Through The Lens (Creative Hearts Book 1)

by Jackson, K. M.

  She whirled on him. “Let’s get this straight—it was you who kissed me first. And don’t you forget it. You may think you’re the end-all be-all, Mister Vargas, but maybe I got this job on my own merits. I’m a damn good photographer. Sure, working for you has had its clout,” she let her gaze rake over his body. “But don’t think for one moment I don’t have enough talent to make it on my own.”

  He reached out to take her arm, but she jerked back. “I didn’t mean it like that,” he started to explain.

  “Like hell you didn’t. For too long I’ve been told I’m not good enough, and I won’t take it from you.” Mika stood as tall as she could and wished in that moment she could add another few inches to it. She put her chin up and, with the sheet wrapped around her naked body, looked down her nose at Ale. She blinked quickly forcing back the tears that threatened to fall. “Well, boss. Let this be my official notice. This will be our last job together. It’s been a unique experience.”

  She felt Alejandro’s piercing eyes on her back as she ran off into the darkness to her own flowerless hut on shaky legs. Yes, tomorrow was here and it was a real bitch.

  Chapter 11

  Damn, that motor was loud. Mika turned over in her bed as the sound rumbled through her brain and the sunlight hit her in the face. When did she even fall asleep? The last thing she remembered from the night before was trying to muffle her cries in her pillow to silence them and that was at around five a.m. and now this motor was like a jackhammer in her head.

  Wait, motor? She jumped up, ran to the window and proceeded to panic. Shit! There they were. Four large boats were anchoring to the docks, and here she was, stark naked in full sunlight in front of a huge window. She quickly put her hands over her breasts, ducked down and went running back to the bed, grabbing for the sheet. She wrapped it around herself and ran to Alejandro’s room. “Ale, they’re here. They’re here.” Perfect—now she was Tattoo from old school Fantasy Island, yelling for Mr. Roarke. “The plane! The plane!”

  Mika circled around. Alejandro’s room was empty, his bed made. She peeked up and out the window again, squinting. There he was, already out on the dock alongside Tong.

  “Bastard,” she muttered to herself as she stalked back to her hut to change. So he couldn’t even wake her. Was she already obsolete in his eyes after last night? Well, she had news for him. She still had one last job to do, and she damn well was going to do it. She went into the bathroom for a quick one-minute shower, threw on some cargo shorts and a tank, then ran a comb through her hair before grabbing her clipboard and stomping off to the dock.

  No way was this ending on his terms alone. Despite what had happened between them the past few days, she would end the working relationship the way she started it. Professionally.

  Mika hit the dock just in time to see Karina easing herself from the boat and into Alejandro’s arms. Her tall, willowy form slipped into his seamlessly, and she let out a light laugh as he brought his perfect lips way too close and whispered something into her ear.

  “Freaking bastard,” Mika hissed low. Professionalism could go hang it.

  They both turned at the same time and looked at Mika. “Ahh, there is your little assistant now,” Karina said. “Mika, isn’t it? I was wondering where you were. I’m afraid I overpacked for such a rustic place. Can you get some more help out here?”

  Mika fought the urge to snatch the woman’s spider-like arms from where they currently twined around Ale’s neck and rip them from her body. Hard. Instead, she raised her chin high and smiled. “Sure, I’ll see what I can do.”

  Ale’s eyes narrowed on her. He seemed about to say something when Mika was tapped on the shoulder.

  She turned to be engulfed in a warm embrace. Robin.

  She smiled genuinely for the first time that morning. “I was hoping it was you.”

  “Well, who else would attack you with a hug?” Robin asked in her thick southern accent. Robin was one of the best makeup artists in the business, a quickly rising star and Mika’s closest work friend. Robin looked around her, planting one hand on her round hips and smoothing her already perfect strawberry-blonde coif with other. “Looks like The Great has gone all in on this one, hon. Are we doing a couture shoot, or is this really some crazy reality TV thing and we’re all being punked?”

  Mika shrugged, fighting not to look back at Alejandro, who was now surrounded by the other models, Paloma and Ula. “Nope, this is real. We’re shooting here. It may not be the easiest location, but it really is beautiful. Don’t worry, it will be worth it,” she said wistfully.

  Robin then peered at her with skeptical green eyes. “Hmm, that I can see. It looks like it’s had quite an effect on you. Despite the dark eye circles, the sun has done you a world of good.”

  “Is there supposed to be a compliment hidden in there?” Mika asked, screwing up her face.

  Robin laughed. “You know there is. Now, stop.” She looked at Mika more closely. “If you weren’t you and this island weren’t supposed to be semi-deserted, I’d say you got some.” She looked around. “Did you? Are there hot natives hiding out on this sand dune?” She gave Mika’s arm a smack that reminded her of Tai.

  “Oww, my arm. And no, it’s not totally deserted. But as for the hot natives, no, not that I’ve seen.”

  Now Robin shrugged. “Too bad. I was hoping for yours and my sake.” Then she suddenly stiffened a bit. “Uh-oh, barracuda at twelve o’clock.”

  Mika snorted as she watched Lulu Simone teeter toward them on wedge heels. A formidable woman of about sixty, she was the creative director of Jazz magazine. A former model and short-time designer, she was also a full-time queen bee.

  Impressive at five foot ten inches in stocking feet and well over six feet in heels, Lulu marched up to Mika in a cloud of cloying cologne and cracked a grimacing smile. “Mika, I’m so glad you decided to join us this morning. I will admit I was surprised you weren’t here to greet the boat, but we all know good help is hard to find, especially in Alejandro’s case.” She sighed and looked over at Alejandro dramatically.

  Mika silently seethed, the heat traveling from her toes to the tips of her ears. She pulled herself up, making herself taller, but still only reached Lulu’s shoulders. Nevertheless, she met Lulu’s eyes. “I had other duties to attend to, but I’m sure all will run as smoothly as ever, Lulu. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to see Tai and make sure the huts are ready.” She walked past Lulu, fighting to keep her head held high. If she didn’t truly love the art form, she’d leave this nutty, narcissistic business and people like Lulu behind forever.

  She sighed to herself. But she did love it. She loved the clothes and the pictures and, more than anything, helping to create something beautiful in the end.

  She walked by Daniel, the head hairdresser who had his arms crossed and had taken in the exchange. “Don’t let that one get to you. She bitched the whole way over here.”

  Mika rolled her eyes. “And now I pity you the ride.” She gave him a warm hug. “It’s no biggie. And besides, this is a remote locale. It probably put her off a bit.”

  At that, Daniel gave her a pointed stare, and they both burst out laughing.

  “Yeah, you’re right,” Mika continued. “Hell with central air conditioning would put her off. You ready to work your magic? Alejandro is looking for something spectacular.”

  Daniel beamed, his blue eyes brightening, blond dreads waving in the breeze. His exotic looks had Mika itching to take his picture with the waves crashing at his back. “Sweetie, you know spectacular is my middle name.”

  Mika grinned back at him. “Of course it is.”

  She was about to walk down the dock to help secure the equipment with Brian, the head rigger, when Daniel pulled her back. “Hey, is this island really deserted? Are there some smoking natives here or something? Because you’re looking a little too good.”

  Mika stilled. Not even out half an hour, and already she was caught. “What is with you and Robin? You both must need to
get out more. What, New York not have enough action for you?”

  “Hey, we’re a long ways from home. And what happens on the island stays on the island, right?”

  Mika felt a wrench in her stomach. Daniel didn’t know how close he’d come to the truth. She watched as he went over to Robin and the other crewmembers, then tried to casually peek over at Ale. He was deep in talks with Brian and didn’t look her way. Was he even thinking of their fight last night, or was he over it and her? She gave a small head shake. What was the use in thinking it over now? Today had arrived with its beautiful, six-foot models—his usual fare. There was no use trying to hold on to her hope a moment longer.

  She sighed and walked ahead, making her way to Tai and giving her directions on whom to place where. She put Brian and his crew near her and Ale, Lulu and the models furthest down the beach. Tai, thankfully catching her no-nonsense tone, followed orders without much comment for once and Mika was starting to feel comfortable in her usual role when she glanced again at Alejandro and Brian, their heads close together—Ale’s dark good looks in contrast to Brian’s fair Irish ones. They both looked over to her at the same time. Brian’s mouth spread into a wide grin, but Ale’s expression stayed stony.

  “There’s my favorite woman in charge,” Brian said, and gestured for Mika to walk over.

  She willed her legs to stay steady as she made her way to them. “Hey, Brian,” Mika said, trying to keep her voice light and not acknowledge the heat coming from Alejandro’s very charged gaze.

  “Hi ya, kiddo. So tell me, what’s with all of this? Here I was looking forward to a nice resort shoot complete with room service and this is what I get. I guess even you couldn’t keep a rein on him this time, huh?”

  “What?” Mika asked, suddenly breathless as those words and the idea of controlling Ale brought images of their passionate times together.

  “I said you couldn’t keep a rein on him. Do you see all he wants me to do? Rigging in trees and such. It’s positively mad.”

  She looked over at Ale— his expression practically simmered. Mika turned back to Brian. “If anyone is up for the challenge, it’s you. I know you’ll do wonderfully, and when you see the spot, you’ll know it is the perfect location.”

  Brian smiled wide, but she didn’t miss his slight look of discomfort. “Well then, let me at it. I can’t wait to get my eyes on this magical spot.”

  Mika coughed and Ale’s brow arched. Crap, any more talking from Brian and she’d have to cut out his tongue. “Well,” she started, her voice squeaking a bit. She silently cursed herself. “You’ll see it soon enough. But I think we’ll start with the beach first. Some simple beach and water shots, just to get our feet wet.”

  Brian shrugged. “No problem. You’re the boss.”

  At that, Alejandro cleared his throat, giving Brain a dark look.

  Brain nodded. “Just giving the lady her due, Ale. No need to get your shorts in a twist.”

  Mika shook her head at the banter. “I’ll see that everyone is settled and get with you soon, Brian. Wouldn’t want to get into trouble with my boss.” With that, she walked away, feeling Ale’s hot gaze practically piercing through her back.

  *

  By the time everyone was settled into their huts, then gathered on the beach and ready to shoot, Mika was emotionally exhausted. Just a few days out of the game and she felt rusty. It was as if Ale had drugged her, and she was running at half speed or something. Everyone seemed to be going so much quicker— she had to fight to keep up. Of course, it could be that she was distracted by Alejandro—who, when he wasn’t glowering at her, was pointedly avoiding her. This wouldn’t work. She was afraid the crew would soon start to notice the tension between them. She’d already overheard one person wondering if Alejandro was even testier than his normal testy self.

  Ale was rounding the corner, coming from the models’ tent where Karina, Ula, and Paloma were getting their final touches, when Mika ran to catch up to him. When he purposely didn’t slow down, she stopped him with a hand on his forearm. An instant charge went though both of them, and she pulled her hand back as if burned.

  He raised a brow. “And still you twist the knife, beauty.”

  She looked up at him sharply. “Ale, don’t start.” Mika glanced around, making sure no one was within earshot. “Listen, I’m sorry if you feel like I betrayed you with the Stylist job, but I just didn’t know how to tell you. I know we had plans for me to stay on longer, and I get that you are hurt, but you have to understand that I have an opportunity and need to take it. Now please, let’s just do this job to the best of our abilities and end on a professional note. You are purposefully being snippy and avoiding me. Also, not waking me for the boats this morning was unacceptable. We have to trust each other.”

  He glared down at her, everything about him hardening all at once. “You dare try to lecture me on trust after what you did?”

  “What? What did I do?”

  He blinked. “You made promises.” Something in the word pricked at Mika’s skin. “Promises to me about the job and about the book I’m working on. How am I supposed to finish it without you?” He blurted out.

  She sighed. “Ale, come on. You know you don’t need me to finish your book. You’ve already got plenty to work with and your next assistant can pick up on cataloging where I left off.”

  She saw the fiery anger flare in his eyes and knew that she shouldn’t have spoken those last thoughtless words. But that was her now around Ale. Open mouth, insert foot. Why not set a foot in her own ass instead?

  But Ale just smirked and raked his dark eyes over her, taking her in from head to toe. Stinging her with each sweep over her body. “You know that’s not the only thing I need you for, darling Mika.”

  Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Karina stepping out of the tent holding up her cell to the sky, trying to get a signal. She was all long legs, glossy hair and taut skin. She turned to the two of them. “I swear I’d only be subjected to this type of torture for you Alejandro.”

  “And I’ll be forever in your debt, dear Karina,” Ale responded with all civility.

  Karina beamed at him, then gave Mika a haughty toss of her glossy hair before disappearing back inside the tent.

  “So now what?” Mika said focusing back on Ale. “Do you plan on punishing me? Embarrassing me in front of these people? Tell me, what was I supposed to do? How could I trust you? I’ve seen you go from woman to woman countless times. I’ve seen you use people and spit them out. And now that there are more desirable pickings here, you can move on. You’re just mad because I’ll no longer be hanging around to watch it all and make your life easier. I won’t be here to put the condoms in the side of your bag for the next girl.”

  She watched the muscle in his jaw tick. He flexed his fingers like he wanted to grab her, but then thought better of it. Instead, he just stared, his eyes piercing into hers. She refused to blink, challenging him back with her own stare.

  Ale finally let out a short exasperated sigh, giving his head a small shake. “Fine, you’ve said what you had to say. You’re leaving me. Now if you’ll please let everyone know, I’m ready to shoot—I don’t want to waste any more time here than I already have.”

  Ale’s words cut through Mika to her core. She blinked up at him wanting to retort, but she couldn’t have spoken in that moment if her life depended on it.

  Waste any more time. She repeated the words in her mind to be sure she heard him correctly. Is that what he now thought these past few days together were? All their kisses, their desire, their passion? She blinked once more, proud that her eyes stayed blessedly dry. “No problem, Ale. You’re the boss.”

  *

  The three models were posed in ethereal gowns, as if they were water nymphs coming to the shore.

  Ula was dark and rich as mahogany, her long mane of hair trailing down her back, her catlike eyes and pouty lips captivating. Next was Paloma, a blond ice queen with eyes so blue they were almost translucent
and lush pink lips. And at the center was Karina the Brazilian, with her amber eyes and dark hair and golden skin. The three of them so different but so impossibly beautiful that they looked like mythical sisters from the gods.

  “You ladies are breathtaking,” Ale said, and Karina’s eyes practically smoldered under his compliment.

  Mika squirmed.

  “Just amazing to have so much beauty in one place.” Ale lowered himself deeper into the water. “Just a little to the left, and arch your back.” His voice tumbled over the water toward them, and the models responded, backs arching, faces going to the sun, eyes to him, nipples pointing skyward.

  Mika hated herself because she responded, too, her nipples hardening. She wanted to arch her back but at the same time, wanted to stick a finger down her throat and gag all over the three water nymphs in front of her. “I need more light here,” Alejandro said, sounding impatient and jolting her out of her thoughts.

  Shit, she should have seen that. “Of course.” She angled the umbrella she was holding toward Karina’s face, and Karina winced as the sun caught her eyes. “Sorry.” She put it in the right position and looked down in time to catch Ale staring at her impatiently.

  “Professional,” he mouthed.

  Screw you, she almost mouthed back. Instead Mika rolled her eyes and looked back at the girls, who were now watching their display with open curiosity.

  “Hellooo. Water. Cold. If you two don’t mind,” Karina said.

  “No problem, Karina. We got the shot. How about you go and change now, beauty?” Ale said, now looking at an image on his camera’s viewfinder.

  Beauty? Mika’s blood turned to ice in her veins. How could he? And today of all days. She wanted to kick him, hard, but stilled her twitching foot.

  She counted in her head, watching as Karina twisted and not-so-gracefully made her way out of the water with a grunt, as if she wasn’t making fifteen hundred dollars an hour for her trouble. She lifted her now-sodden dress to her extremely thin thighs and stalked away, giving Mika a death stare as she went. Beauty. Yeah, right.