Photographs Part II

*The Day of the Photoshoot*

Eva nervously flipped through the catalog in front of her. Watching everyone set up, she worried that Alaric wouldn’t show. She hadn’t heard from him all day, but he said he would be here.

*I must be stupid.*

After everything, a part of her still trusted him. The same part also warned her to not let him close again. Mark rubbed her shoulders.

"If he doesn’t show, I’ll just step in.” He flexed his muscles playfully, and she let out a laugh. "It’s funny because I thought he was your husband. The way he glared at me that day.”

Eva chuckled. "He’s not my husband.”

"Not yet anyway.” Alaric’s deep voice behind the two caused her to jump. He looked Mark up and down. "You sure do seem to have a problem keeping your hands to yourself.”

Mark’s lips parted slightly, but Eva quickly grabbed Alaric. Dragging him towards wardrobe, she scolded him.

"I told you to be nice to Mark.”

"I told you I didn’t like him.”

She rolled her eyes. “You’re so immature.”

He clapped his hands together and smirked before looking around. "So, what do we have going on here?”

Trying her hardest to be sexy, Tamera slinked over to join the pair. Extending her hand, she nearly melted when Alaric kissed it.

"See, I told you he was perfect.”

Eva scoffed and he nudged her playfully. She could see a shadow cast on Tamera’s face. "What’s wrong?”

"Danielle couldn’t make it…something about food poisoning.” Eva sighed heavily and Alaric tilted his head.

"Who’s Danielle?” He asked.

"The model that was supposed to pose with you for some of the scenes.” Eva ran her fingers through her short hair, before biting the side of her lip. "Okay…what if we just do the cover and the single shots first and call in a ringer for the others?”

Tamera clapped her hands. "Brava! Now let's get you dressed handsome.”

Eva tried her best to stifle a laugh, as Alaric stared wide-eyed at her, as Tamera dragged him off. Returning to Mark, she gave him an apologetic look. "Sorry about that, he can be a bit protective.”

He eyed her, “Is he like a relative or something?”

"Just a friend.” Eva quickly changed the subject, "Listen, I really want to say thank you for coming by today. You really kept me calm.”

He smiled his infectious smile. "Thank me by letting me take you to dinner.” Eva stared at him in shock, and he threw up his hands. "Eva. I don’t want to overstep but I’m assuming the guy from the book signing was your actual husband?”

*Was*

She fidgeted with her empty finger.

"I didn’t want to say anything, but I noticed how he was… just like I also noticed that your ring hasn’t been on for the last few days. I don’t know. I understand you’re probably going through a lot, I just want to take you out and hopefully get to know you.” His face reddened and Eva couldn’t help but smile though it didn't reach her eyes.

She nodded. "I’d like that."

Mark’s smile widened. "Okay what d-”

Eva could no longer hear him. As Alaric stepped onto the set, she felt her mouth dry. Dressed in a form-fitting blue Armani suit that did nothing to hide his muscular build, Alaric adjusted the gold cufflinks on his crisp white shirt before straightening his lapels. He stood in front of her, his cologne wafting through her nose. Looking down, he raised one brow.

"What do you think Eva?”

His hair combed neatly back, the smolder in his eyes, one thing was for sure, she had new material for her book.

"Places everyone!” Tamera shouted, and Eva quickly darted away from him. Alaric smirked, making his way to the front of the lens and waited for instructions. "He’s a natural.” Tamera whispered. Eva had to agree. Every shot they took of him, came out more perfect than the last. "We couldn’t find a ringer.”

Eva closed her eyes in frustration. She would have to book another session, ultimately pushing everything back.

"Hey…I was thinking-” Tamara started.

"Absolutely not.” She already knew where it was going.

Tamera shrugged her shoulders. "Listen, I would most certainly lay in the foxes’ arms, but I’m too old. Just fill in and we can do our camera magic. Nobody would ever know it was you.”

"I don’t know Tamera-”

"Is this about Charles? He’s stunted your career long enough. He can shove it and drop dead.”

Eva stifled a laugh before immediately feeling guilty. Thinking a little harder, she nodded her head. "Fine, I’ll do it."

After a few more photos, Alaric was asked to wait offset. Smirking at him, Tamera whispered. "We got our ringer.”

He nodded absentmindedly while looking around for Eva.

*She set me up.*

Where in the world had she disappeared?

*It better not have been with that asshole.*

"Alright everyone! She’s ready. Alaric, you can come back.” Shoving his hands into his pocket, he made his way back on set. The photographer instructed him as Tamera removed the suit jacket and tie. "Okay, for this one we’re going to need a very sexy couple kind of vibe. Alaric, I want you to stand in front of her and place one hand on the side of the wall here and then the other under her chin lifting her head as if you’re about to kiss her.”

"Fine, but where is she?”

"Here.” Alaric hazel eyes widened. Eva joined him on set, her body clad in a fitted red gown. He wasn’t sure what he liked more, the plunging neckline or the slit that rose up to her thigh. Making her way between his arms, she locked eyes with him smiling. "Ready?”

He nodded. Placing his hands as instructed, his hazel eyes darkened when Eva's small fingers grabbed a button on his shirt. With each flick of the camera, she opened the button, ending with her fingers touching his chest.

"HOT! HOT! HOT!” Tamera yelled, and Eva cleared her throat. She could see his jaw twitch as he looked at her, and quickly darted from him again.

"Alright did we get the cover in leather?” Eva asked trying to put iher mind somewhere else.

Tamera covered her mouth. "Shit I forgot that one.”

Turning to Alaric, Eva whispered. "Can you snap and put your leather back on.”

He disappeared for a brief moment, coming back with his usual clothes.

"Damn he’s fast and sexy as hell,” Tamara eyed him, making Eva shake her head.

Sitting on a chair, Alaric stared into the camera. His hazel eyes seeming to almost dance with every flash. “Wait, I have an idea,” Eva darted to her bag. Pulling out a gift, she made her way to Alaric. His eyes gleamed as he looked at the rose, he’d given her. She shrugged nonchalantly. "I’m honestly surprised it didn’t die already.”

Grabbing her by her elbow, he pulled her in close. "It’s enchanted...Belle.” The beastly growl of his words sent prickles up her back.

"I love it…but something still missing. Come on…he’s hot...demon, angel, combination badass-” Tamera's face lit up. Racing to props, she returned with a red container. "We almost forgot the fake blood!” Alaric smirked and Eva adverted her eyes. Pouring the thick liquid over his hands and the rose, Tamera admired her handiwork. Eva watched from the sidelines as he recreated the cover from his actual book. Quickly, the crew worked to move everything in place for the final shot and clean the fake blood up.

"CLOSED SET EVERYONE! FINAL SCENE!” Tamera shouted as Mark gave Eva a small friendly wave before leaving.

Inhaling deeply, Eva removed the red dress exposing the black lace bra and panty set. Upon seeing Alaric watching her, Eva felt her face flush. His shirt was completely gone, his hazel eyes slightly dilated. He watched her hungrily as she made her way to the leather couch on set.

"We need this to be REALLY sexy you two! SELL THAT YOU WANT ONE ANOTHER!”

Neither of them could hear Tamera. The button of the camera clicked, and Alaric grabbed Eva in his arms. Flipping her under him, he leaned into her and Eva lifted her left leg connecting it with his waist. Locking hands, he pushed one above her head. She felt him shudder when she ran her free one up his back. Alaric planted kisses on her neck, and Eva bit her lip. In a growl near her ear, he whispered. “*My* peculiarly frustrating Little Human.” Eye to eye, she ran her hands through his hair and he could see a slew of emotions in her eyes. Soft smile on her lips, she bought him down to her connecting their lips.

"PERFECT!!!” Tamera jumped out and down.

"It looks good?” Eva said breaking their kiss. Pulling herself from his arms, she grabbed her dress from Tamera’s hand.

"That was everything. Looked like you both were about to rip one another clothes off!”

She smiled small. "That was the point.” Hurrying to get dressed, Eva waved to everyone before taking off through the door.

"Eva!” Alaric called behind her. She turned and he immediately noticed her numb disposition. Leaning in, she gave him a semi-friendly hug. He didn’t like it. This wasn’t his Eva. His Eva's eyes were bright. Her smile was number four on his list, her eyes number five. Parting his lips to speak, he promptly shut them at the sight of Mark.

"Ready to go?” Mark said grinning at her. She gave him a smile back that once again didn’t reach her eyes.

Turning back to Alaric, she spoke. "Thanks for today.” He nodded in silence, trying his best to keep his control.

As he watched the two walk away, Alaric muttered under his breath, "I got you Eva, always.” Before vanishing once again into the shadows.