AdiraA few shots in and the news crew shows up. I move to the side of the yard where we're at to make sure they have plenty of space to shoot as well without getting me in it. The truth of the matter was I didn't like to be in front of the camera as just me. I felt like it exposed all my flaws, all the things I was still running from stripped bare and I wasn't ready for that.The workers continued switched out the dogs as I called out done while both Gio and Valentine spoke with the news reporter, holding up and showing off many of the dogs there. I secretly snapped a few more of the duo, capturing the sweet moments between father and son in which they both seemed ginuinely happy in each other's company. I'd make something for Gio with the shots I got knowing how much they would mean to him.Gio and Valentine took out the last few dogs both for my shoots as well as some video for the news. I'm sure that Valentine was probably doing this for a few reasons, at least one being tha
AdiraI paced the hallway on the third floor, my midnight blue dress swishing around my legs. I was waiting for my anxiety medicine to begin working before we headed down. Adrian and the bouncers we hired had been letting people in for the last 10 minutes as the flow of people had not stopped yet. Finally Gio grabbed my hands to stop me and I looked up into his warm brown eyes. "Breathe Petra," he said softly, purposefully using my modeling name to help center me. "This is about Adira tonight. You'll only be down there an hour or so taking in everything from your perspective. It's a small party, invite only remember? This is easy compared to some of the ones you've done. Then you'll be able to come up and put on something that is more you and get Charlie ok?"I took a few deep breaths feeling a little more centered. I always did after his pep talks, but he's right. This is about my work and getting to hear honest feed back. And if I could do a charity ball with over 300 pe
ValentineI'd come a little later than I'd anticipated, having to wait once again for Veronica to be ready. I sighed as we finally pulled up, my driver leaving us at the front door. My father had said he'd had a date so at the last minute I'd asked Veronica, one of my friends with benefits, to come with me. I knew there were going to be some big names there and was not surprised to see a few paparazzi there. That was the real reason Veronica agreed, because she never missed an opportunity to show up and show out in public. As this was a black tie affair it was the perfect opportunity to dress up.Once we walked in I dropped my arm from around her and looked around quickly for my father and Adira, spoting Adira easily. She was not wearing what I had expected, but was dressed in as style that was all her. A pair of ass hugging jeans and a white dress shirt and a colorful scarf. Her hair was simply pulled back and from what I could see she was make up free. She was herself unapol
Giovanni"That was a lovely speech. Direct and honest," I told her as we walked down the stairs together. I had already heard many people here ask about buying some of the pieces here and couldn't be prouder. "What did my stubborn son tell you to put such a look on your face earlier?" I asked breaching the subject I'd been most curious about a few minutes ago. When I'd walked up to let her know it was time for her speech I could see the flush on anger and the tightness in her face and frame as well as the uncertain look on Valentine's face, telling me he once again stuck his foot in it.She took a deep breath and absentmindedly rubbed Charlie's head as we walked through the room. She leaned in and whispered "He thinks Petra is a gold digger and doesn't understand how I could work with someone like that. I got mad at him for judging her soley based on her looks and threw that right back at him. I might have been a little mean, calling him a playboy and a fuckboy, but it really
Adira I couldn't believe that he accused Petra, really me, of being a gold digger and yet had one dripping off his arm. That's exactly why he's a fuck boy I thought to myself walking quickly to Charlie's corner. This had actually been my brother's idea - to have a small display of Charlie's photos. It had quickly become my favorite when I realized how many pictures I'd taken of him when we traveled. There were even a few that had been taken by my brother when I hadn't been paying attention. Those were my favorite and I had actually brought those from my house to put in the gallery for the night. Even if no one saw them, the memories they encited always picked my mood up.I stood there smiling softly to myself as Charlie leaned into me. I rubbed behind his ears absentmindedly when I suddenly felt someone walk up on his other side. He didn't move or growl so I wasn't overly concerned, just curious as to who had made it to this little corner."You look really happy with him in t
ValentineAfter listening to Veronica bitch about my father for 30 minutes I told her we were leaving. I called my driver and when he pulled up I helped her into the car and told my driver to take her home.I was getting ready to close the door when she stopped my by placing her hand on mine. "Aren't you coming back with me Val? I thought we could have some alone time," she said, her voice sickenly sweet. I rolled my eyes thinking that I should have just come alone."Now Veronica, where in all of this eveing did you think we'd end up there again? I told you exactly what this was. That I just needed you to acompany me to the gallery opening. Nothing more. Now be a good girl and don't make a scene," I replied snidely. I could see the anger written clearly on her face as she snatched back her hand but I could care less. She was intentionally rude earlier and continued to push my boundaries. I closed the door and she was off, probably cursing my name the whole way home.I walked
Adira I wasn't expecting Sebastian to actually reach out but he did. The same night I met him and boy was I surprised. After all the caterers cleared out and Adrian locked up I was unwinding upstairs in my pj's, listening to music with Charlie when my phone dinged. 'Hi. It's me. I hope I'm not waking you.''No, I'm still up unwinding.''Well that's good. I was hoping to see if you were free Sunday night for dinner?'I got up and walked over to my computer to pull up my schedule. I didn't have another shoot until Wednesday and had only penciled in time with Adrian and the other photographers from the show this weekend.'Sure I can be available Sunday. I'm just wrapping up with the aftermath of the show this weekend. What time were you thinking?''Can you be ready by 7? I can pick you up at your place?''Sure, 7 is great. You can pick me up at the gallery - the third floor is actually my studio and apartment.''Do you ever get a break from work that way?''LOL Yea I do. I ha
Adira Our first date had been amazing. Sebastian had taken me to a nice resturant on the coast, getting us a table outside. It was cozy and perfect and we spent the evening talking and laughing and enjoying a variety of seafood as we had opted on getting a sampler.It had been a few weeks now and we'd gone out on 5 more dates, a variety of times and places. He kept them simple which was exacty what I liked. Breakfast in the park, lunch at a bistro near his office, even dinner at a roof top bar. Things were going great but I was still hesitant to take things further. On our last date I'd invited him up to see my studio and we spent almost 20 minutes making out before I pulled away. "Are you ok?" he asked, his eyes narrowing slightly with concern as he tucked a piece of hair behind my ear. My hand was on my chest, trying to catch my breath."Yes," I replied shakily. I wasn't ready to talk to him about my past but I knew I needed to say something to help him understand. "It's
AdiraI was nervous for tonight. I'd waited til the last possible moment to fly home and had spent every waking moment over the last two days moving photos around and making sure every detail was good to go for this event. Adrian as always had been God sent organizing everything and keeping things moving here while I had been away in Greece for the last 2 and a half months. I almost didn't want to come back it was so majestic there. I had come up with an idea for the next show - which I'd shared with Adrian when I'd gotten back. The show we were doing today had drawn enough attention that we actually sold tickets for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, though I'd only be attending Friday's. My brother had gotten weekend leave to come and see my show and I was excited to have him with me."Do I really have to wear this?" he asked, tugging at his shirt collar and tie. I laughed and walked over to straighten them out before replying "Yes. Even I dress up for my shows. There's going t
Valentine2 months.It's been 2 months since I've seen her, since I've kissed her, since I've heldd her in my arms. 2 months of antagonizing over every little piece of our relationship. I was so angry at first but seeing her face when Stella had been all over me had broken my heart. Something I didn't think possible at the time. I'd still been angry and unsure when my father forced me to read the letter she'd dropped of for me when she left. She left - heading to a completely different contenent. She'd written to explain how Petra had come to be, about her past, about what happened between her and Sebastian. It had taken everything in me to not go to his office and beat the living shit out of him for what he did. Even though I was mad at her, she hadn't deserved that. But now, after two months, I'd had plenty of time to sort through my feelings. And in some ways to sort of see things from her point of view. I was still a little mad and a little hurt, but I understood. I
AdiraI felt lighter driving from Sebastian's office to Gio's. I was glad that I'd had the chance to speak to him. This next conversation would be even easier and even though I would miss our weekly dinners, I had enough months traveling that this was nothing new.I parked in the spot I usually did and spotted Tony waiting on Gio. It was almost lunch time. He saw me and waved before getting out to unlock the elevator that went straight to their offices. I thanked him before Charlie and I hoped in and headed up. I greeted Gio's secretary and she waved me in with a smile. He looked up with a smile as soon as I opened the door and came over to give me a hug. "I am surprised to see you here cara. To what do I owe the pleasure?" he asked as he ushered me to the sofa. "Well, I got a contract I couldn't turn down and the timing couldn't be better. I'm headed to Greece for some time. I think it's just what I need. But I couldn't go without saying good bye to you," I replied smil
AdiraIt was early Monday morning and I was loading my luggage in the truck, checking and double checking everything. I was stuffy and felt my face was still a little puffy from my impromptu crying fest yesterday. I had decided that I needed to go through the pictures of my trip with Valentine and had found more than I realized. They were beautiful and still so painful but it was necessary. Now I could go to my dream place feeling lighter and more free than I had. I was leaving it all here. I had two stops to make before heading to the airport. Two conversations that I needed to have though one wouldn't be necessarily bad. I decided to go see Sebastian first. At some point in the future I would be quietly annoucing that Petra and I were one in the same and he deserved to know the truth of it from me. Giving him the truth and the opportunity to apologize was my way of helping myself move on. Charlie and I headed into the building and were greeted by the usual group of fol
AdiraI was as ready as I was going to be. I was a blend of Petra and the old Adira. This woman staring back at me is the new me. My hair was curled and half up half down, my make up minimal except my eyes which I did to stand out behind my glasses. Charlie stood beside me with his vest and bow tie on looking sharp. My phone beeped, letting me know that Gio was ready outside. "Alright Charlie here's to new experiences," I said grabbing up my purse and phone before heading out."You both look wonderful,"Gio said waiting by the open limo door. I smiled as I locked up and then away we went.Once at the venue Gio made sure that we were announced as Gio and Adira, even adding Charlie in. All eyes were on us as his company was sponsoring and my artwork was one of the pieces being offered up. Charlie was perfect keeping himself between me and the crowd putting me at ease despite the large number of people vying for our attention. What felt like forever but was probably only a few
AdiraWe watched as Valentine stormed out. At this point I think numb is the only way to express how I felt. Gio sighed and ran his hand through his hair. "He always was a hot head. It's the Italian blood. Well, let's not waste the food especially since you haven't eaten today," he said grabbing the food and wine and bringing it to the small coffee table. I watched as he went to the kitchen and returned with some glasses and silverware. I was grateful I was here with Gio right now as I'm not sure how I would handle this on my own. He handed me a container and a fork before pouring us each a glass of wine. I heard the TV come on and glanced over to see that he'd put on NCIS - another one of Charlie's favorite shows. We ate in silence and finished off the wine. At some point I nodded off and only woke when Gio laid me down on the bed in my room. I felt Charlie jump on the bed with me and I was out again.I woke early and laid there in bed with Charlie contemplating my next
Valentine"Valentine, son, wait, listen," Gio said standing and holding his hands out towards him in a calming manner. My brain was still trying to process what I'd just heard. Petra and Adira were the same person? But why? I mean, I was attracted Adira that night in the kitchen, the way that her shirt lifted revealing her cute purple panties and her giggling with Charlie. But why lie about it? Why wait so long after everything before saying something? Hell I'd been feeling guilty as hell about our kiss. But Adira had been dating Sebastian. Was that real? Was he just the cover or was I? When she wasn't with me was she really working or was she with him?I set down the food and the bottle of wine. I couldn't stay here right now.I had come to surprise my father with dinner since we'd missed family dinner on Sunday. Family dinner with Adira. Fuck.I looked around the room taking it all in, my brain still trying to piece it all together. I loved her, I loved Petra or so I
AdiraI ran like the devil straight to my room and locked the door before heading to the bathroom. I didn't care who he thought I was or what reasons he had, what he did was not ok. I felt dirty and angry and sad and guitly all at once as I started the shower. I threw my clothes straight into the trash knowing that I'd never be able to wear them again without thinking of this moment. I shot a quick text to my team apologizing, but asking if they can pack up the set and my cameras and just leave them outside my door. I cited an emergency and that I would return to get them. I turned the shower on scalding hot and stepped under it, scrubbing all traces of him off my skin. Once out I booked a return flight for less than two hours knowing that I needed to get home before the panic fully set it. I took one of the pills I carried for emergencies and packed quickly. My cameras and gear were in the hallway ready so I was able to make a quick get away. By the time I got to the air
SebastianHer body felt so familiar against me, her smell and taste one that had been seared into my mind forever. In one hand I held her arms above her head, holding her upright and bowed slightly while I cupped her pussy with the other. I could feel the heat of it through her tight pants and I groaned into her neck. I couldn't wait to slide into that warmth again. I nuzzled the side of her head in the spot I knew she liked before whispering to her "I'm sorry for last weekend. My brother had called to tell me that this fucking woman was going around our home town telling everyone that she was having my baby. I didn't remember sleeping with her, only waking up next to her naked. Even months later I couldn't remember a thing from that night and I knew something had to be wrong."I ran my teeth along her collar bone and felt her squiming. "You like that huh?" I said before doing it again. She froze and I continued, "Well long story short I went down there and confronted her wit