𝐹𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝑋𝑜𝑛𝑒

𝑋𝐼𝑋

The rhythmic clicks of the camera filled the air as Markus took his time, each flash bursting with light and precision. *Click* a brief pause *click*. The sounds were steady, almost comforting, like a heartbeat. Unlike most photographers, Markus was patient, adjusting the angles with calm deliberation. He made me feel like we had all the time in the world, and I adored that about him. There was no rush, no pressure.

It was early in the morning, the kind of quiet where the only sounds were the subtle breeze and the shutters capturing every movement I made. I could feel the hunger gnawing at my stomach, a faint growl reminding me I hadn't eaten, but I ignored it. I wanted to look perfect, snatched, poised for each shot.

We were outside this stunning mansion, its grand architecture framing the backdrop. I assumed he rented it for the day; the elegance matched the shoot's vibe. Markus gave small instructions in a soft, steady voice, allowing me to pose naturally while the cameras continued to flash. The light was just right, catching my silhouette in all the right places. I stretched my arms, arched my back slightly, feeling the moment. *Click*. Another flash. This was going to be worth every bit of effort.

I sat up, startled by the familiar voice. Janet stood at the patio door, looking effortlessly radiant in her cool blue tinted glasses, her signature smile lighting up her face. She leaned against the doorframe, her presence somehow filling the entire space around us. My heart skipped a beat.

"This is nice," she repeated, stepping out onto the patio with a slow, graceful movement, taking in the scene. The sunlight glinted off her glasses, and for a moment, it felt surreal. I hadn't expected to see her here, let alone while I was on a break from the shoot.

I blinked, trying to compose myself. "Janet... what are you doing here?"

She shrugged lightly, her voice soft and casual. "I wanted to stop by. See how things were going. Markus is an old friend, you know?"

Of course, that made sense now. Markus wasn't just a big name, he was someone in her circle. But still, I couldn't shake the feeling that her being here was no coincidence. The air felt different, charged. She walked over to the couch and sat down beside me, her leg barely brushing against mine. That slight touch sent a ripple through me.

"You look amazing," she said, her voice almost a whisper, like she was holding back something deeper. She turned her head, those blue tinted glasses hiding her eyes, but I could feel them on me.

"Thanks," I said, looking away from her, trying to steady my breath. The warmth of the sun wasn't the only thing making me feel heated.

I felt the couch shift slightly as she sat next to me. "How's the photoshoot going?" she asked, her tone casual, but there was an undercurrent to it that made my pulse quicken.

"Good," I kept it short, hoping she wouldn't notice the tension creeping into my voice.

"Do you not want me here?" she asked, her voice softer now, almost vulnerable.

I glanced over at her, sitting to my right. Just looking at her lips stirred something in me. The memory of how they felt against mine, how they moved with mine came rushing back, making my heart race. She used to kiss me with such passion that it left me weak, and now, just sitting here, her presence was enough to unravel me. I swallowed hard, trying to hold myself together. "It's not that," I murmured. But even as I said it, I could feel my guard slipping.

"It's the heat, isn't it?" she tilted her head back, gazing up at the sky.

"Yeah, that's it," I agreed, though we both knew it wasn't just the sun making me feel hot.

"You're doing just great," she smiled, her voice soothing, yet her presence still had me on edge.

"What are you gonna do about Rene?" I asked, hoping to shift the conversation somewhere neutral.