Chapter 22

HAILEY

Valerian’s serious demeanor caught everyone’s attention as he approached. He came to a halt beside Brie.

“Good morning, sir,” Brie acknowledged him.

“Morning, Brie. Where’s our female model?”

“Unfortunately, she couldn’t make it. Gaston suggested Hailey as a replacement. She agreed to step in, and we’re compensating her for it.”

“Understood. Proceed with the shoot.”

“Action!” Gaston’s voice echoed, and they resumed their positions.

Blake drew Hailey closer.

“Hold on!” Valerian’s voice interrupted them. “A little distance between you two would be better.”

They complied, creating a small gap between them.

“Continue, my stars,” Gaston instructed. Despite the distance, Blake’s hands found their way to Hailey’s waist.

“That’s not going to work!” Valerian interjected again. “There’s no need for physical contact.”

The shoot continued, albeit with frequent interruptions from Valerian.

“I can’t work under these conditions. I’m done. Find another model who can tolerate your absurd demands!” Blake stormed off the set.

Brie made a move to follow him, but stopped, her body language betraying her unease. She locked eyes with Valerian, but quickly looked away when he didn’t break the stare.

“I’m not sure where we’ll find a replacement model on such short notice,” Brie finally admitted.

“I’ll step in with Hailey.” Valerian removed his suit jacket, handing it to Brie. He approached Hailey, rolling up his shirt sleeves as he walked. He positioned himself next to her, pulling her close.

“Perfect,” Gaston exclaimed, resuming the photo shoot.

After thirty minutes, the shoot wrapped up.

“Thank you, everyone,” Brie announced.

Hailey retreated to the changing room, replaying the sensation of Valerian’s hold on her.

Emerging from the changing room, she noticed it was time to head home. As she approached the bus, a car pulled up alongside her.

“Get in,” Valerian commanded.

She slid into the seat next to him and sent a quick text to Matt, letting him know she’d be late.

Upon arriving at Valerian’s house, he held the door open for her. She followed him inside, where he pulled her into his arms and kissed her passionately.

Hailey returned the kiss before pushing him away.

“Is this why you invited me over, sir?”

“No, Hailey. I fucking missed you,” he confessed. “It drives me crazy not seeing you, and then watching another man touch you…”

She was at a loss for words.

“I have something to show you, Hailey.”

They left his house and got into his car. They drove to the airport and boarded his private jet.

“Where are we going?” she asked, confusion etched on her face.

“You’ll see.”

She fell asleep during the flight.

Awakening to the bright sunlight, she saw Valerian standing by the window. “Where are we?” she asked.

“We’re in the city of love.”

Her eyes widened. “Paris?”

“Exactly,” he confirmed.

Hailey rushed to the window and pulled back the curtain. They were indeed in France.

The view was stunning—absolutely breathtaking.

“But what about work, sir?”

“Don’t worry about work. I told them we had an urgent business meeting. Now, go shower and get dressed. We have a city to explore.”

She nodded and hurried to the bathroom. When she returned, she asked, “How long will we be here, sir?”

“About a week, unless a work crisis arises,” he replied, sipping his coffee.

She was thrilled. Once they landed, they strolled down the streets of Paris. She snapped countless photos, never having been here before and unsure when she’d get another opportunity like this.

“How many pictures are you going to take, Hailey? You’re even photographing things we have back home.”

“Snapping a photo never hurt anyone, and this is a moment worth capturing.”

“Alright, come here.” He gave in with a sigh.

She moved to his side as he addressed a passerby in fluent French.

The stranger nodded in agreement, accepting Valerian’s phone from him.

She could tell from the stranger’s gestures that they were being prompted to smile. Valerian wrapped an arm around her, and she responded with a grin.

“You speak French?” she queried after the photo was taken.

“Indeed, I do.”

The remainder of the week was filled with new experiences and flavors, and of course, more photos.

Their dinners were filled with laughter, and she couldn’t recall the last time she felt such joy.

Valerian shared stories of his hectic schedule and ongoing projects. She couldn’t remember the last time she saw such a spark in his eyes.

On their final night, she wanted to savor every moment.

The wine was delightful and effervescent.

After their meal, they returned to their hotel, which boasted a stunning view.

She retreated to the bathroom to change, but struggled with the zipper of her dress. As she glanced at the mirror, she noticed Valerian standing in the doorway.

“Allow me,” he offered, approaching her to unzip her dress.

She met his gaze in the mirror and froze.

He spun her around and pressed his lips to hers. She reciprocated his fervent kiss with equal passion.

He drew her into his embrace, nipping lightly at her ear. “You are fucking beautiful, Hailey.”

She assisted him in removing his shirt, feeling the firmness of his muscles.

He trailed kisses from her jawline, down her neck, to the curve of her breasts.

He unfastened her bra, letting it fall to the floor. “Let’s lose these too, shall we?” he suggested, sliding off her underwear.

He lifted her up, and she found herself straddling him. She wrapped her legs around him as he carried her to the bed, tossing her onto it. She attempted to close her legs slightly, but he parted them.

“Don’t hide from me—I want to see all of you,” he insisted, positioning himself above her.

He cupped one of her breasts while lavishing attention on the other. Then he kissed a path down to her belly, continuing lower.

She couldn’t help but arch her back and gasp, “Valerian.” Her voice was breathless.

He inserted two fingers into her, moving them rhythmically. She moaned repeatedly, “This is too much.”

He rose slowly to remove his pants and don a condom. She watched him, wide-eyed.

He entered her, moving with slow, deliberate care.

He groaned as he fully penetrated her, and when she shifted, he asked, “Are you okay?”

“Yes,” she confirmed.

He began to move within her, setting a slow, steady pace.

As he quickened his movements, her moans grew louder with each thrust.

She tightened around him as they both reached their climax.

Valerian rolled off her, and she turned onto her side. Moments later, she felt his arms encircle her, and they drifted off to sleep.