Page 83 of Strut

I gave him a winsome smile that made him laugh.

“You’re not as charming as you think you are.” He stretched up to press a kiss to my lips, and the scent of him stormed my heart.

As he pulled back, I fisted his shirt to keep him close, close enough to feel his breath on my lashes. “Oh yes, I am,” I corrected him, swimming in those brown eyes. “I charmed my way into your bed, didn’t I?”

His eyes drifted to the ceiling for a second, then back to me. “Yeah, I got nothing.”

I chuckled. “You’re so fucking beautiful.”

“Me?” His mouth curled up in a slow, sexy smile. “I’m rough, baby. There’s nothing beautiful about me. I’m hairy and argumentative. My arse possibly passes muster, even if I do say so myself, but my balls are drooping and I’m starting to grey at my temples. Look.” He turned so I could see.

I peered closely, then gave him a playful shove. “For fuck’s sake, there’s all of three silvers in there.”

“Like I said, going grey,” he grumped. “In our world, that’s practically a punishable crime, right?”

“And likeIsaid, beautiful.” I kissed his temple, turned his face, and kissed the other. “And we can discuss your droopy balls at a later time because I happen to be very fond of them.”

His cheeks pinked just a little. “And they appreciate your support.”

I studied him for a long minute, knowing he’d meant every word he’d said about pulling out. I could say no and call it at any time, and Hunter would support me even if he didn’t like it. Rhys would too. And knowing that was all I needed.

“I’m panicking,” I admitted. “I’m nervous and embarrassed and I haven’t even told my parents yet. Or Tui. But somehow, we’re talking about letting everyone in the modelling world know? Because that’s what this amounts to. Once we take this on social media, I might not be able to name Darcy, but most people will be able to put two and two together, especially if they add in the ruckus at the photoshoot today. It’s not rocket science.”

Hunter squeezed my hands. “I know. But isn’t that the aim? To connect the two so people won’t just take Darcy’s story as the truth? But I get that it’s a big decision. And it’s all yours.”

I sighed and shook my head in disbelief. “Jesus fucking Christ, how the hell did I get here? Last week I was having the best week of my career and then this. When it breaks, people won’t just be making up their minds about Darcy. They’ll be making up their minds about me too. And exactly who do you think is going to come out on top? The famous photog who can make or break their careers or a little-known Kiwi nobody. I can’t possibly come out of this unscathed.” I choked on the last words and Hunter leaned in and folded me into his arms.

“Then don’t do it.” He rocked me gently. “We’ll keep a low profile and simply wait for things to settle. Darcy just wants to shut you up, Alec. If you do that, he’s got no reason to push this. It’s not in his interest.”

I pulled free of his embrace and looked him in the eye, that sense of inevitability I’d been fighting sliding away. “That’s nice of you to say, but we both know I’m fucked either way. Today isn’t going to just go away. Too many people saw what happened and Darcy will spin it exactly how he wants. If I don’t counter spin, I’m screwed. May as well try and fight the man at his own game. Maybe then, other people he’s done this to will come out of the woodwork. If I’d been a smaller guy...” I drew a sharp breath and swallowed hard before holding Hunter’s gaze. “I’m not sure I would’ve gotten outta there. If I do this, I’ll likely still be screwed, but at least I’ll have tried.”

Hunter stood and pulled me into his arms to kiss me soundly. “I would’ve been proud of you either way, but I’m in fucking awe of you right now. What you’re doing takes balls of steel. Hell of a weekend, right?”

I snorted and melted into him, finding his mouth and the sweet taste that soothed my heart. Then I grabbed his hand. “Come on, before I chicken out.”

The five of us spent another twenty minutes working on a plan that included Tim talking to Marco and the rest of the guys in the apartment, and I tried not to throw up at the mere thought.

Rhys reined in a few of Kip’s more outlandish ideas, constantly checking in with me, our gazes meeting in a shared understanding that meant the world. Rhys got it. He knew. And I was so damn grateful.

Kip was unanimously nominated our point man. He was the grandmaster of all things social media and with enough names secreted in his little black book to rival the Queen. Theotherqueen.

By the time we were done talking and exchanging numbers, my eyes were hanging out of their sockets, and I could barely sit upright in my chair. A third beer wasn’t helping.

Rhys caught my eye and smiled gently. “You need to rest, Alec. This is shaping up to be a big week. Have you got much planned?”

“Who the hell knows?” I answered honestly. “I supposedly have a few go-sees booked, some castings, and a runway event for Charleyman at Housan’s Gallery on Saturday. But I guess we’ll wait and see what happens with all this. There’s bound to be fallout.”

Rhys blew out a sigh. “I’m so fucking sorry you have to go through this. Hold your head high, Alec, and Kip and I are just a phone call away, any time of day, understand?”

“Same goes for me.” Tim reached over and squeezed my hand, his brown eyes glistening.

God, these men. I was not gonna fucking cry. “Thanks.”

Hunter threw an arm around my shoulders and spoke to Kip. “Are we done now?”

Kip looked between Hunter and me and his smirk said it all. “Not quite.” His green eyes danced with mischief.

“Oh, god,” I groaned, lifting my beer to my mouth and dreading what was coming.

---