Page 48 of Crown Jewels
He reached out, tapped my cheek, said, “Awe, you’re gonna do great. See you tomorrow,” and closed the door in my face.
I was definitely going to smother him in his sleep.
EMMA
The day was here. It was time for my shoot, and I was more nervous than I thought. I tried to focus on the positives, like how my bruise had faded, so it didn’t take much to cover it up. That didn’t stop my hands from shaking when I applied my makeup.
It took me twice as long. Add in the beige corset that wasn’t quick to lace up, and all the fancy pins holding my curls up, and it was a good thing I came early to set up the room.
That I was proud of. It was amazing what I’d managed to do with limited supplies. One of the benefits of growing up with nothing I guess. Don’t get me wrong, there was a fair amount ofsupplies in the storge room here at the office, but there weren’t a lot of silicone dildos and sex swings in the Victorian era.
I felt my thighs, making sure my stockings were attached to my garter belt, and took one last look around the room. I wasn’t sure why I chose room 3—it was a pain to take that sex swing down—but there was something familiar about it. Maybe because it was the only room I looked in more than once. Whatever it was, the room turned out fantastic.
There were candles all around, giving the place a romantic medieval ambiance. I found some sheer cloth with gold trim in the storage room, that I managed to turn into a canopy for the four poster bed. The mattress was covered with a red velvet blanket and various fancy pillows I found lying around.
It wasn’t perfect. There were things in here that didn’t work. Like the fridge and chest of toys. But the bed and surrounding area looked like it was taken right out of the royal palace. I was ready. Maybe?
I looked down at my hands. Should I take off my nail polish? It was more glossy than it was colorful, but still…
“The canopy is a nice touch.”
My heart skipped at the sound of Vahn’s voice. I almost forgot he was coming. And now I was nervous again.
“Did you do that yourself?” He asked.
“Yeah.” I couldn’t look at him. My stomach was swirling enough. I might pass out if I turned around. So I kept my eyes on the canopy, inspecting the knots I’d made. “I found the fabric downstairs.”
“It looks good.”
I couldn’t see Vahn, but I felt him walk up behind me.
“You look better.” He whispered in my ear.
“Thanks,” I whispered back, trying not to blush.
I could feel him staring at me, and even though the warmth of his body felt like it was burning my back, I was shivering.
“Are you nervous Parakeet?”
Yes, yes I was. But I shouldn’t be. This was my first time doing a show with someone else, and my first time doing well, anything with a guy, but this was a job. We were both professionals. If I couldn’t handle this, then I shouldn’t be here. And I deserved to be here.
Sucking in a deep breath, I forced my body to stop quaking and spun around. “I’m fi—holy shit.”
Vahn Kessler in a t-shirt and jeans was hot. But Vahn Kessler in an nineteenth century tux, complete with cummerbund, was breathtaking. My jaw literally hit the floor.
Amusement twinkled in Vahn’s eyes. “You said Victorian era, right?”
I couldn’t do anything but nod and mutter an, “Uh huh.”
“I take it you approve.” He snickered.
“Um, ye… I mean, it’s okay.”
I didn’t even believe that.
“Ah, well I guess it’s a good thing I won’t have it on long then? Although…”
He stepped closer, forcing me to take a step back.
