Page 3 of Cherry Breeze

Chapter three

One For The Road

Asher hadn’t known what to wear. His paint-stained art clothes were too messy, his work clothes were too formal, and it felt like his everyday clothes were too casual. He ended up with what he could pull together. His only non-paint-stained jeans, a pristine white button up that he’d hidden in the back corner of his closet, and his good converse that didn’t have much paint on them. His makeup was almost the same as the previous day,

Under his arm was a portfolio and he was ready for his meeting with Sebastian Rossi. The omega had spent last night painting until late as his mind whirled with whether or not he should accept this job, if it were offered to him. Of course, he could use the money, but he was attracted to Sebastian Rossi and that might make for an awkward work environment.

His experience with the model from his figure drawing class had given Asher perspective. The last thing Sebastian would want was an omega lusting after him while he was trying his best to work and Asher didn’t want to make him uncomfortable.

He looked around the little seating area where he was waiting for Sebastian to finish with his current meeting. The omega flipped through his portfolio and admired the shots that Trevor had taken of him. He’d used the school printers for the glossy images and bound them into a little book for his prospective employer to see.

Asher flipped through, one picture at a time, until his name was called and he followed the receptionist down a long hallway and into an office tastefully decorated in shades of black and red. On one wall was an art piece that Asher wanted to go and examine, but he refrained. It was a modern design, bold reds and hints of black on the snowy white background of the main image.

The omega pulled himself into the moment and looked at Sebastian who indicated for him to sit in one of the squishy little chairs on the opposite side of his desk.

“Please, have a seat, Mr. Knight.”

Sebastian was in a state of pure arousal and adrenaline as he saw the omega for the second time. Asher was as stunning as he remembered, though a little part of him missed the paint splattered clothes. The tips of the omega’s fingers were still stained with color and the alpha had to hold back a smile as he observed the younger man. Sebastian had already decided to wait until after the omega’s work for him was complete before making a single advance with any romantic intent. He would be patient and wait it out, though it was hard when those pretty hazel eyes were looking at him. Gods, Asher was exquisite.

“Thank you.”

“Would you like anything to drink, tea, water, coffee?”

“No, thank you.”

“Okay. So, let’s start off by talking about your experience as a model. Is that your portfolio?” Sebastian asked, indicating the booklet in Asher’s hands.

“Oh, yes. Here.”

Sebastian took the offered portfolio and opened it to the first page, he needed a distraction because he was getting hard again just from being near this exquisite omega. But as he looked down at the first image, it did the opposite of help in the boner department. The image was Asher, and he was completely naked. A mirrored ball, about the size of a soccer ball that he held in front of his hips was the only thing providing any modesty. All around him were more mirrors all reflecting back images of the omega who was the center of the photo.

Sebastian knew Asher was completely naked because he could see the reflection of his back and ass in one of the mirrors and gods, it was perfectly round and supple and he wanted to fucking… bite it.

“These were all shot by my best friend. This photo was when he was doing this whole series on self-reflection and I was his model.”

“It’s very… well done.”

“Trevor is so talented. It took him forever to get the mirrors where they wouldn’t reflect him as the photographer and only me.”

Sebastian gave him a smile and looked back down, turning the page. The next photo couldn’t be more different than the first and instead of arousing him it made his heart throb. It was still of Asher, except he was smiling, clearly in the middle of a laugh. He was wearing another pair of paint-stained overalls and a tank top underneath, sitting on a stool in front of a canvas and easel, his legs were open and his hands were braced on the stool between them, as if he was holding himself up from laughing. He had a paintbrush tucked behind his ear and a streak of purple on his cheek, a little splash of what looked like black on his neck, and a few other colors decorated the other exposed parts of his skin. He looked so innocently joyful with the light of a wall of windows behind him creating a halo effect around his body. It almost looked like a candid photo, except it was shot with a master’s hand.

Asher was right to say that his friend was talented, but Asher’s beauty would definitely inspire anyone. For possibly the first time in his life, Sebastian understood the concept of a muse. Sebastian loved doing makeup, that was the whole basis of his career. However, he’d never found himself wanting to revisit the same face again and again, until now.

He wanted to do Asher’s makeup and then fuck him while he was all dolled up. He wanted to see the omega in vibrant hues, but also dark, smoky grays and blacks. He had the kind of face that could pull off any look. He’d never really thought of doing anyone’s makeup as a sexy thing before. Even with past lovers he’d never done their makeup before sex, but the mental image of Asher straddling him while Sebastian genty applied his makeup and glossed his lips, just so he’d look extra pretty on his knees with Sebastian’s cock in his mouth was something the alpha was sure he’d dream about for years to come.

Fantasies of doing Asher’s makeup… and more , were thrilling, but if Sebastian couldn’t make this work, he was completely fucked.

“Trevor insisted I include that one, even though it wasn’t really modeling. He’s always taking my picture, so I’m used to it.”

“You’re very beautiful. I can see why he likes taking your picture.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Sebastian flipped through a few more pictures, some of them were simple photoshoots taken in different lighting. He could tell they were part of what he assumed were art school projects, as there were many different techniques being used, as though the person were a student, trying out many new kinds of camerawork.

He paused again at a picture of Asher laid out on folds of bloodred velvet, with full, glamorous makeup with smoky eyes and velvet red lips. His hair was so long that Sebastian was sure it had to be a wig, The dark curls spilled all around his head like the roots of a tree, dipping and curling, wrapping themselves around the omega’s arms.

Asher was naked to the waist. The same velvet he laid on, draped across his lower body. He had one arm elegantly laid up over his head and the other hand was laying over the juncture of his hips. Sebastian raised his brows and glanced up at Asher, who was looking at him with serene composure as the omega reached forward and tapped the glossy image.

“I love my makeup here. It took an eternity. Have you ever done a cut crease with three dollar concealer? It was a nightmare, but it turned out pretty good.”

Sebastian rankled at the idea of Asher using a three dollar concealer. He’d have to make sure to have a full PR package sent to him.

“It looks great, but I prefer to use an opaque eye primer for a cut crease, it doesn’t break down from oils like concealer does so it won’t crease and it gives a better grip to tricky eyeshadows like this glittery one here.”

“I usually have to choose between good makeup and good art supplies and art always wins. Your Cherry Breeze lip gloss is my single extravagance, but it just works so good. I haven’t found any others that don’t get sticky or that don’t travel off the lips throughout the day.

“It’s my favorite product of ours too. I love the way it smells and I adore a glossy lip. It took forever to figure out a formula that wouldn’t break down lipstick underneath.”

Asher looked at the alpha across the desk. He was just as attracted to him as he had been that first day. Asher’s body felt so aware in his presence, warmth pooling between his legs and at the peaks of his nipples as he looked at the alpha who was studying his photograph. He was suddenly struck with what a very bad idea this could turn out to be. Asher recalled again the scene in class that morning, the model giving him eyes as he tried to work and he would never want Sebastian to feel that way about him. As the alpha went to turn the page, Asher stopped him with a gentle hand.

“Mr. Rossi?” Asher said softly.

“Call me, Sebastian.”

“Okay, Sebastian. I… have to be honest with you right now, okay?”

Sebastian’s heart pounded in his chest as he looked at the omega across from him, whose hand was still on his wrist. He wondered if he’d been too obvious. Had he made Asher uncomfortable? He hadn’t meant to, and the idea that he might have done so made him feel contrite with himself.

“Sure, whatever you need to say.”

Asher pulled his hand back and sat up a bit straighter in his chair.

“I’m not sure if I can accept working for you.”

“Why not?”

Asher folded his hands in his lap and looked at Sebastian with a calm but serious expression.

“I find you sexually attractive and I don’t want to make you feel uncomfortable, but that’s just how I feel and I wouldn’t want you to see me as unprofessional. I’m a very passionate person and I don’t think I’d be able to hide it from you if we were to spend more time around each other.”

The alpha was completely speechless. What an… alarmingly honest confession, but all he could think about was that Asher felt this too. The attraction that he felt and it made his whole body ache with the desire to touch him, but he would be honest and he would do the right thing.

“I will return your generous honesty.” Sebastian said and laid the portfolio on his desk, steepling his fingers. “I also find you sexually attractive. I’d very much like to take you to my bed, but I also would like you to model for my campaign. You are beautiful and I think you’d do an amazing job.”

The pair looked at each other in the wake of their confessions of mutual interest and there was a short pause.

“So, what do we do then? Because I actually would like the job as long as I won’t be making you feel uncomfortable.”

“How about, we keep our relationship platonic, or at least, non-sexual until after the conditions of the contract that we’ll have you sign are complete. Then once business is concluded, we can explore these feelings between us.”

“That sounds… reasonable. So, you do actually want to hire me then and not just because you want to have sex with me?”

“Yes.”

Asher leaned forward again and Sebastian relaxed the tension he hadn’t even realized he was holding.

“Okay then. How much will this pay and how much time will I need to devote to it?”

Sebastian had to slam on the brakes in his mind and re-route back to business. He took a moment to get himself under control before answering.

“The rate you will be paid is ten thousand per day and we’ll need you for about two to three days. You’ll be shooting photos that we use for commercial marketing and so you will probably see some royalties from that as the ads and photos are run.”

Asher’s mouth fell open and he looked at Sebastian like the alpha was crazy. He’d done some research on how much models made and what Sebastian was offering was on the higher end of insane. He’d almost been considering just turning the job down to sleep with him now, but Asher couldn’t turn away that kind of money. He’d definitely be able to quit at least one of his jobs.

“Wow. Okay then, you’ve got yourself a deal.”

They talked a bit more about logistics and about Asher’s schedule that they’d have to work around, but eventually the topics all closed and Sebastian called in HR to have them prepare the contract. The air in the office was tense as they went through the professional motions of reading and signing documents.

After a little over an hour, there was a contract in front of Asher, ready to sign, and he was once again, alone with the alpha. Asher read over the contract again, just to make sure everything looked correct and once he confirmed it, he picked up the pen to sign, then hesitated and looked at the handsome man across from him and set the pen down before standing up.

“What’s wrong?” Sebastian asked, confused as he watched Asher set aside the pen and stand, but the omega didn’t answer as he walked slowly around the desk. Sebastian turned in his chair to look at him, the omega was as tempting as ever and Sebastian’s cock decided that this was the time to get involved again. “What are you doing?”

“Just… testing something. Our deal becomes active as soon as I sign that contract.” Asher said softly before stepping forward and straddling Sebastian in his office chair, bringing their faces close. Asher’s hands tilted the alpha’s face up and he looked into the alpha’s eyes. “Just… one kiss until this can be resumed, yeah?”

“Yeah…” Sebastian whispered, voice deeper and huskier than usual.

Asher brought his mouth down on the alpha’s lips in a kiss that was sticky and slippery and oh so perfectly cherry flavored. Sebastian’s entire body shuddered at the boldness of this omega as his lips were parted with a sweet cherry tongue.

Sebastian’s hands went to Asher’s hips to hold him, but the omega took his wrists in his hands and led them to his ass in clear invitation for the alpha to touch him there. Sebastian gripped into the perfect globes of soft flesh that overspilled his large hands a bit and the two of them groaned as one as the kiss got more intense. Sebastian could feel that Asher was hard and he knew that Asher could feel his own hard cock pressed against him between his legs.

The omega broke the kiss first to gasp in deeper breaths of air and Sebastian continued at his neck as Asher leaned his head back to present it. But after a few moments, those small hands tangled in the alpha’s hair and tugged his head back harshly, so it thudded against his chair’s padded headrest with Asher’s nimble fingers knotted in it. Asher leaned forward and nipped at his lips, licking a long stripe up from his chin to his top lip as he let out a low purr and looked directly into Sebastian’s eyes.

“As soon as this contract is over, I’m going suck your soul out of your cock and then kiss it back into you.” Asher promised, giving his hair another hard tug before crashing their mouths together in another hard kiss before pulling back and sliding off the alpha’s lap.

Sebastian was left with a throbbing erection and a mind full of fantasies as he watched the omega lean over the desk, perky ass so close he could reach out and grab it, but he didn’t. His predicament was only made worse by the syrupy scent of slick, knowing Asher was aroused too made him ache.

The alpha watched Asher pick up the pen and turn the contract around, quickly signing his name at the bottom. Straightening, he turned around and gave Sebastian a brilliant smile as he stepped backward and brought his hand up, mimicking a phone as he silently mouthed ‘call me’ , and walked toward the door, hips swaying and lithe body moving in a way that Sebastian thought should be illegal. At the door he stopped and looked back over his shoulder.

“Keep the portfolio. I’m sure you’ll find… something to use it for.” Asher purred quietly and winked at him.

And then Sebastian was alone in his office, cock hard, lips tasting of cherry and heart thudding so hard and fast in his chest that his smart watch chimed at him, thinking he was doing cardio. Holy hell, how was he supposed to survive long enough to get through Asher’s photoshoots? He looked down at the portfolio on his desk and stupidly turned to the next page and the next.

Asher’s photos were a mix of ethereally beautiful and devastatingly erotic. When he came to one of the omega wearing a tank top and loose joggers, sitting on what looked like the front steps of a building, eating a bright red popsicle, lips puckered over the cherry confection, crimson juice trailing down his chin, he had to close the damned thing.

Sebastian had never been happier for the private bathroom in his office as he locked himself inside and wrestled his belt and slacks open before shoving an impatient hand down the front of his trousers and taking himself in hand. His entire weight was leaned against the door as he impatiently stroked himself to climax.

When he came, the alpha’s vision went white as his eyes rolled back and all he could see in his mind was Asher, beautiful, sensual Asher with his paint-stained fingertips, cherry scent, and bold eroticism. The omega was something so out of this world that Sebastian was shocked to think he might actually get touch him.

Asher asked the receptionist where the restroom was and as soon as he was inside, he leaned against the door of a stall and tried to catch his breath. He wasn’t used to such violent lustful reactions for alphas, but his unruly body was flushed with heat. He wanted to go back into Sebastian’s office and demand that the alpha tear up the contract and fuck him as hard as he could against his desk, but he couldn’t do that. The money was just too good and he needed it.

He wasn’t so bold as to masturbate in a public place but Asher did use the facilities to clean himself up a bit, putting himself back together before leaving the building. He was the picture of serenity on the bus ride home, but his mind was full of that kiss.

Asher hadn’t kissed anyone in almost a year, not that he was celibate on purpose, but he just couldn’t find anyone who really made him feel anything beyond a passing interest. Sebastian Rossi was the first alpha who had ever torn through him like that on first meeting, leaving him feeling needy.

Asher was the type who prided himself on never ever bowing to an alpha’s control. It had been the stopping block in almost every one of his relationships. Most alphas just didn’t understand the difference between him wanting them to take charge in the bedroom, but to relinquish their claim on those reins once sex was over.

He wondered if Sebastian would prove to be just the same as the others who wanted Asher to bend his will to their desires and shift his own interests to accommodate them. His last boyfriend had been offended when he hadn’t wanted to sit and watch every game of the World Series with him. He hadn’t understood Asher’s arguments that, though he didn’t mind if his boyfriend enjoyed baseball, he didn’t.

The alpha had refused to go to art shows with him, and when he’d pointed that out, his ex had gotten angry and called him several rather uncreative names. The whole relationship had ended with Asher threatening him with a frying pan to get him out of his loft before breaking up with him and slamming the door in his face.

Honestly, he didn’t mind trying new things and if he had a partner with particular interests he was willing to explore new experiences, but sitting and watching grown men play stickball for hours during the very little free time he had was not Asher’s idea of fun. Asher felt that it was healthy to have some separation from your partner.

The omega had never understood those couples who started dating and slowly morphed into the same person, talking about themselves in the plural, ‘We just love antiquing. We just adore the outdoors. ’ It was creepy as hell and he hated that. He didn’t want to date a slightly different hued version of himself, he wanted a real person, someone who was their own entity, but who he could fall for, despite their flaws and differences.

He thought of his mother and her mates. She was currently with Asher’s fifth stepdad. Perhaps she had colored his ideas of love with her ever-changing rotation of wealthy alphas. Asher had seen her mold herself into a different person for every man she’d ever been with. His own father had been a wealthy heir, but when he’d left her for one of his many mistresses, she’d gotten nothing in the divorce besides a small settlement, which was mostly to care for Asher since she got custody of him. He’d only been eight at the time, but he’d been old enough to watch as she shaped herself into different people to please each husband.

The first had been a gun nut, obsessed with collecting them, shooting them, hunting with them, and his mother had gone right along until he’d died, leaving her a modest amount, the rest going to his four grown children.

The second had loved motorcycles and she’d gotten her license, let him buy her a bike and they’d obsessed over that, leaving Asher in the care of nannies until he’d eventually left her for a younger woman.

Number three had been from a wealthy family and he’d insisted that Asher attend his alma mater (though Asher suspected he just wanted him out of the way). So, the young omega had been sent off to boarding school at the age of fourteen. His mother had been the one to end their mating, moving on to her next husband before the ink was dry on her divorce papers.

Number four had been ancient, almost ninety years old and she’d honestly been more of a nursemaid than a wife. Asher had been seventeen when they wed and every picture of him at the ceremony he was scowling. He’d been old enough to understand what his mother was doing, trying to cling onto this elderly man in hopes of inheriting something when he died. When number four had died, he’d left her a small inheritance, but after everything was settled, his mother was left with precious little.

His mother had the ability to make a rich man fall for her, but never the ability to make him part with his wallet. A truly awful set of skills, but Asher didn’t feel too bad for her.

Now she was married to number five, his name was Harold and Asher detested him. He was another wealthy man, but he was one of those domineering types that Asher hated so much. His mother had no qualms about falling in line, but when Asher had insisted that he was going to art school, despite it being, “ A waste of time for a young omega with such good looks. ”

Asher had told the bastard in no uncertain terms that he might be married to his mother, but he was in no way his father and that he didn’t need his approval for shit. He’d been promptly cut off and had to make his own way after that. Asher didn’t care though, as long as he had his freedom and his art, he was happy.

He wondered briefly if he was becoming like her, pursuing someone wealthy for status, but as he thought that, he felt utter distaste at the idea. Honestly, he wished Sebastian were poor. That sounded awful, but it would make it easier on him. Asher didn’t know if he would be able to really date him, but at the very least, he could get some decent sex out of the deal. One thing he did swear to himself though, he wouldn’t let Sebastian spend any money on him. He was not a leech and he wouldn’t accept gifts or money. If Sebastian wanted to be in his life, the alpha would have to show him who he really was, not just some flashy things to impress him.

It was hard for him, but Asher would allow the alpha a chance. Letting his own baggage get in the way of something that could be good for him was self-destructive.