AVIE hid behind the wardrobe and cleaned the lens of her camera. She didn’t want to see Theo and, she didn’t want him to see her. Well, at least for now. She needed time to pull herself together before she proceeds to their first photo shoot.

Avie was trying to focus on work when she heard Agnes scream. She peeked and saw the models and makeup artists gathering on the set.

“Who did this, huh? Who’s that son of a— That spilled oil to my creations?” Agnes snarled.

They all looked at one another. No one seemed to know who the culprit was. But Avie knew better. One of those new female models looked nervous. She walked towards the commotion.

“Hey, gorgeous.” She put her hand on Agnes’ shoulder. “Relax.”

“You know that I can’t relax knowing that someone ruined my creation. That’s Theo’s suit for the second set.” Agnes shoved her hand away.

“I know. But the culprit won’t admit that she’s at fault,” she said, eyeing the female model.

“I’m so sorry.” The girl fell on her knees. Now, all eyes were focussed on her.

“Mara…” said the girl who pulled her up.

“I’m so sorry, Miss Agnes. I didn’t mean to spill oil on it. It was an accident,” Mara explained with a trembling voice.

“It’s okay, Mara,” Theo said, comforting his colleague.

Avie turned her gaze on Theo. Her lips twitched. Why did he get himself involved?

“If it was an accident, she’s not at fault, right?” Theo said, meeting her gaze.

She arched a brow. Did Theo say that because he meant something that he wanted to tell her instead? But it’s not the right time to think about it.

“Let’s just cancel this shoot,” Avie declared.

“But, Avie…” Red turned to her.

“We all know we cannot work like this. This is for the better.” Or maybe, she just saw a good excuse to save herself. “And I hope by tomorrow everyone has calm down.”

“Well… I think Avie’s right.” Agnes heaved a sigh and left the studio.

Red went to her side after Agnes left.

“Did you notice that?” Red asked.

“Hmm?” She crossed her arms over her chest. “Notice what?”

“Agnes.”

“Well, I’ve noticed that lately, she was super sensitive,” Avie said.

“And bad-tempered,” Red added.

“Could it be because it’s the time of the month?”

“I don’t think so…” Red gave her a pat on the back. “See you tomorrow, Avie.”

“Mmm… see you.” She went back to where she left her camera to pack up.

But someone got there before her, and he was holding her camera in his hands. Theo was looking at the pictures.

“Hey, that’s mine.” Avie tried to take her camera from him, but he raised his hand high so that she wouldn’t reach it. “What the heck, Theo?” she said through gritted teeth.

“I’ll return this camera to you in one condition.” He smiled lopsidedly.

She stepped backward and sighed exasperatedly.

“What did you come here for? To mess around with me?” Avie shook her head. “Stop your childish act, for Pete’s sake.”

He put his hand holding her camera down and hid it behind him.

“I guess you already forgot what you did back in the hotel suite,” he said.

“Do you think I’d be sorry kicking your fucking balls back there? Well, I am not. It’s not an accident. I mean it.” She flashed a wicked smile.

“Then…” He showed her the camera. “How about I break this one to make it even?” Theo wagged his brows.

“D-don’t! Please, don’t…”

The camera was precious to Avie. It was her first camera, a gift when she started to work for Fantasia. It was somewhat sentimental because it was a token for her new life.

Theo raised a brow. “It seems someone is getting sentimental here.”

“Give it to me, Theo,” she stretched an arm to him.

“Not too fast, Avie…” he said. “I need something in exchange.”

He put her camera on the table and quickly pulled her closer to his body. Now, she was imprisoned by his arms. The scent of his cologne mixed with his natural scent made her feel dizzy.

Avie shut her eyes tightly when Theo sniffed the side of her head down to her jaw. They had never been that close for so many years, yet he still has the same effect on her. He never failed to make her knees weak.

Theo grabbed her chin, tilted her head, and caressed her lower lip with his thumb. It was a sensual attack, and she was not ready for it.

“Avie…” The way her name rolled on his tongue felt different now. It sounded like he was putting a spell on her. “Did you know that I always wonder how these luscious lips of yours taste like? How would it feel against mine? Or how long before I… ah, nevermind that one.”

His hand went up to the back of her head and cupped it. Avie could only gasp for air as Theo lower his head on hers. And then, he claimed her lips.

Avie clenched her hands against his shirt, trying her best to resist him. But even his lips were stronger enough to part hers. His tongue entered her mouth, assaulting hers with another sensual attack that seemed to drive her sanity away. Her inner demons were screaming, protesting against her for holding herself back.

Soon, Theo stopped and looked at her in disbelief.

“So, this is what kissing a statue feels like.” He scoffed. “You need a lesson or two, Avie. And I’ll gladly teach you for free.”

Avie heaved a deep sigh. She could not believe this guy. After what she had done, he was still interested in her.

“T-Theo, listen—”

“I know you very well, Avie. You used to hold back whatever you have inside there,” he said, cutting her off.

She summoned all her strength to escape from him.

“You know what, this is wrong,” she told him.

“What is wrong with this, Avie? Come on, enlighten me.” He cocked his head arrogantly.

“First of all, we are not on good terms. And a lot more reason that I know you are aware of.” She turned her back on him and stormed out of the studio.