Chapter 1
RAFE
“ T hat’s it, Decker. Place your hand behind your head and tilt your chin. Perfect. Now glance sideways and look up at me. Show me attitude. Yes!”
Click. Click. Click.
“Hold the pose. I need a few more shots.”
Click. Click. Click.
“Done. You can relax now. Let’s take a break and get changed.”
I lowered my camera and motioned for my assistant, Niall.
The sun was dipping into the horizon as we stood on the deck of Now, Voyager .
The superyacht was a fantastic set up, and the wild beauty of Australia the perfect backdrop for the swimwear layout that would launch my career as a professional photographer.
Now that it was getting darker, though, I realized I needed a different light setting to capture the sultry mood of the evening. I worked alongside Niall to bring my vision to life.
I’d been a model for fourteen years and had always been comfortable in front of the lens. But behind it, I discovered my entrepreneurial drive and it fueled me like nothing else had.
As a model, I’d been consumed with my appearance—every crease, every pore.
My life revolved around regimented skin care, the right foods, and proper exercise.
A lot of travel too, which was hell on the body.
But now, having completed my training and with this gig in place, I’d focused on things outside of my looks.
And I ate dessert if I wanted. So far, I’d even gained a couple of pounds and it was liberating not to be consumed by concern over it.
I was a firm believer that everything had its moment and change was meant to be embraced, not feared.
I loved my time on the runway, but at thirty-three I was ready to walk in a different direction.
I was fortunate that my brother Rowan had loaned me the use of his yacht for this trip.
Sometimes having a billionaire relative was handy.
My client, a start-up swimwear line called Lazulo, was paying me a tidy sum for my time.
But the reference and the connections I’d made were far more important at this point.
And fortunately, I got to choose the photo shoot location.
Australia wasn’t cheap given the travel distance from my home base of Miami, so I called on my generous brother and he, like always, was happy to help.
I’d hesitated at first, given my rather vitriolic relationship with the ship’s captain, George Bernard.
But so far, I’d barely seen the crusty man, so it was all working out.
“Do you want them in the neon set next?” Niall asked me.
“Absolutely. The colors will pop against the darkening sky. I’d like them lined up along the railing. Can you give me a smoky eye?” I asked.
“You got it, boss.”
Niall Lotvin was my photography assistant, on set makeup artist, model wrangler, and all-around gem. I’d met him in Miami at a launch party over a year ago. He’d flirted with me, and I had reciprocated at first, but we quickly decided we’d be better as mates.
My social life had also changed over the past year.
I’d grown tired of sex with random men in the back rooms of bars.
Quick, meaningless fucks had lost their appeal.
And having sex with people in the business was common but sometimes treacherous.
One fashion director had been obsessed with me to the point that I had to file a restraining order.
“I spoke to Lisette, and she’s got dinner ready in the warming oven,” Niall explained.
“Great. I’m so knackered, I’d scarf down just about anything right now.”
“Oh shit, company incoming,” Niall whispered to me, his blond eyebrows shooting up so high it triggered my alarm.
I turned to find myself in the line of fire of the always stern-faced Captain George Bernard. With his starched white uniform, grim expression, and rigid posture, the man was fit for barking out orders as a squad commander rather than running a private yacht.
Memories of last Christmas floated through my mind.
George and I had engaged in a row worthy of Dynasty.
I spilled wine on him by accident and he lambasted me for the animated way in which I talk.
Since I wasn’t one to let insults go by unchallenged, I let him have it.
In front of family and staff. Not my finest moment but I wouldn’t tolerate his dismissal.
George may not be respectful of my line of work—or me in general—but I refused to stay silent.
Whenever I was on board lately, I kept my distance from him. No matter how curious I was about the intensely quiet fortysomething man who kept mostly to himself.
Normally, I was congenial to everyone. Everyone except the man now walking towards me with a sour expression marring his handsome face.
“George,” I sighed, crossing my arms.
Preparing for another battle.
“Rafe.” George’s dark green eyes pinned me to the spot. “Please remind your models that the cockpit is off limits unless there is a valid reason to enter.”
“There’s always a reason to enter. Isn’t that where the magic button’s located?” I joked and George’s cheeks grew ruddy.
“Very humorous.” He paused and ran a hand over his salt-and-pepper beard. “They cannot waltz into my wheelhouse, my workspace, and act like I’m there to entertain them. This is a real vessel, not the bloody Love Boat!”
“Surely they wouldn’t assume that you of all people would be entertaining,” I replied sarcastically.
“Just keep them out of my bloody way!” George snapped, and I took a step forward.
“They’re invited guests and I expect you to give them leeway.” I shook my head. “They’re friendly people, so I don’t know what your problem is.”
George said nothing, but I could’ve sworn I heard him growl.
“We’re leaving tomorrow morning for the Gold Coast. If you need a tender to a local beach upon arrival, discuss it with Charlie and he will arrange it.”
“Understood. Anything else?” I asked, feigning a yawn which made George’s face draw even tighter.
“A reminder,” he whispered as he leaned into me. “No drugs aboard. If I catch your party-loving friends consuming anything other than alcohol, I will kick all of you off this ship and inform Rowan.”
George mistakenly assuming I was an airhead was one thing. But his current accusation put me right over the fucking edge.
“I don’t do drugs. And I already went over this with everyone who signed a contract.
And a reminder to you, George,” I bit out.
“I may be pretty, but I’m far from stupid.
I would never put the safety of the crew at risk.
Or my brother’s marine license. Now, if you don’t mind, I have one more shoot to do this evening. Off you go.”
I shooed him away like the pesky fly he was acting. He turned on his heel and marched back up the stairs.
“Uptight wanker,” I hissed as Niall finished adjusting the lights.
“That man is scary intense. Fuck, I nearly wet myself when he yelled at you,” Niall chuckled. “You’re not intimidated by him?”
“Oh, please. I’ve dealt with worse arseholes throughout my career. He’s just an uptight tosser who desperately needs to get off this ship.”
“When he growls like that, I have the strange desire to salute him.”
“That would be entirely appropriate. He’s much more suited to military life than a pleasure boat.” I sighed. “But Rowan feels he’s the best man for the job. Anyway, I don’t care how many temper tantrums George throws. He’s not getting rid of me.”
“Should be an interesting voyage to say the least,” Niall stated. “I’ll get everyone ready. Back in ten.”
I checked the lighting set up one last time and picked up my camera, glancing through the shots from today.
Decker, Veroush, and Jasmine were experienced American models in the prime of their careers, all in their early twenties.
Zoe and Willem, on the other hand, were mature models, both from the Netherlands, and in their fifties.
I fought for their presence in this campaign, fending off my client’s concerns.
Maybe it was because I was nearing my mid-thirties, but I didn’t like that our business put a cap on opportunities once you hit a certain age.
Contrary to what social media churned out, beauty wasn’t reserved solely for the young.
My mobile pinged and I reluctantly set down my camera to check who was messaging me.
What a difference a year can make. I used to be obsessed with social media.
In my profession, it’s necessary if you want to keep your represented brands happy.
But I’d cut back, posting for business more than personal pleasure and avoiding the drama that inevitably exploded in the modeling world.
My stress levels had dropped enormously.
I’d lost a few friends along the way, but considered that if they were only interested in me for my face, I wasn’t missing out at all.
In fact, my career transition had simplified my life and made me realize what truly mattered.
My passion for art, my health, and my true friends and family.
Speaking of family, I smiled when I saw my brother’s message.
Rowan: How’s things down under?
Rafe: Warm and wonderful. Well, the weather at least.
Rowan: Problem?
Rafe: Not really. The staff have been amazing. Except, I had a run in with the captain.
Rowan: Not this again.
Rafe: He reminded me that drugs are not permitted aboard. Like I don’t know that!
Rowan: He’s just making sure everyone knows the rules.
Rafe: He treats me like I’m an idiot. I told him to stay out of my way.
Rowan: Is everything else okay? You seemed quieter than usual on your last visit.
Rafe: I’m fine.
Rowan: If you ever need to talk, I’m here. So’s Andrew.
Rafe: Thanks. You and Drew are so happy together. It’s so beautiful to witness. I sometimes wonder…ignore me, I’m jetlagged.
Rowan: There’s someone special out there for you, I know it.
Rafe: Careful Rowe, you sound like Aunt Cara with her romance books. Do you believe in HEA now?
Rowan: I do
Rafe: Have to run, one last shoot before I turn in for the night.
Rowan: Talk soon
Rafe: Cheers
I placed my mobile in my pocket and picked up my camera, adjusting the lens and the filter. All five models strutted down the stairs, followed by Niall. With the neon colors of the bathing suits and the dark eye makeup, they were striking.
“You guys look phenomenal. Niall, great makeup.” I walked to the bow.
“I want you to stand close together against the railing. Decker in the middle, Veroush and Zoe on the left, and Willem and Jasmine on the right. Jasmine, place your hand in the middle of Deck’s chest. Willem, do the same and overlap your hands. ”
I took a few snaps to get the feel of the mood. “Niall, get the water please and spray them down. I want their hair slicked back and I want to see the droplets on their skin.”
Once Niall has gotten their hair and skin just right, I took several pictures. They were good, but it still wasn’t what I had envisioned.
“I’ve got another idea. I need you guys to lay down on the loungers beside each other. Decker you’re still in the middle.”
The stark white of the cushion set off the colorful swimwear. It also brought much-needed light to the scene, in contrast with the darkened sky that surrounded us.
“That’s great,” I said as I stood in between the loungers. “Niall, can you get me something to stand on?”
He pushed over an ottoman, and I stepped up onto it. The added height gave me just the right angle. I looked through the lens, staring down at them. Perfect.
“Yes. I want all of you to look at me. Give me fierce expressions. I want to see fire, passion. Ready?”
The models assumed the pose and gave me exactly what I asked for.
Click. Click. Click.
“Bloody amazing,” I whispered to myself as my vision came to life. All the naysayer voices in my head quieted and I became totally immersed in my art. With every click, I was one step closer to achieving my goal.
And nothing, not even the cantankerous Captain George Bernard, would stand in my way.