It took too much effort to be attentive towards the shoot when he was right before me.

Manspreading, he licked his lips along with strong eyes contemplating me as an urge to devour me flashed.

I saw it!

I swear, for a second, it felt like he would do anything to consume me into darkness. Into some wicked web and I won’t be able to escape even if I wanted to.

Please let it be my imagination.

I prayed hopelessly, I shook my head and continued working, blocking all the negative aura received by him which only worsened when he approached me after the shoot.

“Coffee?”

No compliments? Not even a ‘good job'?

I was about to reject it but Byron, for the sake of reducing the animosity and breaking the wall between us, interrupted me.

“Of course, she would love to, Mr. Black,”

Sighing, I rolled my eyes, folding my arms at my chest. His eyes darkened, observing my actions carefully that made me slightly unsettled.

I didn’t want to but Byron forced me as we were at a nearby coffee shop.

My gaze was out of the window, unsure what to speak when he was observing me. Carefully, very carefully.

And I was desperately endeavoring to block the radiance of those questionable eyes, scanning me like an open book.

“So,” He cleared his throat, “What’s the score, Marianne?”

“3 to 1,” I spoke so fast that my eyes widened, realizing what I said as he laughed faintly, waving his hand.

“So you actually stopped me to pay me back,”

I panicked, “N-No, no, I mean,”

“Leave it. It’s all written on your face,” He shrugged, gesturing to me to relax but it was the only thing I was unable to do in his presence.

When the coffee arrived, I sparked a conversation, hoping to cut the thick air which was hastening my beats.

Seriously, to sit two minutes alone with him was too much for me.

“So, I heard you wanted to start your own brand for a long time, didn’t you?”

“Yeah, It was a dream which I am finally fulfilling, I couldn’t find the right people and time for it but now I do.” He smiled, taking a sip.

“I am finally doing what my parents couldn’t.”

“Really?”

“Hmm,” He hummed, pausing for a moment, “Although I had zero expectations from you but you proved me wrong,”

“Why is that? Have you not heard or seen my walk?” I chuckled gracefully.

Finding it hard to believe that he had no hopes from me, the supermodel, one of the finest models currently. I mean, he hired me.

“I did but I thought you would deliberately sabotage me since you glare at me all the time,” Oh, nice idea.

I forced a smile, tilting my head, “Am I glaring now?”

“Yes, but, tell me,”

Resting his elbow on the table, he placed his chin over his palm in order to lean in and locked those eyes with mine, hitching my breaths while challenging me.

“Am ‘I’ glaring now?”

I accepted his challenge and narrowed my eyes, shifting forward as well. Solely focused on finding out, nothing else.

I stared, and stared, attempting to find any sign of wrath, hostility in his eyes but all he displayed was a sly smile.

Tilting his head, an aura of charms swirled around him and after a thorough inspection, when I found not a single indication of negativity, I trailed off nervously.

“... Uh, no…?”

He chuckled, shaking his head, breaking the contact and poking my forehead without a warning.

“Wrong answer.”

Before I could demand an explanation, he was already standing. He slid his shades on, the dark lenses hiding his expression as a sudden, cold austerity returned to his posture.

“Let’s go back.” He turned and walked away without a backward glance while I kept staring.

What did he mean, wrong answer?

When we returned, I was standing by the monitors, reviewing the raw shots with Byron, when the air behind me shifted.

I didn’t need to look to know it was him, playing another game to twist my mind..

“Frame forty-two,” his voice came right next to my ear.

I stiffened, my breath hitching as he reached past me to point at the screen. He didn't just point, though. His arm brushed firmly against mine, as completely on purpose as he gripped my forearm for a second.

“Mr–” I gulped, raising my brows but before I could react he let go as the heat of his skin seared through the thin fabric of my sleeve.

I tried to shrink away, but he didn't move. Instead, he leaned further in, his chest nearly grazing my shoulder, his knee between my legs which froze me.

His other hand came up, resting, seemingly by accident, on my waist to steady himself as he squinted at the monitor breathing heavily in my ears.

“What do you think of this, Marianne?” He asked seductively, indirectly referring to the blazing heat of our body.

The touch was electric, enhancing my heartbeats, the coldness in my bone when I felt his knee against my thigh, surging a spark in my body.

“What–” I was about to turn but he held my chin and made me look at the monitor.

“About this.” He pressed himself into me more, draining my strength, inducing a thrill I attempted to resist.

His presence, his breaths, his scent, all was a lingering pressure that evoked the natural reaction of desire from within. My heart pounded against my ribcage as if it would leap out of my chest.

“Don’t you think it's…. Perfect?” He hummed on my neck.

And I knew he could feel the way my body betrayed me by tensing into a hard line of desire and panic. It made him smirk, darkly.

I looked up, ready to snap at him to watch his personal space, but he was already pulling away.

“The lighting is off on the jawline,” he said calmly to Byron back to his frontage of a professional indifference.

He didn't look at me. He didn't even acknowledge the fact that he had just sent my nervous system into a meltdown.

He checked his watch, adjusted his cuffs, and started walking toward the exit, “Fix the shadows for the next set, Marianne. Try not to look so... distracted.”

I stood there, mouth slightly agape, my skin still humming where he’d touched me.

The arrogance was staggering. He had dismantled my composure with a single ‘accidental’ touch and then tossed me aside like a discarded draft.

“Distracted?” I hissed under my breath, my face flushing a deep, embarrassed crimson.

“You clearly were.” He smirked.

I wasn't just angry anymore. I was humiliated. And the worst part? He knew exactly what he was doing.

Despite the privileges as an Obsidian model, the protocol, absolutely scrumptious treatment, the only thing that bothered me was my Boss.

Him and his ways to piss me off were just… intolerable. The days where Mr. Black weren’t present during the shoot were absolutely lavishing.

Subsequently, in order to shift my mind off from him, Zoe and I decided to hang out. We were alone at a private party, hoping to pass time.

“You don't think I am a whore, right, Marianne?” Zoe asked hesitantly.

“I couldn’t care less about it, Zoe, I know how things work.” I reassured her, patting her back before converting my emotions into rage.

“Let it be corporate or here, some people think they can use people lower than them for their selfish desires. Money, power, it rules. It always did. Mr. Black is another example of another pig who uses innocents,”

When I was speaking mindlessly, accidentally mixing my personal life in my words, Zoe cut me off.

“Marianne? I didn’t mean it like that. He… seduced me. I consented. I am not dating too so I thought it won’t be wrong…” She explained.

I frowned, “So you will throw yourself to anyone who will try to seduce you?”

“N-No, I-I,”

“We both know why you let him come near, Zoe. Let’s not cover up with a lie. And let’s be honest,”

Faking a smile, I rose from my seat, hitting her with the harsh truth.

“No matter how much you try to win his favor, you are not capable enough to replace me, or even Misty,”

Her jaw dropped.

“You are not a saint either, Marianne!”

I arched an eyebrow, “Oh?”

“Just because you have Byron and ‘HIS’ hand over your head, you fly high else you will be struggling like me too!”

Slamming her hand down, she was ranting but waving my hand in the air gracefully, I just ignored her. Not interested in those stupid talks.

I knew how I had reached this point, I knew how much I endeavored in order to gain this peace.

Her words couldn’t shake my core.

“Yeah, yeah, whatever,”

Not bothering myself with her anymore, I decided to leave and empty my mind by clubbing. It had been a while since I went out and enjoyed myself.

I wanted to call a few friends but after what happened with Zoe, I wasn’t in the mood for some drama and decided to indulge in loneliness.

Entering the VIP section, I was humming to myself, using my phone while drinking, engrossed in my tiny world where there was no interruption.

No wrong statements, no glares, no hatred, no responsibility.

Just when I thought I had earned myself a reprieve, I heard a drunk woman beside me, taking her chance to the man next to hers.

"My, what a person like you is doing here alone?" She asked temptingly, putting her hand on his shoulder, leaning her body forward to him.

I smirked, intrigued to see where it would go until I heard the voice of the man.

"Probably waiting for your approach."

Oh, I could recognize this huskiness, the tone this bastard used just to lure women into the fog of his charms.

My jaw clenched, glancing over my shoulder and saw the handsome devil.

In a loose black shirt, a pendant around his neck along with black ripped jeans, looking irresistibly eye-catching in this attire.

Come to think of it, I had never seen him in casual clothes.

“How can you be lonely on this tempting night, Dear?”

He smirked back, kissing her wrist while making a strong eye contact with her. She smirked back as he pressed her body into his, smoothly placing her on his lap.

“Maybe waiting for a prince?” She giggled, poking his cheek.

“I can be, if you want me too,” He winked, placing a soft kiss on her neck, offering her his drink.

“Here, My Lady,”

Oh lady, that man will disappear the moment he will be done, you are making a mistake.

"By the way, I am-"

Before the girl could introduce herself, he pressed his thumb over her lips, clicking his head against hers as my grip on the glass tightened, glaring at them.

"Shh, Darling, what's in the name?"

He chuckled huskily, holding her chin, pulling his face closer to hers, absolutely submerged in the intensity of the moment.

"You sure are charming, you know."

She chuckled, completely resting herself against him, finishing the drink while running her fingers on the side of his face as he placed his lips upon hers without a warning.

My jaw dropped.

How could he do that so easily!? What about feelings!? What about connection!?

How indecent!

They kissed, his hands creeping on her leg, they both were immersed as one could predict all on their minds was lust. Nothing more existed.

Fucking playboy.

I glared at them with bitterness, I didn’t want him to continue.

So before those strong arms could lift her up and leave, I threw my glass on the ground.

“Oh–”

Breaking the kiss, they turned their head and he saw me right in front of him as I acted innocent.

“Sorry,”

“Don’t worry, we will get it cleaned up,” The bartender reassured me, offering me another drink.

“Thank you,”

Since we made eye contact, I went to greet him, observing them with visible discontent.

Her on his lap, kissing his neck, him gripping her thighs while smirking at me. Licking his lips to indicate he couldn’t care less about my existence and all of it was… unbearable.

"Ah, fancy seeing you here Ms. Morris."

“Miss Morris? You mean Marianne Morris?”

The woman on him blinked, regaining her senses for a moment and grinned, getting up immediately, ruining his mood.

"Oh my God, Marianne Morris! I can't believe the fashion diva is before me! Can I take a picture with you?"

“Sure,”

Her reactions showed she wasn’t from the upper-class because everyone in the VIP knew me already. Maybe she snuck in or someone’s guest. Who cares?

"I am a big fan."

"Thank you." I smiled at the girl before returning a glare at him, chugging the drink down to subdue the anger.

“And don’t you think you shouldn’t take advantage of an innocent, Mr. Black?”

“Don’t you think you shouldn’t interfere?” He growled, glaring at me to leave.

"I don't intend to disturb you anyways. Bye."

Rolling my eyes, I got back, not wanting to look at him and spoil my mood further. He had disgusted me enough.

"Do you know her?" The girl asked excitedly, turning to him.

"Ah, leave her, darling. Why don't we complete what she ruined?" he asked temptingly.

Holding her tenderly, rising from his seat, wrapping his hands around her neck to make sure she won’t look elsewhere.

He glared at me for ruining his moment but ignoring it he turned his attention back to the girl. I smirked. Serves him right.

‘I wonder what pleasure in contaminating himself is giving him? Why is he like this in the first place?’

The next day, I was done with work and was about to go home but found him near my car, smoking casually.

Arching an eyebrow, I came closer.

"Ms. Morris." He said, taking off his glasses and resting his hands in his pockets.

"Mr. Black?"

I forced out a smile, gesturing to him to move out of the way so I could get in the car and leave as I had a show in the evening.

"I was just here to check up and tell you something."

"Yes, what is it?" I hummed.

Arching a brow when he stopped right before me, emitting dominance that dried my throat to wonder what I did wrong.

"Next time you see me outside work, don't meddle." He said with no hint of amusement.

Invading my personal space as I pressed myself on the car behind me when his tall and muscular form blocked my way, distressing me.

Yet I decided to remain stubborn and smirked teasingly in return, folding my arms at my chest to show I won’t submit easily.

“Why? Did I interrupt you again in your hunting zone to get laid?”

“Don’t interfere. Stay within your limits,”

He smirked back, leaning down, sending an unforeseen shiver down my spine while whispering enticingly that almost sounded like an offer.

"Unless you want to be in that girl's place."

"In. Your. Dreams."

Faking a venomous smile, I poked his chest with my fake nail, pushing him back, to remain within his boundaries.

Vanishing his smirk, he tilted his chin up, pointing his finger at me warningly.

“Exactly so listen carefully, woman, I will say this once. You are a good model and I am a good client. Nothing more, nothing less.”

Wow, acting as if I wanted any more or less.

“So don’t you dare to interfere with my life ever again, Marianne Morris, I don’t even want your shadow in my personal matters.”

My amusement vanquished too, glaring back at him with equal amount of resentment, declining to fall weak before him and snarled.

“So do I. And not even my personal life, but even now this is repulsive to me. I can’t stand a man like you, you know why?”

Grabbing his collar, I stared dead into his eyes, growling the undeniable truth right at his face.

“Because I hate you, Mr. Black,”

He was taken aback when I openly accepted my hatred for my Boss.

Pushing him out of my way, after making this point crystal-clear, I left.

Oh shit. What have I done!?

I hope he hadn’t told Byron what I said. If he did, Byron would get so furious. I didn’t want him to leave me, he was there with me forever, he knew everything.

Without him, I would be ruined.

For the upcoming shoot, I tried to remain calm, checking my phone from time to time if he texted or not. It seemed like Mr. Black hadn’t told him about my daring statement… yet.

“Huff, snap out of it, Marianne,”

Muttering under my breath, I went inside my vanity and saw Mr. Black standing right before me.

The second I entered, he placed his hand across from me, slamming the door shut as his tall form was over mine, sending an unnerving shiver to my core.

“Hate me, hmmm?”

Using his deep tone, he induced instant discomfort at our proximity. Thanks to my heels, I was just on his level which didn’t help at all so I pressed myself harder against the cold door.

“What- What are you doing in my vanity?”

“Nothing, just here to warn you,”

I was about to shift my head to not create a link with his eyes but he held my chin strictly, forcing me to stare into his dominance, requiring nothing but submission from me.

“If you dared to deliberately ruin my show or my upcoming brand just because of this damn hatred,”

Without a warning, he brought our faces dangerously closer, warning me in a growl.

“I will make you sure you pay hell for it, Marianne,”

I ended up holding my breaths back to find such seriousness for me but controlling my falling composure, I curled my hand in a fist, utilizing my remaining strength and hit his chest with a growl.

“I am here to work, Sir, I don’t mix personal feelings with professional ones,”

“Good, but we will see about it later,”

Rolling his eyes, he pulled back, setting his cuffs, enhancing his superiority, staring dead into my soul with a clenched jaw.

“If you are done with your warning. Leave,” I hissed, opening the door.

Not bothering to glance back, he walked away as I watched him disappear from my sight and cursed.

“Fuck you,” Thankfully, it didn’t reach him.

I wouldn’t deny, his words pierced through me.

This project wasn’t his dream only, it was mine too. I was placing all my expectations, my hopes on this.

Growling under my breaths, I slammed the door shut, muttering under my breath.

“How dare he think like this? If I wanted to destroy him, a fake allegation would be all it takes for me to dethrone him.”

I had zero controversies, I had the most innocent and clean image, they would consider my lie a truth too.

But, no, he had to come and implant the bomb of his dominance, especially in my presence.

He would fall from the sky one day with this demeanor.

“I wonder if emotions cross a man like him.”

Pinching the bridge of my nose, I decided to not let his actions ruin my break and was waiting for my team to return and the second they did, Byron asked.

“What did he say? What did you do this time, Mari?”

Acting oblivious, I shrugged my shoulders, “Nothing. He came to talk about the shoot. Nothing serious,”

“Oh, that’s good,” He sighed in relief.

“Anyways, let’s go. Your shot is ready,”

“Okay, coming,”

Sighing, trying not to entangle myself with him or his disturbing talks, I reached the set.

Today, we had to pose for the promotional banners.

Me and my best friend, Misty, were supposed to be a pair as we were regarded as the most powerful pair.

Due to our friendship, people adored watching us being together in shows.

Misty was also a supermodel and came from an extremely high-status bloodline, no one dares to cross her or displease her.

And since I was an ‘outsider’ she favored me a lot and helped me almost every time I got into trouble.

“Huff,” I groaned, joining Misty who was leaning against the column, grabbing something to drink while smoking monotonously.

Her seductive oceanic blue eyes were capable of capturing any heart, her black hair was straight, long and lustrous. Her features were undeniably enchanting.

“What happened now?”

She chuckled when we were done, crushing her cigarette so I won’t be uncomfortable. I smiled when she did this for me.

Sometimes, I wanted to smoke, do drugs too but I was afraid.

Not because I was afraid of becoming an addict.

But… Anthony used to do them and I saw what those did to him, how inhumane he became due to them.

I didn’t want the same outcome- Death.

“What else could it be?” I muttered, sitting beside her.

“Well, whose dream was it? ‘I will do anything to work for Mr. Black,’ remember?” She mimicked, laughing to herself.

I looked back and saw Mr. Black with other models, complimenting them for their hard work, praising every single person except me.

It sometimes pinched me too hard. Was I not good enough? Was it not up to his par? Why couldn’t he just compliment me like everyone else?

But, realizing he loved downgrading me too much, and for that sake, he won’t- which was disheartening to be honest- but, leave it.

Shaking my head, I turned back to Misty.

“Who knew he would treat me like this?”

“As if you love him,”

“He doesn’t deserve it,” I put my hands up, whining to myself,

“Argh, Is he going to be here everyday, Misty?”

The second I said it, having the worst luck, the devil himself was behind me, cutting me with his stern tone.

“Is that a problem?”