Touch of the Camera (5 page)

Chapter Four

Clemins. Normally the place was quiet with socialites dining at the bar and lawyers meeting clients in the lodge but not now. Tonight, the place was lit up like a firework display.

Luckily, Shang had sent a limo to pick me up. The driver hurried over to the door and opened it for me. When I stepped out I was immediately hit with flashes from photographers. Nothing about the paparazzi appealed to me. They were always out for the worst shot, maybe a wardrobe malfunction or a makeup smear. My training over the years had taught me to always be on guard. I knew some of the people in the crowd. They followed ‘child stars’ hoping for that slip-up. I wouldn’t give it to them. No, not tonight. It was my night. As the flashes assaulted me, I put on my happiest smile and waved to a few people calling out to me. Some didn’t know my name, but I was sure at the end of the night Dante would have changed that.

The inside of the dining hall was insane. Loud music—sounding like Skrillex—blared while waitresses wearing Dante’s lingerie served drinks. Men were everywhere, examining the women. More than a few eyes diverted to other places, but that was the nature of the business. Smoke filled the room, as did candles, all leading up to the stage. My stage.

Jacque ran up, stopping inches away and taking me into his arms. He yelled into my ear over the music, “Isn’t this crazy?”

I laughed, uneasy. “Yeah. I wasn’t expecting this.”

Jacque grabbed my hand and began escorting me to the back of the building. Once we were clear and in a white hallway, he asked again, “Isn’t that crazy out there?”

I shuffled my feet, trying to keep pace as we hurried along the hall. “Yeah. I’m not used to this. My first big party.”

“And not your last, darling. Now, let’s get you into your lingerie. Dante wants you and Guy on stage in twenty.”

We entered the wardrobe room where I was immediately grabbed and pulled to the clothing rack. Two men held up different corsets, as if to see what worked best. They nodded to each other then shuttled me into the closet to change. I knew I had only about thirty seconds until they burst in after me. Standard changing time for on-duty models. I took a moment to look at what they had chosen. The two-piece set was crimson red with black lace detail overlay designed to look like bats. Dante and his dark side, but it was really cute. Thankfully, the bottom was a pair of boy-short panties. I’d been concerned he’d put me in a thong.

As I snapped my bra shut, one of the wardrobe men came in and pulled my arm. Makeup time. I’d been told to keep my makeup simple and neutral when I arrived. The artist slicked on red gloss to match my lingerie. She brushed on a smoky eyeshadow and finished with a light blush. I wasn’t even given time to check my appearance in the mirror before Jacque took my hand and we headed out to the stage.

I strutted out, more of a saunter, at the same time that Guy entered from the other side of the stage. The room roared and cameras flashed while Dante stood in the middle with his hands in the air. There was a piece of tape marked on the ground to show where I was supposed to stand. I reached my mark and started the show, moving slightly while Dante was praised for his designs and how he’s the next big thing in fashion. It didn’t matter to me—I was paid to look sexy and make everyone want to buy the clothes. To be truthful, every designer thought they were the ‘next big thing’ when most had a big opening in the summer then fizzled by fall.

The applause startled me then Dante’s hands were again in the air, taking in the praise, feeding his ego. When the music started again, Guy and I walked to each other, struck a few poses then made our way into the crowd where we said how delighted we were to work with Dante and how much we loved his work.

Various reporters from magazines took my picture and asked for quotes. I was all smiles while I worked the floor. By the end of the night my feet were all but falling off in my seven-inch heels. Even though I wore next to nothing, I was covered in sweat and smelt of Dante’s cologne and cigars.

I sighed as a rush of exhaustion washed over me. Guy was almost back with me, just finishing up a few interviews. I waited until he was done then we would leave by the stage together and I was free to go.

“Could it get any hotter in here?”

I smiled, turning to the voice I’d become very familiar with over this past week. Shang’s eyes met mine and he took my hand, kissing my knuckles. I pulled away from him.

“Shang, you know we’re not supposed to be seen together until after the launch.”

“I know, but I had to see you.” He leaned in close. “This morning wasn’t enough.”

No, it wasn’t. Since we’d first got together, Shang and I had been seeing each other every day. A couple of nights, like the first, I’d stayed at his motel. We were permitted to see one another, but not until the official launch of Dante’s line because it could be a ‘conflict of interests’. After tonight, we were free to do as we pleased.

“Shang, I’ll meet up with you later. If Jacque sees you—”

“Jacque saw me. Of course I’d be here. The photographer of, and I quote, ‘one of the promising designers of the century’ wouldn’t want to miss his work.”

As Shang finished his sentence, the photos he had taken of Guy and me popped up on the screen on the wall opposite us. Cheers filled the room and I looked away, blushing as if my mother had seen me naked.

Shang chuckled. “Wow, I did make you look beautiful,” he said, motioning to the picture.

“I hate looking at my own work. It never looks like me, yet it does.”

“Come on, you look gorgeous. The envy of every man in the room.”

I smiled, nudging my arm into his side. “Including you?”

“Always me,” he whispered, his voice so low I wasn’t sure I had heard it at all.

My lips burned to touch his, to feel his warmth radiate over me.

“Glad this shit’s over with,” Guy said, walking up to us.

I nodded, taking a few steps away from Shang. Guy had been in the business long enough to keep his mouth shut, but I didn’t want to take any chances.

Shang pointed to the picture again. “Excellent ad.”

Guy looked back at it then dismissed it. “It’s a’ight.”

Guy grabbed my elbow, pulling me towards the stage so we could leave. He was notorious for his hatred of fashion, yet he was so good in front of the camera that no one seemed to mind. I turned back to Shang and gave him one of those Miss America waves. He smiled then left the room.

Once Guy and I were clear of the stage, I kicked off my shoes. The concrete underneath wasn’t much better, but soon I’d be in bed with Shang. He would be making me some more fancy coffee and we’d be watching some late night comedy.

I changed back into the dress I had come in, wondering what kind of movie would be on now, and how much Shang and I would laugh watching it.

As I walked outside, the limo pulled up at the back door. The back window rolled down. Shang’s smile was the first thing I saw. I strutted over as the driver opened the door for me. After I got in, Shang popped a bottle of Diet Coke—he knew I wasn’t a fan of alcohol with the fat and calories. He poured a glass for me and himself. I sipped, the ice touching my bottom lip.

Shang sat his glass down then pulled me into his arms. I giggled as he nuzzled his nose into the crook of my neck. I wrapped my hand in his hair, tangling my fingers in his thick locks. I moaned, shivering as the sensation of lust started to take over. Shang ran his hand up my leg, stopping at the top of my thigh. I pulled away, looking into his dark eyes. So much menace—he liked to tease me.

“We can’t,” I said, lightly tapping his shoulder.

“You’ve never made love in the back of a car?”

I flushed. “Yes, but that was an old Volvo and with my first boyfriend.”

He smiled. “And, how was it?”

“I still have rug burns from his nasty seats.”

“I’d be happy to attend to those for you.”

Shang moved the slit of my dress, exposing my panties. I gasped as he unzipped his suit, his cock springing out. I rubbed my hand over his erection, his breath stopping as I did so. Shang tugged at my panties and, with a snap, they broke. At first I was pissed off—those things were not cheap—but lust filled me and I knew my body had readied. The aching between my legs was stronger than ever.

As I played with the slit of his cock, Shang tilted his head back in pleasure. I leaned closer to him and ran my tongue over his Adam’s apple. He swallowed hard as I traced a vein on the side of his erection. I giggled against his skin—hot as fire under my touch. I ran my tongue up to his jaw where I placed light kisses, trailing his jaw line. Shang said something in his native language and I laughed. He’d taught me a few of his favourite phrases, and this one told me he loved what I did. At some point I’d need a translator for our sexcapades but right now I couldn’t have cared less. When such a deliciously hard cock was in my hands, speaking foreign languages was not on my mind.

Shang opened his eyes and looked deep into mine. As the limo passed street lights, I saw hints of that challenging smile I loved. Shang had a secret.

I hooked a leg over Shang’s lap, straddling him. I caught his mouth with mine, nibbling on his bottom lip. He nipped at me and I laughed. Shang slid my shoulder strap down, exposing my left breast. He cupped it while he used his index finger to rub my nipple. I pulled away from him and bit my lip. I turned and checked the driver. At some point he had rolled up the divider between himself and us—
that
could have been embarrassing.

Shang pinched my tightened peak. A squeak escaped my mouth. He had never done that before, but playing dirty tricks was his thing. I calmed down and peeked back at the driver. If he had any idea what was going on, he didn’t make it known.

Shang took my nipple in his mouth, sucking hard, almost biting at my tender skin. I wrapped my hands in his hair as my core shattered. I wanted him, needed him, and nothing could have helped the ache between my legs. I tightened my grasp in his locks as that ache magnified. I whispered Shang’s name as he grabbed my right breast. He squeezed and I yelped—he would have to pay for being so teasing. He trailed his hand down my body, examining my abdomen, my lower back and stopping on my bottom. He grasped my butt and I did all I could to keep from begging him to get inside me. Why did he have to play with me? Why not give a girl what she needed?

Shang ran a hand along my thigh to the front. He cupped my pussy, which I was sure was incredibly wet, dancing his fingers over my clit. He was almost tickling me with his index and middle finger. He began exploring my folds, sliding his digits over the pounding flesh. With his mouth still over my nipple, Shang teased me, daring me to see how far he was willing to take this.

“Shang,” I said, my breath harsh. “Please.”

He laughed against my breast, pulled my nipple with his teeth and sucked harder.

I did all I could to keep from screaming at him. Instead, I took a calming inhalation and tried again. “Shang. This isn’t a long ride.”

Stopping his teasing, Shang positioned himself under me, his dick at my entrance. I tilted my head back, feeling his warm breath across my chest as I heard the sound of a foil packet tearing. Moments later, Shang pushed himself inside me. I moved my hips slowly, rocking over him. Shang placed his hands low on my body, helping to guide me with his rhythm. My breasts rubbed against his face. Shang took the opportunity to take one in his mouth again, sucking through the fabric of my dress. It was sensual, a new feeling I began to love. He moaned and every nerve in my nipple jolted to life. I kissed his forehead to keep myself from alerting the driver. Shang knew how to mess with me and I had a feeling that was his game.

Shang hummed again and I bucked faster, harder, moving my hips with such need that I knew I was about to come. I pressed my forehead to Shang’s. He grunted, his breathing harsh. Somehow I picked up my pace. Cries squeezed themselves through my lips as I tangled my fingers in his hair. The world spun as Shang went deeper, pressing the spot I had come to love so much. His cockhead rubbed inside my pussy in all the right ways and I felt it hit a new depth. Squeezing my eyes shut, I climaxed, shivers overtaking my body. Waves of orgasms took over, pushing me further along. I rode them out as pure ecstasy consumed me. When I started to come down, I tried filling my lungs with air—I was afraid to let out the gasp I had been holding. I continued to ride Shang hard and fast. He buried his face in-between my breasts. I felt his warm air over my nipples and my body was ready again. Then I felt Shang’s leg twitch, the sure sign that he had finished. For minutes we sat in the backseat of the limo, gathering our composure.

Thank God for the limo divider.

I got down from Shang’s lap, fixing my dress as I did. Shang zipped his pants back up. I glanced over at him, seeing that challenging look still in his eyes. I playfully punched his arm. He grabbed my shoulder, pulling me to him and kissing my forehead. I shut my eyes, resting my head on his shoulder. He was warm, soft, his clothes as comfortable as my pillow.

We pulled up to his motel. When the driver opened our doors, I couldn’t look at him. Instead, I told myself he had no clue what Shang and I had done. Shang tipped him and we walked up to the door.

Once we were inside the room, Shang turned on his favourite gadget, his Keurig, and waited while it heated up. I picked up the remote and after flipping through some channels, found nothing was on. Not the best ending to such an extravagant ride home.

I tossed the control on the bed, sighing. Shang looked at me. “What’s wrong?” he asked.

“Nothing on.”

“Not even the movie channels?”

I shook my head. “Nope.”

Shang came over and stood before me. He took my hands in his, pulling me up. His lips touched my neck, trailing down, the straps of my dress falling.

“Want to hear some good news?” Shang asked.

“You bought a portable DVD player?”

He laughed. “No. I’ve decided to stay here. I bought a house earlier.”

I wrapped my arms around his neck, sure I was cutting off his air passage, but I didn’t care. Shang would be around more often.