Desperation (18+) ✔️

1. Reid

The next day, Vic shows me to the bedroom he's turned into a studio. His equipment alone tells me he's not lying about the money this shit makes.

"Okay, so I figure we'd start off with something that has slightly more coverage." Vic holds up a white pair of mesh briefs.

I flit my eyes from the underwear to Vic, and back. "They're see-through."

"But it'll feel like you're just wearing a thin pair of regular briefs."

I cock an eyebrow. "Like that's supposed to help."

He looks over at the pile of colourful, frilly garments. "Would you rather start with the lace?"

"It doesn't matter," I say, yanking the briefs out of Vic's hand with a huff.

I strip my clothes off in the bathroom and avoid my reflection while I pull on the briefs. The material is incredibly thin and soft.

When I finally look in the mirror, I understand why Vic told me to shave.

You can practically see everything.

Groaning, I grip the bathroom counter. It's all for the money. Remember the money.

"You good?" Vic asks through the door.

"I'm already regretting this," I grumble.

"Reid, come on. It's just me; you'll be fine."

"But it won't be just you looking at the pictures once they're online."

"Since when have you been self-conscious about your body? I'm sure you look hot."

"You're just saying that to make me feel better about doing this."

"Reid?"

I start at his uncompromising tone. "Yeah?"

"Open the door."

I wait for two heartbeats before gripping the door handle and inching it open. His eyes meet mine through the widening crack.

"You don't need to go through with this. I would never want to coerce you into doing something you're not comfortable with. I have other models I can call, and I could probably even loan you some rent money, but I really think this is worth it."

Taking someone else's money is the last thing I want to do.

"I want to do this." I shake my head clear, "I can't believe I'm being such a wuss."

Vic leans against the frame. "It's okay to have second thoughts. And if you're not comfortable with anything we do today, we'll stop immediately."

"Let's just get this show on the road," I say, shouldering past him. "And stop staring at my ass," I tease without turning around.

"It's a great ass," he murmurs behind me, making me grin.

My confidence is short-lived.

Vic fiddles with the settings on his camera and takes a few test shots while I'm settling on the bed.

"So... do I just... do whatever?"

Vic looks up from the camera, frowning. "Well, usually the models have enough experience that I don't need to guide them much, but..."

"I have no idea what I'm doing," I blurt, stiffening at the thought of being left to my own devices.

"That's fine," he quickly assures me. "Just relax and let me take care of the positions then, okay?"