Moonstruck at Midnight

Chapter 1 - Portrait

MY FIRST YEAR at Paris College of Arts was nearly finished. Our time in Paris was almost over. It was crazy to think how many things were going to change. But I still had a lot to get done before we left. Cecile was going to sit for my Black and White Photography class that day, which was my favorite class ever, but she canceled on me the second I arrived at school. I tried calling Sophie, but she didn't answer my call. She was probably busy at school too.

Nearing panic with no other choices, I turned around and asked my security detail for help. "Could one of you sit for a portrait?" Aaron and Caleb looked at each other with raised brows. "Please? I don't have anyone else to ask, and my class starts in five minutes."

Aaron refused right away, deeming it inappropriate. So I shifted my attention to Caleb.

"Caleb, please? You have to help me." I looked in Aaron's direction because I knew he was the one objecting to my request. I was sure Caleb would gladly do it, but Aaron had to agree to it first. "Aaron." My eyes widened in a silent plea.

"Okay, Miss Murphy. Just this once," Aaron said with hesitation. "I'll park the car, and Caleb will walk you to class." Aaron said something to Caleb in Hebrew afterward, which sounded more like a warning than anything else.

"Could you at least take your earpiece off once we're in the classroom?" I whispered as Caleb and I made our way to the main entrance.

"Sure." He winked. "Aaron won't like the idea, but I don't feel like arguing with you when you always get your way." Caleb was a smart guy. He was right every time, but I always got my way with him.

The suit, the tie, the fancy shoes—he didn't need any of it to attract anyone's attention, but it made him stand out even more. Caleb could easily blend in with the college crowd if it weren't for his elegant outfit.

A small group of girls swooned as we flew down the corridor. Welcome to the Caleb Fan Club. And who are we kidding? He loved the attention, and I enjoyed teasing him nonstop about it. At least with Caleb by my side, I could count on feeling invisible because all eyes focused on him. Thank you, Caleb.

Portraits were the theme of the week in today's class. And what better face than Caleb's going through my lens? I made a mental note to thank Cecile for ditching me because her understudy turned out to be an excellent choice.

We walked into the studio classroom and sat at one of the high tables. It was surreal having Caleb sitting beside me during class. They always waited outside.

Our instructor, Miss Genaurdi, finished setting up the lighting equipment and backdrop for the different stations as the rest of my classmates walked in with their models.

Everyone arrived, and Miss Genaurdi explained the purpose of the day's lesson and how we would take turns with the provided set for the photoshoot. She offered guidance on lighting and camera configuration as each student stepped forward to use the set.

"I'm next after he's done," I whispered to Caleb. "I need you to take your jacket off." He raised a brow as I prepared my camera. "Please?"

"That's not possible, and you know why," he said, standing up and leaning against the table with his arms crossed at his chest and his legs crossed at his ankles.

Of course. Caleb had to conceal his gun. Remembering that he carried one on him at all times made me shudder. Sometimes, I forgot that Caleb wasn't just a friend following me around everywhere. He was there for protection. My protection.

"Um—right." I pressed my lips together. I wanted the portrait to be as casual as possible, but I didn't have a choice. "Take your earpiece off, then."