The silence in the studio after Frank's final word felt louder than the camera's constant clicking. For a moment, no one moved. Layra stood there, her chest bare, the cool studio air raising goosebumps on her skin.
She felt the weight of every gaze in the room. It pressed against her like a physical thing, making her heart beat faster. Though she still wore the thong, it felt like wearing nothing at all. Then, her gaze landed on Shawn.
He was still on the couch in the corner with one leg crossed over the other. His eyes weren't just looking at her; they were focused and intense, as if he were drinking in the sight of her. His jaw was set, and there was a dark look in his blue eyes that hadn't been there when he carried her in.
A blush crept up Layra's cheeks, and she quickly reached for the silk nightgown pooled at her feet. She pulled it on, the fabric feeling like a shield against all those eyes.
Just then, Rebecca broke the spell with a sharp clap of her hands. "Alright, people, let's move on to the next setup!" she called out, her business-like tone cutting through the tension. "Frank, review those shots. Let's see if we got what we need."
Frank nodded, already scrolling through the images on his camera. A grin spread across his face as he zoomed in on one particular shot. "Oh, yeah. We definitely got it."
As the crew began to disperse to prepare for the next shoot, Layra took the opportunity to hurry behind the curtain. Rebecca followed her with a gentle smile. "You looked good out there, Layra. Thank you for being flexible with the last-minute request to shoot for the lingerie brand."
"No, thank you for giving me this opportunity, Ms. Rebecca." Layra quickly changed into her own clothes, her hands fumbling with the buttons of her jeans. "I just hope I can get the payment as soon as possible. I really need it."
Rebecca's smile didn't fade at the mention of money. "Of course. We'll have the payment processed by the end of the day. Moreover, if the client likes your shots, your contract with the agency will be finalized immediately. We'll call you in the next few days to let you know their decision."
"That would be great." Layra finally finished dressing and gave a sigh of relief. "You don't know how much this means to me. I've been struggling to find a stable job for months and was on the verge of eviction."
Layra felt a lump form in her throat, but she quickly swallowed it down. Crying in front of a potential employer wouldn't leave a good impression, but knowing she might finally have a stable income lifted a huge weight off her shoulders.
"Then let's hope they like your shots." Rebecca placed a reassuring hand on Layra's shoulder. "If you're done changing, you can head out. Your friend is waiting for you outside."
"Right. Okay, I'll see myself out." Layra nodded and hurried past the curtain, her cheeks burning at the sight of Shawn.
He stood up as she approached, his movements slow and deliberate. "Ready to go?"
"Mhm." Layra bit her lip, avoiding his eyes. She didn't want him to see how flustered she was. It wasn't just about being exposed. As a model, that was part of the job. It was the way he looked at her. Unlike the detached professionalism of the crew, Shawn's gaze felt personal, almost possessive. It was both thrilling and terrifying.
Shawn took her by the waist again. Layra tensed, then immediately relaxed into his firm hold. "Lean on me like before. Your ankle still hurts, right?"
"Uh-huh." Her throat felt dry as she let him support her toward the exit. This close, his clean, masculine scent made her head spin.
The sounds of the city hit them as they stepped outside. There were blaring horns and the chatter of people rushing past.
"Now, how about I take you home?" Shawn suggested, stopping to face her. His hands remained steady and warm on her waist.
"Oh, you don't have to do that. I can manage." Layra tried to step back, but his grip tightened, keeping her in place. It wasn't forceful, but clear.
"After carrying you all the way here, I'm not letting you walk home alone." Shawn gave a small, confident smile. "Besides, I still have to claim my proper thank you."
The way he said it sent a shiver down Layra's spine. "What... what did you have in mind?"
"A coffee would be nice. But it should be at your place so you can rest your foot." Shawn started walking again, guiding her along with him as if her agreement were a given.
Layra didn't argue. She let him lead her to the parking lot nearby where he had left his car. Each step sent a dull throb through her ankle, reminding her why she needed his help.
Yet, the way he said "proper thank you" echoed in her mind. She had a feeling that coffee wasn't all he wanted from her. And the most troubling part? She wasn't entirely sure she minded.
Shawn, on the other hand, was thinking about the photoshoot. He'd never watched a modeling session before, and certainly not one so explicit. The image of Layra bending over the chair, her breasts swinging freely as she looked back at the camera, was burned into his mind. He could still see the way her thong had strained against her, the lace barely hiding her most intimate parts.
Not to mention, he was holding her waist, feeling the softness of her breasts against his chest as they walked. The combination of those images and the physical contact made his pants feel uncomfortably tight.
"Is this your car?" Layra asked as they stopped in front of a sleek, black SUV.
"The family car. Let me help you in." Shawn opened the passenger door and guided her inside, his eyes never leaving hers.