"So, what do you say?" Jabari asked me, oceans of hope in his brown eyes.

I sigh. "Whatever, fine." I agree with a huff. "So who am I gonna be working with?" I ask.

A wide smile crept onto his face. "I think you'll be very satisfied with my selection." He purred turning to his assistant.

"Call him in." Jabari announced.

The door slid open and I barely contained a gasp --- he was tall, very, very tall. A tribal sleeve tattoo covered the entirety of his muscled left arm.  Long black hair framed his face, blessed with a chiseled jawline and eyes that looked like they could pierce through mine. 

"This is Kai, Kai Henderson. And Kai, this is Raine Drew."  He introduced.

Kai nodded stiffly and I returned the gesture.

"Why so stiff?" Jabari purred. "I need chemistry, mind blowing chemistry always makes for mind blowing photos."

"I have to go." I excused myself.

"Alright, we're running a shoot tonight, I'll text you the location, be there at 7:30." He shouted after me.

"Right." I shouted back, trying to get away from Kai as fast as possible.

No, no, no... not him. I had a strict rule that prevented me from having any romantic relationship with any of my coworkers. Made things less messy, but I was a hundred percent sure that I couldn't work with Kai and not fuck him. It was humanly impossible; he's a weapon fashioned against me.

I got out my phone and called my roommate - Josette.

"Ho, you need to get your ass out of that studio, now." I said as soon as she picked up.

"Why?" She asked, her voice filled with worry. "Are you in trouble? Cause I can't bail you out, I'm high as shit right now."

"No, nothing like that." I clarified. "It's fucking Jabari."

"Alright, meet you at home." He said before hanging up.

A ding on my phone drew my attention. It was a message from Jabari.

JABARI: I gave your number and social media to Kai. Play nice ;)

YOU (RAINE): Fuck you, fr.

JABARI: Lol. 7:30, don't be late.

YOU: Whatever.

Another notification popped up just then on my Instagram.

New Follow: Kai Henderson now follows you.

New message: It's Kai. Jabari said to contact you about the shoot location.

Fuck you, Jabari.

YOU: It's over in Manhattan.

KAI: I don't know how to get there.

YOU: You're not a local?

KAI: No.

YOU: When should I pick you up then?

KAI: 6:00, Autumn Court hotel 

He's so monotone. I bit my lip and went to his Instagram page.

Zero posts, zero likes, 103k followers, 4 following.

I groaned, tossing my phone onto the passenger seat as I slid into my car. The universe was clearly conspiring against me today. I turned the key in the ignition, the engine rumbling to life as I pulled out of the parking lot.

The drive home was a blur of honking horns and city lights, my mind racing faster than the traffic around me. 

By the time I stumbled through the door of our apartment, Josette was already sprawled on the couch, a half-eaten bag of chips balanced precariously on her stomach.

"Spill," she demanded, her eyes glassy but attentive.

I collapsed next to her, stealing a handful of chips. "Remember that guy I told you about? The one I saw at that gallery opening last month."

Josette's brow furrowed in concentration. "The walking wet dream with the tattoos?"

"That's the one," I sighed. "Well, guess who Jabari paired me up with for tonight's shoot?"

Her eyes widened. "No fucking way."

"Oh, it gets better," I said, pulling out my phone to show her Kai's Instagram. "Look at this. Over a hundred thousand followers, and not a single post. Who even does that?"

Josette whistled low. "Damn, girl. You're in trouble."

I buried my face in my hands. "I know. And now I have to pick him up in..." I glanced at the clock, "less than an hour. How am I supposed to survive a car ride alone with him?"

"Simple," Josette said, sitting up and sending chips scattering across the floor. "You don't."

I peeked at her through my fingers. "What do you mean?"

A mischievous grin spread across her face. "I'm coming with you."

"Jo, you're high as a kite right now."

She waved her hand dismissively. "I'll be fine by the time we leave. Besides, you need a buffer. I'll keep things from getting too... intense."

I hesitated, weighing my options. On one hand, having Josette there might help keep things professional. On the other, knowing her, she might just make things worse.

"Fine," I conceded. "But you better be sobered up by the time we leave. And no embarrassing stories!"

Josette's grin widened. "Wouldn't dream of it, darling. Now, let's get you looking irresistible."

As she dragged me towards my closet, I couldn't shake the feeling that tonight was going to be a disaster. But with Kai's piercing eyes burned into my memory, I wasn't entirely sure I minded.

---

The studio lights were unrelenting, spotlighting every inch of the space with a golden intensity that felt suffocating. I stood rigid, arms crossed tightly, trying to ignore the magnetic pull of Kai's presence a few feet away.

The car ride here was an absolute disaster. Jo and he seemed to hit it off almost immediately. He smiled, like actually smiled, and he spoke in words larger than monosyllables. I almost ran into a sidewalk when I saw him smile, all his piercing features took on a child-like vibe, and like he wasn't beautiful enough, he had to have goddamn dimples too.

"Alright, let's get started!" the photographer called out, already buzzing with energy. "Raine, Kai, step in. We're going for something raw, something intimate—electricity that makes the viewer feel it."

I rolled my eyes, muttering under her breath, "No pressure."

Kai moved first, his long strides measured, his confidence palpable. She followed reluctantly, determined to keep things strictly professional.

"Closer," the photographer said, circling them like a predator. "No, no, not like that—Kai, hold her like you mean it. Raine, stop stiffening up. He's not gonna bite... unless you want him to."

My cheeks burned as I shot the photographer a glare. "Seriously Dylan?" I scolded

"Seriously," he shot back, unfazed. "Now, Kai, hands on her waist. Raine, lean into him—give me that vulnerability."

Kai's hands settled on her waist, firm but not demanding. His touch burned through the thin fabric of her dress, and she swallowed hard, fighting the flutter in her chest.

"Relax," he murmured, his voice like velvet.

"I am relaxed," I hissed back, my voice tight.

He scoffed. "Sure, you are, you're acting like I've got shit on my clothes."

"Closer!" the photographer interrupted. "Kai, pull her in—Raine, trust him, let him ground you."

Kai didn't hesitate. He tugged me forward, our bodies flush, and the breath hitched in my throat. I could feel the heat radiating from him, the way his chest rose and fell in tandem with mine.

"Look at each other," the photographer demanded, snapping photos like a man possessed. "Eyes locked—this is a story about connection. Yes, just like that. Breathe her in, Kai."

My heart thundered as Kai's gaze locked on mine. His dark eyes bore into me, searching, daring me to look away. My breaths grew shallow, and I swore he could hear the way my pulse raced.

"Perfect! Now, Kai, tilt her chin up—closer, like you can't get enough of her."

His fingers brushed my jaw, the touch so light it was maddening. My stomach flipped, defenses crumbling under the weight of his intensity. 

It's just a stupid shoot, Raine, not that deep. Comport yourself, get it together for fucks sake.

"Good," the photographer praised, but his tone was sly. "Raine, you're holding back. Let him in."

I gritted my teeth, my pride warring with the undeniable pull between us. Kai leaned in, just enough for me to feel the heat of his breath against my skin, and I knew—he was enjoying this way too much.

"You're a professional," he murmured, his voice low enough for only me to hear. "Act like it."

The challenge in his tone sent a jolt of irritation through me, but it was no match for the flush spreading acrossmy skin. I glared up at him, but my body betrayed me, softening under his touch.

"Beautiful," the photographer said, still snapping away. "This chemistry—ugh, it's magic. We're getting gold here."

By the time the shoot ended, I was trembling with tension. The second the photographer called it, I pulled away, trying to steady my uneven breaths.

"Good work," Kai said, his voice steady, infuriatingly unaffected.

"Thanks. "I avoided his gaze, grabbing my things and heading for the door. But as I walked away, I swore I could still feel his touch, the heat of his breath, the weight of his stare.

It was going to be a long night.

Kai's POV

The lights were blinding, the kind that stripped everything raw. I could feel the heat of them on my skin, but I barely noticed. My focus was locked on her—Raine Drew.

She stood a few feet away, rigid and defensive, arms crossed like she needed a barrier between us. That defiance in her eyes, though, the kind that dared you to get too close—it was almost intoxicating. Almost.

Dylan, the photographer, was already in motion, circling us like a damn vulture.

"Alright, let's get started!" he called out, his voice buzzing with excitement. "Raine, Kai, step in. We're going for something raw, something intimate—electricity that makes the viewer feel it."

I stepped forward first, not bothering to wait for her. Her hesitation was palpable as she joined me, her every movement screaming reluctance.

"Closer," Dylan said, snapping pictures even as he spoke. "No, no, not like that—Kai, hold her like you mean it. Raine, stop stiffening up. He's not gonna bite... unless you want him to."

Her cheeks flushed at that, and I couldn't help the smirk tugging at my lips. She shot Dylan a glare, her voice sharp. "Seriously, Dylan?"

"Seriously," he shot back, completely unfazed. "Now, Kai, hands on her waist. Raine, lean into him—give me that vulnerability."

I let my hands settle on her waist, firm but not overstepping. Even through the thin fabric of her dress, I could feel the tension radiating off her. She was wound so tight, I half-expected her to snap.

"Relax," I murmured, keeping my voice low.

"I am relaxed," she hissed, her words clipped and defensive.

I let out a soft scoff. "Sure, you are. You're acting like I've got shit on my clothes."

Before she could retort, Dylan interrupted again. "Closer! Kai, pull her in—Raine, trust him, let him ground you."

I didn't hesitate. I pulled her closer, until our bodies were flush. Her breath hitched, and I felt it more than I heard it. She was fighting this—fighting me—but her body betrayed her in the way it softened just slightly against mine.

"Look at each other," Dylan demanded, his camera clicking away like a machine gun. "Eyes locked—this is a story about connection. Yes, just like that. Breathe her in, Kai."

Her gaze met mine, and for a moment, the world narrowed to just us. Her green eyes were bright with defiance, but there was something else too, something she didn't want me to see.

"Perfect! Now, Kai, tilt her chin up—closer, like you can't get enough of her."

I lifted my hand, brushing my fingers against her jaw. Her skin was warm, and she flinched, barely, but enough for me to notice. Her lips parted slightly, her breaths coming shallow and uneven.

Dylan kept talking, his voice background noise I barely registered.

"You're a professional," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper. "Act like it."

Her glare could've turned me to stone, but she didn't pull away. Her pride was a fortress, but her body was betraying her, and we both knew it.

"Beautiful," Dylan said, his tone thick with satisfaction. "This chemistry—ugh, it's magic. We're getting gold here."

When Dylan finally called it, she pulled away fast, practically bolting like she needed to escape.

"Good work," I said, keeping my tone neutral even though I could still feel the warmth of her body against mine.

"Thanks," she mumbled, not even glancing back as she grabbed her things and made a beeline for the door.

I watched her go, my chest still tight with the tension that hadn't dissipated. She was fierce, guarded, and impossible to read, but damn if I wasn't already thinking about the next time I'd get to unravel her.

This wasn't over. Not by a long shot.

I stayed back at the studio and decided to text a friend to pick me up.

KAI: Loser

KIERRA: What???

KAI: Need u to come pick me up

KIERRA: From where tho?

KAI: The shoot location

KIERRA: I thought you had a ride???

KAI: Had...past tense

KAI: I think she's scared of me

KIERRA: *laughing emoji*

KIERRA: I need to hear this one in person. I'm omw bitch.

Kierra's car pulled up to the curb about fifteen minutes later, her playlist blaring something obnoxiously upbeat. She lowered her sunglasses as I slid into the passenger seat, her grin already smug.

"So," she started, not even waiting for me to settle in. "Who's this mysterious she that's supposedly scared of you? Spill."

I shot her a sidelong glance. "Nobody important."

Her laugh was sharp and disbelieving. "Bullshit. If she's not important, why the dramatic SOS text? Come on, Kai. Give me something. Was it awkward? Did you say something stupid? Oh God, please tell me you didn't try to flirt."

I snorted, leaning back in the seat. "I don't try to flirt. It just happens."

"Uh-huh. And how'd that work out for you?"

"She bolted the second the shoot ended," I admitted, rubbing the back of my neck.

Kierra's laugh filled the car, loud and unapologetic. "She bolted? Damn, dude. You've still got it."

"Yeah, yeah. Mock it up while you can. I wasn't exactly trying to charm her."

"Oh, I'm sure," Kierra drawled, her sarcasm dripping. "What model who works here could possibly get you so wound up?"

"Let me guess—Joan Crane? Paula King? Oh, I know. It's Raine Drew isn't it?"

I stiffened, and that was all the confirmation she needed.

"Oh my God, it is her! I've heard about her. No one shuts up about how gorgeous and aloof she is. Please tell me she made you sweat."

"She didn't," I lied, looking out the window.

Kierra smirked, but she let it drop. "Alright, keep your secrets, Mr. Mysterious. Where to?"

I shrugged. "Anywhere with food."

The sun had just started to dip below the horizon, painting the Vegas skyline in warm streaks of orange and pink. Kierra and I had spent the better part of the evening hopping between spots, her dragging me to a few vintage shops while I followed without complaint. We ended up at a laid-back diner she claimed served the best milkshakes in the city.

I wasn't convinced, but she wouldn't shut up about it.

"Come on," she teased, leaning back in her seat. "Order a damn shake."

I shot her a flat look. "I don't do milkshakes."

"Right, because that would ruin your aesthetic," she said, mimicking air quotes.

Ignoring her, I flagged down a waitress and ordered black coffee. Kierra, of course, went for pancakes and fries, some weird ritual of hers I'd stopped questioning years ago.

We were halfway through the meal when the door jingled, signaling new arrivals. I didn't bother looking up at first—until Kierra's sharp intake of breath drew my attention.

"Well, would you look at that," she said, her voice brimming with mischief.

I followed her gaze, my stomach tightening involuntarily when I saw her.

Raine.

She walked in with Jo at her side, both of them laughing at something I couldn't hear. The sight of her stopped me cold for a moment. She looked different out of the studio lights—more relaxed, her ash-blonde hair falling in loose waves over her shoulders, she wore a little black dress which hugged her torso and flared at her waist, mor casual than her usual polished look.

Still stunning. Still impossible to ignore.

Kierra noticed the shift in my expression and grinned. "That is definately who i think it is"

"Don't," I warned.

"Don't what?" she asked, feigning innocence. "It's not my fault the universe decided to hand you this prime opportunity to redeem yourself. You should thank me for dragging you here."

Jo spotted us first, her face lighting up with recognition. She nudged Raine, nodding in our direction.

Raine's eyes landed on Kierra, then darted to me, a flicker of something unguarded—confusion? Jealousy?—crossing her face before she masked it.

"Raine, Jo," I greeted, keeping my tone easy.

"Kai," Jo replied, giving me a once-over. "Didn't know you had plans to stalk us tonight."

"Coincidence," Kierra interjected smoothly. "I'm Kierra, by the way. And you must be Jo."

Jo's eyes lit up with interest. "And you must be...?"

"Kai's friend," Kierra said, extending a hand. "Strictly platonic, I promise."

The tension in Raine's posture eased just slightly, but she kept her arms crossed, her gaze wary.

Jo shook Kierra's hand, her grin widening. "Good to know. And this is Raine."

Raine gave a small nod, her lips pressed together.

"We were just grabbing coffee," Kierra said. "Want to join?"

Jo shrugged. "Why not?"

Raine hesitated, her gaze flicking to me. I didn't look away, challenging her to make her decision without running again.

"Sure," she said finally, her tone clipped but not unkind.

As we walked toward the coffee shop, I couldn't help but notice the way her fingers toyed with the hem of her dress, a subtle tell she probably didn't even realize she had.

Kierra leaned close to Jo, flirting shamelessly, leaving me and Raine trailing behind.

"You didn't have to come," I said low enough that only she could hear.

She glanced at me, green eyes sharp. "And miss seeing you fawn over your girlfriend?"

It took me a second to process what she meant, and when it clicked, I couldn't help the short laugh that escaped. "Kierra? She's not my girlfriend."

Raine's expression didn't change, but her pace quickened.

"She's gay, if that clears things up," I added, matching her stride.

She shot me a sidelong glance, her lips parting slightly before she pressed them together again.

"I see," she said finally. 

KAI'S POV

The evening stretched on with conversations flowing naturally between Kierra and Jo, while Raine remained quieter, her guarded demeanor slipping just enough to suggest she wasn't entirely indifferent to the company. Still, I could feel her attention flit toward the door more often than not, her body language tight with a readiness to leave.

Finally, Raine straightened, her tone cutting through the chatter. "I think I've had enough for tonight."

Jo arched a brow. "You sure? It's barely past ten."

"I'm sure," Raine said, gathering her things without looking at anyone.

"Wait!" Kierra interjected with a grin, already turning to me. "Kai can take you home."

Raine froze, her green eyes narrowing. "That's not necessary."

"Totally necessary," Kierra countered, her grin widening. "Jo and I are gonna hang out a bit longer, and I'm not letting you call a cab when Mr. Broody here can chauffeur you."

"I can handle myself," Raine said, her voice edged with frustration.

But Jo was already nodding along. "Actually, yeah, Raine. Let him drive you. It's not a big deal."

Before Raine could argue further, Kierra tossed me her car keys with an exaggerated flourish. "There. All settled."

I caught them easily, letting out a low sigh as I stood. "Guess that's my cue."

Raine shot me a withering glare but didn't protest again. She led the way to Kierra's car, her silence thick and loaded as we slid inside.

The drive started off quiet, the kind of quiet that stretched long enough to feel suffocating. Raine stared out the window, arms crossed tightly over her chest. I stayed focused on the road, the occasional flash of lightning on the horizon catching my eye.

"You didn't have to do this," she finally said, breaking the silence.

"Believe me," I replied, my tone dry. "I didn't want to."

Her head snapped toward me, her glare sharp enough to cut. "Then why are you?"

"Because I didn't have a choice," I said simply, glancing at her. "And because Kierra thinks it's hilarious to mess with me."

Her lips pressed into a thin line, and she turned back to the window without another word.

By the time we reached her house, the first drops of rain had begun to fall, quickly escalating into a steady downpour. I shifted the car into park and turned to her.

"Here you go," I said, holding up the keys.

She frowned. "Aren't you supposed to take the car back?"

I nodded toward the ignition. "Kierra didn't give me the key fob. This thing won't start again without it."

Her eyes widened slightly. "You're kidding."

"Wish I was," I muttered.

Outside, the rain was coming down harder, accompanied by the distant rumble of thunder. Raine let out a slow breath, clearly weighing her options. Finally, she turned to me, her reluctance written all over her face.

"You might as well come in," she said, her tone clipped. "No point in sitting out here waiting for the storm to pass."

I didn't argue. Grabbing my jacket, I followed her up the short path to her front door.

Inside, the air was warm, a faint trace of lavender lingering in the space. The décor was minimal but not cold—soft lighting, neutral tones, and an impressive bookshelf lining one wall.

"Stay here," she said, kicking off her shoes by the door. "I'll grab some towels."

I nodded, taking in my surroundings as she disappeared down a hallway. The storm outside had picked up, the sound of rain hammering against the windows filling the space.

When she returned, she handed me a towel without meeting my gaze. "Dry off. And don't touch anything."

"Relax," I said, toweling off my hair. "I'm not gonna wreck the place."

She didn't respond, instead busying herself with setting up a throw blanket on the couch. Her movements were precise, almost mechanical, as if she needed the distraction.

"Nice place," I said after a moment.

She glanced at me, her expression neutral. "Thanks."

The silence that followed wasn't as tense as before, but it wasn't comfortable either. It was something else entirely—charged, like the storm outside.

I sank onto the couch, stretching my legs out as she hovered nearby. "You're not gonna offer your guest a drink?"

Her lips twitched, almost like she wanted to smile but refused to give me the satisfaction. "Do you want water or water?"

"Water's fine," I said, smirking.

She disappeared into the kitchen, and I let my head fall back against the couch, listening to the rain.

When she returned, she handed me a glass without a word and sat in the chair across from me, pulling her knees up to her chest. Her hair was still damp from the rain, the loose waves darker now, clinging to her shoulders.

"You look like you've got something to say," I said, watching her.

Her gaze flicked to me, sharp but guarded. "I don't."

"Sure about that?"

She didn't answer right away, her eyes narrowing slightly as she studied me. Finally, she exhaled.

"You're different than I expected," she said quietly.

"Is that a compliment?"

"Not really," she replied, but there was no malice in her tone.

The corners of my mouth lifted in a faint smile. "Fair enough."

We sat in silence after that, the storm outside roaring on. For the first time all night, Raine didn't seem as tightly wound, and I couldn't help but think that maybe—just maybe—this storm had worked in my favor.

The storm outside showed no sign of letting up, thunder rolling in the distance as rain lashed against the windows. I sipped the water Raine had begrudgingly offered, my eyes drifting to her as she shifted on the chair.

She looked at me then, her brow furrowing slightly. "You look uncomfortable."

I blinked. "What?"

"You're wet," she said bluntly, nodding toward the damp fabric of my shirt. "It's not going to dry anytime soon."

"It's fine," I replied, leaning back against the couch.

She hesitated, her gaze flickering over me like she was considering her next words carefully. Finally, she stood. "You can use my shower if you want. I'll find you something to wear."

I raised an eyebrow. "You're offering me your shower?"

"Don't make it weird," she muttered, already heading toward a hallway. "Follow me."

I didn't argue, trailing her down the hall and into a sleek, minimal bathroom. The scent of lavender lingered here too, the steam from her earlier shower still faintly clinging to the air.

"Stay here," she said, disappearing into what I assumed was her bedroom.

When she returned, she held a folded stack of clothes—a plain white T-shirt and grey sweatpants. She handed them to me without meeting my gaze.

"Thanks," I said, taking the bundle.

"Just... don't take forever," she said, stepping back toward the door.

I paused, holding up the shirt. "Why do you have men's clothes?"

Her eyes snapped back to mine, narrowing slightly. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing," I said with a smirk. "Just curious."

She crossed her arms, leaning against the doorframe. "They're not mine, obviously. I keep them for... emergencies."

"Emergencies like random guys needing to shower during a storm?"

Her lips twitched, the faintest hint of a smile threatening to break through. "Exactly. Now hurry up before I change my mind."

I shook my head, chuckling under my breath as she turned and walked away, her footsteps fading down the hall.

The hot water was a relief, washing away the lingering chill from the rain. I couldn't help but wonder whose clothes I was wearing, though I doubted I'd get a straight answer from her. Still, something about the situation felt strangely... intimate.

When I emerged, dressed in the borrowed clothes, I found Raine back in the living room, curled up on the couch with a blanket draped over her lap. She glanced up as I entered, her expression unreadable.

"Feel better?" she asked.

I nodded, rubbing a towel over my damp hair. "I owe you one."

She shrugged, her gaze dropping to her lap. "Don't mention it."

I sat across from her, the silence between us heavier now, though not entirely uncomfortable. She glanced at me again, her green eyes flickering with something I couldn't quite place.

"Whose clothes are these?" I asked, breaking the quiet.

Her jaw tightened slightly, but she didn't look away. "A friend's."

"Boyfriend?"

She rolled her eyes. "No."

I leaned back, studying her. "You're not going to tell me, are you?"

She shrugged.

I smirked. "Fine. Keep your secrets."

Her lips curved ever so slightly, a fleeting moment of warmth that disappeared as quickly as it came.

"They belong to my ex."

"Oh."

The single syllable hung in the air, weighted by more than just its meaning.

Her gaze dropped back to her lap, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of the blanket. "He left them here. I just never got around to throwing them out."

I nodded slowly, unsure of what to say. "Must've been serious if his stuff's still here."

Her head snapped up, eyes narrowing. "Not really. People leave things behind all the time."

I held my hands up in mock surrender. "Fair enough."

The tension between us crackled faintly, like static electricity just beneath the surface. Outside, the storm raged on, thunder rumbling in the distance, but inside, the air between us felt like the calm before something much bigger.