🎥 The Price of a Kiss
The set lights, usually blazing, now cast long, fading shadows as the clock in the production office neared 8:00 PM. Ameya sighed, peeling off the elaborate costume from her final scene. Exhaustion was a heavy cloak, but the success of the day—another solid performance in her second film as the second lead—was a warm lining.
She changed quickly into her simple, comfortable normal dress. After exchanging quick goodbyes with the director and the remaining crew, she was about to step out when Tessa, her fellow actress, subtly jerked her head towards the far end of the lot.
Ameya followed the gesture and blinked.
Rico was standing there. Tall. Commanding. He smirked—a familiar, irritating, yet undeniably captivating curve of his lips.
Before Ameya could process the sight, a wave of crew members surrounded her.
"Ho, your boyfriend is really handsome in person, saw...?" one asked, her voice laced with awe.
"Is he an former FJ4 member, right?." another chimed in, eyes wide.
A third girl leaned in conspiratorially. "When did you guys start dating? We're dying to know!"
Ameya's eyes widened. She had no idea how to answer. The word 'boyfriend' felt like a massive, burning brand on her back. "I... I have to go now," she stammered, managing to escape the circle with an awkward smile.
She practically rushed towards Rico.
Suddenly, before she could utter a single word of protest, Rico's arms swept around her, pulling her into a tight, unexpected hug. She was utterly shocked and immediately tried to remove his hands, pushing against his chest.
"Don't," Rico whispered, his breath warm against her ear. "The more you try to release, the tighter I will hold."
Ameya froze, her hands falling still.
"It's not only your image, but mine too," he murmured, before finally pulling back. He stood up straight, his hands still resting lightly on her shoulders.
It was too late. From the other side, more crew members and a few fan girls who must have trailed Rico converged on them.
One of the fan girls stepped forward. "How long did you guys hide the dating?" she asked, her camera already out.
Ameya could only manage a painfully awkward smile.
Rico, his hand sliding smoothly to cover her shoulder in a possessive but natural gesture, replied easily, his voice carrying just the right amount of amusement. "Almost... seven years."
A collective gasp went through the crowd.
"But we only knew when you proposed to Ameya yesterday!" a girl cried out. "It was so unexpected and romantic!"
Rico just smiled—a dazzling, charming smile meant for the cameras. Ameya managed to mirror his expression, though her mind was racing.
"We have to go," Rico announced, gently guiding Ameya toward the exit. "Or my girlfriend is going to get angry that I kept her waiting."
Ameya gazed up at him, silent. What?
Just then, one of the girls thrust a perfect red rose into Ameya's hand. "Wish you a happy life!" she said sincerely.
Ameya smiled genuinely this time, thanking her.
Rico didn't wait any longer. He gently but firmly dragged Ameya out to a sleek black car parked a little distance away. He opened the door for her, a perfect gentleman, and Ameya sank inside. Rico then settled into the driving seat.
Ameya turned to face him, her eyes catching his profile. He was dashing. The sharp, clean line of his jaw seemed cut from stone, and the top two buttons of his black shirt were deliberately undone, framing his prominent Adam's apple.
She quickly turned away, staring out the window.
Rico chuckled, the low sound vibrating in the car. "Did you see enough?"
"I am not—"
Rico leaned over the center console, bringing his face inches from hers. "Do you want to see closer? Is this enough?"
Ameya's cheeks flushed bright red. Butterflies, heavy and frantic, suddenly fluttered in her stomach. "I didn't mean that," she managed to squeak out.
Rico raised an eyebrow, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Then what?" He noticed the rose in her hand. "Is this for me?"
"No," she said, quickly changing the subject. "Why did you come to my shoot spot? Why are you following me? You didn't like that before."
Rico's voice immediately turned sincere, the playfulness draining away. "Yes, I wasn't like that before. But... not anymore. Because the situation is completely different now. I have to get back my lover, whatever it takes."
Ameya felt her resolve melt a fraction.
Rico suddenly smiled, this time a playful, challenging grin. "If you don't want me to bother you anymore like this, then give me one thing."
He leaned closer again, his voice dropping to a seductive whisper. "A kiss."
As he about to let his lips touch hers, Ameya quickly placed the rose between their faces.
Rico's expression changed—a perfect, disappointed pout that was ridiculously cute. He straightened up, opening his eyes and pulling the rose away. A single, velvety petal clung to his lower lip. He deliberately spat it out.
He leaned in again, his face completely straight, his eyes locked on hers. "Your lips are more softer than a rose petal."
He winked.
Ameya's ears tuned red, and her heart slammed against her ribs.
Rico returned to the driver's seat and whispered, not looking at her, as he put the key in the ignition. "I will see how long you can escape from me."
"What?" Ameya asked, confused by the muttered words.
"Nothing," he repeated, starting the engine.
"Where are we going?"
"You'll know once we've reached there," he said, and drove off into the night.
🍽️ At the Restaurant
Rico brought Ameya to a stylish, fancy restaurant. The ambience was quiet, elegant, and the lighting was exclusively from delicate candles on each table—a private, intimate candlelit dinner. Ameya was surprised, but she stubbornly refused to show it.
Rico, the perfect gentleman once more, pulled out her chair for her. Once she was seated, he took the opposite seat. He ordered a selection of exquisite dishes, but his eyes never left hers, lingering on her face throughout the process.
Ameya fidgeted. "Rico, could you please stop staring at me?"
"I don't," he replied innocently.
Ameya rolled her eyes.
"Ameya!" A familiar voice called out, making her turn her head instantly.
Standing by their table was Ruby, her former group member, beaming. Beside Ruby was Nicky.
When Rico saw Nicky, he instantly raised his hand in greeting. "What a surprise, bro!"
Nicky waved back enthusiastically.
"Sit with us," Ameya invited quickly, grateful for the interruption. Nicky and Ruby accepted, pulling up chairs next to them.
"We are meeting after a long time," Nicky said, focusing on Rico. "How are things going between you and Ameya?"
Rico's eyes turned to Ameya. She was currently engrossed in a quiet conversation with Ruby. In the candlelight, she looked extraordinary, shining, and beautiful. Rico smiled, but the smile quickly disappeared, replaced by a look of weary determination.
"I'm working hard to get her back," Rico confessed.
Nicky burst out laughing.
"Why are you laughing?" Rico asked, annoyed.
"I just thought your surprise proposal would move her. I never expected this ," Nicky said.
Rico sighed. "Yes, me too," he whispered, low enough only for Nicky to hear. "And you arrived at the perfect time by intervening in our moment."
Nicky awkwardly smiled. "Sorry, bro."
While the two guys talked in hushed tones, Ameya was whispering to Ruby.
"When did you start dating Nicky?" Ameya asked.
Ruby blushed slightly. "I decided to give him one more chance."
Ameya smiled warmly. "I hope he won't disappoint you this time."
Ruby chuckled. "I hope so too." She then grew serious. "How is everything going between you and Rico? I saw the news. Your Rico proposed to you and put a ring on your finger."
Ameya smiled, touching the ring. "Yes... but..."
"What?"
"How can I accept him that quickly? I need time," Ameya confided.
"Maybe you're right," Ruby conceded. "But don't take too long."
Ameya smiled. Ruby's eyes then turned to her date. "Are you forgetting me, Nicky, just because you saw your friend?"
Nicky turned, smiling. "Not at all, my love," he winked. "How can I forget you?"
The food arrived, and they began to eat. As they ate, Rico's attention remained completely focused on Ameya.
After some minutes, they had all nearly finished their dishes.
"I have to go to the washroom," Ameya announced, quickly standing up and leaving the table.
A moment later, Rico followed her out.
Once Ameya came out of the ladies' room, Rico was waiting. He moved quickly, locking her in place against the wall with his arms, leaving her utterly breathless.
"Why are you ignoring me, Ameya?" he demanded, his eyes intense. "I only want to just talk to you, and clear everything."
"Because... I don't want to," Ameya said, the words slipping out defiantly.
Rico looked shocked. "What? You've changed. So you deliberately ignored me and invited Nicky and Ruby to our table because you don't want to talk to me?"
"Yes," Ameya confirmed, meeting his gaze.
Rico chuckled, the sound devoid of humor and laced with worry. He gazed at her, his expression serious. "Do you think I will leave because you said this? No way. Whatever it takes, I will get you back."
Ameya didn't expect such fierce determination. She could understand how genuine his words were, yet she didn't reply.
"I will tell you now why I left you five years ago," Rico insisted, his voice softening slightly.
Ameya looked up at him. "I know."
Rico stared, completely unable to believe what he was hearing. "What?"
"I know," Ameya repeated, her voice flat. "I don't want your explanation."
Rico was completely stunned by her reply.
....
To be continued.....
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