AURELIA
The new label was a project I worked on before becoming the CEO’s assistant. Mrs Juniper gave me full reign on the designs and sent them in a portfolio to popular celebrities for a possible collaboration.
I had put the list together myself, and Ezekiel wasn’t on it. So of course it came to me as a shock when he appeared to be our new partner.
Could it be a coincidence? Or did Mrs Juniper include him in the list while I was away?
I would be lying if I said I wasn’t excited to see him, he was my favorite actor after all, but I haven’t had the chance to interact with him directly.
A week had passed, and everyone was so busy with the current project. I was still bothered about Caspian, and while I pondered on reasons for his sudden departure, my mind provided me with one liable explanation.
The CEO shipped him there out of jealousy.
It was possible but wasn’t that too much? He’d already warned me to keep my distance so why send Caspian to Germany?
My speculation soon graduated to frustration that later led to anger. Anger towards both men for entangling me in a web of confusion. The CEO on the other hand has been out of reach for the past week, and I wasn’t sure if it was a good or bad thing.
But from experience, nothing good came from his silence, or was I just overthinking again?
“Aurelia!”
Snapping back into reality, I looked up from my desk, meeting Mrs Juniper’s worried expression.
“Yes? What’s wrong?” An unsettling feeling tugged at me as she paced back on forth, sending nervous glances my way. I stood, unable to sit still. What could have possibly riled her up like this? “Mrs Juniper?”
Mrs Juniper stopped pacing and faced me once again, her eyes shining with pleading desperation.
“I need a favor from you Aurelia, it’s urgent.”
I should have thought it through before replying.
“You don’t need to ask Mrs Juniper, I’m always happy to help.”
Or maybe I should have asked what the favor was first.
“Thank you so much, Aurelia! I knew I could count on you.”
Then maybe….
“Anytime, I’m your go-to girl.”
Maybe I wouldn’t be in such a position.
Thirty minutes later…..
I anxiously gulped my spit, heat crawling to my cheeks as I sat stiff as a board, my back pressing against the exposed chest of Ezekiel Sterling.
His rich cologne floated around me like a heavy cloud, and his presence suffocated me in a way that left me gasping for air.
Never in my life, did I foresee such circumstances.
Apparently, a photo shoot was planned, and it was supposed to feature Ezekiel wearing the designs from the latest label, alongside a model who would pair up with him. The photographer was very specific on his vision for the shoot, and he needed a redhead model, but unfortunately, the model that was booked canceled at the last minute, and this resulted in Mrs Juniper’s frantic attempt to save face.
With my face of course, because I happen to be the only available redhead in the office.
“You’re doing great Aurelia.” On the other side of the room, Mrs Junper encouraged me with a thumbs up before turning to discuss with the not-so-pleased photographer.
The man had been ranting all morning, saying none of the pictures came out right. No one said anything, but I knew I was the problem. But what more could they expect, it wasn’t like I was a professional model.
I really tried my best to look natural, but the man was asking for too much.
The concept of the shoot was a seductive couple captured in a moment of pleasure.
Ezekiel was dressed in a regal medieval suit coupled with an unbuttoned silk shirt, making him resemble a charming prince of a forgotten kingdom. It was amazing to see how my design fit him so well, maybe a little too well, because he embodied the look I envisioned while sketching it out.
I wore a piece from the collection that got me an award at the company’s gala, taking my place as the timid princess who was smitten by her darling prince.
At least that’s what the photographer labeled it as. The man had definitely read too many romance books.
We sat on a king-sized bed, with me between his lap and his arms wrapped around my waist. To any onlooker, I was living the dream. But this was far from it.
I was scared out of my mind!
What if the CEO walks in?
What if he was watching us right now?
Was this cheating? Why do I feel like I’m cheating?!
Just then the image of his angry face flashed in my mind and I shivered.
He would understand that it was for my job right? He wouldn’t fire me again, right?
Would he punish me?
Wait that doesn’t sound too bad-ahh! I’m going crazy.
During my mental struggle, I didn’t notice the photographer had signaled for a break, neither did I notice the lingering stare of the man behind me.
My attention was successfully caught as his fingers brushed against the curve of my waist ever so slowly like he was tracing and memorizing the subtle detail. I froze, unable to move. My heart thundered in my chest, eyes widening as he leaned forward to whisper in my ear.
“You’re too stiff.” His lips skimmed my earlobe and I sucked a sharp breath.
On impulse, I pushed at his chest but he didn’t move an inch. Instead, his grip on my waist tightened, leaving me a spluttering mess.
“E-excuse me.” I looked off to the side, unable to meet his eyes. A few moments of silence passed, and I cursed under my breath, stealing a glance at the charismatic actor.
He met my gaze dead on, and my brows furrowed in confusion. Why does he look…. amused? Shouldn’t he be annoyed at my lack of experience? I heard celebrities hated having their time wasted.
Soon I felt the vibration of his deep chuckle under the pads on my fingers. Startled, I jerked away, but the button of his blazer got caught in the fabric of my sleeve, thus pulling him closer.
I fell back against the bed and abiding by the law of gravity, he followed, towering over me. His silver hair frees itself from the restraints of its earlier ponytail, brushing past his broad shoulders and tickling my cheeks.
His cocoa-brown eyes widened in shock, but they soon softened, matching the smirk that curved his lips. The light complimented his pale skin, adding to his magnetic allure.
My lips parted in awe, rendered utterly speechless as I’m reminded of the very reason I added him to my sex bucket list.
Ezekiel Sterling, the man with an unmatched sexual appeal on screen and in real life.
“Perfect!” The photographer suddenly yelled, “Keep that pose!”
In that moment, everything else faded in the background, making it harder to ignore his charm. I feared he could hear my heart beating loudly, I feared if he stared long enough, he would be able to read my chaotic thoughts.
Ezekiel eyed me thoughtfully, one brow raised in curiosity as his gaze shifted into something more sensual, something that had me holding my breath.
‘It was just for the shoot.’I began chanting this in my head, giving myself a rational reason for why he looked at me like that.
Yeah, this man was a perfect model, there was no need to overanalyze his actions. It was strictly professional, and all I had to do was play my part.
It was all for the shoot.
“You’re the designer aren’t you?” He asked softly, but his words flew over my head.
“Yeah…”
“Interesting.” His smirk grew.
“Ezekiel lean in close as if giving her a kiss!” The photographer’s words brought me back to my senses, and before I knew it, Ezekiel expertly switched our positions.
I gasped at the sudden movement, eyes widening as he made me straddle him. And before I could comprehend what was happening, he grasped my chin, pulling me towards him in a fluid motion.
It all happened so fast.
“Oh Mr. Graham, we didn’t know you’ll be joining us on set today.” I heard Mrs Juniper say, but it was too late.
My eyebrows skyrocketed to my forehead as Ezekiel’s lips met mine.
The bright flash of the camera blurs my vision, but from the corner of my eyes, I catch a glimpse of the CEO’s expression.
Dreadful goosebumps littered my skin.
This was more than the frequent jealousy he displayed, no it was something more lethal….
And utterly unhinged.