Saint Or Sinner?

Twenty Six

Camila's point of view

I stared at myself in the mirror, still amazed by how drastically my life had changed in the last few months, ever since Luciano entered my world.

My reflection glowed back, framed by waves of brown hair cascading over my shoulders.

The soft ivory dress I wore hugged my curves just right, accentuating my figure while the lace hem danced around my brown thighs.

I had paired it with strappy silver heels that elongated my legs and offered just the right amount of elegance.

As I applied the final touches of my makeup, my heart was a stormy mix of nervousness and anticipation.

I was about to meet with a powerful agency representatives who were interested in signing me; it was a turning moment in my modeling career, and I couldn't shake the exhilaration that flowed through me.

My meditative moment was cut short by his presence.

Luciano strolled into the room, clad in a fitted black shirt, a couple of buttons expertly left undone, revealing just a hint of his chiseled chest.

Every time he walked into a room, I felt the world shift, and today was no exception. He was magnetic, his aura wrapping around me like a warm, soft blanket.

He approached me with a gentle grace, enfolding me in his arms and pulling me close.

I felt his warm breath against my neck as he buried his face against my skin, inhaling the sweet scent of my perfume.

"You smell so delicious, gem," he murmured, his lips brushing against my shoulder, igniting a fluttering warmth deep within me.

"Luciano." I whispered, and for a moment, the world around us faded to nothing.

His playful kisses along my neck drew giggles from my lips, making me forget the pressure of the day ahead.

"Stop, that tickles!" I managed to say between bursts of laughter. But he didn't relent, and just when I thought I might lose my composure, he ceased his ticklish assault and cradled my cheeks in his warm palms.

"Your laughter is so alluring, Camilla," he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

A shy smile crept upon my lips as I thanked him. I felt a rush of affection swell within my chest.

"Luciano." I called again, my heart throbbing as he gazed at me with an intensity that made my breath hitch.

"The contract, I thought I was exclusively your model?" I sought clarification, my voice tinged with uncertainty.

He heaved a sigh, wrapping his arms around my waist again.

"I know I said that, Gem, but I thought you'd want to expand your career in modeling. The photoshoot we did where you wore our company's latest design blew up on the internet; you're everywhere. I wanted to keep that from you, but I couldn't," he explained, his eyes earnest.

Gratitude and tenderness surged within me, and I choked back the tears threatening to spill.

"Luciano." I breathed, wrapping my arms around him tightly as my head nestled against his chest.

"Thank you so much. I don't know what I've done to deserve your kindness, but I truly appreciate it."

He gently pulled away, cupping my cheeks to wipe away the tears that had slipped free. We stared at each other in silence, both feeling the weight of our connection.

"What if I don't want to accept it?" I asked. A faint smile played on his lips.

"That's not a problem, sweetheart. Just ensure that you're rejecting any gig because you aren't comfortable, not because of me. I was selfish because I wanted you all to myself. I didn't want the world to admire you just the way only me can, but that's not only selfish, but limiting you as a person."