our juices together before I feel his thick tip entering me slowly.
God, my body is on fire, this man has the power to ruin me.
“So. Fucking. Tight.” He grunts, his forehead sweating as he tries to ease his way further into me with control but I can sense that it’s snapping.
Alec closes his eyes and swears under his breath, still trying to stay in control.
“This is where I belong.” Alec growls, before he pulls out and slams into me so hard I almost flip over and fall but he’s holding me in place.
I cry out again and again as he shamelessly pumps in and out of me at an unforgiving pace. Is it possible for the soul to leave your body during sex because I feel like I’m flying.
“Tell me you’re mine.” He demands, his eyes searching my own as he works my body.
“I’m yours. Fuck, I’m yours. I’ve always been yours.” I push his head down into my breasts, hearing him laugh.
I’m in so much pleasure right now I mentally scold myself for depriving myself of this for so long.
This man is a killer, a cold-blooded killer. The hands he’s so tenderly caressing me with have ended people’s lives.
Alec lifts his head, his thrusts growing faster. He furrows his brows at my expression. “You. Kill people, Alec.” I shudder.
Alec smirks, watching my awe-filled face cry out in pleasure. His large hand softly wraps around my neck, his thumb strokes my throat tenderly. I moan louder and watch as his smirk deepens.
“My tesoro likes it rough.” He purrs and applies a little pressure around my throat. Like a waterfall breaking through a dam, I come so hard, I scream out.
Alec watches me intently; his face is awestruck. His silver eyes are now dark and laced with extreme lust and desire.
His thrusts carry on for a while longer until he roars out my name, and I feel his warm seed violently filling me.
Everything is a blur; the last thing I remember is Alec tucking me into bed. I fear this whole thing was a dream.
Was he really here? Please God, tell me I haven’t been dreaming this whole time. My bruised lips tell me differently. I sigh out into the night.
I hear his voice in my head; it was the last thing he said to me before he left.
“Mine.”
