Page 12 of Resist

Forcing a tight smile, I shut my contract and slide it back. “So what now?” I ask, unable to look at Fox.

Whatever we had was extinguished with that signature.

We can be nothing more than bandmates now.

Po wasn’t joking. Dash and Strike filmed four videos while we were looking over the proposals, actual proposals, for ours.

“Are you okay with that?” Po asks for the tenth time after we review the next one. “With pretending to kiss?”

“It isn’t anything we haven’t done before,” Fox scoffs, but he’s been quiet, shaking his head every now and again. I guess he feels weird seeing how we need to act written out. Usually, we do what we feel, but now we are doing what they are telling us to so fans can ship us and create rumors.

“Okay, then let’s film the first one.”

Nodding, I head over to a white booth, followed by Fox. We have been to hair and makeup and even wardrobe, which took hours. Fox’s eyes are darkened so much, his bright orbs pop, his blue hair is perfectly messy, and his lips are painted deep red. He has on a choker and so many rings, they clink as he moves his fingers.

He wears leather pants with white writing and drawings all over them, and they are tucked into metal boots. His shirt is black, the sleeves are rolled back, and only one button is fastened so most of his chest is exposed. It’s a good look, but I want to reach out and smear Fox’s makeup to make him look like my Fox, not this perfected version of him.

I wear matching pants with a thick belt and chains. My shirt is mesh, with safety pins down each side and the front, and it shows more skin than fabric. My eyes are lined, my lips are pink, and my hair is swept back.

“Okay, are you guys ready?” Po calls as they turn on the lights. It’s blinding, and I glance around nervously before meeting Fox’s eyes. He smiles reassuringly, and I take a deep breath, nodding to him and Po.

“Okay, three, two, one . . .” He goes quiet, and I dramatically turn away from Fox.

His hand grips my chin, and he drags me back to face him as I breathe heavily. For a moment, I stare into his eyes and beg him to kiss me. His head tilts as if he actually will before he looks at the camera and grins, covering the lens with his hand and pushing it away. I turn my head so he doesn’t see the disappointment in my gaze.

“Amazing! One more take,” Po tells us. “That was so good, guys. Ryker, this time, keep your eyes on Fox. Don’t look away. He’s your entire focus.”

Licking my lips, I nod then glance at Fox. He rolls his eyes but moves back to the starting spot, and we run it again.

“Amazing! You guys are so hot! Next!”

The next video is supposed to look like it was captured naturally, so Fox stands by the snack table, browsing it as I hold the phone and film myself walking over. I lift my fingers to my lips to shush the audience as I sneak up on him and kiss his cheek. He turns, looking from me to the camera, feigning shock and shaking his head as I go to kiss his cheek again, only for him to turn, then I catch his lips before running off while he shouts my name.

We shoot three more videos before Dash and Strike join us, and then we film some quick band reels.

“Okay, awesome, onto the photoshoot! The photographers will be here in a moment,” Po calls. “Just act naturally. You all have amazing charisma, so I told them to capture you however you guys want. Just be yourselves—flirt, laugh, or joke. Let’s get some incredible shots!”

We get a ten-minute break, where I shovel down some food before we are told they are ready. I glance at the others who look just as nervous as I am, so I straighten my shoulders.

“Do those little cameras scare you?” I tease them as I grab Dash in a headlock. He struggles and laughs, and I hear the cameras snap as Strike leaps onto my back to try to save Dash, while Fox watches us before wading in. He plucks Strike off me and drags me away from Dash. My back hits his chest and my head tips backwards, an involuntary response, before my eyes meet his as his arm bands across my chest. I search his face, everything else fading away as he looks down at me. The flash of a camera brings me back to the present, and he starts to pull away, but I want this.

If this is the only way I can have him, then I will take it.

He might think it’s for the cameras, but I don’t care. Turning in his arms, I cup his jaw and press my forehead to his. “I like the outfit,” I murmur. “It makes it easy to do this.” My hand slides down his throat and into his shirt. He shudders against me, his eyes widening at how brazen I am, but it’s almost as if he forgets the cameras, his own hand sliding down my spine before gripping my ass and tugging me closer. I shiver, and goosebumps erupt on my skin. My gaze drops to his lips as a strong urge to taste him courses through me. He tilts his head, ready to kiss me.

“Amazing, the chemistry is so incredible!” someone remarks, and we break apart, both of us suddenly remembering where we are.

Fox moves back to Dash and Strike as the camera continues to snap. I watch him the entire time, wondering if he would have done it if they hadn’t called out.

I flirt with Fox, giving him lingering touches and looks that I hope he knows are real. I wish I could tell him, wish I could be like this, but now our contract prohibits it.

This is the only way I can have him.

It will have to be enough.

EIGHT

As soon as the cameras stop flashing, Ryker steps away from me, turning to talk to the photographer and Po. I remain where I am, staring at him as everyone else returns to their lives, while I’m stuck here.

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