0.2

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. 

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