Nikki slid the cigarette loosely into her mouth, the sharp taste of tobacco already a comfort as she sank into the chair.
The designer swimwear hugged her body, a bold blue that matched the shimmering expanse of the ocean behind her.
The sunlight was relentless, searing her already sticky skin as her hair danced rebelliously in the salty breeze. She wanted to scream.
Everything, the heat, the oily makeup, the relentless touches of the staff to keep her perfect, pressed on her nerves like an iron vice.
"Okay, hands up, sexy. Arch your back a bit... Good! That's why you're a professional," the director called out, snapping her back to the moment.
With a practiced smile, Nikki stood gracefully, legs stretched and back curved just right, leaning on the chair for support.
"Now let's get some shots in the sand."
Her body moved on autopilot, bending and twisting into poses as the camera clicked furiously.
She gave them what they wanted, confidence, allure, but her thoughts were miles away.
Antonio's threats gnawed at her, and the image of her mother's safety hung over her like a storm cloud.
But this was Vogue. There was no room for distraction in a world that demanded perfection.
The sun burned against her skin as she lay in the sand, sunglasses shielding her eyes from the blinding light.
The rough texture grated against her, but instead of flinching, she let her lips curve into a sensual smile, giving the camera its money shot.
"Okay, untie the top," the director instructed.
With deliberate slowness, the team untied the swimwear top, leaving her to cover her bare chest with her hands.
She shifted just enough to tease a glimpse of her curves, and the director clapped enthusiastically.
"Perfect. Excellent work! Let's call it a day."
Nikki stood, brushing the sand off her body as her team swarmed around her, wiping her clean and smoothing her hair.
"You did great out there," her manager said, catching the tension on Nikki's face. "Though I can tell you're in a shitty mood."
Nikki finally lit the cigarette dangling from her lips, taking a long, satisfying drag. "No kidding. I want to put a bullet in Antonio's dick."
Her manager's eyes widened. "Your old boss? He contacted you?"
Nikki exhaled slowly, smoke curling around her face. "Yes. He threatened my mom." Her voice was low, bitter.
"What are you going to do?"
"They're not giving me much choice. I'll do what he wants... for now." She slipped into a wrap top and jeans, her fingers trembling only slightly as her manager helped her adjust the fit.
"Cut back on my gigs. Only book the important ones. This might take a while to deal with."
Her manager nodded solemnly. "Stay safe. He's dangerous, and I don't want to lose my biggest asset."
Nikki smirked and kissed her manager on the cheek. "Relax, babe. I'm not going anywhere."
Sliding into her car, the engine purred beneath her touch, and she sped off, the city blurring around her.
She pulled up to a sleek condo, ignoring the stares she attracted like a magnet.
"Woah, Mom, she looks like a doll!" a boy exclaimed as Nikki passed.
She rolled her eyes and stepped into the elevator, exhaling sharply as she leaned back against the cool metal wall.
The elevator stopped, and a young man stepped in.
She recognized him, a musician from a rising band.
He looked nervous in his joggers and wife beater, clearly heading to the gym.
Nikki glanced at him, a wicked idea sparking to life.
"Hi."
His blue eyes widened slightly as he cleared his throat. "Hi."
Her lips curved into a teasing smile as she twisted her hair around her finger. "How old are you?"
"Um, 25. Why?" he stammered, visibly flustered.
"Perfect," she thought, taking a step closer. Her high heels clicked softly against the floor as she leaned into him. "Wanna fuck?"
He choked, his back hitting the elevator wall as her fingers trailed lightly down his chest. "W-What?"
She smirked, her leg slipping between his. "Right here."
Leaning in, she brushed a kiss against his lips. He froze, his hands awkwardly hovering as he stared at her like she'd bewitched him.
"I—I haven't..."
"Done this before? I know." She chuckled, the sound soft and low as her lips hovered just over his.
The elevator dinged, and she turned, irritated by the interruption.
But her irritation evaporated when she saw him.
Tall and commanding, dressed in a sharp gray suit, he walked in with the confidence of a predator.
His dark eyes swept over her, and the atmosphere shifted. The air grew heavier, charged with something electric.
The musician scrambled out, leaving her alone with this man.
Nikki's boldness faltered. For the first time, she felt stripped of control as his gaze pinned her in place.
Her breath hitched, and her pulse raced.
The elevator stopped, and as he moved to leave, he paused, his lips brushing her ear.
"You're so fucking perfect."
Her gasp was audible, her heart pounding as recognition hit her like a freight train.
That voice. That man.
The one-night stand she couldn't forget.