Fallen Actress' Comeback: Torn Between the Director and the Mafia Lord-Chapter 40: Who Slapped You?

Chapter 40

~Xena’s POV~

I reached the company in record time thanks to Slade’s super-fast driving. Xade’s secretary guided me to Dominic’s office and told me to wait for Drake. I sat down, trying not to think of Zoa, or Ares, or Slade’s anger...

The door opened sharply. I looked up to see Xade walk in with Dominic beside him. 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

I stood immediately. "Good afternoon."

Xade didn’t respond; instead, his eyes narrowed, and his gaze darkened and locked on my cheek.

"Who dared?"

Dominic glanced between us, sensing something shift in the air.

I swallowed. "It’s nothing serious... a friend. It was a mistake."

Xade said nothing, but the heat in his eyes said he didn’t believe a word.

Before he could question further, Drake rushed in.

"Oh, you’re here. I’ve got her guys." Then he beckoned to me. "Let’s go," he said, tapping the folder against his palm.

I turned to Xade. "My identity... is it still a secret? I thought you wanted to keep it a mystery."

"It’s in progress," Xade replied.

"Then why are we shooting for the official release?"

"It’s part of the plan. Relax." His tone softened slightly. "Follow my lead."

I nodded and started out the door when Xade’s deep voice added casually,

"Drake, get her some ice on your way. Press it on her cheek before the shoot. And ensure Chris makes her look absolutely stunning in those photos."

Drake grinned. "Without a doubt." Then gestured for me to follow him.

After stepping out, I turned back to look at Xade before Drake shut the door and saw his expression darken as he muttered something to Dominic.

"Right away sir, I’ll look into it."

I had no idea what they were discussing. I followed Drake instead, not wanting to get tangled with Xade anymore.

The studio was blinding with warm white, merciless lights as camera shutter sound filled the air. Drake guided me forward, whispering instructions as makeup artists fluttered around me like panicked butterflies.

On our way, I had boughyt a pack of ice block to press against my cheeks. Even though we had a thirty minutes drive to the studio, my face still had a little mark left.

"Nothing some little foundation can’t fix," Drake informed me as he inspected my face. "Jyust relax your shoulders," he muttered. "And remember, the chemistry between you and Raiden is what sells the movie."

Chemistry?

Right, I had almost forgotten I wouldn’t be the only one in the shoot.

And now I had to blend in chemistry with Raiden. Except Rai was ice wrapped in expensive leather.

He stood across the room, tall, dressed in a black fitted shirt that clung to his physique. His face was carved in sharp, calm lines, expression unreadable... except for the slight flicker in his eyes when he spotted me.

He walked over like a model with his hands in pockets. "Xena."

"Raiden." We weren’t friends per se since I never gave him an answer, but we weren’t strangers either—something in between.

"You okay?" he asked softly, glancing at my cheek.

I stiffened. "Just a small slip."

His eyes lingered a second too long, then he nodded. "Let me know if you need to stop the shoot."

Stop? The internet would devour me alive if I caused delays.

Before I could answer, Chris, the photographer, clapped loudly. "Positions!"

My agent leaned in close to Chris, whispering but too loudly enough for me to hear.

"Get them closer. This isn’t like Raiden’s last two movies. We need romantic tension. Something... suggestive that would make the viewers go wild."

Suggestive? My stomach flipped.

Raiden raised a brow at me. "Don’t panic. I’ll follow your lead."

"My lead? Why not yours?"

Raiden’s eyes lit up as he added, "I’d love to see what you bring to the table, female lead."

And with that, we were whisked away for our outfit change and makeup. By the time we returned, I had gone over the love scenes oin the script in my head a hundred times, just to get the right feeling.

"And I’d love for both leads to give me that signature simple but classic pose," Chris called out.

The first pose was simple, Raiden and I had to stand side by side.

The second, however, wasn’t.

"Raiden, hold her waist," Chris instructed. "Xena, lift your chin... yes, like you’re about to kiss but not quite."

My breath hitched when I glanced at him. Without waitingfor me to prepare, Raiden’s hand slid to my waist, his eyes glued on me in that warmth that showed I was his world as his breath brushed my jaw.

We were close enough that I felt his heartbeat through his shirt.

"Relax," he murmured. "You’re shaking. Or did you forget your role easily?"

"I’m not," I whispered.

"You are." His voice dipped, unexpectedly gentle. "I won’t drop you."

Before I could retort, Chris barked, "Closer!"

Raiden’s forehead touched mine and his other hand lightly caressed my cheek.

My pulse detonated. I swallowed hard and lifted my gaze. His icy blue eyes softened, not melting, but warming just enough to feel dangerous.

"Good," Chris breathed. "Now... Raiden, tilt her back a bit."

Raiden slid his arm behind my back and dipped me effortlessly. My hands clutched his shoulders in reflex, my lips parting in a soft gasp.

Our faces hovered inches apart—one wrong breath and we’d fully kiss.

"Perfect," Chris snapped. "That tension is gold!"

Raiden’s lips curved, barely. "You’re doing well," he murmured so only I could hear.

I exhaled shakily. "You could warn me before dipping me like that."

"We’re co-stars," he said dryly. "I thought you expected dramatics."

I scoffed, and he caught the sound, eyes glinting with subtle amusement.

Then the next instruction came.

"Okay, Raiden, lean in like you’re whispering something intimate. Xena, react like he’s telling you a secret."

Raiden leaned in, but instead of faking a whisper... He actually whispered. "Your heart’s beating too fast, darling. I might just mistake it as a sign of you catching feelings."

I jerked just slightly and isntead, Chris groaned in joy oblivious to my plight. "Yes! That’s the reaction I need!"

Raiden smirked.

And for the first time since the shoot began... I didn’t know whether my trembling was acting. Or something else entirely.

—

We finished the shoot after taking over two hundred pictures, I am sure. Poses, I did not think I could get into and both the ones I was familiar with.

It was both exhilariating and good, seeing as it brought back memories of my time on sets, runway, modelling...

It did not take long for me to start getting into my role, even though Raiden’s presence completely drew me in and made it easier to get into any pose.

But my favourite remained the dark make-up and eerie vibe of a vengeful heiress pose.

I looked stunning and daring. I felt empowered, like all the sufferings I endured from my dad and cousin couldn’t touch me.

"You were good today," Raiden complimented me as he extended his hand for a handshake.

I shook it easily, smiling despite myself. "My offer still stands," he added.

My brows knitted. "Offer?"

"Yes. Offer for friendship, Xena. I’d love to be your friend."

My heart fluttered from how deep his voice was and the intensity in his eyes as though he was proposing something utterly breathtaking, like love.

"Why?"

"Does one need a reason to be friends?"

I wanted to speak, my hands flying to my chest as I recalled how someone I trusted had stolen from me and set me up.

I exhaled and shaking the thoughts away.

I had never judged people based off the actions of others befoe. But that did no tmean I wouldn’t be careful this time.

I hated to judge but Raiden wasn’t being entirely truthful with me. And I was going to find out.

"If you say so. I’m in your care as your junior in the industry."

I kept my best smile on and shook his hand.

"You have nothing to worry about with me around. I’ll always help you."

"Yes, but she doesn’t need your helpo when she has mine."

We both looked sideways to see Xade standing by with his hands in his pocket.

He had that predatory, possessive look and immediately, I let go of Raiden’s hand like I just got burnt.

Raiden noticed but did not hint on it and just smiled.

"Who says she can’t have both, Director?"

He did not wait for Xade’s reply as he walked past me, his composure still in high waves.

I turned to Xade. Before I got a chance to speak, he pivoted and started walking towards the entrance.

"Follow me."

His voice wasn’t loud. Xade spoke as if he expected obedience, without ever raising his voice.

My feet moved before my brain fully caught up.

He walked ahead, long strides, shoulders tense beneath the fitted black shirt he had changed into. Even from behind, I could sense it—his mood had shifted. Gone was the cool, calculating CEO aura. Now his silence felt... charged.

He held the studio door open for me without looking back. I stepped out, and as soon as the door closed, he turned to face me.

The hallway was empty, but his gaze... God.

His eyes swept my face, focusing on my cheek again. I instantly looked away, but he caught my chin between his fingers and guided my face back up.

"Look at me."

It wasn’t a request.

His touch wasn’t rough. His thumb grazed just under the faint red mark, making me shiver.

"You said it was a friend," he murmured. "But I don’t like liars, Xena."

"It was a friend," I managed.

"A friend doesn’t do this." His jaw clenched, the muscle ticking. "And a friend doesn’t make you flinch every time someone touches your face."