Frame By Frame
Right now, Kayla’s life revolves around launching her model, Imani Miyaki, into stardom. But her plans are constantly at risk—not just from the dangerously charming Leo, a top model whose ruthless streak makes him as unnerving as he is captivating, but from her own complicated feelings toward Seojin, Leo’s enigmatic manager. Leo’s provocations test her control, and his darker, almost predatory edge keeps her constantly on guard, wary of what he might do next.
At the same time, Seojin’s protective nature stirs something unfamiliar in Kayla, though she’s haunted by the fear that his care is born from their history, when he looked out for her in the industry as a mentor or big brother rather than as a lover. In a world where ambition, desire, and danger collide with every photo shoot, Kayla must keep her focus on Imani’s rise to fame, all while navigating the intense forces around her that threaten to unravel everything.
•••
"Leo," Seojin's voice boomed through the studio. Everyone stopped to look at the short-haired, towering man who looked more like a military officer than a modeling agent. "Is this where you're supposed to be?"
"Looks like your owner's here to rein you in," she smirked against her balled fist, and Leo narrowed his eyes at her.
"And yet," he said, leaning close until his lips nearly brushed hers, "I could still maul whoever I please. Even you, Miss Manager."
His fingers touched the front of her neck as he mimicked the jaws of a dog. His fingers pressed just enough to remind her of his strength as his gray eyes grew darker and his smile twisted. Kayla stared at him with an unamused look.
"Right here," he breathed out with a satisfied exhale.
"Seems you need a muzzle too," she whispered back, annoyed, though she did not react abruptly so no one would notice what he was doing.
Seojin then grabbed Leo by the collar. He was the only one who could treat Leo with less than kindness without upsetting anyone, as he'd been doing it for a while. Kayla found herself looking up at Seojin, observing his tanned skin and the mole that peeked from his neck when he moved the right way. He still kept his hair cropped so short it looked almost like a buzzcut.
"Apologies, Miss Micaela," he said to her, and she felt her chest pound at how his voice softened suddenly when he addressed her. "He's never where he's supposed to be."
"It's fine; no one seems to mind Leo's presence," she said, looking away to prevent herself from giving anything away. "But we do have a tight schedule. Right now."
"Right, we'll be getting out of your way," Seojin said as he dragged Leo out, who waved at Imani, who only smiled as she continued working.
Of course, Kayla noticed. It was what bothered her more.
"Imani's ready for the next set," one of the assistants informed her, snapping her out of her thoughts, though Kayla's eyes were still slightly stuck on Seojin's large frame leaving the room.
"Good," she replied with a sigh and a smile. "Very good."
