Sienna could barely contain her excitement for the modeling job they were about to embark on. This wasn't her first time working with Riley, but the thrill of it all felt fresh and exhilarating. Hand in hand, they walked toward the open area where the photoshoot would take place.
"Someone's excited," Riley said, a warm smile spreading across her face.
"Of course! I'll be doing another photoshoot with you, but this time as my girlfriend," Sienna replied proudly, her eyes sparkling with joy.
Riley chuckled at Sienna's enthusiasm. Once they arrived at their designated tent, they were informed that several other models would be joining them. However, as per Alessandra's alignment, only Riley and Sienna would be paired together for the exclusive feature in the magazine.
Riley looked sharp in her outfit: a crisp white long-sleeved polo complemented by a sleek black necktie, topped off with a black and white vest. Her getup was tucked neatly into high-waisted black shorts, and she wore classic black Mary Jane shoes paired with high socks. Her hair was styled in a low bun, highlighted by classic round eyeglasses that added an air of sophistication.
Sienna, on the other hand, radiated charm in her attire. She wore a white off-the-shoulder blouse that perfectly showcased her neckline, paired with a flowing black pleated skirt. Opaque tights and chunky heels completed her look, giving her added height. Her hair was styled in a playful half-up, half-down do, held in place by cute skull clips that added a touch of whimsy.
"Look at these two lovelies!" Alessandra exclaimed as she entered the makeup room, her face lighting up with a delighted smile. She clapped her hands in approval, taking in Riley and Sienna's looks. "You two are perfect!"
Sienna and Riley exchanged a smile, feeling a sense of pride from Alessandra's praise.
"Alright, get ready, you're up next," Alessandra reminded them, giving them an encouraging nod before heading back to the photoshoot location.
After several minutes of final touch-ups, they were called to the set. As they stepped in, the photographer directed them into a series of striking couple poses, followed by a few solo shots. Their movements flowed naturally, their chemistry shining through with every click of the camera. The poses were effortlessâplayful yet elegantâreflecting the bond they shared.
"Looking good there," the photographer commented, capturing the perfect moments with ease. Both Sienna and Riley found themselves enjoying the experience, having grown comfortable with the lens over time.
Alessandra, watching attentively from the side, occasionally stepped in to offer a tweak or a suggestion, but mostly, she stood back, clearly pleased with how the session was going. Every now and then, she'd smile approvingly, her vision for the magazine shoot coming to life.
After Sienna finished her solo shoot, the photographer requested Riley for another round. Riley sat half-perched on a tall wooden chair, her arms draped over the backrest as she tilted her head upward, her right hand gently grazing her neck. The pose gave her an effortlessly sensual look.
Sienna bit her lip absentmindedly, captivated by how striking Riley looked in that moment. She was jolted from her thoughts when someone suddenly stood beside her, arms crossed and head tilted, clearly checking Riley out.
Once Riley's shoot wrapped up, she jogged toward Sienna, but her movement was abruptly halted by a voice.
"Well, if it isn't Riley," a woman's voice called out, laced with an authoritative tone. Riley's smile faltered, her expression darkening almost instantly.
Sienna swallowed hard. She had never seen Riley like this before. The tension in Riley's body was palpable as she clenched her fists, turning slowly toward the speaker.
"It's been a while," the woman continued, offering a coy smile before her gaze flicked toward Sienna with a brief, dismissive glance.
Sienna raised an eyebrow at the woman's attitude, resisting the urge to ask, Who the hell do you think you are?
Riley took a step back, almost instinctively moving closer to Sienna. But she seemed frozen in place, as though this woman's presence was pulling her back into memories she had tried hard to forget.
"Izzy!" Alessandra called out, appearing just in time to break the tension. "Oh, you've met our new models? Sienna Reed and Riley Pierce. Do you know them?" Alessandra gestured excitedly between them. "Girls, this is Isabella Ross, but we call her Izzy. She's my top model."
Izzy's wicked smile returned. "Oh, I know them all right. Especially Riley." She reached toward Riley's face, but Riley flinched, unable to move, like she was glued to the spot.
Alessandra remained blissfully unaware of the tension. "Small world, isn't it? Anyway, we've wrapped up for today. Why were you running late, Izzy?"
Izzy didn't answer, only offering Riley a playful wink and a mock kiss blown in her direction. "See you around, Riley."
Sienna, now thoroughly irritated, scoffed and turned to Riley. She was about to demand an explanation but froze when she noticed Riley's hands trembling.
"Riley," Sienna whispered, immediately pulling her closer. "Riley, hey, look at me." She gently tapped Riley's cheeks.
Riley squeezed her eyes shut, running her hands roughly over her face. "I'm sorry. Let's just... let's go, please." Her voice was tight as she hurried to grab their things, clearly wanting to leave.
Sienna could feel Riley's tension coursing through her as they quietly gathered their things. The encounter with Izzy was still fresh in her mindâRiley's sudden stiffness, the fear in her eyes, and how deeply shaken she seemed. It gnawed at Sienna, the protective instinct flaring within her, but she knew now wasn't the time to push for answers.
As Riley fumbled with her belongings, her hands trembled, and the vibrant energy she had during the shoot seemed drained away, leaving her looking pale and fragile. Sienna hated seeing her like thisâso vulnerable, so unlike the Riley she knew.
Reaching out gently, Sienna placed her hand on Riley's arm, causing her to pause. "Riley," Sienna began softly, "you don't have to explain anything right now, but I'm here. Just know that."
Riley gave a quick, shaky nod, still avoiding her gaze. "Thanks, love," she murmured. "I just... I need to get out of here." She hoisted her bag over her shoulder, her voice hollow.
Sienna followed, walking in silence beside her. The usual playful banter between them had vanished, replaced by a heavy, uncomfortable quiet. Sienna's heart ached to comfort her, to bring back Riley's smile, but she knew forcing the issue wouldn't help.
When they reached a nearby park, Sienna gently tugged on Riley's hand, urging her to stop. "Riley," she began, her voice soft yet determined, "who is she? Why does she affect you like this?"
Riley's jaw tightened, and she looked away, her eyes filled with a storm of emotions. After a long pause, she finally spoke, her voice barely audible. "She's... she's someone from my past. Someone I never wanted to face again."