The Beginning
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"Are you naked underneath?" His husky voice whispered in my ear, his greedy hands roaming over my body.
"What?"
Instead of answering, he pressed closer, his presence overwhelming. It was hard to resist the urge to reach out to him. He was so close I could feel the heat radiating from his body, igniting a fire within me. My breath hitched as his hands explored further, sending shivers down my spine.
"What are you doing?" I whispered breathlessly, my voice trembling. His closeness, his touch, it all felt so dangerously intoxicating.
He didn't respond with words. Instead, he trailed his fingers along my collarbone, tracing delicate patterns that left my skin tingling. His lips brushed against my ear, his breath hot and tantalizing.
"Do you feel that?" he murmured, his voice like molten lava.
I nodded, unable to find my voice, as his hand slipped under the fabric of my shirt, caressing the bare skin beneath.
Every touch, every whisper, sent waves of heat coursing through my veins. My body responded to his every move, arching toward him, craving more of his intoxicating presence.
"Tell me to stop," he breathed, his lips grazing my neck, igniting sparks wherever they touched. But I couldn't. The desire that pulsed between us was too strong, too overwhelming.
Instead, I tilted my head back, giving him better access, surrendering to the magnetic pull between us.
"Don't stop," I whispered, my voice barely audible, yet filled with the urgency of my need.
With a low growl, he claimed my lips, and the world around us dissolved into a haze of passion and heat.
His hands moved with purpose, exploring every curve and contour of my body. Each touch was electrifying, sending jolts of pleasure through me.
I should stop.
My fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer as our kisses deepened, growing more urgent.
But... I can't...
He broke the kiss just long enough to pull my shirt over my head, discarding it carelessly. His eyes burned with desire as they raked over my now-exposed skin.
"You're beautiful," he whispered, his voice raw with emotion.
His lips found mine again, and I lost myself in the sensation, in the way he made me feel so alive, so wanted.
"Just as I expected, you're wearing something underneath these damn clothes," he whispered silently. His words made my heart race, and I pulled him back to me, needing to feel his skin against mine. Our bodies pressed together, the heat between us almost unbearable.
I moaned as his hands and lips continued their exploration, the sound escaping me involuntarily, revealing just how much I was enjoying this.
"Next time, don't wear anything underneath or I'm gonna tear it all," he growled against my skin, his voice filled with a mix of frustration and desire. The promise in his words sent another wave of heat through me, making me ache for more.
"CUT!!!" A loud voice boomed, and a series of clapping sounds echoed throughout the room.
The haze of passion evaporated instantly as the harsh reality of our surroundings snapped back into focus. The director stood up, clapping his hands enthusiastically. "That was fantastic! Exactly what we needed!"
I pulled away from him, feeling a rush of embarrassment and awkwardness. Realization hit me hard as everything snapped back into place. We were just acting, yet I almost fell into his trap. I almost fell into my desire, and that makes me want to slap myself for how dumb I must look. I can't believe I acted like that in front of him.
People think we were acting, but no, I wasn't acting at all. My eyes went to Jared, and I glared at him. I can't fucking believe it. We're adults here and he's still in it?
"Great job, everyone!" the director continued. "Let's take a ten-minute break before we move on to the next scene."
Staff came toward me as Jared got up from the bed and headed straight to his dressing room, acting as if nothing had happened.
"As expected from the greatest actress, Daniella Castillo. You've always surpassed my expectations," the director proudly stated, clapping at me, and I only smiled her way.
I got up from the bed and headed straight to my dressing room, my friend Nana following closely behind me.
"What happened there?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.
I sighed, running a hand through my hair as I tried to collect my thoughts. "I don't know, Nana. It's like I completely forgot we were acting. I almost... I almost lost control."
"He knew it. He fucking knew it, Nana. That's my weakness!" I exclaimed, my voice a mixture of frustration and fury as I slammed the dressing room door behind us.
Nana's eyes widened with concern as she placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Dani, calm down. What are you talking about?"
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart, but the anger boiled over. "Jared. He knew exactly how to get under my skin, how to make me lose control. I thought I was acting, but I wasn't. I almost fell into my desire for him, and now I feel like an idiot."
A complete idiot.
"I fell into his trap, Nana. After all these scenes, just when we're almost done with the taping, my facade as an actress is starting to crumble."
Nana's eyes softened with sympathy. "Dani, you're an incredible actress. Everyone has moments where reality blurs with the role they're playing. Jared is good, but you are better. Don't let this moment define you."
"But it felt so real," I said, my voice cracking. "I couldn't tell where the character ended and I began. He knew how to push my buttons, and I hate that he has that power over me."
Nana paused, her expression thoughtful. "Actually, that tension between you two? It was electric. It added a whole new layer to the scene. It was... hot."
I glared at her. "You're not helping sometimes."
"Well, I can't deny the chemistry was palpable," Nana continued with a mischievous grin. "It was like watching a match made in hell."
I rolled my eyes, but a small smile tugged at my lips despite myself. "Okay, maybe there was something there, but it's complicated. This isn't just about acting anymore."
"We'll deal with that later," Nana said firmly, her tone shifting to a more serious note. "Right now, you need to focus. Channel that raw emotion, use it to fuel your performance. Jared might think he's got the upper hand, but remember who you are."
"You're right," I admitted, feeling some of the tension ease from my shoulders. "I can use this. I won't let him distract me."
"That's the spirit," Nana said encouragingly. "Now take a moment to breathe, gather yourself, and then show them why you're the best."
I nodded, grateful for her support. "Thanks, Nana. I needed that pep talk."
"Anytime," she replied with a warm smile, giving my shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Now go out there and own it."
I took a deep breath and composed myself. The line between reality and fiction might blur in the heat of the moment, but I was ready to take control.
Stepping out of the dressing room, I reentered the set with a renewed sense of purpose.
Whatever Jared's intentions were, I would use this experience to elevate my performance and prove to everyone, including myself, that I was more than capable of rising above it all.
I won't fall down so easily.
_______________________________
I | Senior Year
"Wanna take a dip together?" Jared murmured, his voice low and inviting as we lay tangled together in bed, bodies naked and intertwined.
"Hmm." I turned my head to look at Jared, his eyes dark with desire, his touch still sending shivers down my spine.
The room was quiet, save for our breathing and the faint sounds of the city outside. It was one of those moments suspended in time, where everything else faded away except for the intensity between us.
"Where?" I asked softly, already knowing the answer but wanting to hear him say it.
"In the tub," he replied huskily, brushing his lips against my neck.
I shivered at the sensation, a mixture of anticipation and nervousness coursing through me. This wasn't just about taking a bath together; it was our usual morning routine before heading to school together.
But the pull of Jared's warmth, his magnetic presence, drew me in. Without another word, I nodded, my heart racing as we untangled ourselves from the sheets and made our way to the bathroom.
The tub was large enough for two, filled with warm water and scented bubbles that filled the air with a sweet fragrance.
Jared stepped in first, extending a hand to help me in. As our bodies met in the water, I shuddered as my body hit the cold yet warm water.
I settled against him, his arms wrapping around me protectively. The warmth of the water enveloped us, melting away any remaining tension. We stayed like that for a while, simply enjoying each other's company in comfortable silence.
"I'm tired," I whispered eventually, breaking the quietude.
Jared tilted his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "For what?"
"I don't know," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. "I feel comfortable just being like this with you."
He kissed the top of my head gently, his touch so tender that I felt I might pop any second. "We've got school, babe."
I laughed softly and turned myself to face him. "I know, but right now, I just want to stay here with you."
Jared's eyes softened, and he tightened his hold on me. "Then we'll stay a little longer."
We continued to relax in the tub, the water soothing our bodies and the closeness providing a sense of comfort and intimacy that words couldn't capture.
This moment, like many others, was a testament to the bond we shared—a connection that went beyond the physical, into something deeper and more profound.
Eventually, reality beckoned, and we knew we had to get ready for school. But as we dried off and got dressed, the warmth of the morning lingered, a reminder of the love and connection we shared.
"Ready?" Jared asked, slipping his hand into mine.
"Ready," I replied, smiling up at him as we left the bathroom, ready to face the day together.
*
