Beautiful and successful Emma took a chance and responded to an ad calling for a woman to star in a particularly depraved adult film. Her deep-seated cum obsession forced her hand and now the video is out there. But, it's so niche and obscure she's in the clear. Right?
Her wedding is only weeks away and the price of her decision has come due.
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I promised Part 2 would wrap things up. But, the story grew out of my control. So, now it's three parts. Whoops! Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy!
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"I'm so happy you're here, Steven!" I wrap my slim arms around his chest and squeeze harder than I should. If not for my heels, I'd be bouncing up and down with excitement. "I had no idea you'd be coming."
"Me neither, Emma." He gives me a light peck on the cheek, then holds me at arm's length to take in the sight. "At the last minute, I decided I couldn't pass up the opportunity to see you, my dear. I know the wedding's only two weeks away. But, I've been so excited for this moment, it might as well be two years. And, Arienne can wait until tomorrow."
He mentions his personal trainer. He refers to her as The Slave Driver more often than not. I'm not sure what injustices she's been inflicting on him. But, whatever they are, they're working. For a man in his mid-fifties, Steven is fit and vital. He's had something of a renaissance in the last few years, since Jacob and I started dating. He looks a decade younger, at least. If, in thirty years, Jacob is as handsome as his father is now, I'll count myself extremely lucky. I suddenly remember the fortune Steven pays for Arienne's services, whether he shows up or not.
"You shouldn't have done that," I say, admonishing him.
"It's not a matter of should or could, honey," he says. "I
had
to be here. And, my God, I didn't realize a woman could be this beautiful." He's still shaking his head in disbelief.
I giggle and give him a bashful smile. "Oh, Steven, this dress, it's just... I don't have the words." Lovingly, I run my fingers through the sheer wisps of my billowing skirt. My gratitude is overflowing, and I feel tears coming on. "In a million years I could never thank you enough for this dress, or any of this."
My future father-in-law puts his hands gently on either side of my head, careful to not disturb Alena's work. "Emma, you're going to marry my son. Who would ever think that's not enough? Everything I've done, every penny I've spent has been more than worth it. Don't ever think otherwise."
My lips are quivering, and I'm about to start weeping when Alena pokes her nervous head into my periphery. "Um, sorry guys! This is super heartwarming and all. But, you should shut off the waterworks before you ruin the goods." She mime's turning a valve.
I nod in agreement and take a deep breath to calm myself.
Steven laughs. "You know what? She's absolutely right. I'm not here to get in anyone's way; just to observe. Anton, old boy, do your magic."
"Oh, I'll do some magic alright," says Anton. "And make you disappear!" He playfully shoos Steven away, until he's retreated beyond the studio lights toward the mini-bar. Alena is there with her make-up kit, giving me one last touch-up before things begin in earnest.
"That's enough, child," grumbles Anton, as he gives Alena a look of annoyance. "Now, you're just showing off. Go outside and play or something!"
She sticks out her cute, little tongue and blows a rippling, wet raspberry in Anton's direction. Alena turns back to me as the photographer curses at her in the mother tongue. "Okay, Snow White, you got this! Just breathe and relax and everything will go great. I'm not lying when I say you're hotter than the fucking sun right now. So, you don't need to pretend to be anything other than
you
, alright?"
"Right," I say, with bolstered confidence. "Thank you, Alena." I reach out to give her a quick hug, not expecting her to dart in and kiss me. It lasts far less than a second, but my heart stops time long enough for me to take in the warmth and softness of her lips. I feel her nose brush against mine, and her breath smells like candy.
I'm frozen; speechless. Alena snickers at the look on my face before giving me a wink and heading toward the suite's exit. "Be back later!" She says as she closes the door behind her.
Forcing myself to recover, I check to see if anyone has noticed. Anton is moving slowly about the living room, holding up an electronic gadget that looks like it's from the set of a sci-fi movie. He's either scanning for radiation or ghosts. I'm not sure which. Right now, I'd be happy with either, because at least he didn't notice the kiss. Steven is just returning with a snifter of brandy, and now lounges in the shadows, having shed his jacket and tie. He gives me a big smile and lifts his glass. Thank God!
Anton approaches, satisfied that the fallout and phantasms won't ruin his photo shoot. "Thank you for your patience, love. Let's begin."
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For the next two hours, Anton shows how he earned all the awards I've heard about. He works on the fly, improvising. But, every pose and every framing tells a carefully crafted story. His direction is masterful and I never have to second-guess his intentions. He'll take long minutes to prepare the perfect shot; adjusting a light, the angle of my chin, or the drape of an arm. Once he's got it, he takes a breath and holds it. The sound of the camera is like music, its rhythm filling me with excitement and pleasure.
This is the second time I've been photographed with such scrutiny. But, the gulf, in terms of quality and intent, between the two occasions is like an ocean. The first time was like someone filming a natural disaster in progress. The camera work was crude, but fearless and unflinching. The footage captured, awe-inspiring in its debauched excess. You wanted to look away in disgust, but somehow couldn't. This time is different, of course. Right now, I feel like a masterwork at the Louvre, being unveiled for the first time. Or, an endangered bird-of-paradise, precious and fragile, and all too fleeting. It's all hyperbole, but I feel it.
We then leave the suite, all three of us, and head up to the secluded roof, where we have a permit to shoot. It's not long before Anton is taking photos of me against the New York City skyline. The city is alive, and its song rises to echo through the canyons of glass and steel. The wind up here is cool and whips at my veil. Occasionally, a gust pushes my skirt up to reveal my legs, toned and delicate in their sheer, white stockings and glittering heels. I laugh as I push the billowing fabric down, feeling like Marilyn. Anton doesn't miss any opportunities, and the flash of his camera has my temperature rising. Anton and Steven have earned just a little peek, right?
I spy Steven at the edge of my vision. His smile of contentment has been replaced with something more intense and concentrated. At any other time, it would be uncomfortable and intimidating, but right now, I don't mind.
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We're back in the suite and I feel exhilarated. I'm light on my feet and bouncing as we step into the living room. I'm delighted to see that Alena has returned.
"Well, well," she says from her spot on the couch. "It looks like somebody had fun up there."