y the time Damien and Maya arrived at the Garden Pavilion, the shoot was already in full swing. Bright flashes of the camera strobed against the soft blush of tropical florals, models in flowing linen swayed to the beat of the wind, and the production crew buzzed around with crisp efficiency.
They walked in hand-in-hand, the subtle intimacy of their joined fingers speaking volumes.
Ethan Miller saw it instantly.
His gaze locked on their intertwined hands with a sharpness that didn’t go unnoticed-not by the lighting assistant, nor the makeup artist dabbing powder across his cheek. A flicker passed through his eyes-dark, tense. He didn’t even respond when the photographer called his name, not until his manager leaned in and murmured something in his ear.
“Ethan,” his manager hissed under her breath as she strode up beside him and leaned in to whisper urgently.
That snapped him out of it.
Just like that, the mask was back on-his perfectly practiced, polished Hollywood charm sliding neatly into place. Smile ready, shoulders squared, Ethan turned back to the camera like he hadn’t just been caught staring daggers.
Damien remained on the sidelines throughout the shoot, quiet and composed, a commanding presence even while seated. He watched the monitor with casual interest, occasionally murmuring something to Trina about the campaign layout or production flow. But every so often, his gaze would drift.
To her.
To Maya-his woman.
Anytime Ethan drifted a little too close or lingered too long, Damien’s jaw tightened imperceptibly. He wasn’t the type to make a scene, but his presence alone was enough to draw invisible boundaries.
And Ethan noticed.
By late noon, instead of heading back to the resort, Trina had arranged snacks and drinks to be brought to the nearby gazebo so the team could rest. The air was warm and salt-kissed, the sea humming gently just beyond the palm trees.
Maya took a seat beside Damien on one of the lounge benches, their shoulders brushing.
votek 78 Do Not Disturb-7
“You’ve been here all afternoon,” she said, looking at him from the corner of her eye. “I’m surprised you haven’t gotten bored.”
Clara
He leaned slightly toward her, voice low and amused. “Not possible. Watching you work is… highly entertaining.”
Her lips curved into a smile, but she rolled her eyes. “You mean everyone turning into saints just because the boss decided to grace us with his presence?”
“That too,” he said without apology. “But I trust my team to do what’s right-with or without me watching.”
Then he leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper meant for her alone-low, heated, laced with quiet disdain.
“But I don’t trust the Hollywood pretty boy sniffing around my woman like he’s still the lead in some damn romantic drama.”
Maya arched a brow, but her heart gave the smallest lurch at the possessive growl in his
voice.
“Your woman?” she echoed, feigning lightness, though her pulse betrayed her.
She tilted her head, eyes narrowing just a touch.
“You planning on branding me next?”
Damien didn’t flinch.
“Don’t tempt me,” he muttered, voice low and rough.
She huffed a soft laugh, part exasperated, part… affected.
Then her expression softened, just enough for him to see past the sarcasm.
“He’s just an acquaintance. He doesn’t matter,” she said, her tone calm but sure. “You, on the other hand… you do. So maybe ease up on the territorial growling before someone writes a tabloid headline about it.”
Damien’s eyes darkened, but the tension in his jaw eased just a little-especially when she threaded her fingers through his.
“Relax,” Maya murmured, lips brushing lightly against his shoulder. “Besides… Hollywood pretty boys aren’t really my type.”
Damien raised an eyebrow, a slow smirk tugging at his lips. “Oh yeah? Then what’s your type, Ms. Thompson?”
TR Did Not Disturb-1
Maya pretended to ponder, tapping her finger to her chin playfully. “Hmm, let me think… I’m drawn to tall guys, thick brows, deep amber eyes… masculine. You know, in Harper’s words,” hot and sexy.’ And someone who commands the room-the kind of vibe where everyone falls in line the moment he walks in.” She leaned in a little closer, voice dropping to a teasing whisper.
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Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.