Page 58 of Addiction

Rehana sat in front of a mirror in the living area, giggling like a schoolgirl into her phone, while a hair stylist curled her hair with tongs and a makeup artist applied the finishing touches to her face. Navya gave her a cheerful wave and went straight to the bedroom, where all the garments she’d selected were already set on a rack. Dropping her bag, she quickly began unzipping the garment bags of each of the six outfits she’d chosen. Rehana’s assistants helped her, lining the shoes that matched with each outfit. This was her first time dressing Rehana for an event, and Navya wanted it to go without a hitch. She’d made sure every single look was discussed with the model at length.

Hearing Rehana’s loud laugh, both her assistants looked at one another and chuckled. Everyone in the fashion industry knew of Rehana’s temper tantrums. Her being in a good mood thus suited Navya just fine.

Rehana entered then and began skimming over the clothes, rejecting three at once. Navya waited patiently.

“I need something chic but not very sexy…” she drawled. “It should highlight my neck; I have to showcase a necklace for the brunch.”

“Do you have a picture of the piece you will be wearing?” Navya asked.

“No need of a picture. The perfect outfit will make me look amazing.”

Navya lifted a teal blue, strapless jumpsuit from the rack. “Why don’t you try this on? It’s from that famous Indian designer I told you about. The one who specializes in Western wear? I have a feeling it will look smashing on you.”

“Umm,” Rehana fingered the fabric, “I’m not sure.”

“Try it on. Don’t worry, if you don’t like it, then we have a few more options. We’ll find something perfect for you.”

A few minutes later, Rehana studied herself in the mirror. Even Navya had to admit that the jumpsuit looked fabulous on her. It was a plain teal blue with a chiffon overlap that skimmed her chest and snaked down to the floor from both sides. However, Navya didn’t say a word. She waited patiently as the model assessed herself.

“You can wear the dark green Manolo Blahniks I sent over yesterday,” Navya suggested.

Rehana nodded, and one of her assistants brought forth the heels. The second she stepped into them, she grinned. “Fab. I look fab.”

She turned to Navya. “What do you think?”

“You look stunning.”

“I know that,” the model dismissed the compliment. “What I want to know is how will you make me look even better than this? You see, my boyfriend is attending the brunch as well. I have to look better than my best. Your advice on seducing himworked brilliantly.” She twirled her finger. “I have him wrapped around my finger. So, now help me look even more attractive for him.”

Okay, now all the giggling on the phone made sense to her. Not that Navya would comment on that. She stepped closer to Rehana, running her eyes down her. “Okay, if you want my opinion, then I suggest that you tie your hair in a high ponytail. It will showcase your swan-like neck and the necklace you have to wear.”

Rehana considered her for a moment before she barked out an order to her hairdressers. In a few minutes, she was styled in the fashion Navya had recommended. The Tiffany team arrived with the piece they wanted Rehana to wear. With the new hairstyle, everything about the model looked perfect. Navya did a last-minute Q&A with Rehana, ensuring her tone of voice, her replies, and her attitude—everything—was poised and perfect.

“You’re good, Navya,” Rehana appreciated. “I have to admit that when Armaan suggested your name, I was mostly curious becauseherecommended you so highly. But now I see I made the right decision in hiring you.”

She nodded, waiting for the hair stylists to put the final touches on the model’s hair. Her thoughts drifted back to Armaan.

Even thinking of him made her veins buzz. Excitement thrummed under her skin as she recalled her bold decision to make the first move on him. Her blood hadn’t stopped bubbling from that encounter. God, how bold she’d been to take charge like she had.

Listening to him tell her that he’d manifested her presence in his life had been so stirring. It proved that he felt so deeply about her. Something had bloomed in her chest at that admission. It was that emotion, one she couldn’t put a name on yet, that had made her feel bolder and stronger to have her way with himconfidently. And what a morning it had been. Thinking that it was her who had made him lose control the way he had was a high unlike any other.

The more she met him, the more she realized how much she enjoyed spending time with him. Not just today, but every single day that she met him was special. She was getting to know him, the real him, and she had to accept that she liked whatever she’d learned about him. All the red flags she associated with him were slowly turning green in her mind.

Armaan was fully focused on her all the time. He asked her about her days at work, her family, her likes and dislikes. He was interested in knowing her, the person she was. And she liked that he cared enough to take a keen interest. Added to that, she liked how normal he was. He was warm and kind, and he made her laugh. He didn’t have an attitude because of his wealth and treated his staff with respect. She knew he donated frequently to the orphanage he had grown up in. He cared deeply about his brothers, he was hellbent on finding his lost sister, and he was dead serious about his work.

Armaan was different from what she’d thought of him, and she had to admit she liked him, a lot. And the physical attraction between them was next level. Each time she was close to him, each time he touched her, even simply to adjust her stance or correct her posture, she felt an electric shock passing over her skin. She wanted him badly, and the more time she spent with him, the more impatient she was becoming to push things forward. Hopefully, after today, things would move forward in the direction she wanted. She sighed.

Perhaps, once they had had sex, she’d stop fascinating over him and thinking about him all the time, including while she was at work. Maybe then she’d be able to return to her life without craving him nonstop. Maybe then it would finally be time to end this situation she had going on with him. It was temporary, shereminded herself. That was the plan. Then why was her chest aching at the thought?

God. She forced herself to stop thinking of Armaan and focus on Rehana. The makeup artist was now spraying setting spray on her face.

“Have fun,” Navya said when the model was ready.

“I’m heading for the photo shoot first. But wait. I’ve heard many stylists are invited,” Rehana said. “Aren’t you?”

“I am…” Navya smiled.

“You can change here,” Rehana declared. “I only hope you’re not dressed as glamorously as I am.”

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