Obsessed Heir (Billionaire Heirs #4)

Chapter 19

Chapter Nineteen

Barron

I stand by the doorway, transfixed by the provocative sight before me. A woman is draped across the plush lounger, her body arched, her head thrown back, exposing the delicate curve of her neck. She’s looking into the large mirror strategically positioned to show the bed in the background.

Holly waves for me to follow. We move past the tripod and professional lighting set up by the entrance.

The model’s eyes drift shut. The lamps cast a warm glow, adding a layer of sensuality that makes the scene seem more intimate.

“Slowly…move your hand down your hip to your thigh,” he instructs, his voice a blend of authority and appreciation.

Abigail complies, her white-tipped nails spreading out as she trails her hand down the curve of her body in a blatantly provocative caress that has my mouth going dry.

“That’s it,” he says, his voice ramping up with excitement, but all I can see is that the subtle shift in her shoulders causes the delicate lace to strain against the swell of her breasts, offering an incredibly sensual view. I wouldn’t be a man if I didn’t immediately imagine her soft curves spilling into my hands.

Jesus. The blasted woman is nearly overflowing from that scrap of lingerie, and he’s capturing her from every indecent angle.

“No!” He raises an arm in frustration. Turning sharply on a heel, he comes back to the tripod, glaring at Holly along the way.

What the hell? I stiffen at his commanding tone. Photographers may consider themselves artists with the temperament to match, but I don’t have to like their brusque manner.

I don’t understand why he’s so pissed off. Abigail is following his instructions, despite the lack of clear direction.

“Can’t even follow simple instructions,” he mutters under his breath, increasing the tension in the room.

“Steven,” Holly says, keeping her jaw locked while her infamous fuck you smile plays across her lips. She does a rolling motion with her hand, signaling for him to keep talking.

He cocks his head, as if he’s about to say something to her then seems to think better of it. Probably the best decision he could make. It wouldn’t have gone well for him.

“It’ll be perfect,” Holly says over her shoulder, as they continue with the shoot. “Just look at her. She’s beautiful.”

As much as I want to, I can’t deny that fact. Abigail is positively stunning. The sight of her is both arousing and unsettling, leaving me out of sorts.

Oh hell.

My gaze is instantly drawn to her hips as she shifts to a new angle. Anticipation drags out the seconds for a goddamn eternity. By the time she’s in the position he wants, my cock is straining against my zipper. I’m fixated on the smooth curve of her ass, something I spent far too much time thinking about yesterday.

“Okay.” Steven blows out a breath. “We’re good.”

I swallow hard, trying to clear the dryness in my throat. One thing’s for damn sure—nobody, not even Rhys, is going to be wearing a fucking loincloth around Abigail for these pictures, if I have any say.

“Yay,” Holly cheers, striding past Steven without a glance to show Abigail what she has in the garment bag. “Just one more outfit.”

Fuck . That last filmy scrap of transparent material…

I shove my hands into my pockets, annoyed at how easily I’m distracted and aroused by this girl—this woman. Why is that? I’ve never been taken in by a pretty face or a great body before. Yet, here she is, all but knocking me on my ass with a single glance.

Of course, in the vivid images playing through my mind, it’s that lush ass pushed up against me. My hands are full of the breasts overflowing from the lingerie she’s wearing as I pound relentlessly into her from behind.

All the while, I’m oblivious to the fact that she’s basically the enemy. Someone who’s taking advantage of my mother.

The realization hits me like a punch to the gut. This urge to possess her is fucking with my head. And she’s doing it without the least bit of effort.

Abigail brings her legs over the edge of the lounger, sitting up and allowing her hair to fall over her shoulders. The second she realizes I’m in the room, her entire body goes rigid.

Her wide eyes meet mine for little more than a second before darting away. She stands abruptly, losing that self-assured air she’d exhibited just seconds ago.

She inadvertently gives me a moment to admire how the delicate fabric of the lingerie clings so enticingly to her lush curves in a way that leaves my mouth dry.

“Isn’t it beautiful?” Holly whispers reverently, as if she’s offering up a priceless treasure as a tribute.

“Yes, it is beautiful,” Abigail murmurs, her brow furrowed as she runs the sheer fabric between her fingers. “It’s a little...thin, don’t you think?”

“I realize it is a little revealing,” Holly says, choosing her words carefully. “These pictures will only be available in the studio.”

In the studio? For everyone to see? My fist clenches as an unexpected surge of jealousy courses through me. She continues to try and sell the idea.

Abigail stares down at the material again, uncertainty clearly written across her features. Just as I expected, the sheer material is making her uneasy.

“Don’t worry.” Holly sets a reassuring hand on Abigail’s hand. “We’ll airbrush everything out.”

My jaw clenches. Does Holly truly not see the effect this is having on Abigail, or is she willfully ignoring it?

Abigail’s gaze darts to me again then quickly away, her cheeks flushing.

“It’ll just be a few poses,” Holly continues, putting her hand to her chest. “Since Barron is the owner, he’s the perfect person to play opposite you.” She cocks her head with a smile. “Think of it like Beauty and the Beast .”

There’s a little too much excitement in her voice at the last part.

“Three or four poses with him, and we’re done with pictures.”

After a moment, Abigail nods, seemingly resigning herself.

“Okay… I’ll do it.” She digs her teeth into her bottom lip, a gesture that shouldn’t be so damn arousing. “I just don’t want this to be something that comes back to haunt me.”

Holly holds up her palm as if swearing an oath. “The images will be tasteful. You can count on that. It’s exactly why I chose you to be the model.”

So, I have Bronwyn to thank for this unexpected situation.

Abigail’s expression tightens at the mention of my name. Still, she takes the hanger and slips past Holly and Steven to disappear into the bathroom. The door shuts behind her, leaving an awkward silence in her wake.

“I still think you’re making a huge mistake,” Steven says, his voice dripping with disdain. “You need a professional. Someone who knows what they’re doing and can follow directions properly.” He pauses, his gaze cutting to me. “Someone who can bring recognition to the line.”

Holly arches one delicate brow, her lips thinning into a tight line of disapproval at his insolence. “Duly noted. I’ll give your suggestions all the consideration they require.”

To my surprise, Steven’s demeanor shifts, and he actually claps his hands together, a wide grin spreading across his face.

“Good. Good. Good.” He reaches for his back pocket, satisfaction in his eyes. “We can get Bronwyn here in minutes to take over.”

The bastard actually thinks he got Holly to agree with him.

“Oh, we’re not getting Bronwyn,” Holly cuts him off, her tone surprisingly patient. “Abby will finish this photo shoot for us, just as we planned. She’s been the epitome of professional, despite the conditions.”

“I wouldn’t call—” Steven begins condescendingly, but Holly silences him with a raised hand.

“You seem to forget,” she says, the veneer of professionalism slipping away to reveal her steely determination, “I’m the one who has final approval over what photos make the cut. Not. You.”

I know enough to keep my mouth shut and let Holly handle this her own way. She doesn’t need me to come rushing to her defense. She’s more than capable of handling the arrogant prick and asserting her authority.

Steven switches back to the disgruntled, annoyed prick he was earlier.

“Fine, let’s get you situated on the couch for this final set,” he mutters.