📢 PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE READ PREVIOUS CHAPTERS!!!📌📚

*Please note that due to the limited word count this is only part 1 of Chp.4 . Please follow up with part 2. Chp.4 is rather long and steamy-so get comfy!*
Enjoy.🌬

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There was nothing he could do. The bastard. The week had practically dragged by since our heated moment-since I found out about that horrid woman he had. MARIA. Maria Flores. Popular model in Italy, so I heard. Like Adam was. Two of a kind-they were perfect for each other. Where did I, a shy, lonely, and demure woman fit into the puzzle? I mean, how could he? I knew Adam and I weren't together, but I had a right to know that he was in (or was sort of in) another relationship! Especially when he made me feel so damn special, desirable and loved. Hell, I bearly knew the man! But one thing I should've known was that he was a lady's man. A casanova. I genuinely thought there was something there for a moment-and the way his black eyes softened and he looked at me vulnerably, confirmed that thought. It's amazing how love can easily turn into hate, and vice versa. I was seething with rage, and at the same time quivering with desire for him. His ability to control my feelings and thoughts was astounding, even when he wasn't there. Adam made me feel things no man ever had. Euphoria. Lust. And...pleasure. Guilty pleasure. The sinful pleasure you know you should avoid like the plague, but instead, you run back to it with open arms..and open legs.

I had done everything to avoid him- I didn't go to the photo studio. I didn't go out. Home was like heaven for me-because that's the only place I knew the devil wouldn't find me. Adam did not know where I lived-at least I never told him. Thank God. Hopefully it will stay that way and he wont magically find me, like last time. Knowing how wicked and sly he was, I figured it wouldn't be long. He called me-many, many times. All I rejected. A new message came from him everyday. One in particular really made me shiver.

"Bellissima. Answer me. I will explain everything. Besides, you know I'm the only man that has ever made you feel the way you deserve to feel. Don't lie to yourself."

Shit. How could you be so genuine yet cocky at the same time? What pissed me off even further was the he KNEW the effect he had on me. His claws were in deep already. Bastard. I stared up at the ceiling, lying across my bed. God, my face flushed just thinking about a bed. About that sexy man. He nearly had me-I was almost thankful Maria came in when she did. But a small part of me the- naughty, sexy part-wish she hadn't. Damn them both. Especially Adam. Those black eyes, that husky Italian voice, and godly body-

Like the shrill ring of a morning alarm clock, my phone woke me up from my thoughts-or fantasies rather. I looked at the caller. It was Jack.

"Hiya Jackie. What's up?"

"Eleanor. Its your best and most attractive male friend calling."

I laughed. "You are one clown, you know that?"

"Why thank you, miss. I was actually calling to see if you wanted to come with me to the Fashion Bazaar they're having in Venice tomorrow."

"Fashion Bazaar?"

"Yeah. Its a pretty big event. A regular fashion show of sorts. I was invited by a friend and they told me I can bring a plus one. You know I immediately thought of you. And I haven't seen you in days. How about it?"

Jack was right. I haven't seen him since the last time I went to the grocery store. I missed him. But a Fashion Bazaar sounds so incredibly overwhelming and crowded...too crowded. After all, you never know who may be there.

"I don't know Jackie...a Bazaar? Sounds so crowded and extravagant..."

"Oh, Eleanor. You've been in the house all week. It will inprove your mood too. Come on. You might like it, " Jack coaxed.

Oh what the hell. Might as well go, I decided. Its time for me to stop obsessing and moping over he whose name shall not be mentioned. It was time for me to go out and shine-looking sexier and more desirable than ever.

"Okay Jackie. Count me in."

"Perfect. Tomorrow at 7?"

"Sure. Thank you and see you then."

I hung up. Actually, now that I think about it, an outing like that sounded rather exciting. Now that I did except, my plan was to find something to wear-immediatelty. I was always so meticulous about my appearance. A lady should look her best, after all. I had a massive walk-in closet, and I worked hard to ensure it had everything I needed. And that it had. There was a dress I'd been saving. This one in particular, has slinky, shiny sequins, low cut, and was bright red. It was time to show up, like a goddess in all her finery. I was ready.

The next day, I sat in one of my favorite salons. They were closed really-but I persuaded the stylist to let me in. I went out earlier for accessories; trying to stay as far away from the main city as possible. Away from HIM.

"Do you like?" the stylist said.

I looked at the fluffy vintage rolls he had crafted. Perfection. "Like..why-I love!"

After my hair appointment, I arrived home at about six to begin getting ready. First, I began with a lavish bath and spread on some body butter and perfume. Gosh, how I loved it. Then I slid into my dress, powdered my face, added blush and finished with red lips. Even I couldn't believe how stunning I looked. I felt ready to take on the world. And I will need that confidence later, when I'm rubbing shoulders with models and the social elite. God help me.

Seconds later the doorbell rang, and I quickly grabbed the red clutch I had brought. It was encrusted with faux ruby red diamonds. Sooo pretty. Time to go!

I ran to the door and opened it. "Hey Jackie!" I said excitedly and did a twirl. " How do I look?"

Jack did not answer for awhile, and his eyes widened as he took in the sight of me.

"Wow Eleanor..I-You look incredibly sexy," He pasued with a glimmer in his eye. "At least you get to be mine... for tonight."

"Thank you Jack. Shall we go?" I smiled solemnly. Jack really loved me, no doubt about it. The last part of his sentence already had me tearing up-because he knew that I would really never be his, truly.

On the way to the venue, I couldn't help but remember the first time I met Jack. I was at the grocery store as per usual. I had made it all the way to the cashier with a full trolly of groceries-only to release I had left my purse home with the majority of my money in it. I had to tell the cashier that I could not longer purchase the items. And that cashier happened to be Jack. Sweet Jackie. He was charismatic, kind, and a complete and utter clown.

"You don't have to worry about this. I'll take care of everything for you," he said and flashed a brilliant smile. "Watch."

He then took money out of his wallet and put it directly in the register. "For you," he said.

"Oh you are wonderful! Thank you! What's your name?"

"Jack. Yours?"

"It's Eleanor."

"Eleanor. Heh. Slides off my tongue like butter," he smiled. He was a real country boy. Real sweet.

From then, I had grown fond of him. Our relationship had only blossomed and evolved from then. The only level it had never reached was a romantic one. Maybe it never will.

Jack's warm hand on my thigh brought me back to the present. "Were here," he said. Off in the distance, I heard loud music and crowds roaring with excitement. Jack held his arm out, and led me inside of a huge building where the bazaar was being held. Upon entering, I gasped. There was a glorious diamond chandelier hanging from the ballroom. The walls contained beautiful art-which faintly reminded me of the Sistene Chapel. In the middle of the room, the runway was beautifully laid out-the edges pulsing with neon lights. A row of seats encircled it. Many guests were there-some of them more beautiful than the room itself.

"We have about half an hour before the show starts. Let's make some rounds, shall we?"

I nodded, and he led me through the crowds, introducing his associates as he went along. Jack was pretty damn popular in Venice huh? Or at least he just had good connections. That wasn't surprising given his charming personality and looks.

"Oh hey Martin! I was looking for you! Here's my date, Eleanor. Or my plus one rather," Jack said proudly.

"It's a pleasure, Eleanor," Martin took my hand and placed a kiss on it. "Nice to meet the lovely woman Jack's always rambling on about."

The two men had begun to converse amongst themselves, so I took a glass of champagne from the passing waiter and after excusing myself, went for a little walk on my own. The refreshment table looked very appealing-the bacon wrapped shrimp was calling my name. Don't mind if I do. As I helped myself to the delectable treats, I felt a presence behind me. Almost as if an aura had enveloped me. Someone was behind me, but it was a room filled with people. So I paid it no mind.

"Hello, Eleanor."

I jumped, startled. That sound-it was so familiar. That deep, rumbling husky voice belonged to one man. I turned around and my hunch was confirmed. Adam. The way he said my name-my REAL name suggested that he was deathly serious. My throat went dry and the room with its glorious colors and noises became a blur. I was not expecting to see him here, but at the same time this was a popular event. A FASHION EVENT. For celebrities and MODELS. Adam was the latter.

"Fancy seeing you here," he said dryly, wickedly. Those eyes were jet black-and cold.

"This i-is a big place. How did you find me? Are you following me?" I asked.

"I'm a guest here. Just like you. And why haven't you been answering my calls? I'm becoming impatient."

I watched him, and he watched me. His eyes narrowed. The way they always did when he was examining me. My soft hair. The curve of my breast..and the way the sequiny dress dripped over me like silk. His mouth moved to compliment me-but because of his pride he refused to look and sound vulnerable, so he swallowed it. His jaw clenched, just a little, and his eyes bore into me. He stood there so confidently, so smugly, but I felt those walls drop for a fragment of a second when I looked up at him. The all black tux wrapped around him and hugged every part of his body-with those muscular arms and thighs tucked so wonderfully underneath. Delicious stubble and a black smooth pompadour. God, I wanted to run my fingers through it-ruin it-and ruin him. But now is not the time to get caught up in his allure.

"Now, listen here you-"

Before I had a chance to finish, a long elegant hand wrapped around his arm.

"Adam, baby there you..what is SHE doing here?"

Maria. I can't believe he brought her with him. She latched on to him possessively like a leech, glaring at me with a look as dark as the black dress she had on. It seemed like he barely paid attention to her. His gaze was fixed only on me.

"I was invited by my date, Jack," I said as-a-matter-of-factly, looking directly at Maria, and then, finally, Adam. I would not allow myself to be intimidated by either if them. At the mention of the word date, followed by a male name, Adam's head snapped up, and his eyes thundered with furry...and..jealousy? He was boiling inside. Good. Time to give him a taste of his own medicine.

"And who's Jack, if I may ask?" he said in a low growl-hissing through his teeth.

"That's none of your concern," I said coolly and sauntered off. It felt good. So good. I had made the bastard jealous, and I could see the desire raging within him. And trust me-I knew that would come with consequences. Adam was a prideful, stubborn, and possessive man. He won't give up. I knew from the rage and passion in his eyes that this meant war.

Moments later, I found Jack and we took our seats before the runway. The show was soon to begin.

"Where did you run off to?" he ask, brows knit together in confusion.

"I just...went for a walk and got some refreshments."

"Well I'd like to keep the most beautiful woman on my arm at all times. Especially at a place like this."

I laughed half-heartedly. Physically I was with Jack, but mentality I was drifting.

"Oh Eleanor. You look like you have a lot on your mind. What's wrong?" He paused briefly, closed his eyes and sighed. "Does it have to do with that man I saw you with by the buffet table?" he raised an eyebrow.

I flinched. How did he find out about Adam? What did he know about the situation? I had wondered off quite far from him. Damnit! What do I say...

I struggled for an answer, but was instead distracted by a man who was trying to get my attention from backstage. What in the world?

"Jack, do you see that man waving at me?" I used this as a perfect opportunity to change the subject.

Jack explained to me that he was an assistant director of the show. "Let's see what he wants," Jack took my hand and led me to the man.

"Oh thank goodness you came, cherie! I was afraid you wouldn't!"

"And...who are you?" I asked shyly.

"Forgive me, madame. My name is Marcel. The director is in a crisis. He is in need of a model, and I think you would be perfect! Please..he will be most angry if I do not solve this issue!" he was French.

"But sir I-" Before I could protest, he whisked me away further backstage to a private office. Jack struggled to keep up.

"Monsieur, I think I found the perfect substitute!"

Marcel pushed me directly in front of the tall, impeccably dressed man. Oh my goodness! It was the world famous designer, Francois Lavar! I fought to keep my composure. He analysed me with a critical eye-looking at my arms, legs, face and even touching my hair! "Give me a twirl," he said. He was French, like Marcel was. I did as I was told, because quite frankly my head was spinning too.

After a painful silence-a slow smile spread across his face. "Well done Marcel! You weren't completely useless this time." He then turned to me. "Can you walk? Pose? Strut?"

"I think I can...I-I'm certainly willing to try."

"That's what I like to hear! You are stunning! Perfect face, body and bone structure! Be confident about it. Now go-Marcel will assist you in getting ready."

I was floating on air. It was crazy all of this was happening, and even more crazy that I agreed to it. But if it was one thing that bastard Adam was right about, was that I needed to loosen up a bit. I'll show him. I'll show them all! Marcel led me to the dressing rooms, where most of the models were being primped and pampered. All of their sultry, shadowed eyes narrowed at the sight of me. One after the other-a domino effect. My confidence faultered for a moment. They were all exquisite and it was completely unnerving. Then, if you thought it wouldn't get anymore interesting, you are horribly mistaken. Because along with all the other glares, I saw a familiar and formidable one. Maria Flores. No way-she couldn't have been one of the models! Her burning, searing emerald eyes followed me straight to the salon booth Marcel sat me in. Moments later, about three people were over me. One in my hair, the other in my face , and the last one an assistant to them both. So much people..was I truly ready for this? No. I didn't think so. Maria gave me a terrifying look-expressing ownership over her territory and..her man. My heart begun to pound in my chest, until I remembered how I took them both down a notch earlier. She's no threat to me-only if I allow her to be. And quite frankly, it was I Adam wanted, not her. This stirred up inside me a fire, one that had slowly began to grow brighter and more fierce throughout the night. And I'll be damned if I let Maria put it out now. Or HIM.

"Marcel! This one is done!" one of the stylists said, motioning him over.

"Parfaite! Let me take her to her dressing room!"

In no time, he brought me to a glamorous, richly furnished dressing room. As soon as he shut the door-the hustle and bustle of the outside studio faded away. Finally. Peace and quiet.

"Now, my pretty, there are three outfits you must model. They fall into three categories. Beach wear. Casual. And formal. In that order you must wear them. So, first up, you will wear Lavar's latest swimsuit piece. Understand?

"Yes. I think I do." I said nervously.

Marcel's eyes softened. "Look, cherie-I know this must all be very new to you, and very frightening. But you have a beauty-an innocence about you and you must use it to your advantage. Now hurry and change. You're on in 10. "

I thanked him for his encouragement and slipped into the bikini, and the matching accessories. His pep talk helped me greatly. An addition of coal to the fire that was already burning. I examined myself in the mirror. The bikini had a tropical print with palm leaves splashed against a salmon background. It complimented my tan skin and I blushed furiously at how much skin I would be showing-to such a massive audience. But I must be brave.

I heard a knock on the door, and I turned to answer. The door swung open to reveal Maria. Oh dear. This was certainly a visit that was unexpected. Fear had begun to knaw at my chest, but I still stood my ground. Her eyes were burning like fire. Emerald fire. She pushed past me with a sort of elegant grace and passive aggressiveness. She looked me up and down and scoffed. But her confident exterior was belied by the glint of jealousy in her eyes.

"What do you want, Maria?" I said.

"I came to warn you. First you try to take my man, then you try to come here and take over my territory. This is no place for you. As a matter of fact, your forte is taking pictures, not taking the stage. You belong behind the scenes. So if I were you, I would quit now and watch my back. And another thing. Stay away from Adam. He belongs to me, not you. You have nothing to offer him. You ARE nothing to him, and you could never please him. You were used by him, nothing more. Now do we have an understanding?"

Maria's words hurt me deeply, and I fought back the tears that were just waiting on the edge, ready to spill over. But I bit them back, sucked it up and replied. "Let me tell you something Maria. You are no threat to me and you never, ever will be. And the fact that you need to come inside of here and attempt to shake my confidence shows that it is you who are threatened by ME. You can run after Adam all you want like a sad, desperate puppy on a leash. Or you can try and have some decency and live with the fact that he just does not want you. The thing is, I will never have to fight for his attention-not when is so taken with me. Now, if you are quite done, I have modeling to do."

"Why, you little-"

Maria's pretty face twisted into an evil snarl, and before she could lunge for me, Marcel appeared.

"What are you two still doing in here? Now is not the time to socialize-the first category has begun!"

He whisked us both away-and I could still feel her burning, jealous gaze. The heat began to fade the more he moved me further and further away from her. But this was soon to replaced by nervous chills I felt as I stood backstage-ready to strut down the runway. The fire was now raging in me-Maria had doused it with gallons of gasoline. And that fire, was confidence.


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