"Oh, for fuck’s sake, really?" I ask. "You're going to call a woman being liberated and not feeling the social pressure to choose a slut." I roll my eyes. "I would have thought a woman in big business would be liberated enough to see that this woman has got the right idea. Why should she have to choose? Do you call Jilly, the flight attendant on your jet, a slut? She has multiple partners." Jacinta’s eyebrows tip down, and of course she’s pretty even when frowning, but I can see her mind at work.
"I've never really had a relationship before. Men always expected me to be as loose and easy as my mom, so I avoided that as much as possible, and the one or two times I've had sex, well, I didn’t really know what the big deal was. But if I found someone who could rock my world, or even better, a couple of someones, I would hold onto them tight. Everyone else could go screw themselves. Life is too short to be trapped under pressure from society. I want to look back when I'm old and never regret a thing."
Her frown has disappeared, and she's looking at me with slightly more interest now, but when she catches my eye, she scowls again and huffs, ignoring me and going back to her tablet. Well, okay then, nice chat. The drive into the city is quiet after that, but we do stop on the outskirts at a Starbucks, and Jacinta asks the driver to go in and get her a coffee.
"Don’t be silly. I'll go and get it. What do you want? " I ask her. The limo can't park anywhere, so the driver will circle the block for me until I get back.
"I just want a chai latte, please,” she says, and I'm surprised her order isn’t more complicated.
She tries to hand me some money, but I just shake my head, holding up my purse. "I got it! It's fine." I also ask the driver if he wants anything, happy to get his tall flat white no sugar for him. The poor guy’s been up at the crack of dawn right along with us. So when the limo stops, I jump out and quickly hobble in. It's not too busy considering what time of the morning it is, and I only have a five minute wait once I've placed my order.
When my name is called, I take the tray and run back just as the limo does another lap. The driver has his window down, so I pass him his coffee in return for an enthusiastic thanks. I guess it was an early start for him too. Hopping into the back, I carefully pass Jacinta her chai before taking out my caramel frappe and taking a long sip of it. Although I usually drink black, I sometimes indulge in this icy, sweet goodness that gives me a much needed boost. I take my little indulgences where I can get them.
The drive is a little slower now as we hit the traffic, but it's not long before we’re pulling into the parking lot of a red brick warehouse which has a discrete Neighpalm Industries plaque next to the entrance. The rest of the area looks like it’s made up of converted warehouses too, a trendy refurbished spot in a former slum area.
"What is this place?" I ask Jacinta as she packs away her tablet into a large leather satchel that she swings over her shoulder.
"This is my warehouse. I have my design office here, and we have a few seamstresses on the premises. It’s also where we shoot a lot of our print ads. It made more sense than hiring a studio every time I needed to work." She places a large pair of dark glasses on her eyes, and it looks like she has to fortify herself with a deep breath before she gets out.
That's weird. It's almost like she doesn't want to be here. She goes on, explaining, "The Neighpalm building in the city is where I deal with clients, they expect it, but out here is where I spend most of my time." That little snapshot into Jacinta Summers tells me a lot. It's what I thought; there’s more to her than meets the eye. I just need to try and chip away at the ice cold exterior to see what's on the inside.
"Come on, and remember don't talk to anyone." Her voice is cold and commanding again, and any snippet of hope that sparked a moment ago is quickly snuffed out.
Or maybe I just won't try.
Chapter Fifteen
Harlow
The lower level of the old building is quiet, and the cutting tables and sewing machines are free of people, but Jacinta leads me over to a set of wrought iron steps that lead up to a mezzanine level that’s bustling with sound and activity. I slowly make my way up the steps, my knee protesting slightly, and when I make it to the top, I stop to take in my surroundings. In front of me is a large white backdrop that’s surrounded by equipment. Jacinta walks up to a guy with a camera wrapped around his neck and starts a conversation while various assistants run around, adjusting lights and these umbrella-looking things that I think are the flashes.
Off to the left-hand side is obviously hair and makeup, with a couple of chairs filled with what I’m assuming are the models with people fussing over their hair and faces. On the right-hand side is a long table filled with various snacks and a coffee machine, and it's there that I head. Grabbing a few pastry things, I put them on a plate, find a chair tucked away behind some panels, and settle in with my book and my snacks. Hopefully, Jacinta won’t be able to fault me if I stay out of the way. Pulling out my book, I get sucked back into it, the background noise a dull rumble in my ear. Occasionally, I can hear Jacinta issue instructions, but for the most part, I'm able to block it all out.
That peace comes to an abrupt halt when a man walks behind the panels; he must not have noticed me in the corner as he drops the terrycloth robe he's wearing and flashes me the most magnificent naked body I've ever had the pleasure of seeing in person. Golden blond hair, with long, lean, sculpted muscles that ripple as he pulls on a pair of what look like ladies’ leggings. My eyes run down his tattoo-covered body, to his washboard stomach, and a squeak escapes my mouth. He's stuffing his well-endowed package into them and pulls them up over his hips, adjusting his cock to sit a certain way. His head snaps up at the sound of my voice, and although his eyes widen a bit in surprise, he maintains this cool confidence that must come with the experience of being drooled over by people on a daily basis.
"Huh, didn't know anyone was back here."
A searing blush crosses my cheeks. "I'm so sorry. I didn't realize this was for changing; I was just trying to stay out of the way."
He winks at me, looking much less perturbed than I would be in his shoes. "No harm done. I'd be a pretty poor model if I found people looking at me upsetting. Who are you, and what are you doing hiding back there?"
"Ah, um..." What should I tell him? I know Jacinta doesn’t want anyone knowing who I am, and I don't want to upset her, but on the other hand, screw the bitch. "I'm here with Jacinta."
His eyebrows raise, and a knowing look crosses his face. "Are you the new sister?"
Now it's my turn to look surprised, and he snorts. "Oh, honey, that’s the worst kept secret ever. Everyone knows about it. I'm Alexander." He holds out a hand, and I take it, shaking firmly.
"I'm Harlow."
"Why are you hiding back here?" he asks. Raising a sculpted eyebrow, his face is filled with curiosity. Overall, he has a kind, open look to him, and while many others would be giving out the vibe of a petty gossip, he seems like he might just want to get to know me a little. Before I can answer, another knowing look crosses his face. "Queen Jacinta doesn't want anyone to know who you are, does she?"
"Ah yeah, apparently, my sense of style doesn't meet her standards," I tell him, gesturing to my outfit. "But to be honest, I think that's just an excuse."
He nods and sits down in the chair next to me, and I struggle to keep my eyes on his face. He sees the struggle and smirks before continuing. "Yeah, the Summers family are tough ones to crack. Burnt too many times, and when you're that wealthy, I guess you’ve got to wonder if it’s all about the money or not." We sit quietly for a moment before he sighs deeply. "So, does that mean you don’t know anyone here?"
"Nope, but you know what, I've got my book; I don't need anyone else." He looks down at it before reaching over, yanking it out of my hand, and reading the page I was on.
His face crosses with a wider smirk. "Oh, honey, I think you do need someone if these words are doing to you what they're doing to me."
He reaches down and ad
justs his generous package, but before he can say anything else, a woman with frizzy black hair and tawny skin pops her head around the panel. "Alexander, are you ready to go? What's taking so long? It was just one pair of pants!" Her voice has a touch of annoyance to it, but she tempers it halfway through her questions as if realizing she shouldn’t be mouthing off at him. Turning from him to me, her brows draw together in confusion. Crossing her arms, she demands, "Who are you, and what are you doing back here? She's not bothering you, is she?" I look at him in panic, and he quickly replies for me.
"She's an intern, Lindy. I asked her to rub some oil on my body, but she didn't know where it was."
Her face clears, and I guess this is somehow an acceptable answer. "Oh, I can do that for you," she offers, and a change comes over Alexander. He stands up and adopts a different manner, both his body and voice transforming from how he’d carried himself just a moment ago.
He stands with his hip cocked, and he puts his hands on them. "Oh, darling, that's okay. I know how important you are, and you don't have time." His voice has an effeminate tone to it, and he simpers, fluttering his eyelashes at her. "If you could just get the oil for Harlow, she can get my body oiled up, and I’ll be all ready for Shane."
She blinks a couple of times like she’s dazed by him before shaking her head to clear it. "Of course, I'll get that right away, and then let Shane know you're almost ready." She hurries away, and I look at him, a combination of confused and stunned.
"What the fuck was that?" I wave my hand at him, gesturing to all that he is. He drops the pose and rolls his eyes.
"People expect male models to be gay, so that’s the person I give them. I book so many more jobs now because of it," he explains.
"That sucks; it must be exhausting," I sympathize with him, but he shrugs his shoulders.
"Nah, it's half-true, some might say. I'm bi, but the fashion industry is surprisingly narrow-minded. I get other jobs as well, like book covers and things, and they don't care, but to get major fashion jobs, I needed that little bit more."
"Jacinta is like that?" I question, surprised at the revelation, but he's shaking his head.
"Actually, she’s not. She doesn't handle the booking; one of her people does. She doesn't seem to care either way." He looks thoughtful, and I can see the want in his eyes, and something clicks.
"You're hot for her, aren't you?" An adorable blush crosses his face, and he ducks his head, embarrassed.
"Yeah. I know you've probably seen the worst of her, but every job I've ever done for Neighpalm Couture, she's been supportive, kind, and caring to all her people. And seriously, have you seen her?” I roll my eyes but nod as he continues. "But like all the others, she thinks I'm gay and doesn't look at me any way but as an employee. It doesn't help that I have a male partner at the moment as well. He’s interested in her too. We wouldn't mind making her the meat in our sandwich, but she doesn't seem to notice either of us. She has walls built so high and blinders on when it comes to everyone around her unless you’re family." Poor guy. God, I know what it's like to be attracted to someone and for them to see you as something you're not.
"Well, since you’re the only person who’s talked to me like I’m a normal person who’s not after their money, I guess that makes you my new bestie since I had to leave my other behind. What do you say we make a spectacle of ourselves, see if we can get her to notice you?" Plucking my book out of his hand, I throw it in my bag. "Or at least get her to notice by pissing her off. Which works for me anyway.” I laugh and grab him by the hand as I tow him out from behind the screens, bumping into Lindy on the other side, a bottle of body oil in hand. Grabbing it from her, I thank her enthusiastically.
"Thanks so much, Lindy! I can’t wait to do this; it's got to be the best part of my day, you know, getting my hands on all those gorgeous muscles!" My voice carries across the room, bringing people's eyes toward us. Some of them are amused at my words, but one particular set of turquoise blue ones look furious.
Turning to Alexander, I mutter to him, "Well, she took notice of that. Are you still game?" I raise an eyebrow to check if he's up for this, and he nods his head emphatically.
"Okay then, follow my lead, and let's see what kind of reaction we get from this." I pour a small amount of oil into my hand and rub them together to warm them before placing them directly over his pecs. Stroking my hands over his ripped body, I start to babble.
"Wow, your body is so sculpted. You must work out really hard!" Again, my voice is loud, and a tittering of laughs can be heard behind me, but I ignore them. Yeah, the guy’s hot, but I know he's into Jacinta, and God only knows I don't need any more issues with her.
My ears catch the sound of heels clicking against the wooden floors, and I shoot him a wicked smile before continuing my babble. "I'm new to L.A. I'd love it if someone would show me around."
He smiles a genuine grin, and I don't think he's acting when he responds, "I'd love to show you around. How about I get your number before you leave today?"
A clearing throat has us both turning around. Jacinta stands there, arms crossed, eyes flashing with fury and her mouth pursed as she says loudly, "Harlow, are you bothering our models? You know I told you you're not to do that." She steps close and hisses under her breath, "I knew you were as bad as your mother; hitting on complete strangers is low." Alexander’s eyes widen, and he loses the easy grin in favor of a clenched jaw that betrays his anger at her comment.
“That's a bit harsh, don't you think? How else is someone supposed to get to know anyone if they don't make an effort?” he admonishes her quietly. A wicked smile crosses his lips, and he speaks louder.
“She’s not bothering me at all. In fact, she’s doing an amazing job at rubbing in the oil; her hands are magic if you know what I mean.” Reaching a hand down to adjust his package, his words take on a suggestive tone that has me completely amused but also convinced that fire might come out of my new sister’s eyes next. He winks at me as I step away. “All done? Great, thank you.” He places lingering kisses on both my cheeks before pushing past Jacinta and walking toward the photographer.
“I’m sorry I took so long, Shane!” He flutters his eyelashes at the guy who looks a little bemused at everything. “We couldn't find the oil, and you know how I like to be rubbed all over.” He slaps Shane on the ass as he passes, and Shane snickers with amusement. I smile at his antics, and Jacinta's bemused expression has me squealing internally. At least until she turns to me and pierces me with her blue eyes.
"See, his boyfriend probably doesn't appreciate you hitting on his partner." Looking over her shoulder, I can see the photographer watching us with appreciative eyes. I know it's for her and not me, but I can fuck with her a little more.
"I don't know...he seems to be fairly interested." I wave my fingers at him over her shoulder, and she turns fairly quickly to see a smile cross his face at my antics. He winks before turning back to concentrate on the shoot.
Lindy walks up to us with a frown on her face. "Jacinta, is the intern bothering you?" she asks, shooting me a look of annoyance. "Go and make yourself useful; get me a coffee," she demands, and I wait for Jacinta to pipe up and tell her who I am, but a wicked grin crosses her face instead. Damn it, here comes her revenge.
"Well, girl, hurry up and do what she says. In fact, you can be her assistant all day. Use her how you wish, Lindy,” she directs, waving her hand at me. “God knows everyone else does.” Her words are laced with purposeful innuendo and her face filled with malice as she turns and strolls back to the action, knowing exactly what reputation she’s setting out for me. And there it is, the payback.
"Hurry up then! I don't have all day. I want it black, three sugars." Taking a deep breath, I go and get it for her. I don't want to make a scene, and I know that's what she wants, so she can go home and complain to Brad. So for now I'll suck it up.
I SPEND THE NEXT FEW hours running my ass off for Lindy and anyone she offers my help to. Alexander is not the
only model here today. There’s another male one named Josh who’s friendly and leaves me alone, but then there are three females whose names I don't care enough to remember. You can bet your ass I’m going to remember their faces. Those bitchy cows had me do things like taking the gum out of their mouths when it was time for their shoots and dab at the sweat they developed under the lights, with huge grins on their faces the whole time.
Alexander tried to stop them once, but I just shook my head. It's fine; I can suck it up for a day, and at least I can say to Brad that I made an effort without having to lie about it. While I’ve been running about, Alexander and Shane have exchanged numerous glances when I've been ordered to do something. I’d seen Alexander whispering to Shane earlier, and they had both turned to look at me, pity crossing Shane’s face, so I guess Alexander filled him in on who I am. They both look at Jacinta to see if she’s going to do anything, but she just watches with glee, her fingers flying across her phone. What’s the bet that she’s messaging her brothers to share my pain with them?
When one of the female models tells me to go and get them all sushi from a specific restaurant, conveniently far from the warehouse, Shane has finally had enough; he steps in.
"Actually, I will be making use of Harlow for the rest of the afternoon. That’s if you don't mind, Lindy?" He phrases it as a question, but there is no room for her to wiggle at the tone of his voice.
She shakes her head enthusiastically, all smiles now that she’s talking to someone important to her campaign. "Oh no, Shane, use her how you wish." How kind of her, I think sarcastically, but his eyes heat as a cheeky smile crosses his face.
"I just might do that." His words are suggestive, and he scans me from head to toe. "You know, I'm not feeling all this." He waves at the three models. “It’s not working; they just don't have the right look." There’s a challenge in his eyes when he turns back to me, and I’ve got at least enough common sense to know I might not like what’s coming. “Now, Harlow, on the other hand, I bet she'd look amazing in your lingerie line. She’s got a banging body, and men will drool over her more, dare I say, sexy figure." The models’ faces blaze with fury at that dig, but they keep quiet, knowing better than to piss off the photographer. He turns to Jacinta, whose mouth is pursed in annoyance, but a wan smile crosses her face as he waits for her response.
Abandoned Girl (Neighpalm Industries Collective, #1) Page 15
