He walked ahead, and I followed like the tail of a stubborn lion. As we entered the room, the luxurious setting of the photoshoot was impossible to miss. Bright lights, velvet backdrops, and cameras positioned at every angle.
And then I saw her — a stunning model sitting elegantly on a chaise lounge. She had that perfect, magazine-cover look, with flawless skin and cascading hair. Her eyes immediately lit up when she spotted Axel.
"Axel!" she chirped, standing up gracefully. Her smile was all charm and sparkle. "It's been a while."
"Lena," Axel greeted with a grin, his signature charm in full display. "Looking gorgeous, as always."
I fought the urge to roll my eyes. Of course, the heartthrob had a fan club everywhere he went.
Lena's gaze flickered to me, curiosity evident. "And who's this?"
"Just my bodyguard," Axel replied casually, not bothering with introductions. "She's here to make sure no one tackles me out of admiration."
I crossed my arms, unimpressed. "Or to prevent someone from throwing a shoe at you, considering how charming you are."
Axel laughed, clearly enjoying my sarcasm. "Don't worry, Lena. Selene only bites when provoked."
"Good to know," she replied with a forced smile, then turned all her attention back to Axel.
The photoshoot began with the first session in a simple yet elegant outfit. The model wore a satin slip dress that clung to her curves, the delicate fabric highlighting her toned figure. She strategically posed, tilting her head just right, her legs crossed to flaunt the thigh-high slit. Her eyes smoldered with practiced seduction, and the photographer praised her endlessly.
"Perfect, Lena! Just like that!" the photographer encouraged. "Axel, lean in a little closer. Let the chemistry show!"
Axel obeyed, stepping in until they were almost touching. The model's hand brushed against his chest, and her lips curled into a suggestive smile. But despite her attempts, Axel's focus didn't waver. He held her gaze, unwavering, as though he saw nothing else in the room.
"Good," the photographer nodded. "Now, Lena, tilt your chin up. Axel, look at her like she's the only thing that matters."
But he wasn't playing along. While Lena batted her lashes, parting her lips like she was waiting for a kiss, Axel's eyes remained locked on hers — cold, unreadable, and distant. The model's obvious attempts to seduce him seemed lost on him. If anything, he looked bored.
I shifted in my spot, arms crossed, silently observing. His lack of interest amused me. Clearly, Lena wasn't used to being ignored.
After the first set, the photographer called for a short break. Crew members adjusted the lighting, and Lena disappeared behind the dressing screen. Moments later, she reemerged in a bold, revealing swim suit — a one-piece with cutouts in all the right places. Her long legs gleamed under the lights, and the plunging neckline left little to the imagination.
"Ready for the next set," Lena purred, running her fingers through her tousled hair. "Axel, let's make it steamy."
He raised a brow, amused. "We'll see."
The camera clicked away as Lena draped herself against Axel, pressing her body far too close. She arched her back, tossing her hair over her shoulder, ensuring her curves were on full display. Still, Axel remained unaffected. He maintained his composure, barely reacting to her flirtatious touches.
What irritated me most was how unbothered he looked — like he was completely detached from the situation. I couldn't tell if it was confidence, indifference, or both. Either way, it didn't sit well with Lena. Her frustration was evident, but she masked it with another sultry smile.
Through it all, Axel's gaze flickered past the camera more than once, as though he was searching for something. Or someone. And each time, I felt the unsettling weight of his eyes lingering in my direction.
Axel
For the first time in my life, I felt uncomfortable during a photoshoot. Lena was doing her best to seduce me, leaning closer, her fingers grazing my chest, and flashing her perfect smile. Normally, I'd play along without a second thought. Flirting for the camera? Easy.
But this time, it wasn't.
She was looking at me like I was hers to claim. But my mind was elsewhere. No matter how hard I tried to focus, I found myself wanting to glance away — to look at her.
Selene.
She stood at the far end of the room, arms crossed, watching everything with that unreadable expression. She didn't belong in this world of flashing lights and fake chemistry, yet she held her ground like she owned the place. No lingering stares, no jealousy in her eyes. Just pure, stoic professionalism.
And for some damn reason, that irritated me.
I wanted to see her reaction. I wanted to know if this bothered her — if seeing me like this affected her even the slightest bit. But she gave me nothing.
"Axel," the photographer called, breaking me from my thoughts. "A little more intensity. Look at Lena like she's the only woman in the world."
Axel
I wanted her to feel something. To show even the slightest crack in that cold, indifferent expression. But no — Selene remained as stone-faced as ever, standing tall like a statue. She was looking at both of us, not with jealousy or irritation, but with that damn unwavering professionalism.
It pissed me off.
Lena's hands trailed down my arm, her smile seductive. I leaned closer, my fingers brushing her waist, pretending to lose myself in the moment. The camera flashed. I was giving them everything they wanted. But I wasn't doing this for the photographer.
I was doing it for Selene.
Every touch, every lingering glance, every staged moment — it was for her. I wanted her to flinch. To shift uncomfortably. To break that iron composure just once. But she didn't.
Instead, she watched with that same empty expression. No jealousy. No anger. Just a guard doing her job.
"Perfect!" the photographer exclaimed.