Everyone had their own life, and she didn’t make a habit of getting involved in anyone else’s simply because they shared a movie set. Of course, Vic was much easier to look at than any of the men who’d come before her on various sets over the last few years. She was also more enjoyable to chat with. The dinner they’d shared had been the most enjoyable work-adjacent function Sophia had attended in a long time. Still, she was work adjacent, as evidenced by Victoria’s presence currently distracting her in front of a camera. Another red flag. And despite the woman’s beautiful body and sharp mind, she was also mindnumbingly wealthy and steeped in completely unearned privilege, which should have been red flag number three, and the ultimate deal-breaker.

“Okay, now turn to face us,” Brian said, “And maybe put your hands on your hips.”

It was a dumb request, and she suspected he was merely talking because he liked the sound of his own voice, but the position gave her the chance to stare at Victoria without pretence for much longer than any social situation would allow. Vic, for her part, looked everywhere but at her. Damned if she wasn’t growing more intrigued by this woman with each moment.

They’d reversed roles so many times in the week since they’d met, and while Vic had been compelling in each of the personas she’d affected, she’d been much easier to write off when she’d presented as haughty and commanding. Her appeal improved with her improving mood, or glimpses of a genuine sense of humour, and even the hand kiss when they’d parted ways the other night had been sort of endearing. Sophia would’ve thought she’d find something so chaste and chivalrous silly, but when paired with the almost frantic emotions emanating off of Vic, her restraint seemed almost beautifully tortured. Something had clearly been clawing at the woman from inside her pristine façade, and yet, in an instant of near panic, she’d summoned the restraint to brush her lips lightly over Sophia’s hand.

That’s what ultimately did her in. The contrast of light and dark, the proper up against the raw, made Sophia want to peel back the layers and inspect them more fully. She would’ve liked to pretend the impulse stemmed completely from artistic integrity, but the way her heart beat a little faster as Victoria’s gaze fell on her once more suggested otherwise.

“We’re done,” Sophia said quickly, refusing to let another opportunity slip through her fingers.

“What?” Brian asked.

“You got the shots you need. Well done.”

He scratched the stubble on his chin, not sure what to do with her stepping into his territory in the form of a compliment. “Thanks?”

“You’re welcome. Shall we send the frames over and let you get to that pint you earned?”