Jolene noticed the slight discomfort in Tatiana’s movements. If no one else did, she did.
Tatiana has a way of carrying herself: gracefully, elegantly, and patiently.
Tatiana had done shoots years ago and had once helped a brand win an impossible prize. She was asked to continue with the modeling line but refused.
Jolene noticed the tired look on her face and a thought clicked in her mind.
‘Big boss,’ Jolene smiled at the thought.
Artists and workers on the set gave Tatiana curious looks as she stepped in.
As Tatiana prepared herself in the dressing room, one of the female artists asked if she could bring Dylan to the set one day. Tatiana politely declined.
“Aww, I saw his adorable picture online. He is so cute,” the young lady pouted disappointedly and left.
Jolene sat beside Tatiana. “An endorsement asked if Dylan can come model for them.”
“Reject it,” Tatiana smoothly responded as she slipped her hand into her dress. “I can’t allow Dylan to enter this world.”
“His mother is like a rebel and his father is the king of the entertainment industry. It’s quite impossible if you ask me,” Jolene said, and Tatiana sighed.
Tatiana’s scene for the day was simple. The female and male leads of the project were beginning to develop feelings for one another. The male lead saved her from a group of gangsters who had kidnapped her.
A small fighting scene would be displayed. The men in black for the role prepared themselves. They were holding rubber disguised as sticks.
Tatiana was dressed in a shaggy outfit. The makeup artist added touches to Tatiana’s face and body, giving the appearance of bruises all over.
The senior director and Felix were on set by the time Tatiana was done. When they saw the art on Tatiana, they couldn’t help but praise her and the makeup artist.
Gavin was set too. As usual, his lustful gaze roamed over Tatiana. His eyes went to writer Meadow, exchanging a secret glance that Tatiana didn’t fail to notice.
The action started. The men in black launched toward Gavin. Gavin’s actions were smooth as he weaved around the men in black, pretending to hit them. After he was done with the men, Tatiana stared at him with affection as he lifted his hand to touch her cheek, her eyes tearing up.
“You’re safe now,” Gavin whispered, and…
“Cut!” Director Felix exclaimed.
Immediately, Tatiana’s face dropped into a cold expression. Gavin’s face was too close, and she shot a glare at him. He had done it on purpose.
She retreated and stood while Gavin smirked.
‘Psycho,’ she thought and bowed to the director.
The senior director called for their attention. Tatiana noticed the small smirk that lingered on Gavin’s face. He was up to something.
“There’s a change in tomorrow’s scene,” the senior director said. “There’ll be a kissing scene.”
Tatiana’s face dropped. “What?”
Even Jolene was shocked.
“The writer felt the project was a bit plain without proper romance and decided to add a kissing scene…”
Tatiana glanced back at Meadow. So that was why Gavin and Meadow had been exchanging glances. She faced the senior director.
“This isn’t about romance. This is a thriller,” she retorted.
“Whether thriller or not, viewers love a little romance. It’s a good idea. Don’t worry, it’s just a peck. It shouldn’t be a problem.”
A peck? Tatiana was sure a man as desperate as Gavin would shove his tongue down her throat if he got the chance.
She needed to talk some sense into him.
___
“What a way, Gavin,” Tatiana challenged him when they were alone.
“What’s so bad about a kissing scene? Actors do it all the time.”
Tatiana scoffed. “I don’t know what you told writer Meadow. You’re going to talk to her again to remove that scene.”
“What? Will your secret man be upset? I bet he isn’t a good kisser. I’d show him and teach him what a kiss is like.”
“Oh, you’re playing with your life, Mr. Gavin. He won’t take it lightly. He’s quite a jealous man, that’s why I’m asking first.”
“Tell him to come. He should watch. I’ll kiss you breathless tomorrow, Tatiana. You’ll ask for more,” Gavin smiled and walked past her.
“Gosh, it took every nerve in me not to punch that motherfucker’s face,” Jolene mumbled, staring at her fist.
Tatiana only stared at Gavin’s retreating back. He had challenged Cassius. How stupid of him.
___
Cassius returned a little bit late, earning a glare from Tatiana.
“Traffic,” Cassius explained, although that wasn’t the only thing that delayed him. Tatiana raised a brow. “Fine, Nathan wouldn’t come to my terms, so I played with him a little. After you work tomorrow, we’ll head there.”
Tatiana’s face softened, and she smiled. She approached to take off his suit, but the man crashed his lips on hers.
“I’m a bad kisser, and I’m going to learn from your partner tomorrow,” Cassius mentioned.
“Jojo told you,” Tatiana chuckled. “Bad kisser, my ass. You’re the best,” she tiptoed and connected the kiss.
___
The next day, on set, Tatiana was dressed in a beautiful gown. She was to stand by the small bridge waiting for Gavin. As he arrived, she was to confess her love for him and kiss him.
Just the thought was enough to make Tatiana’s stomach turn in disgust. Gavin was too full of himself.
She spotted him clad in a fine suit, with the makeup artist helping him with his appearance.
“He’s so full of himself. Is the big boss really coming?” Jolene asked.
“If he doesn’t, I’ve got a plan. I’m not brushing my lips on that mouth of his.”
Tatiana took a deep breath as she approached the bridge. The white elegant gown that accentuated her body blew behind her, along with her long black hair.
She was a beauty; the whole set couldn’t stop staring. Gavin’s eyes twitched, his lust intensified. However…
A figure stepped into the scene. Director Felix, who was about to drink water, almost choked.
Cassius King!?
The senior director, who was also present, was shocked beyond measure. The directors both stood and stared at the approaching man with parted lips.
Cassius was simply clad in a white shirt, black pants, and black shades. His gaze met Tatiana’s, and he smiled slightly.
“Mr… King,” the senior director stuttered. Felix was not bluffing when he mentioned Mr. King’s presence. When he told him about Cassius King’s interest in the project, he hadn’t believed it, and now… this man was standing right before him.
Gavin was stunned too. This was the first time he would see Cassius King in real life. A man called King. Fuck! Maybe he would try to get his attention today. He adjusted his suit.
Tatiana, who saw this, scoffed.
Jolene was trying to hold back her laughter by pressing her lips together. This was going to be mad interesting.
After Cassius settled down, he crossed his legs and glanced over at Gavin.
Oh, the fool who is going to kiss his woman? Interesting.
“Mr. King, may I ask what brings you here?” Director Felix asked.
“Yeah,” Cassius removed his shades. His eyes met Gavin’s, cold. “I heard there would be a kissing scene. I’m a bad kisser, you see, and I’d like to learn,” he said loud enough for Gavin to hear.
Gavin felt his soul leaving his body. What the hell!?
His eyes widened as realization hit him.
“It’s such amazing weather for the kissing scene, don’t you think, Mr. Felix!?” Cassius said aloud.
Felix blinked in confusion.
Jolene secretly filmed Gavin’s reaction. “So sweet,” she chuckled.
Gavin met Tatiana’s gaze. She was smiling calmly. Cassius King was the man she was talking about?!
Gavin knew he was in deep shit. The senior director asked to start, and Gavin slowly stood. His walk was slow as he trembled under Cassius King’s gaze.
Geez! Not long ago, this same man had destroyed Nathan Redmond in the blink of an eye. What would happen to a small rat like him? He halted and slowly looked at Cassius, who was also staring at him intensely.
Those deep shades of blue eyes sent fear straight to his core. He would destroy him without lifting a finger.
Cassius spoke again. “Kiss her well. Good luck.”
What he actually meant was…
‘Kiss my woman, if you dare.’