10
Conway
The night of the show was chaotic.
There were cameras everywhere, magazine editors networking with other editors in the business. Distributors tried to get my attention, but I walked off to another person I needed to greet. Lights flashed in my face as reporters kept snapping my picture.
I took the attention with grace, hiding my true irritation. I was passionate about my work but not about my popularity. People asked me the dumbest questions, like where I derived my inspiration from.
Fucking, obviously.
My crew escorted me through the crowd along the entryway and finally inside the old opera theater. Wealthy men and women stood on top of the meeting ground of the biggest human trafficking organization in the world.
And they had no idea.
If I ever got caught, my reputation would be destroyed. People would question how I treated my models and how I ran my business. Every time I told myself I was going to walk away from the situation, I got sucked right back in.
I moved to the row that was reserved for me. My trusted advisers were already waiting for me, ready to flank me on both sides so people would have a difficult time reaching me. But instead of taking a seat, I showed myself backstage.
Nearly naked women were everywhere, putting the final touches on their hair and makeup and slipping tall heels onto their feet. Some grabbed my arm as they passed and hugged me to calm their nerves.
I returned the affection, but only so I wouldn’t be an asshole.
I made my way back until I found One.
Her hair and makeup were done, and now she stood in front of the mirror in the gorgeous piece of lingerie that had been customized just for her. The diamonds sparkled, and only a woman as beautiful as she could rock such an expensive piece of clothing. I adjusted the fabric so it fit her measurements perfectly, and it looked so good it was difficult not to stare.
I came up behind her, entranced by the queen right before me. My hands slid into my pockets to make sure I wouldn’t grab her.
Her eyes met mine in the mirror. Blue and brilliant, they added a splash of color to her outfit. Her brown hair was in lustrous waves, and her eye shadow had a small sparkle that matched the diamonds she wore.
Fucking perfect.
I stood behind her, my head nearly a foot higher than hers, even when she wore those sky-high heels. “You seem nervous.”
“I’m about to model in front of a theater full of people. Yeah…I’m a little nervous.”
“Don’t be.”
“Easier said than done,” she said with a faint chuckle.
My hands gripped her shoulders, and I pressed my mouth to her ear. “From the moment I saw you…I knew. You’re the most beautiful, most fascinating woman to walk across this stage. I wouldn’t put you out there if I didn’t think you could do it. I’m risking my neck by putting you in the finale. I wouldn’t do that unless I was absolutely sure.” I felt her pulse quicken underneath my fingertips, felt her breathing increase at my touch. Her body lit on fire the same way mine did. I could feel the connection strengthen between us, feel the attraction spark in the air.
I kissed her shoulder, directly beside the strap that held the baby doll over her body. I didn’t give a damn if anyone saw me adore this woman with sexy caresses. Instantly, she breathed deeply, just as affected by my touch as I was by hers. My lips returned to her ear. “Trust me.”
* * *
Once the show began, the attention was finally off of me. I was tired of shaking hands, of listening to people make conversation with me about their opinions of my work. People wanted to take photos with me, to post them on social media to make their lives seem more exciting than they really were.
The lights went down, the music started, and then the girls came out.
Right on cue, beautiful women paraded around the stage without faltering on their ridiculous heels. Some were so tall, they looked more like ballerina shoes. They each sported something different I had created. Some of the girls practiced wearing a different piece of lingerie, and I’d had to switch it out for my new creations. I could have waited until the next show before I premiered them.
But I was a very impatient man.
The energy from the crowd soaked directly into my skin. I could hear their whispered excitement, see the way people took photos with their phones. Every woman on that stage was breathtaking, and they made my lingerie even more beautiful.
Anastasia did a decent job. She had a very small part in the show, lingering in the back and away from the focal point. But she was still a pretty girl. I gave her something more conservative to wear, but it was the only one-piece in the show.