Chapter 1
Paris Cross
Nervous as hell.
That's how Paris felt along with the adrenaline pumping as the make-up artist worked on some finishing touches.
This would be her second runway show in London. The first being the day before. That too for one of the biggest fashion houses around the world, a make or break show for her modelling career.
Emerson Couture, a really well-known fashion house worldwide. They only choose the best supermodels for their shows and photo shoots, they even had their own bridal show too.
How did they even consider Paris had been a mystery even to her agent. Not to mention the president of the house was a total snob with high expectations. Meeting her once was enough, Paris never wanted to cross paths with that bitch again.
Completely ready, after the final touches. She just had to wait her turn on the ramp. The heavy dress they put her in; totally pretty but not her type.
The champagne coloured princess styled glittery dress with a sweetheart neckline, which made her rather tiny chest look fuller and more perked up.
With her chocolate brown locks in an updo, a golden crown on her head and matching earrings, she looked like a bride which unnerved her to the core.
Bride meant weddings, wedding meant commitment and commitment meant the death of Paris Cross. This was a bridal show though...she was supposed to look like one even if she wasn't too hyped about it.
As quickly as those thoughts came they vanished. She didn't have to think about that now. Her focus shifted to the show at hand.
'Please don't flunk, please don't flunk' become her mantra as she waited her turn. She really wanted the night to end on a good note. Knowing her brother and friends were in the crowd supporting her made her a little less nervous.
"Miss Cross get ready you're up next!" The stage manager called out, her trusty clipboard in hand.
With that Paris got hauled up front, close to the ramp. She inhaled deeply when the pervious model entered the backstage area.
Go Time.
The bass from the speakers vibrated through the runway floorboards, but the moment Paris stepped into the blinding halo of the spotlight, the chaos of backstage vanished.
Her spine aligned with absolute precision, every step measured and deliberate. The heavy fabric of the gown draped over her frame like liquid obsidian, snapping against her ankles in time with the hypnotic rhythm of her stride. She didn't hurry, nor did she falter; her chin remained slightly elevated. Lenses flashed like a barrage of starlight along the perimeter, blinding white light catching the sharp, sculpted angles of her cheekbones.
She glided past the front row—a blur of hushed fashion editors, critical eyes, and high-end designers leaning in—without granting a single one her direct gaze. She moved with the unbothered, sovereign grace of someone who owned the room simply by occupying it.
Reaching the edge of the riser, she came to a sudden, striking halt. She shifted her weight with razor-sharp control, resting a hand on her hip as the camera shutters went into a frenzy. A slow, dangerous tilt touched the corner of her lips—a fleeting smirk that held equal parts arrogance and allure—before her eyes swept over the sea of industry elite, locking the entire room in her spell.
This was the break through she was looking for.
_____________________________________________________
"You were bomb!" Oliver hugged his sister later that night when she got home from one of the most exhausting after parties she'd ever been too. Oliver, being fifteen; couldn't attend the after party.
"Yeah, Tash said you'll get more shows and shoots after this." Sephora grinned hugging her.
Sephora Zaman and Paris were best friends since exchanging crayons in kindergarten. Their friendship had come along way from pigtail little girl days. Both had grown to be as close as sisters, even with the culture difference.
Sephora was originally from Pakistan, raised in Australia while Paris an Aussie Mexicano. They stuck with each other through the rough times including Seph's control freak grandparents and Paris's alcoholic aunt.
"Great pics by the way, your insta's gonna blow up for sure." Seph continued fluffing up her hair while pulling away.
Paris didn't give a damn about Instagram any more; all she wanted at that moment was to collapse on her bed and never wake up.
She threw herself on the nearest couch letting out an exaggerated sigh.
"I could sleep for the rest of my life," She mumbled burying her face in a throw pillow.
The past two sleepless nights were taking its toll on her, sleep would take over in minutes.
"Na-ah girl,we got grocery shopping left before the big day." Seph scoffed pushing her legs off the arm of the couch which landed on the floor.
Did she mention her best friend was Satan's fav hoe?
Nah.
Well... now you know.
"Screw off Sephora, we could do that tomorrow." She flipped her the bird, switching to find a more comfortable position on the leather couch.
She should probably head for a shower before going to bed.
"Tomorrow IS the big day!" This time her brother spoke.
Paris jolted up like a spring.
"You're lying." Her eyes widened sleep completely slipping out of them. That couldn't happen she checked the calendar the same morning, they still had a day before Cammie's birthday.
"Nope," Her friend stated shaking her head, a smile finding its way to her lips."Cameron's birthday's tomorrow."
Jumping off the couch, Paris ran to the bathroom yelling. "I'll be ready in 15 minutes!" Making both Seph and Oliver laugh at her forgetfulness.
The shows and Emerson Couture would turn her into a nut job pretty soon.
Cameron Cross was Paris and Oliver's older brother. The next day was his 23rd birthday, the big day they were referring to.
They haven't physically seen him for the past five years since their adoptive parents died. He never came home like the place had become taboo for him.
Every year he would make excuses after excuses. Both Paris and Oliver knew the memories were too much that's why he left to study in London, even if it had been their late father's wish.
He would have stayed home and attended a community university if he got custody over his siblings. The fact that he couldn't get custody at a young age without a proper paying job had been his breaking point.
There wasn't much left for him in Australia anymore, so he left. He'd send them a yearly pay check.
When the opportunity came for Paris to become a London based model, she didn't think twice before packing up leaving with Oliver by her side. She also got enrolled herself in Kingston University and found a good private school for Oliver.
"So is everything else ready, did you guys talk to Coach Hall?" She asked in the car stopping by a 24 hour grocery store.
With them moving to London, they couldn't just leave Cameron in a stinky dorm. They planned to surprise him with a furnished flat in one of the nicer areas in London, close to both their universities.
The fun part was to ambush him during his footie practice and party the entire weekend.
"Besides the fact there's nothing to eat at the flat!" Oliver mocked throwing her a side glare before smiling sarcastically. "Everything else is just dandy."
Her fault, she knew but she absolutely HATED grocery shopping and usually waited it out as long as she could.
Entering the store, Seph assigned each of their tasks. Fortunately for her, she got dairy duty and the place was fairly empty.
This should be easy.
The only problem with living close to campus was the constant fear of getting caught by the birthday boy himself.
They had gotten into contact with Cameron's best friend Jake just so he could keep an eye on Cammie. He also helped them to bring the plan to action without Cammie suspecting anything.
Even if it had been two months, they were still really cautious when going out hence why she always wore a hood on her head.
She got the everything assigned to her before making a pit stop at the chocolate aisle, what's grocery shopping without chocolate...right?
Grinning, she grabbed a few Galaxy bars and m&ms. She was about to make her way to pick up some Cadburys from the end of the aisle, all in her happy bliss with just the thought of chocolate.
Seriously, chocolate is heaven.
However, her happy bliss didn't last long when she heard a masculine screech not far away from her.
"LADY, GET OUT OF THE WAY!"
Wtf!?!
Frozen in the middle of aisle with a totally blank mind, she didn't have time to react when a random dude in a cart (like the guy was sitting in the cart) came at her full speed crashing right into her.
"Ow!" She cried out in pain as she collided with floor with a 'thump'. The cart tipping over and the dude ending up on top of her.
Winded, she saw stars and her surroundings blurred, eyes fluttering shut she tried to focus on her breathing.
"Shit," The guy cursed getting off her "Are you okay?" kneeling besides her, he prodded her face .
Immediately her lids popped open, a glare fixed itself on the bloke. "Hands off shithead!"
The guy raised his hands in surrender "Jeez..Only trying to help."
Getting on her elbows, she was ready to tell him off but her eyes fell on the figure in the aisle in front. Brown hair lighter than hers, light stubble, sleeve tattoo her eyes widened...That's Cammie coming right here!
Thankfully, the cart dude blocked most of his view but she had to do something.
With no other option in mind, she did the only thing she could think of; she kissed the cart bloke.
Fisted the front of his jacket hauled him on top of her and kissed him like her life depended on it. One hand gripping his shirt and the other at the back of his neck to stop him from pulling away.
The kiss was a smack to the lips, both of them holding their breath. He went rigid half weight on her within a flash he began pulling away.
Fuck, not now. She needed to be sure Cammie left before letting him go.
Tightening her hold on the back of his neck, she let go of his jacket only to grip his shoulder and pull his body flush against hers. He stilled for a moment...maybe he would kiss her back, make most of the situation.
But he had other unpleasant things in mind when he bit down on her lower lip, Hard, almost drawing blood.
Instantly he was shoved off her. She sat up holding her lip, looking straight into the dude's turquoise eyes giving him a deadly glare.
Boy, if looks could kill.
"Why would you do that?"
"Why would you kiss me?" He scoffed harshly wiping his mouth with the back of his sleeve. "Are you out of your bloody brains?"
Paris stared wide eyed at the guy in front of her, not knowing what to say. What were you supposed to say anyway?
"Sorry." She mumbled her gaze fixed on her sneakers, realising she was still on the floor.
The guy's expression softened "How 'bout we forget what happened...yeah?"
Paris let out an awkward laugh " I'd like that."
"Can I help you up?" He asked getting up from the floor.
"Sure." She gave him her hand which he took and pulled her up. She lost her balance a bit making her stumble a little, he took a hold of her waist to steady her.
"Careful, I feel like I may have given you concussion." he blushed "Sorry." He said putting some space between them.
Paris looked at him, really looked at him.
Wisps light brown hair peaked out of his beanie. His shoulders and arms were toned. Not too big. Not too small. Paris had a weakness for defined shoulders and arms. His unzipped jacket gave a view of a tight green tee which complimented his chest in all the right places and his joggers fit his strong legs...An athlete, he looked like an athlete.
"I'll be fine," she shrugged her gaze back to his face "Why were you on that cart anyway?"
His cheeks tinted bright red as he rubbed the back of his neck "Ya know,Just foolin'round."
Paris's brows rose "Okay...I'll be on my way now," the moment broke, he was one of those rowdy idiots Paris stayed away from.
"Okay."
She turned walking the other way while he just stood there hands in his pockets goofy smile on his face.
That was awkward as fuck.
She dialled Oliver as soon as she was far from that brunette bloke and Cameron.
"Oliver, Cammie's here!" She exclaimed when Oliver picked up.
"I know...get out! I'm at the cashier, Leave everything if you have to!" His words were rushed like he was on the edge.
She dialled Sephora next who picked at the first ring "You know I'm just at the end of your aisle, right?"
Of course she knew that...not
She'd lose her senses in situations like this and damn did she hate it.
She power walked straight to her and told her about seeing Cameron.
A blush apparent on her cheeks as she pushed her friend out of the store grabbing Oliver on the way. They hurried to the cashier who looked about Oliver's age and took his sweet time.
Paris sighed she didn't even get any chocolate.
All their heads perked up when they saw Cammie across them waiting in line at the other cashier, they were so close to getting caught.
Exchanging glances with each other there was only one they could do.
"RUN!" She bellowed when Cammie briefly looked at them. Everyone dashed to the door like headless chickens leaving the grocery behind.
Needless to say they didn't get to do groceries that night.
