Chapter 1 The wedding job

Isla's POV

Click.

The rhythm of my camera shutter had become the sound of the evening. The scent of white roses, scented candles, and too much perfume filled the air. My assistant, Ava, hurried toward me through the crowd, clutching a clipboard like her life depended on it.

"Okay, boss, we've got fifteen minutes before the bride makes her entrance," she said, slightly breathless.

"Perfect," I replied, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear as I scanned the ballroom again. "Let's make sure the secondary lights are steady near the dance floor, and I want someone stationed by the cake table."

"Yes, ma'am." Ava grinned and jogged off.

This was the biggest job I'd ever gotten - a high-profile wedding with guests whose jewelry alone could fund my entire studio. And I wouldn't even have been here if not for Silas.

Silas, my boyfriend, he'd called in a favor a month ago to land me this gig, told me I deserved to be seen. And here I was, trying to prove him right.

I adjusted the lens and captured a fleeting moment - the bride's father laughing, her veil shimmering under the light. I was in my element, camera steady, heart calm... until I realized I'd lost sight of my team.

"Where the hell did everyone go?" I muttered, scanning the hall as I walked out of it.

Ava had disappeared toward the buffet, and the rest of the crew were scattered. I turned down a side corridor, hoping to find them, but instead, I found silence. The music faded. The sound of conversation dimmed.

And then - a hand.

It gripped my wrist, strong and familiar, pulling me through a half-open door before I could even gasp. My back hit a wall softly, and the scent hit me next - tobacco, cedar and spice.

"Silas-?" I breathed, startled.

He was already there, inches away, his breath warm against my ear. His tie was loosened, white shirt perfectly pressed, sleeves rolled just enough to expose his veins. He smiled - that same boyish, dangerous curve that usually undo me.

"Missed you," he murmured.

My heart stumbled as I adjusted my glasses. "You scared me. What are you-"

He cut me off by pressing me gently back against the wall, his hand braced beside my face before pressing a kiss to my lips. "Wanted to see how my favorite photographer's doing."

I exhaled a nervous laugh, eyes flicking over him. "You came all the way here just to check up on me?"

He tilted his head. "Maybe I needed a break from my own meeting. Maybe I just wanted to look at you."

He said it easily, as if words like that didn't always make the air between us too tight.

"Silas, I'm working," I whispered, even as my fingers betrayed me - brushing his sleeve, tracing the edge of his cuff. "You shouldn't be here."

"I shouldn't," he said, low and amused. "But I couldn't stay away."

The corridor lights were dim, golden reflections bouncing off the tiles. I could see the reflection of us in the mirror across the hall - his body angled toward mine, my breath visibly shallow.

He leaned closer, close enough that I could see the faint stubble on his jaw. "How's the gig?"

"Good," I managed. "Crowded. Busy. I think I'm finally-"

My phone buzzed sharply in my pocket. I pulled back, fumbling for it.

"Ava?"

"Where are you?" she said, voice panicked. "They're calling for the photographers. You need to be front stage."

"On my way." I hung up, glancing back at Silas. "I've gotta go."

His expression shifted, a teasing smile, but his eyes held something heavier. "So you won't give me a minute?"

"Silas."

"Come on, Isla," he said softly, brushing a stray curl behind my ear. "You've been working nonstop. Just a moment, it won't take long."

I tried to hold firm, but his tone, that low, persuasive whisper - had always been my weakness.

"I'll make it up to you tonight," I said, voice dropping unconsciously.

He hummed, leaning in so close I felt his breath. "Tonight," he repeated, like it was a promise and a test. "What if I told you I might be home late?"

"Then I'd tell you I'll wait up."

He smiled, sharp this time, half teasing, half something else. "Can I get it one last time before you go?"

I blinked. "One last time? What's that supposed to mean?"

He chuckled, shaking his head. "Nothing. I'm just... built up, that's all. Long day."

"Mm-hmm," I said, half laughing now, half studying him. His shirt was crisp, his hair perfectly styled, like he was headed somewhere more than just a check-in visit.

"Where are you going, Silas?"

He hesitated a beat too long. "Just business, babe."

I arched my brow, but before I could push further, the music from the ballroom swelled, laughter and applause echoing down the hall.

"Duty calls," I said softly, brushing past him.

He caught my wrist again, gently this time. "I love you," he murmured. "And you're incredible, you know that?"

I smiled sheepishly at him.

"I'll see you later," I said, more quietly than I meant to.

His gaze followed me as I stepped out, the corridor lights catching his reflection in the mirror - unreadable, and tense.