Page 2 of Reignite Me

“This is a photoshoot, not a porno,” Natasha replies.

“Might turn into a porno if we’re not careful.”

My cheeks are going to burn off at the thought of being in a porn shoot. Nina’s assistant lets us know our guest is ready.

Oh fuck. This is really happening.

“All right! Showtime. Natasha will tie the blindfold over your eyes then walk you out there,” Nina says before blowing me a kiss and walking from the dressing room. Natasha hands me a black dress, one that covers the red slip. The dress is just for show. Once the blindfolds come off, our clothes will follow.

Nina’s assistant gives me a pep talk while walking behind me. “It’s going to be fine! You’ve sat through plenty of these shoots before. Now it’s your turn. And believe me, he’s a solid choice for you.” In a matter of seconds, the world goes black as she blindfolds me.

We make our way out to the main section of the warehouse. The section we’re starting with has the bed, which seems to be Nina’s go-to location when starting sessions.

Can’t imagine what she thinks is going to happen. It’s not like the couples fuck while she’s taking the photos. Though knowing Nina, she would enjoy the show, but that’s beside the point. Undressing next to a bed is her signature choice to start a shoot.

I feel Natasha push me backwards, and just when I fear that I’m going to end up on the bed, I’m stopped by someone’s very muscular back. The nerves come back, and I swallow hard, my pulse racing.

“Welcome to another segment ofMeet Your Match Saturday. On the count of three, you’ll take off the blindfolds and get the first look at your match.” Nina’s voice carries from somewhere off to the right of me…or maybe the left. I can’t quite tell since my heart is racing so fast that I can hear it in my ears.

“Three…two…one…Meet your match!.” Nina’s countdown ends, and I reach up and untie my blindfold. Turning to look behind me, I’m met with a muscular suit-covered chest. My gaze travels up to meet deep-brown eyes. Eyes I never imagined I’d see again.

“Ryker, I’d like you to meet…” Nina starts, but Ryker cuts her off.

“Thea…” My name drips off his lips like honey. Ryker Jones, my brother’s best friend. He and Nick were inseparable growing up. They styled his dark-brown hair, while his beard is nothing more than a scruff. Not my preference, but matched with the black slacks and white button-down, it’s easily the sexiest look I’ve ever seen.

I had always viewed Ryker as another brother until I was a senior in high school, and that’s when I realized I had fallen in love with him. But then one drunken phone call during my freshman year of college, I admitted my true feelings. And he told me he only saw me as a little sister. That was four years ago. Four years since I’ve seen or heard from him, and now he’s standing before me…as my match.

TWO

RYKER

Four years. Thea left my life four fucking years ago, even though it was entirely my fault. She’d been a college freshman, while I’d been a senior. I hadn’t wanted to let her consume me when there was so much at stake. And we’d walked separate paths.

At least, that’s what I’d thought until now. As she stands in front of me in that black, figure-hugging gown, I’m glued to the floor. I came here expecting to do a photoshoot to promote my new club. I should’ve known Natasha was up to no good when she brought Nina into the meeting. Their decision to hold the shoot on Saturday should have tipped me off to their plan.

I would never have guessed Thea to be my match. Her hazel eyes lock on mine as she considers the best course of action. She turns to storm away, but I reach out and catch her wrist at the same time the camera clicks. Fucking Nina. But that’s what I’ll give her if she wants something good to photograph. Plus, I’m paying her enough to help promote the club.

I yank Thea’s wrist behind her back then trail my other hand up her shoulder and into her hair. I grip her black hair with my fingers against her scalp and pull her head to the side, allowing full access to her neck.

Leaning down, I trail my nose along the curve. She shivers at the feeling of my breath on her neck. Trailing up to her ear, I whisper, “Allow this photoshoot to happen, and then we’ll never see each other again.”

That wasn’t my intention, but my mind’s blank right now. Having her so close yet so far away has my thoughts melting. Thea isn’t the same girl I knew four years ago. She’s a woman now. She was always a fighter. Over the four years apart, I kept tabs on her and as the COO of one of Seattle’s highest-ranking companies, I can see she hasn’t changed.

Out of the corner of my eye, Nina moves, capturing this intimate moment. Now that’s a picture I’ll put on the fucking billboard.

“Thea, time for the big reveal.”

Nina’s voice breaks us apart. My hands fall from Thea’s body so fast, it’s like she’s lava.

“Uh, Nina. Do—” Thea starts but then shuts her mouth and nods.

“Perfect! Now, Ryker, please unbutton your slacks and dress shirt and lie back on the bed. Thea will then undress at the foot of the bed while I take some shots from this angle. It’s an excellent vantage point for observing reactions. But pretend I’m not here; it’s just the two of you in here,” Nina instructs.

Following my orders, I unbutton my shirt and slacks before reclining against the pillows, hands behind my head, my gaze fixed on Thea.

Her back is still turned to me, but a snap of Nina’s fingers pulls her back to reality. As she turned to face me, it was as if time stood still. Her gaze begins at my legs and gradually moves up my body; as she observes how I’m positioned, she subconsciously bites her lip. God damn. That was the most seductive look I’ve ever seen.

Her eyes lift to meet mine, and with a slight blush on her cheeks, she slips out of the black dress, revealing a red slip. She doesn’t look away as she places one knee on the bed and leans forward, allowing me to see more of her body.

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