New York Nights: 4 Book Erotic Romance Series Box Set

by Sienna Hart

  New York Nights

  The Complete Series

  Sienna Hart

  Contents

  Copyright

  Dedication

  FREE BOOK

  01 - A Viral Vixen

  02 - Model of Fame

  03 - Rocked Off Her Feet

  04 - Anything For Success

  Author’s Note

  Also by Sienna Hart

  About the Author

  Copyright © 2015 by Sienna Hart

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Created with Vellum

  To my readers

  Who encourage and inspire me every day

  FREE BOOK

  Sign up for the author’s New Releases mailing list and get a free copy of the romantic suspense short story, Forbidden Love.

  Click here to get started: www.siennahart.com

  01 - A Viral Vixen

  Chapter 1

  “Your mom called again!” Megan shouted as I walked through the front door. “Did you hear me?”

  “Yes,” I groaned, dropping my duffle bag onto the couch. I plopped down next to it and laid my head back, closing my eyes.

  I wasn’t interested in trying to pacify my mother’s wishes that I move back home. It took me months to get to New York City and I didn’t care how much I had to struggle. I was determined to make it on my own. I knew I was a damned good actress; I just needed to find the right agent to notice me.

  Megan came out of the bathroom, walking on her heels, the smell of nail polish illuminating the small room that housed our kitchen/living room/bedroom. The apartment was barely big enough for one person, but needed at least two to make the rent.

  “Rent was due yesterday.”

  I groaned again.

  “Don’t do that, Elise, you know it’s always due on the fifth of the month.”

  I could feel her looming over me. I cracked open my eyes and saw the silhouette of a young woman standing in front of me. Megan has been trying to make it as a model for almost two years. The only thing stopping her was her integrity. I was slowly learning that sometimes you needed to do favors for the ones who could make it happen for you. Even though I was able to avoid such awkward and more than likely vile situations, I was sure my time would come.

  “I should have it by the end of the week.” She just scoffed and walked away. “Can you cover my share ‘till then?”

  “This is not going to become a habit, Elise.”

  “I had to pay for groceries.”

  She returned a few minutes later with two cold beers.

  “What time is that? Here.” I sat up and took one as she plopped down next to me.

  “Thanks. Nine o’clock.” I opened the can and took a long drink. “I’m so tired, I don’t know if I will be able to finish it, but I’ll give it a hell of a try.”

  She began stroking my long dark hair with her long manicured fingernails.

  “Long shift?”

  “One of the waitresses bailed and I got stuck having to work a double. Nothing says pathetic like a bunch of drunks trying to eat dinner at two in the morning before stumbling home. I can’t even rely on a good tip from them.”

  “I can’t wait to get out of here.” I just looked at her and wondered if it would take this long for me as well. “I’m sure something will break for you soon though. You’re talented.” She was staring at me with a goofy smile as her fingers began to cascade down around my face. I took another drink and got up.

  “Thanks for helping with the rent again. I’ll have it by the end of the week. I promise.” I faked a yawn. “I really need to sleep though. See you in the morning?”

  “Yeah.” She sounded like she was let down, but I went over to my bed anyway.

  * * *

  I rolled over and looked at my clock. It was just after nine in the morning. I jumped out of bed and began to panic.

  “No, no, no, no, no. Shit, shit, shit.” I ran toward the bathroom. “Why didn’t you get me up? You knew my casting call was this morning.” I went in and was greeted with silence. Megan wasn’t even there. I shook my head in confusion and ran back into the room stripping my clothes off and dropping them on the floor. “Fuck.”

  I grabbed the first pair of leggings I saw and an oversized sweater and threw them on. Pulling my hair back into a low ponytail, I grabbed one of my beanie hats, stuffed my folders into my bag, and ran into the bathroom. Emerging with a toothbrush in my mouth, I ransacked my closet for the first pair of shoes that matched. Shoving my feet into a black pair of slip-on shoes, I scrubbed my teeth, spit in the sink and left for my stage reading I had booked a month ago.

  I was already twenty minutes late, but I was hoping if there were enough people trying out for the part, I could sneak into the line and play dumb when they asked why they didn’t have my portfolio.

  I rounded the corner and noticed the line pushing out the door of the small theatre. I slid into line feeling confident that I would actually have a chance at trying out.

  My stomach was growling after a couple of hours, and I was beginning to regret not taking the few extra minutes to stop off for at least a coffee. When I saw the door to the auditioning rooms I began to forget about my hunger. I looked over at a woman standing by the doorway about ready to go in. The woman was making silly noises with her lips and tongue as she warmed up before trying out. I’ve seen a lot of actors do this before auditioning, but I never found it helpful.

  About an hour later I reached the doorway. I peered into the room around others still in front of me. There were several chairs filled with people inside the room.

  “I wonder if they’re all auditioning too.” I was growing impatient and worried. I didn’t like the idea of having so much competition. I wanted this so badly. I was perfect for this part. The woman standing in front of me turned around and glared at me. I shrugged and half heartedly smiled. When the woman turned back around I sneered at her and backed up a couple of steps. “Tough crowd.”

  My stomach was starting to hurt and I wasn’t sure if it was from lack of food or the increased nervousness with each step I took toward that stage. Just when I started rummaging through my bag hoping for a piece of gum or half bottle of left over water, a man walked to the door and cleared his throat.

  “Thank you all for coming. Auditions are closed for today.” Several groans and sharp words were spouted off here and there. I stood there staring at the man, hoping I didn’t hear what I thought I heard. I was hoping he would notice me and he would change his mind just this once, for me, because I was exactly what they were looking for. I stood there waiting for the others to clear the area. Maybe I could talk to the man and get him to let me audition. I knew I was good enough. I was sure they would love me.

  Just before he turned away he gave me a passing glance before disappearing into the room. I decided to wait until most of the others had gone and I would politely go in and ask to read the part. As the last of the group siphoned out of the room I stood tall and smiled. Walking to the door, I opened my mouth to speak when the same man began to close the doors.

  “Excuse me?” I smiled brilliantly. The man just stood there and stared at me. “I wondered if I could have a chance at the part. I’ve been rehearsing . . .” The doors closed in my face and my heart sank into my stomach. “There goes my chance at a real start.”

  Chapter 2

  I walked into the restaur
ant where the girls and I often met up, a small cafe not too expensive, but quite personable and inviting.

  “Uh oh, I don’t like the look on your face.” Megan was sitting with Isabel and Lillian. “You didn’t get the part?”

  “I didn’t even fucking read for them.” I pulled out the only empty chair and dropped my bag on the floor next to it before sitting down. “I was late so I was stuck in line for hours only to have the doors slammed in my face just before I was able to get inside the place.” I threw a dagger glance at Megan.

  “Why is that my fault?” Megan defended herself immediately. I sighed and grabbed a random water glass on the table. I chugged it down and took a breath.

  “It’s not. I’m sorry. I just . . . I was really looking forward to this one. I really had a chance, or so I thought.”

  “Listen honey.” Isabel put her hand on mine and leaned toward me. “Don’t fret it, there will be other castings. This is New York.” She leaned back in her chair and held her arms out, looking around. “The land of dreams.” She smiled reassuringly. “You’ll make it.”

  I always loved Isabel’s accent. A Latin model who had already established herself in the big city, she had done several shoots and magazine spreads and knew the ins and outs of the business. She was beautiful and she knew it, but she was always kind and warm.

  “Thanks for the encouragement, but unless I start making it soon, I’ll be out on the street. I can’t even make my rent.”

  A waitress approached the table with a pad and pen. I just shook my head no and put my head down.

  “It’s my treat,” Lillian mumbled. I eyed her with a disconcerted look. “I . . . got a bonus today. I’m celebrating and you’re just in time.” Her trembling grin told me she was lying, but I was so hungry I didn’t bother questioning her.

  Lillian meant well and had a huge heart of gold, but she was shy. She’d literally tripped over Isabel and Megan one day on her way to a shoot and had almost burst into tears over tearing Megan’s dress. She’d insisted on getting Megan coffee and a pastry—and she was adorable. They had been best friends since.

  I came into the picture when I became Megan’s roommate. Our relationship had sort of a ‘Sex and the City’ feel to it, but I couldn’t ask for a better group of friends to help me adjust to my new life here in New York.

  “I’ll have a Mediterranean salad and a water with lemon . . . oh, and a piece of apple pie.” The girls all looked at me, eyes wide. “What? I had a bad morning.”

  “Elise.” Isabel put her hand on mine again. “I want to help you, but it might not be the kind of gig for you.”

  “What? What is it?” I was definitely interested.

  “I know this guy. He is a photographer, and he is looking for some new girls.”

  “Perfect.” I smiled. “What does it pay?”

  “He pays a hundred and fifty dollars for the shoot, and if your pictures get noticed, he cuts you in on a percentage.” Isabel hesitated.

  “What?” I asked.

  “He can be a little shady.”

  “What do you mean, shady?” Isabel leaned in and lowered her voice to a bare whisper.

  “Before I got noticed and became a part of ‘Glamour Girl’, I worked with Sean. We did some unusual shots . . . really unusual, and a kink magazine used them.”

  “No way . . . wait . . . so why are you telling me about him?”

  “Because of him, I got noticed. He has connections.” Isabel shrugged. “I was going to say something to you last week, but I found out about your casting call and I hoped for the best. Listen, either call him, or don’t. It’s up to you. Chances are that you won’t even get through the interview with him but if you do . . .” She set a business card down on the table and sat back. “. . . Just keep your eyes open and stay smart.”

  I picked it up and toyed with the corner with the tip of my finger as I read it. I looked at Isabel and back at the card.

  “What do you think I should do?” I looked at Megan hoping to get another opinion.

  “If it were me I’d have already torn the card in half.” She said putting her hands up. If it were up to Megan . . . the woman still struggling after two years because she wouldn’t take risks. I picked up my cell and dialed the number on the card.

  “H . . . hello . . . hello?” I scooted away from the table, covering my other ear so I could hear the person on the other end. “Yes . . . I was looking for um . . .” I held up the card and read the name, “Sean Cripton?” I looked at Isabel nervously.

  “You got him.”

  “Yes . . . um . . . Sean? Hi. My name is Elise . . .”

  “Are you a model, Elise?”

  “What . . . Yes, a model.”

  “And you are calling me for the possibility of employment?”

  “Yes I am. I could meet you tomorrow morn . . .”

  “Meet me tonight.”

  “Oh . . . tonight?” My eyes grew wider. “Um . . . sure.”

  “Will that be ok?”

  “Yes, tonight would work for me.”

  “Meet me at The Subway Inn at one forty three East . . . Sixtieth Street.”

  I motioned for a pen.

  “Okay. What was the address? East . . . okay . . . okay . . . yes sir.”

  “Nine o’clock, sharp.”

  “Thank you. Yes. I’ll see you at nine.” I carefully touched the off button on my phone and set it on the table. I took a deep breath knowing it was wrong, but I didn’t see any other choice. He could be the step I needed to get further in my career.

  “What did he say?” Megan leaned in.

  “I have to meet him at The Subway Inn at nine tonight.” I bit my lip with anticipated nervousness.

  “The Subway Inn?” Isabel grimaced.

  “What? Bad restaurant?”

  “It’s a bar . . . quite the seedy bar if you ask me.”

  “You’ve been?”

  Isabel nodded.

  “Watch your drink at all times and don’t go outside until you’re ready to leave.”

  “Why don’t we all go with her?” Isabel looked at Lillian like she’d just offered herself to the devil. “We can just hang out, in case she needs us . . . like her little body guards.” Lillian giggled.

  “I’ll go.” Megan chimed in.

  “Okay, but don’t dress too provocatively, or you’ll get the wrong kind of attention; well, except you Elise. You’re trying to get noticed.”

  “Ugh. I’m going to regret this.”

  “Let’s meet later at my place.” Lillian took a bite of her pita.

  * * *

  About seven thirty, we all met at Lillian’s. She greeted us with shots and mixed drinks.

  “This could be your big break.” Megan was holding a dress up to me as she sized it up. It was gaudy so I crinkled my nose and pushed it away as I downed a shot of whiskey.

  “Could? There is no way this guy will turn her away.” Isabel poured another shot and pulled one of her own dresses from her bag and held it up for me to see. I nodded with approval and took the dress.

  Lillian was brushing my hair as she sipped on a gin and tonic. I was pulling my sweater off to try on the dress. Megan was looking for shoes to go with the dress and Isabel was helping me on with the dress. They were all fussing over me as if I was getting ready for the Grammy’s. Within an hour, we were all feeling warm from the alcohol and satisfied with the outcome of the fussing and picking. I stood in front of Lillian’s full-length mirror in a skintight red mini dress and black heels that made me stand on my toes. I felt naked, and I kind of liked it.

  “Ready?” I nodded, taking one more shot before grabbing my purse and walking out the door.

  Chapter 3

  Isabel was right about the place. Between bad lighting and poor clientele, I was glad my friends were there with me. They all went in before I did and found a table in the corner. When I finally got up the nerve to go in they were well into their round of drinks. It didn’t take long to locate Mr. Cripton. He was ver
y well dressed and sitting alone with a briefcase opened on the table in front of him. He didn’t look like he belonged there.

  “Mr. Cripton?” I approached him carefully until he confirmed who he was.

  “Sean, please.” He stood up and held his hand out. His smile was brilliant, and his handshake was firm. He looked me directly in the eyes, and I felt at ease almost instantly. He was very tall and slender, but had broad shoulders. His hair was longer on the top, with a messy look held together with gel. His eyes were bright and big, a sexy deep shade of blue. He motioned for me to sit and waited for me to do so before sitting.

  “Sean. Thank you for seeing me tonight. It’s not easy trying to get . . .”

  “Tell me what you want.” His glare was direct and dominant.

  “Um . . . excuse me?” He threw me off my train of thought when he interrupted me so quickly. Clearly, he wasn’t interested in my story. But why would he be? He is a business man and is only interested in women who could make him money. I cleared my head and straightened my posture. I needed to think like a business client.

  “What do you want, Elise?” His glare softened, and I couldn’t help but melt a little. He was very good with his body language, and knew how to manipulate mine.

  “I want to become a successful model and actress. I know I have what it takes. I just can’t get the right people to recognize my talents.” He nodded.

  “Let me see your portfolio.” He held his hand out. My face grew hotter.

  “I only have recommendations from my teachers and instructors from my school about the plays I was a part of.”

  “So . . . you’ve never modeled before?” His facial expression didn’t change and I had a hard time reading him. All I knew was that I was failing at my interview and needed to show him I could do this.