16 | paradis d'amour

Annie looked down at her glass, the golden liquid shimmering in the low-lighting. Sally had handed it to her, courtesy of George, who had extended his invitation to a private industry function. It had been a whirlwind, Annie surprised at the last-minute request, but Sally had insisted, determined to drag her along into the world of which she dreamed of.

She sighed, fingers tapping on the chilled glass. This event was for Sally - an opportunity to network after landing the role of her dreams. It was crowded with low murmurs of conversation buzzing through the air. The function was housed in a gallery space, with a famous Picasso work taking centre stage on the main wall.

Annie looked up, hearing the cheerful sound of Sally's laughter. She was dressed to her best -stilettos elongating her long tanned legs. Her red dress accentuated her figure and curved with the shape of her hips. Annie smiled, watching as George escorted her through the room on his arm to greet those involved in the industry. Sally looked smitten.

"They look really cute together," Tatiana remarked. Annie nodded her head, eyes turning to look at the platinum blonde next to her. Tatiana wore a shimmering gold number. Her breasts were propped up and outwards, threatening to spill out of their constraint.

"I'm glad she's happy," Annie said, bringing the flute of champagne up to her lips. "Sally's deserving of this."

"Oh, I'm so happy for her too," Tatiana flashed her white capped teeth. "George has really taken an interest in her. Like a little project. It's so cute."

Annie raised an eyebrow. "A project?"

Tatiana waved her hand. "I told him about Sally, since he's a really good friend of mine. Like," she titled her head, "we know each other so well after our intimate scenes. And I wanted him to meet Sal," Tatiana batted her eyelashes, "because Sal is such a good friend of mine. I just hope George doesn't ruin her. He has a bit of a reputation, you know?"

Annie sipped on her drink, bubbles settling on her tongue. She swallowed, eyeing Tatiana.

"No, I didn't know that."

"Oh," Tatiana laughed. It sounded off-pitch. "It's nothing to worry about, but he loves to take on aspiring actresses and mentor them. It's nothing bad, but-" Tatiana's acrylic nails tapped on her glass, "he does have a habit for seducing them. I love your lipstick by the way," Tatiana babbled, blinking fast. "Is it Dior?"

Annie furrowed her brows. "No, it's from the pharmacy."

"Oh," Tatiana pursed her plump lips. "Anyway," she began, face pulled into a tight smile. "Sally told me that you're working a film set. Like, how did you manage to pull that?"

"Did she?" Annie asked, raising her chin. Her grip tightened on the stem of her glass.

"Oh, I didn't mean to offend you," Tatiana continued, "I'm feeling a bit," she raised a hand to her chest, "nervous. There's a lot of famous people in here. I so wish George was introducing me to them too."

Annie ran a hand through her hair. She looked around, glimpsing the back of Sally's blonde curls. Her heart felt heavy, watching as George looked down at her, eyes roaming over her frame. Sally was chatting excitedly to another woman.

"But anyway," Tatiana rambled, "tell me, who's the director? Are you like...an extra or something?"

Annie turned around. She drew in a long breath. "Uh," she sounded, distracted. "Something like that. I run errands too."

"And the director?" Tatiana blinked, peering down at her.

"I can't say."

"Yes you can."

Annie flinched. "What?"

Tatiana rolled her eyes. "Seriously, Annie. If it's in production, those details already have been released to the public long ago. Like, seriously long ago. So, you can tell me. You won't be fired."

She blinked, shoulders dropping. "Well, it's-"

"Oh!" Tatiana exclaimed, shrill. "Is the director in this room?"

Annie frowned. "No, he's not."

"So, it's a he?"

"Yes."

"Hm," Tatiana brought a finger up to her lips. "That was probably an easy guess. There's not many female directors around. It's really such a shame."

Annie nodded. "It is." She sipped on her drink, averting her gaze. She found Sally, the satin material of her dress shimmering under the lights. She was stunning. Annie found it curious. Tatiana was jealous. She looked at the platinum blonde, her perfectly pointed surgical nose and rounded chin. Tatiana was beautiful, but vain. And distracted. Her fingernails tapped her glass - ocean blue eyes constantly drawn to Sally and George, a stunning pair. Annie brought her glass up to her lips, the last remnants of the dry liquid sliding down her throat. She understood it now. Tatiana felt threatened by Sally.

She swallowed, a warmth spreading through her veins. "The director is Tiago Alonso," Annie began, lips quirking. "Fonzie is an amazing director and his cast is incredibly talented."

Tatiana's eyes widened, jaw slack. "What?" She slapped a hand against her chest. "The Tiago Alonso?"

"Yeah, isn't it great?" Annie continued, looking down at her nails. "I've been working on set with an assistant who looks after Mary Lehman and Tom Price."

Tatiana's mouth opened wider. "Tom Price?" She burst out, eyebrows raised. "I haven't even met him and he produced my film!"

"I have," Annie continued, shrugging. "He's lovely." She chewed on her bottom lip, watching as Tatiana paled. Annie looked down at her empty glass. "Oh," she remarked, "I need a refill. Please excuse me."

Tatiana's mouth bobbed open like a fish.

"Oh," Annie sounded. She stepped closer and looked up at the young woman. "Try not to forget that Sally is my best friend," Annie said lowly, voice dangerous. "If you think she's weak willed, she's not. Try not to let your jealously get the better of you, Tatiana."

Tatiana stood rigid and turned her face away, pursing her lips. A hint of red bloomed on her tanned cheeks. Annie stepped away, smiling. Her heart was racing with the thrill. She walked towards the bar, raising a hand to hide the laughter that threatened to spill out from her mouth. She set her glass down on the granite bench.

"What can I get for you?" A honeyed voice interrupted her thoughts. Annie looked up, eyes levelling with a familiar face. The woman behind the bar wore smudged eyeliner and a fringe hit the top of her thick eyebrows. Annie blinked, titling her head. It was the woman from the rave. She was dressed demurely, in a white work shirt.

"I'll have another glass of champagne, please." Annie answered, removing her gaze.

The woman chuckled lowly. "I recognise you," the woman started, reaching for the bar fridge. "Annie, wasn't it? I'm Lara."

"Yeah, that's me," Annie responded, coolly. "You work here?"

"Yep. Strange place how this city works, huh?"

Annie smiled. She tapped her fingers on the bench.

"Didn't think you were one of these fancy types," Lara noted, raising an eyebrow. She lifted up a bottle of chilled champagne. "This room is full of rich jerks."

Annie crossed her arms against her chest. "I'm here supporting my best friend."

"You're friend is one of these rich jerks?" Lara quipped, laughing. Her hands clasped the bottle, peeling off the wrapping.

"No," Annie shook her head. "She's an aspiring actress. A friend of hers invited us. He's the rich one."

Lara nodded. "Interesting." She popped the cork and reached around for a new champagne flute. "Which one is your friend?"

Annie turned around, eyes searching the crowd. "She's the one in red," she pointed with her finger. "Next to the tall, dark haired guy."

Lara hummed. "She's beautiful." She poured the champagne into the glass. Annie turned around, smiling.

"She is. She's very talented too."

"I don't doubt it," Lara said, grinning. She handed Annie her glass. "Now," her voice was sweet. "Would you like any special little extras tonight? It's a boring crowd."

Annie blinked. "What?" She lowered her voice. "Are you offering me drugs?"

Lara flashed a beaming smile, her attractive features glowing. "Sure, if you'd like. I've got a little bit left." Lara leant forwards, resting her elbows against the bench top. "I've made thousands tonight," she murmured. "Rich people sure are stupid. Plus, you were interested in my offer last time. I can see you're tempted."

Annie frowned. She took hold of the stem of her glass. "I'm fine thanks, Lara."

Lara smiled, red lipstick gleaming. "You sure? You could do with loosening up. I finish in half an hour. We could hit the floor?"

"I'm not interested," Annie said, voice flat. "Like last time you offered."

Lara pouted. "That's a real shame. You're too pretty." Her left hand reached out, fingers grazing the side of Annie's cheek. Annie tensed, feeling a flush rise to her cheeks. She removed her glass from the bench.

"Thanks for the drink."

"Anytime," Lara winked, stepping away from the bench, wiping her right hand on her apron. Annie watched the movement, eyebrows furrowed. She turned away, holding her glass to her chest. The liquid sparkled as the bubbles rose to the surface. She raised it to her lips, allowing a small drop to hit her tongue. She swallowed, eyes widening. It tasted normal.

Annie sighed, dropping her shoulders. She searched the room for Sally, lifting her glass and allowed a larger amount to fall into her mouth. She gulped it down, throat parched. Annie hiccuped as her eyes found the satin red of Sally's dress. Her friend was with George, admiring the Picasso hanging on the wall. His arm was wrapped around Sally's waist. Annie blinked.

She stepped forwards, carrying her empty glass and pushed through the mingling crowd. She heard Sally's laughter. It echoed, leading her like a flame. Annie hiccuped. Her feet grew heavier as she walked, as if she were treading through thick mud. Eyebrows furrowed, she looked down at her shoes.

"Shit," Annie murmured, the word slowly rolling off of her tongue. Her vision wouldn't focus. She raised her empty glass and inspected it. There was nothing inside. Her head rolled. The buzzing murmur of the crowds chatter grew louder. Annie blinked, the faces around her blurring, their movements delayed.

She looked at the ceiling, to the lights that had suddenly become gold shooting stars. They flew across the room, exploding into bursts of bright hot colour as they hit the walls.

"Wow," she mumbled, raising her hand into the air. Annie closed her fist tight around a star. Eager, she brought her hand down. Opening it, her palm was empty. Annie frowned. "F-f-fuck this," she slurred, lowering her head.

Her legs wobbled. Sally's dress sparkled like rubies. She stepped forwards, groggily smiling. Her movements felt slow, but she was bouncing with every step. Annie sighed, feeling the music wash over her like a warm jet of water. It pounded against her chest, urging her to move with it. She spun around, hair falling over her face, losing sight of Sally.

Her laughter echoed in her ears as her hips swayed, enjoying the sensation of the notes pulsing through her. Her skin felt clammy. She saw the shooting stars reign down on the crowd like a waterfall, showering the guests in glittering gold flakes. Annie hiccuped. She giggled. A rough hand grabbed her by the waist, firm.

Startled, Annie looked upwards.

"Tom?" She slurred, batting her eyelashes. She couldn't see the man's face, it was covered by a dark shadow, but the light behind him was shining brilliantly.

"So, so bright," Annie murmured, raising her hand. Her finger connected with the side of cheek.

"Sure," the voice replied. It was rough. Gravelly. But it vibrated straight through her. Annie felt a warmth grow in her abdomen.

She squinted. "You don't sound like Tom."

"Trust me," the voice answered. The man stepped closer. Annie shivered as he brought his lips down to her ear. "I'm Tom."

She felt herself aching. "Dance then," she instructed, grabbing Tom's other hand. She brought it down to her waist, but he spread his large fingers. They moved across her frame until he cupped her backside. He squeezed. Annie squealed at the contact. Laughing, she shrugged his hands off.

"I saw you staring," she slurred, "the other day. When I was dressed in those s-s-shorts." She swayed her hips, the beat urging her on. "But I didn't think you were gonna t-t-touch me. I wanted you too." She was breathing hard. The man spun her around. Annie felt her back against his firm chest.

"Tom," she murmured. "I'm burning up." She shook her head, rocking back and forth. Her entire body was burning. She clenched her teeth. Tom pressed against her. Annie gasped.

"You feel that?" He whispered in her ear, a hand grabbing at her chest. "Feel how hard I am for you?"

Annie frowned and pushed off his wandering hands. She spun herself around and looked up. Tom's eyes were dark. They looked-

"Brown," Annie blurted out. "Your eyes. Why aren't they blue?" Her heart raced in her chest, pounding. "Tom has blue eyes."

The man reached out, grabbing her shoulder. "Does it matter? I can be Tom for you."

Annie shrugged him off, frantic. She raked her hands through her hair. She twisted around, looking. The crowd pulsed like a wave. Someone bumped her arm. She couldn't see Sally's red dress.

Her eyes widened. "I want Tom!" She yelled above the music. "You're not Tom!" She backed away from the man. An elbow jutted her side. Annie recoiled, wincing in pain. She blinked, hanging her head low. She stared at the floor, but it seemed to rise up to meet her. A sudden rush of air surrounded her. It was cold, but she moved slowly, cutting through the air, eyelids drooping as she fell to the ground.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Sunlight poured inside the room in intense pulsing beams. Annie groaned as she opened her eyes. She felt groggy, her body sore. She shoved her face into the pillow, swearing at the sun.

"You're awake," a low masculine voice said. Her ears pricked up at the sound. Annie inhaled a sharp breath, bolting upright in realisation, eyes widening. She winced at the sudden movement, her head spinning.

"What the fuck!"

Tom stood by her bedroom door, grinning. He waved, cornflower blue eyes twinkling in mirth.

"Mornin', cat-eyes."

Annie blinked. "How did you-"

"Sally let me in," Tom motioned with his head to the downstairs entrance.

"Shit," Annie murmured. She watched as Tom strode towards her. He held a glass of water, his blonde hair and golden skin catching alight in the sun's rays. Annie stared, mesmerised.

"Yeah, shit." He laughed. "She's nice."

"Sally?"

"Yeah, Sally."

Annie exhaled heavily. He placed the glass of water on the table beside her bed. She rubbed her forehead, averting her gaze. Her heart was racing.

"Big night?"

"Hm?" Annie sounded. She looked at Tom. "Yeah, well. I don't know. I don't remember."

He raised an eyebrow. "Sally told me all about it. She thinks your drink was spiked."

Annie froze. "What?"

"Yeah," he scratched the underside of chin. "Really not nice, whoever did that. People like that don't sit well with me. Wish I had been there to help you."

Annie smiled, lips quirking. "That's kind of you. Very heroic."

Tom chuckled, his shoulders moving gently. Annie eyed the movement as she sat up further. She winced, reaching over to her nightstand. She grabbed the glass of water and brought it up to her lips. The liquid was cool. She sighed as it hit her tongue. Her mouth and throat were dry. She swallowed every drop, the water soothing her. She set the glass back down and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.

She looked up at Tom, instantly feeling a flush rise to her cheeks. He wore a lopsided grin, staring down at her, gaze soft. She watched as his eyes flickered down slightly, head titling, before levelling again. His grin grew slightly wider.

Annie's eyes widened. She looked down at her chest. The outline of her pert breasts were exposed as she wore a tight, white coloured singlet. Her face burned.

"Sorry," she mumbled, quickly pulling the duvet up to her chin. "Sally must've chosen that."

Tom chuckled, lowly. "You don't need to apologise. I should probably get out of here, leave you to get dressed."

Annie groaned. "Shit, I forgot." She rubbed her eyes. "Stephanie is going to be mad, isn't she?"

"Oh, I don't know," Tom drawled, still grinning. He looked down at his watch. "Maybe. We are an hour late."

"Shit!" Annie jumped. "I'll start moving."

Tom chuckled, raking a hand through his hair. He turned away, facing the door. Annie watched as he scratched the side of his cheek. She removed the duvet and swung herself out bed. She stood up, biting her lip. Her pulse was beating fast. She saw Tom turn his head slightly, eyes looking at her out of the corner of his eye.

"You're staring," Annie murmured.

Tom smiled. "I know."

Slowly, she walked towards him, ignoring the pain she felt in the soles of her feet. She crossed her arms against her chest. Tom stepped backwards, grinning.

"You've got bed hair," he reached out, fingers picking up a piece of her hair. Annie smiled.

"Is it that bad?" She swatted away his hand.

"I like it."

Annie walked out of her room, face flushed. She stepped into the hallway, striding towards the bathroom.

"Hey," Tom began. "Where should I wait for you?" He asked voice low. Annie turned around, eyebrow raising. She inhaled a sharp breath. Tom leant against the doorframe, arms folded against his chest. He was smiling. Annie tried to keep her eyes level with his.

She bit her bottom lip. She looked over her shoulder, eyes peering at the shower behind her. A shiver rolled down her spine as she slowly turned around at the thought of Tom and her in the bathroom.

"Wherever's comfortable," she shrugged.

"Ah," Tom sounded. "I would go upstairs," he pointed to the ceiling. "But I think your friend might have a heart attack."

"Fine," she shook her head, smiling. "You can wait in my room."

He flashed her a grin. "Perfect."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Annie exited the shower, her muscles relaxed as the steam rose to the ceiling off of her wet skin. She had successfully thought of a million different ways to murder Sally for pulling this morning's stint, but Annie bit her lip and towelled herself dry. She pulled on an oversized t-shirt to cover her frame and pushed open the bathroom door, running the towel over her hair. Her heart was beating erratically.

She walked into her room, but immediately halted in her tracks. Tom was laying down on her bed, hands resting flat on his stomach, eyes shut. His shirt had crept up, exposing the tanned skin of his abdomen.

"Comfortable?" She asked, smiling.

Tom opened one eye. "Very."

She walked towards the wardrobe and pulled it open. "That's unfortunate," she began, as she leant down opening a drawer. "Because you're going to have to move."

He groaned loudly. Annie smiled at the sound.

"And disturb me of my peace? Nah," he shuffled, his clothes rustling as he pushed himself higher up onto the bed. "I'm going to stay right here."

Annie stood up and turned around, eyebrows raised.

Tom grinned. "I like the view way too much."

Her jaw went slack. Annie felt her face grow incredibly hot. She fumbled in her movements as she turned away, her skin feeling clammy. She could feel Tom's eyes on her figure.

"Fine," she bit her lip. "But you have to promise to turn around and keep your eyes closed."

"I promise," Tom chuckled and made a saluting gesture. He shifted himself around, grinning, turning on his left side to face the window. Annie's lips quirked as she flicked through her clothes.

She shook her head. "I'm definitely going to kill you now, Sally," she murmured, quickly removing the t-shirt. She lifted it up and over her head, the cool rush of air pricking her skin alight. Her heart drummed in her ears. Tom was less than a metre away and she was exposed.

She quickly ducked behind the wardrobe door, hoping he couldn't see her through the window's glazed reflection. She heard him chuckle lowly. Annie slid into her underwear, face flushed, and pulled up her jeans, before pulling another t-shirt over her head. She tucked it under the waistband.

"Done," she said, smiling.

Tom chuckled. "That was quick."

Annie shrugged. She sat down on the edge of her bed and pulled on her sneakers. She felt Tom's weight shifting behind her.

"You're hair's still wet," his voice was low and close to her ear. A shiver rolled through her body. She bit her lip. Suddenly, she felt Tom gently move her hair to one side, fingers grazing the side of her neck. Annie's breath hitched in her throat.

"It'll dry," she murmured, dazed. Her hands shook slightly as she tied her laces. Tom chuckled lowly.

"Should've brought my motorcycle," he murmured. "It would dry quicker."

Annie smiled. "Maybe you should've."

"I'm thinking maybe I will," his lips brush softly against her ear. "Tomorrow."

Her face flushed a deep scarlet. Her palms were sweaty. Tom's lips had pricked her skin alive.

"Do you promise?" She asked. Her breaths were shallow.

"I promise," he murmured, voice husky. She inhaled sharply, her back arching as Tom's lips pressed against her neck, searing hot. She felt a dull ache grow in her abdomen as she shivered, leaning backwards into him.

She shut her eyes, biting her lip. Tom cupped her shoulder, pulling her back further. She rolled her head back, until it touched his chest. She wanted his arms around her. His large hand squeezed her shoulder slightly. Tom kissed her neck, leaving a trail of soft kisses. Annie gasped. His fingertips grazed her collarbone.

"We should go," he murmured, his dulcet voice vibrating through her body. "Otherwise Stephanie will definitely try to murder the both of us."

_______________________________________

a/n

ohmygoooodness... it got a bit hot & heavy at the ending there....

I hope you like this chapter! :-) I know I said I'd write shorter chapters, but damn, this was a big one... and it certainly started off...badly.. Poor Annie.. :-(

Let me know what your thoughts are!! There's more on the way veeeerry soooon!