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Jinx’s trailer was probably one of Ekko’s favorite places.

It was in a constant state of chaos. The floor was barely visible, covered almost entirely with a layer of discarded clothes, half-finished drawings, and the occasional empty bag of some knock-off junk food brand. She had hung fairy lights across the metal ceiling and covered the bland walls with tapestries and posters of her favorite bands. Her narrow twin mattress was covered in an electric blue comforter that was as fluffy as a cloud, and her massive stuffed shark – affectionately named Fishbones - occupied the head of the bed in lieu of real pillows.

It was a cramped, cluttered, and brightly colored disaster. It was wholly, unapologetically Jinx – and Ekko fucking loved it.

His co-star stirred in his arms, her naked body tensing and stretching like a cat against his. Her brilliant blue eyes fluttered open, and her beautiful full lips nearly disappeared as she let out one of the biggest yawns he’d ever seen.

“Good morning, sleeping beauty,” Ekko said with a smile. “Didn’t think you’d ever wake up.”

“I was tired as fuck, Ekko,” she said, her face turning mischievous. “A full day of shooting followed by what? Three rounds of sex?”

“Four,” Ekko said with a smirk. “If you count the quickie in the costume trailer.”

He adjusted his head on Fishbones to get a better look at her. He had known her face for years, long before she had become the world-famous actress known as Jinx. Her blue hair was loose and tousled, flowing like a waterfall over her narrow neck and supple collarbones. Her eyes, still bleary and half-hooded from sleep, were piercing and full of life. Her every curve felt delicious within his arms, and the swell of her breasts against his bare chest made his heart flutter.

He’d never told her this, but she was truly the most beautiful woman he’d ever met.

“I do count that quickie,” Jinx said, snapping Ekko back to reality. “But you did all the work. Who taught you how to fuck like that?”  

No one, Ekko wanted to say. He hadn’t had many other partners, despite what Jinx may have thought. Yet he knew just what his childhood crush-turned-costar wanted most in bed, as if they were made for each other.

“I mean, just the way you kiss my neck,” she said, her eyes fluttering. “It drives me fucking crazy.”

Ekko grinned, too tempted to resist. He kissed her neck exactly how she liked it, causing a breathy gasp to erupt from her lips followed by a fit of giggles.

“Oh, gods, every time,” Jinx purred, her fingers tracing his chest underneath the covers. “You’re asking for a fifth round, mister.”

“Fifth?” Ekko scoffed. “I don’t know if I have it in me.”

The glint in Jinx’s eyes turned dangerous, her bottom lip disappearing behind her teeth. She straddled him, the blue comforter falling away from her naked frame, as she planted a line of kisses up the angle of his jaw. She nibbled the sensitive skin of his ear with her teeth just the way he liked, and her breathy moans against his cheek damn near melted his mind.

“Not fucking fair, Jinx,” Ekko exhaled, his hands gripping her hips. She was nearly as insatiable as he was.

“What, too much for you, little man?” she teased with a maddening smile. “And here I thought an actor as talented as yourself would want all the practice he could get for our little scene today.”

Ekko’s face dropped in an instant, his heart thumping into his throat.

The sex scene is… today?

He had been dreading this scene for weeks, even before he started sleeping with Jinx. It was one thing to be stark naked in front of your every coworker, entangled in a choreographed sex scene on a brightly lit, frigid movie set. But something about being intimate with Jinx in front of everyone made him uneasy.

He and Jinx hadn’t told a soul about their newfound relationship, if he could even call it that. Surely, rumors had started to spread on set that Ekko and his costar had started sleeping with each other. The tabloids were already running stories that Jinx, the recently single movie star, had jumped into bed with the little-known actor who had somehow landed the role as her love interest.

They had strict rules in this little secret of theirs, which Jinx swore was to protect them both from the voracious paparazzi – no gossiping with the crew, no talking to the press, and absolutely no public displays of affection.

It was perfectly reasonable, Ekko told himself over and over again. They had to stay a secret, after all – she was the Jinx, recent Oscar winner and actress extraordinaire. She couldn’t be caught in bed with another actor, no less someone she’d known from a previous life.

But the lesser man in him was starting to worry that maybe she was keeping him secret for other reasons. What if he was just a fling for her? Or a rebound? What if this would end as soon as principal filming wrapped up? What if she didn’t like him the way he did? What if it was just about sex, and not about love –

“Earth to Ekko?” Jinx’s voice cut through his trance. “You good, baby?”

Baby. Something she’d never called him outside the walls of this tin, messy paradise.

“Yeah, of course,” he replied, trying desperately to sound cool. “Just hoping it isn’t too cold on set. Can’t afford any shrinkage.”

Jinx laughed that perfect, raspy cackle that made Ekko weak in the knees every time. Her fingers traced up his thigh, flitting over his manhood under the covers.

“Trust me, little man,” she purred as she teased him. “It’d be hard to shrink all this.”

Ekko’s cheek’s erupted in red heat. He swallowed hard as Jinx continued to massage his length under the covers.

“Any tips for a good sex scene?” he stammered, sitting up. “From one actor to another?”

Jinx rolled off him in a flash and sauntered to her mini-fridge. Ekko had to bite the inside of his cheek as her hair fell away from her perfect frame, her every curve as deliciously tempting as the first night they met in this very trailer. Her swirly cloud tattoos – that he’d never admit he’d almost memorized – seemed to glow blue in the early morning light.

“Having a good scene partner is the most important part,” she started as she cracked open an energy drink. “In my last movie I had a scene with Kayn, and he was just as boring in bed on set as he was in real life.”

Ekko gritted his teeth at the mention of Jinx’s ex, Kayn. She’d broken up with the boyband star-turned actor just after landing this role with little explanation. But if the tabloids were to be believed, he never treated Jinx the way she deserved to be treated.

“But I’ve filmed some great sex scenes,” Jinx continued, a devilish grin appearing on her lips as she sipped her drink. “Seraphine was probably my favorite to work with. Super talented actress, and hot as fuck, too. Insisted on actually being naked, and who was I to complain?”

Ekko forced a smile, but his mind was racing. Why didn’t it sit right with him that Jinx would like to work with other actors in sex scenes?

They’re just acting, right?

“I’ll be a good partner for you, Jinx,” he said, perhaps too quickly. Jinx’s brows knit, her lips parting ever so slightly. A pregnant silence felt like an eternity between them. “In the scene, I mean.”

“Don’t be nervous, little man,” she said, the smile returning to her face. She rejoined him in bed, planting a kiss against his lips. She tasted like morning breath and energy drink, yet she was still the most delicious thing he’d ever tasted. “I’ll talk you through it – and I know how much you like it when I talk you through it.”

Ekko chuckled into the dip of her collarbones, leaving a trail of hot, heavy kisses as she giggled and gasped.

“Besides,” she started, her fingers digging into his scalp as if begging for more. “We have an intimacy coach on set today.”

“Oh?” Ekko pulled away, his gaze meeting Jinx’s.

“Her name is Sky,” Jinx said as she rolled her eyes. “So annoying. Makes us talk about our feelings instead of just getting the scene done.”

“Aren’t feelings good for scenes like these?” Ekko asked, a genuine innocence in his tone.

Jinx scoffed.

“It’s just sex, Ekko,” she hummed. “What do feelings have to do with it?”

Ekko swallowed, his throat suddenly dry. He truly, desperately hoped she was only talking about sex scenes.

“Right,” he hesitantly agreed. “Just sex.”

Jinx stretched again, stifling a yawn as she rose. She picked up a skimpy crop top from the messy floor and pulled it over her narrow shoulders. Her pierced nipples pressed through the thin fabric, a sight Ekko would truly never tire of.

“I have to head to hair and make-up,” she said as she pulled up a pair of baggy sweatpants that hung lazily on her hips. “Lest will kill me if I’m late again.”

She shot Ekko a wink and mischievous grin as she stepped towards the trailer door.

“I’ll see you on set later, baby,” she said as she chewed her lip. “And in this bed, later tonight?”

Ekko sat up, the comforter falling away from his chest. Jinx made little effort to hide her gaze as her eyes traced his chiseled arms to his broad chest.

“Always, Powder,” he said. He knew anything but Jinx’s stage name was forbidden outside this room, but in here, they could be anything they wanted. “Unless we find ourselves in the costume trailer, again.”

Jinx giggled before blowing him a kiss. In a flash she was gone, and Ekko was alone yet again.

The sinking feeling that always accompanied her absence began to set in as Ekko rose to get dressed. He thought that the gnawing heaviness in his heart would get better as time went on, but it had only gotten worse. Surely, he hadn’t already caught feelings for his childhood best friend and fellow actor?

But as he stepped into the cool morning light, careful to not be seen exiting Jinx’s trailer, the reality of his situation hit him like an avalanche. It didn’t matter whether he was inside her trailer or on set.

He was in love with Jinx.

★★★

It took Ekko a little over an hour to get into costume and make-up. It was a brisk, clear morning, and for once he was grateful for his heavy frock coat and vest. The period piece they were filming was set in 19th century Scotland, and the director, Jayce, had insisted on filming on location deep in the Highlands. His character, Lord Reed, had just professed his feelings for Jinx’s character, Lady Ella, during yesterday’s shoot. Ekko felt lucky that his morning was mostly filming B-reel for the final edits, because he couldn’t focus on anything but his impending scene with Jinx.

Ekko’s mind wandered as he trudged along the edge of the loch, stalked by a sound and lighting crew just out of frame behind him.

Does she actually like me?

She must, Ekko thought. He had never been so head-over-heels for someone, and surely, she felt at least a fraction of those feelings for him. Besides, the sex was amazing, addicting, and honestly, almost too frequent. Almost.

But does the sex mean anything to her? Are we just… acting in bed, too?

No, he thought. She’s too passionate, too enthusiastic, too adventurous. It’s the best sex he’s ever had. He’s never been more entangled with someone, emotionally or physically – surely, she feels the same way?

But she’s the most famous actress in the world right now. Couldn’t she have any man she wants?

The gnawing feeling that he was just a passing fling for his childhood crush began to creep back into his heart. Maybe she was still in love with Kayn, and all he was to her was a rebound. His face pinched in a scowl as he thought about Jinx getting back with that fuchsia-haired fuck boy, and he let out a deep, frustrated sigh that he didn’t intend to.

“And, cut!”

Ekko froze, startled, as the crew erupted into action around him. He felt an attendant dab his cheeks and touch up his eyeliner before he even realized what was happening. He spotted the director, Jayce, approaching him, as his diligent camerawoman Sevika lit a much-needed cigarette.

“Ekko,” Jayce started as he waltzed through the grass to the white-haired actor. “I know this is just B-reel, but –”

“I know, I’m sorry,” Ekko cut him off, pinching the bridge of his nose in his hands. “I didn’t sleep last night. I’m not on my A-game. We can try another take.”

Jayce looked taken aback.

“Quite the opposite, buddy,” he started, clapping Ekko on the back. “You’re doing incredible!”

“Really?” Ekko’s brows furrowed as the director shot him an impossibly white smile, his perfectly quaffed hair somehow holding its ground against the wind.

“Really, really,” Jayce replied. “You truly look like a man that is hopelessly in love. Your face, your posture, that sigh - whatever you’re channeling this morning, it’s working. Let’s get these last few shots, then we’ll head back to set.”

“Ah, right, of course,” Ekko stammered, his cheeks turning red, as Jayce sauntered back to his director’s chair. Sevika chuckled dryly, shaking her head and shooting Ekko a knowing look. If anyone on set knew about him and Jinx, it was her – few details slipped past the brooding, perennially pissed off camerawoman.

“Let’s wrap this up quick, folks!” Jayce called from the director’s chair as the crew rushed to their places. “Ekko, keep doing what you’re doing – longing, yearning, miserable, a bit horny. Doing great, buddy!”

Ekko grumbled under his breath as he retraced his steps for the next shot. He really was method acting, he thought, if he was as maddeningly in love with that blue-haired beauty as Lord Reed was. But there was one fundamental difference between him and his character – one he didn’t like to think about.

Lord Reed had told his love his true feelings.

Ekko had not.  

★★★

Of course, the set was even more freezing today than usual.

The elaborate bed chambers of Jinx’s character, Lady Ella, stretched out before him like a maze of fabric and fineries. Lighting and sound equipment was expertly hidden out of frame behind intricate tapestries and pieces of antique furniture. Electrical cords ran along the ancient-appearing wooden floors, and crew members hurried to put their finishing touches on the set before filming would begin.

Ekko spotted Jayce in the middle of the room, with his arms crossed and his brows furrowed in silent concentration. A narrow-framed woman stood before him, her freckled nose supporting a pair of large, round glasses. She gestured emphatically around the room, continually nodding towards the giant, luxurious four-poster bed that would be Ekko’s stage for the next few hours.

That must be the intimacy coach, Ekko thought, taking a deep breath.

He glanced around as he stepped forward, suddenly aware of how many people were about to see him naked. He could feel his nerves start to get the better of him – his heart started pounding in his chest, his face felt hot despite the chilly air, and his brow began to sweat under the bright white film lights.

All his nerves melted away, however, as soon as he saw Jinx.

He always thought she was beautiful, but something about seeing her in a corset made him stop in his tracks. She sat at the end of the four-poster bed, her long, supple legs lazily draped over the side of the mattress. Her hair was loosely braided, falling in cascades of blue down her back. Her narrow shoulders were all but exposed, the gentle dip of her collar and swell of her breasts delicious even from this distance. The corset hugging her lithe figure left little to the imagination, and the frills of her skirt perfectly accentuated her hips.

And were those… garters on her legs?

Ekko swallowed hard, his mouth suddenly bone dry. He slowly walked forward, as if entranced, as Jinx’s make-up artist applied finishing touches to her face.

“There, perfect,” Lest cooed, her voice as silky as Jinx’s costume. “Lighting will be low for this scene, so I added a touch more blush to bring out those gorgeous cheekbones of yours –”

“Ekko!” Jinx exclaimed, her face lighting up.

She slid off the bed, nearly skipping to Ekko before embracing him in a warm hug. Ekko felt his breath hitch as her fingers laced behind his neck, her cold nose nuzzling into his chiseled shoulder. His hands gripped her hips instinctively, drawing her closer in. She smelled delicious, like fresh flowers and summer rain, and he had to resist burying his face in her voluminous blue hair and breathing all of her in.

“Jinx,” he started, his voice barely a whisper. “You look beautiful.”

Jinx’s eyes sparkled under the bright lights, her cheeks blushing through her make-up. Her grin turned devilish, however, as she at last parted from Ekko’s chiseled arms.

“And you look hot as fuck,” she whispered, chewing her lip. “Can’t wait to undress you, Ekko. For the scene, of course.”

Ekko had to steady himself as Jinx stepped back, her hands lingering in his. She shot him a maddening wink as she turned to face Jayce approaching them, the intimacy coach following closely behind.  

“Ekko, Jinx!” Jayce began, the white of his smile flashing under the white studio lights. “Meet Sky, the intimacy coach for your scene today.”

The narrow, curly-haired woman appeared almost nervous, holding a clipboard tightly against her chest. She shook their hands enthusiastically, a toothy grin appearing on her freckled face.

“Good afternoon, you two!” she said with almost forced cheeriness. “I just have to start by saying you both already have incredible chemistry. You two must have gotten close, already.”

“Yeah,” Jinx purred slyly. “You could say we’ve gotten real close.”

“What she means is,” Ekko stammered, his cheeks erupting in flames. “We grew up together. We go real far back… as friends, I mean. It’s been good to get to know each other as adults. Adults that are friends. Professionally.”

There was a long pause of awkward silence, only broken by Sevika slapping her forehead on the other side of the set. 

“Right, of course,” Sky started. Her brows knit in confusion, but her smile never left her face. “Well, keep it up! Feeling comfortable together on set is the first step to a successful sex scene.”

“Trust me, since I’ve known Ekko, he’s had no trouble keeping it up,” Jinx said matter-of-factly as Ekko turned beet red.

Gods, is she trying to kill me?

Luckily, it seemed no one had picked up on the innuendo as Ekko shot Jinx a pleading glance. She winked again, unable to resist chewing on her lower lip.

“Shall we begin?” Jayce asked, checking his watch. “We’ve still got a busy day of filming ahead.”

“Of course!” Sky replied. “After you, director.”

Jayce overviewed the beats of the scene. They would exchange their lines, including whispers of sweet nothings and promises of a new life together. They would kiss, passionately, hungrily, as if it would be their last. The scene would break, allowing them to strip their garments and get into position. And only then would the actual work begin – the heavily choreographed, physically demanding, bare naked sex scene.

“We’ll film the dialogue and this kiss, first,” Jayce concluded, stroking the stubble on his chin. “Then we’ll get into the, uh, intimate part of the scene.”

“That reminds me!” Sky said, lighting up. “How do you two feel about kissing each other? You’d never believe it, but kissing scenes are sometimes harder for actors than sex scenes.”

“Oh, uh,” Ekko started, his heart thumping in his chest. He could tell Jinx was enjoying watching him squirm – and he didn’t want to admit that it was actually kind of hot. “I’ve kissed other actors in movies before. No big deal.”

“Yes, but,” Sky persisted. “How do you feel about kissing her?”

Ekko locked eyes with Jinx. Her grin was still mischievous, but her eyes were soft, wide, and loving. Her lips were parted almost invitingly, the gap in her teeth he’d loved since childhood just visible with her every bated breath. The angle of her jaw and the lines of her neck looked delectable under the soft studio light, and was that… the blue of her tattoo, peaking through her heavy stage make-up?

If only Sky knew how Ekko felt about kissing her – she’d never need to work again.

“I would love to kiss her,” Ekko heard himself saying. Jinx took a deep breath, her heart swooning in her chest. “You know, for the scene.”

Sky exchanged a subtle glance with Jayce.

“Can we see a demonstration?” she started, nodding encouragingly. “Just so I can give some pointers for direction –”

Ekko didn’t even realize what was happening before Jinx locked lips with his. Her fingers gripped the frill of his shirt, tugging him closer. His hands instinctively linked behind her hips, pressing his body against hers. Their heads cocked to the same, familiar angle as always. Her tongue danced with his, exploring, caressing, wrestling, as he swallowed her quiet gasps like a man starved. She still tasted like energy drink, but there was a new, intoxicating sweetness on her lips that he couldn’t quite place.

And gods above, he couldn’t get enough of it.

“Uh, okay, great!” Sky at last interrupted. Ekko was unsure how much time had passed, but it felt like an eternity of ecstasy. “Clearly, you two have got it down! Wouldn’t have believed that was your first kiss at all!”

Sevika chuckled under her breath as Ekko and Jinx parted, panting.

“I work with only the best, Sky,” Jayce said. If Ekko wasn’t so drunk from that kiss, he would’ve noticed Jayce’s eyes briefly narrow in suspicion. “Casting got it right – these two have great chemistry, indeed.”

“Well, you two need no more pointers from me! Let’s film this kiss,” Sky said excitedly, turning around to walk off set.

Jayce glanced once more at his actors, shooting them both a wink.

“Break a leg, you two,” he said with a sly smile as he waltzed off behind Sky. “And, uh, try to stick to the script.”

As soon as the crew was out of earshot, Ekko turned to Jinx, his brows knitting.

“Are you trying to start more rumors, Jinx?” he hissed, exasperated.

He tried to sound frustrated, but as Jinx slowly adjusted her corset, her every curve hugged tightly beneath the lacy finery, he felt his mind begin to melt into a hot, wet haze.

“Just getting into character, Lord Reed,” she whispered with a wink. Her hungry eyes traced his muscular form from head to toe. “Now, quiet on the set.”

With a twirl, she got into position for the beginning of the scene. Ekko did the same, trying to steady his breath and tame the absolutely sinful thoughts racing through his mind. He could already tell their sex was going to be absolutely feral tonight.

But for now, it was time to act.

★★★

“Places, people,” Jayce called as the crew scurried to their positions. “Lights, camera… action!”

The set was suddenly quiet as the grave. Ekko stood before his costar, the dim light casting her in an almost angelic glow. For the briefest of moments, he forgot he was on set with the cameras rolling. It was just the two of them – as if they were back in her trailer again. He felt the confidence that he’d been missing all day return to him as he stepped forward to deliver his first line.

“Lady Ella,” he recited, taking her hand in his. “I had hoped to find you here, tonight.”

“Oh, Lord Reed,” Jinx replied. “You cannot be here. My husband the Duke could return at any minute.”

“He matters not, my love,” Ekko retorted. He pulled Jinx close, and he felt her breath hitch against his chest. “Right now, it’s just you… and me.”

Jinx’s eyes widened, her pupils dilating. Her hands flitted with the lace of his shirt, tracing his chest like she had this morning.

“Lord Reed,” she purred, her tone far more seductive than the script intended. “You’re too bold.”

“Am I?” Ekko nearly growled back.

He twirled her, their frames entangled, their shadows dancing on the walls. He pressed her against the poster of the bed, and in the heat of the moment, he kissed her neck just the way she liked. He would immediately regret that bit of improv, however, as Jinx let out a loud, desperate moan.

The scene was stopped in its tracks. The couple froze, staring at each other in shock as the lights came back on. Jinx’s face erupted in red heat as Sevika guffawed from behind the massive camera.  

“Cut!” Jayce called from the director’s chair. He and Sky exchanged looks as she tore through the script.

“Was that moan scripted?” Sky asked innocently, her face obscured in the shadows off set. “I can’t find it, what page are we on –”

“Just, uh, felt in character!” Jinx called back with a forced laugh. She shot Ekko daggers. “We can try the scene from the top!”

“Sorry,” Ekko whispered sheepishly against her cheek. “Got caught up in the moment.”

“You know it drives me fucking crazy when you kiss my neck, little man,” she hissed back. “You are so dead.”

Ekko met her gaze, his brows furrowing in knots. He was worried that he had embarassed his costar, but as he watched the glint in her eyes turn hungry, her lip disappearing under her teeth, he realized he had done something far worse.

He hadn’t embarrassed Jinx. He had turned her on.

★★★

It would take several more takes to finally get through the scene without any hiccups. Jayce and Sky watched, their faces twisted in a combination of awe and confusion, as their actors continued to throw themselves at each other with increasing enthusiasm.

Scripted kisses became sloppy, wet, and desperate. Poetic prose devolved into lustful moans and whimpers. Hands wandered to places they should never have been in 19th century Scotland. Jinx even needed to replace her corset after Ekko, in the heat of the moment, had torn it open – much to Lest’s dismay.

Ekko, it turned out, really liked filming sex scenes. His nerves had all but melted away, and he had to keep reminding himself that he was on set at work and not in the privacy of Jinx’s bed. That didn’t, however, prevent them from acting like they were.

“Ekko, the, uh, dry humping should probably be a little less vigorous,” Jayce called at one point.

“I don’t think Lady Ella would spank Lord Reed this early in the scene, Jinx?” a sheepish Sky suggested.

“This film is set in the 1800s, and they, uh, probably hadn’t invented that position yet,” an exasperated Jayce muttered. “Good suggestion, though.”

“Jinx, I appreciate the enthusiasm, but please don’t bite Ekko that hard again,” Sky squeaked.

“Ekko, she can’t deliver the line with all your fingers in her mouth.”

“I don’t think the word ‘daddy’ is anywhere in this script, Jinx.”

“And, cut!” an exhausted Jayce cried as he slumped back into his director’s chair, burying his face in his hand.  Even he had lost track of how many takes it had been, but his actors had finally gotten through the scene while sticking – mostly – to the script.

Ekko pulled away from Jinx, his breath panting. They were entangled on the luxurious bedding, their bodies all but intertwined. The scene was physically demanding, he realized, and his body was already glistening with beads of sweat. Jinx had taken his shirt off as scripted, but despite the scene ending, she couldn’t help but continue to run her fingers over the angles of his chest and abs.

Ekko flashed a grin as Jinx looked up from under him. Her smile was the same as always – mischievous, coy, and absolutely begging to be kissed. But something in her eyes had shifted. The hungry, devilish glint that usually accompanied her blue doe eyes had disappeared, replaced by a subtle softness that Ekko wasn’t sure he’d ever seen. Her eyes spoke volumes to him that she had never said out loud – was it comfort? Was it passion? Was it… love?

“Marvelous, marvelous!” Sky cried, snapping the actors from their trance. Jinx’s eyes were hooded and sly again as she shimmied out from under him, pinching the inside of his thigh under the covers.

“Nice acting, lover boy,” she whispered behind his shoulder as Sky approached them. “I’m gonna ride you til you see stars tonight –”

“Bravo!” Sky cooed again. “That last take was marvelous! I must say, some of the improvisation was… unorthodox, but it really demonstrates how passionate you two are about your craft.”

“Sorry about that, Sky,” Ekko said as Jinx sat beside him, their fingers interlacing for the briefest moment. “I think I just get caught up in my f – my character’s feelings.”

“Nothing to apologize for,” Sky said, holding a hand up. “You both look so comfortable on set! Have you been in other films together?”

“Nope,” Jinx said dismissively. “We’re just old friends and coworkers, nothing more.”

Jinx’s words stabbed into Ekko like a knife. He felt his heart sink, his face dropping for a fraction of a second.

Was that a lie to keep them secret? Or is she telling the truth?

Sky’s brows knit, clearly sensing his tension, and he hastily forced a smile.  

“Of course, just old friends,” she said, her eyes darting between Ekko and Jinx. “Well, I suppose it’s time to get to the real reason I’m here – your intimate scene.”

Jinx scoffed, leaning back on the bed.

“I know how to film a sex scene,” she protested, rolling her eyes. “This is like my fifth one.”

Sky held up her hands in surrender.

“Far be it from me to doubt your skills, Jinx,” she said with a smile. “But these scenes can be tricky, especially for new talents like Ekko. I trust you’ve both reviewed the storyboards and rehearsed the choreography?”

“All of it, at least twice,” Ekko answered dutifully.

“I could use a refresher,” Jinx admitted as she wiggled her eyebrows.

Sky sighed, pulling up her clipboard to review the beats of the scene. They would be naked, of course. The scene would start with Ekko beneath Jinx. He would explore her lithe frame, with shots emphasizing his hands on her breasts and tracing her midriff. He would flip her over, taking control. Finally, he would thrust, but not before delivering his final, most important line of the scene.

“And you must look her in the eyes as if she was the only woman you’d ever known,” Sky continued, her voice swelling with melodrama. “And deliver the line as if speaking directly into her soul – I love you, Lady Ella.”

Ekko took a deep breath, trying to quell his nerves. Of all his lines in the script, it was this line that he was the most anxious about. It was so simple, yet conveyed so much emotion in every syllable – emotions he knew were blurred between him and the character he played.

“Got it,” Ekko said, trying to keep his expression unreadable. “Directly into her soul, only woman I’ve ever known – easy enough.”

“Perfect,” Sky said. She flashed them both a smile, her eyes lingering over their fingers mere inches apart on the bedding. “Break a leg, you two. I’ll let you both get into costume.”

Ekko didn’t realize what Sky meant until he turned to face his costar. She had already slipped the corset from her chest, its strings loosened by Ekko in the previous scenes. With little fanfare, Jinx was entirely naked beside him, aside from the lacy garters still wrapped around her thighs. She rose from bed, the cameras following her frame as she sauntered and positioned herself for the beginning of the shot.

Ekko realized it was time to follow her lead. He stood from the bed, dropping his trousers and underwear to the floor. He stood naked before Jinx, Jayce, Sky, Sevika, and the entirety of the crew before laying in bed for the start of the scene. Jinx straddled him, and Ekko damn near lost his mind as the heat of her sex hovered above the apex of his thighs.

“Don’t worry, Ekko,” she whispered with a grin as the dark sillhouettes of the crew scurried around them, collecting their clothes and adjusting the set pieces. “No shrinkage.”

Ekko chuckled, his hands flitting against the silk of her garters.

“If you keep looking at me like that,” Ekko purred, his voice low and sultry. “Shrinking will be the opposite of my problem.”

Jinx stifled a giggle as the crew quietly exited out of frame. He wasn’t nearly as nervous as he thought he’d be, even as the woman he loved straddled him naked. His manhood, out of view from the cameras behind Jinx’s supple thigh, was for now miraculously dormant.

“I’ll call each position from here!” Sky called from off set. “Ready when you are director.”

“Good luck, little man,” Jinx whispered with a wink.

“Break a leg, blue,” Ekko breathed back with a squeeze.

“And, action!”

The set was deathly quiet yet again, aside from the rustling of the covers and the roll of the cameras.

“Position 1!” Sky called.

Ekko caressed Jinx’s breasts, the camera capturing a sensual shot of his fingers flitting over her nipples.

“Old friend…”

“2!”

Ekko’s hands massaged her thighs and pulled at her garters as Jinx moaned and rolled above him, her neck falling back with abandon. 

“Coworker…”

“3!”

Ekko flipped Jinx over, taking control. He locked eyes with Jinx as he pressed against her body, her legs falling open invitingly.

“It’s just sex, Ekko.”

“4!”

Ekko thrust hard against Jinx, his vigor surprising her. She moaned, pantomiming her ecstasy as the sex scene began to unfold. She dug her fingers into his back, drawing him closer than initially scripted.

“What do feelings have to do with it?”

Jinx pressed her cheek against his, her familiar moans and whimpers filling his ears as he continued to thrust between her legs. The scene was going flawlessly, and Ekko began to think that despite how complicated things had gotten with his costar, he might just nail his first sex scene.

But as her breath warmed his neck, her teeth nibbling the sensitive curve of his ear just how he liked, he at last delivered his final line.

“I love you, Jinx!”

Ekko continued thrusting and groaning, his mind so focused on the strictly choreographed scene that he hadn’t even realized the world had frozen around him. Jinx had gone rigid, her eyes wide with surprise. It wasn’t until he heard Jayce cut the scene that he realized the mistake he had made.

“Let’s, uh, try that line again, folks,” Jayce stammered. He sounded embarrassed, as if he had just witnessed something he shouldn’t have. “It’s Lady Ella, remember?”

Ekko froze, his every muscle tensing. He hadn’t even realized what he just admitted, in front of the whole cast and crew.

“Oh, fuck,” he said as Jinx continued to stare up at him, her brows furrowed, her jaw slack with disbelief. “Fuck me.”

“Did you say,” Jinx started, her voice a near whisper. Her breaths became uneven beneath Ekko’s frame as she continued to stare into his eyes. “Did you say you love –”

“Alright, that’s it,” Sky’s voice barked from the shadows, startling even Jayce. Both actors sat up, their attention entirely captured. “Everyone, off set. Now.”

“What?” Jayce scoffed incredulously. “But the schedule –”

“The movie can wait,” Sky said. She had a steely determination in her voice that Ekko didn’t think she was capable of. “I need to talk to your actors. Alone.”

“But –”

“You hired an intimacy coach,” Sky said, her voice piercing into the silent set like a knife. “Let me coach.”

Jayce continued to grumble as he, Sevika, and the rest of the crew shuffled off set. Ekko and Jinx wrapped their naked bodies in matching robes, exchanging nervous looks as Sky dragged a chair to the bed. She sat down with a huff, crossing her legs, before throwing her clipboard to the floor.

“Alright,” she said. Her cheeriness had all but evaporated. “How long have you two been fucking?”

Jinx scoffed.

“Excuse me?” she gasped. “We are not having sex –”

“Come on, Jinx, you’re a better actress than that,” Sky said. Her eyes were intense, but the faintest smile appeared on her lips. “Please, be honest with me. How long?”

A beat of silence passed before Ekko finally answered.

“3 weeks,” he said. “Shortly after we started filming this movie.”

Sky hummed knowingly.

“I would have guessed at least a month,” she cooed.

“How did you know?” Jinx asked, her tone guarded.

“I was suspicious after your hug,” Sky replied. “But it was your kiss that tipped me off. I’m an intimacy coach, and that kiss was, well… fucking intimate.”

“Fine,” Jinx grumbled, crossing her arms. “You got us. Surely, we aren’t the first actors you’ve worked with that were hooking up during filming?”

Sky adjusted her position on her chair, her eyebrows raising skeptically.

“Is that what this is?” she asked, genuinely. “Just hooking up?”

A pregnant silence stretched on for what felt like an eternity. Ekko watched as Jinx’s lips parted, her jaw tensing and loosening, words failing to form on her tongue.

“It doesn’t matter what I think this is,” she said, her voice cracking. She tried to sound flippant, but she couldn’t bear to look Ekko in the eye after giving her non-answer. “It… doesn’t matter how I feel.”

“It does matter how you feel, Jinx,” Sky said, almost pleadingly. “In fact, it matters most how you feel. You and Ekko both.”

Ekko watched as Jinx’s face softened for a fraction of a moment before returning to a pout. She glanced at Ekko – her lips were sealed, but her eyes were speaking to him in ways he’d never seen before.

“Not this again,” Jinx grumbled, her face again unreadable. “Always about the feelings with you, toots.”

Sky leaned back against the chair, taking her glasses off her face. She let out a deep, knowing sigh, her light brown eyes glancing between Ekko and Jinx.

“There’s a saying in my field,” she finally said as she polished her glasses with the fabric of her blouse. “That the quietest moments of a sex scene are often the most intimate. That an actor’s eyes convey more raw emotion than any spoken line ever could.”

Jinx and Ekko remained silent as Sky leaned forward, her gaze intense.

“I’ve worked with countless actors in dozens of sex scenes,” she continued. “And I have never met a couple that said more with their eyes than the two of you.”

Ekko glanced at Jinx, the blue of her eyes meeting his hazelnut. They glistened under the cool white studio lights as her brows knit, her lips pursing in quiet anticipation.

“And what do my eyes say?” Ekko asked slowly, his voice a near whisper. He spoke to Sky, but never looked away from Jinx.

Sky chuckled as she collected her clipboard from the floor, placing her round spectacles back on her freckled face.

“The same thing Jinx’s eyes have been saying to you all afternoon,” Sky said. “Only difference is you accidentally said it out loud, on set.”

The intimacy coach rose from her chair, stepping away from the actors still naked beneath their robes. Jinx’s eyes at last parted from Ekko’s, snapping to Sky as she retreated into the shadows off set.

“Where are you going?” she asked, her brows furrowing.

“I’m giving you some privacy on set,” Sky said with a smile. “I usually do this with every couple I work with, but… I think you two could use the space to discuss your feelings. Take as much or as little time as you need – I’ll keep Jayce and his crew off set.”

Jinx and Ekko watched as Sky disappeared further into the dark, the glint of her eyes barely visible as she turned around to speak one last time.

“Oh, and I wouldn’t bother getting dressed,” she said with a smirk. The cheeriness had returned to her voice. “I find these conversations are best had while naked, anyway.”

And with that, Ekko was alone with his costar, separated only by the thin fabric of their robes…

… and a mountain of unspoken words.

 ★★★

The set was even quieter than before.

Ekko and Jinx continued to steal glances at each other as the silence between them stretched on for a painful eternity. Since he’d known Jinx, he’d never seen her at a loss for words – yet no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t seem to speak.

“This is so stupid,” Jinx finally said, her words piercing the silence like a knife. “Sky is such a waste of time, I hate these little exercises –”

But as Jinx continued to grumble and protest, Ekko felt his heart begin to swell in his chest. Her words melted to indiscernible mumbles in his mind as his eyes studied her every detail, as if it was the last time he’d ever see her. He loved how her lips moved with her every word. He loved how her chest would rise with her every breath. He loved how the fabric of her robe would fall away from her collarbones as she gestured. He loved how her eyes shined in the low light – her eyes that had spoken so much to him.

“I meant it.”

Ekko’s words seemed to catch Jinx off guard. Her face immediately softened, as if entranced.

“I meant it,” he said again, louder, stronger, with more confidence. He turned to fully face his costar, his eyes never parting from hers. “I meant it.”

“You love me?” Jinx asked, her voice small.

Ekko watched as her breaths quickened, her cheeks flushing red. He took her hands in his – was she trembling?

“Jinx,” Ekko said, the faintest smile appearing on his face. “I fell in love with you the moment I saw you on set.”

A silent breath escaped Jinx’s lips, her brows furrowing as if she’d misheard him. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears as she nervously chewed the inside of her cheek.

“Ekko…” she started. Her voice sounded shaky and pained. Ekko braced for the sting of rejection, but he had no regrets – he had told the woman he loved how he felt, at last.

“It’s okay, Jinx,” Ekko said, pursing his lips. “I just want us to stay friends. If that means we have to stop sleeping with each other, or take some time apart, that’s okay –”

Jinx’s eyes widened. Her hands were now steady in his, squeezing him back so tight it hurt.

“Ekko,” Jinx said, her voice barely a whisper. “Why do you think I took this role?”

Ekko felt his breath hitch as Jinx leaned closer towards him.

“Jinx –”

“Why do you think I broke up with Kayn?” she continued. “Why do you think I invited you into my messy trailer that first night, weeks ago? Why do you think I’m so fucking nervous right now?”

“Powder,” Ekko slipped, but Jinx didn’t seem to care. In this moment, it didn’t matter what he called her, or where they were – all that mattered was that they were together, here and now.

“I love you, Ekko” Jinx said, her voice cracking. “I’ve loved you since we were kids. I should have told you the moment I saw you on set, but its true. I love you so fucking much.”

Ekko’s jaw slacked, his eyes wide with both adoration and awe, as Jinx wiped an unshed tear from her eye. She sighed shakily, forcing a weak smile.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Ekko asked gently. He realized she could ask him the same.

“I was so scared you’d reject me,” Jinx said, a nervous giggle escaping her lips. “I was scared you thought this was just a fling. That this would end when we finished filming this movie. That you didn’t feel the same way about me.”

Ekko couldn’t help throwing his head backwards in a laugh. Jinx’s nose scrunched, her temper igniting.

“Are you laughing at me?”

“No, no,” Ekko said hurriedly. “I’m sorry, its just… that’s exactly why I wasn’t telling you how I felt. I was scared for all those reasons, too.”

Ekko watched as every muscle in Jinx loosened, relief flooding her face.

“I guess we aren’t as good of actors as we thought,” she said, the trace of a mischievous grin curling her lips. “We could only pretend we didn’t love each other for a few weeks.”

Ekko cupped Jinx’s face in his hand, turning her towards him. He leaned forward, slowly, gently, as she held her breath. When he at last pressed his lips against hers, feeling her relax beneath his touch, feeling her breathe into his heart, he finally felt prepared to deliver his final line.

“I love you, Jinx,” he said, his eyes smiling. He spoke to her as if she was the only woman in the world, as if to speak the words directly into her soul. “I love you.”

Jinx laced her fingers around the nape of his neck, pressing her forehead against his.

“I guess we have three weeks of love to catch up on,” she said coyly, her breath delicious against his neck. “Probably ahead of schedule as far as the sex goes, though.”

Ekko chuckled, squeezing her narrow waist between his arms. He began to stand, only to feel Jinx’s hand slip into his.

“Where do you think you’re going, mister?” she asked, her eyes hooded.

“Figured we could tell Sky we had finished our talk?” Ekko answered genuinely. “We still have a whole day of filming to do –”

But as Jinx laid back against the bed, the collar of her robe falling away from her shoulders, Ekko’s words were stolen from him. His eyes widened as he realized what she was thinking.

“She told us to take as much time as we needed,” Jinx purred hungrily, chewing her lip. The robe fell away from her body, revealing the irresistible curves of her breasts and supple lines of her midriff. “And that these conversations were best had… naked.”

Ekko couldn’t help but smile, his breath quickening. He felt his heart thumping in his chest, the short distance between him and Jinx suddenly unbearable.

“Jinx, you can’t be serious,” he scoffed, even though he knew with certainty she was. “Here? On set?”

Jinx shrugged mischievously as she tugged Ekko by the waistband of his robe towards her. She pulled the fabric from his shoulders, her hands tracing the broadness of his chest, down to the ridges of his abs, before arriving at the length between his legs, already growing with excitement between her fingers.

“What better way to prepare for a sex scene than on the very same set?” Jinx said as she fell back into the luxurious covers. “It’s a love story, after all.”

Ekko smiled as he slid between her legs, gently holding her face between his palms.

“We’ve been preparing for our sex scene since we first met in your trailer, Jinx,” he said, their eyes never parting, their lips inches apart. “But for our love story? I’ve been prepared my whole life.”

Their sex was different that time – gentle, soft, almost reverent. They had had their fun with their positions, their acrobatics, their toys, their unconventional locations – but this time was just about their love. Ekko held her tightly, their gasps and moans melodic, their lips weaving together in hot, wet passion. Jinx could only whisper his name again and again as he made love to her – slowly at first, then deeper, faster, wilder, their minds and bodies entangled in pure ecstasy.

It was different – more passionate, more raw, more intimate. With every thrust, with every breath, with every heartbeat, he felt more connected to Jinx than he’d ever felt before. His name on her lips was like a quiet prayer, her sweetness on his tongue like a drug he couldn’t get enough of, her body beneath his like the missing piece that made him whole at last.

When their climaxes arrived together, ripples of mind-numbing pleasure crashing against every corner of their bodies and souls, a heaving and sweaty Ekko collapsed against his love.

Yes, he realized, this sex was different – it wasn’t just the closeness, the vulnerability, the passion, the pleasure. It was something more.

It was real – wholly, perfectly, indescribably real.

★★★

An eternity of naked bliss seemed to pass before Ekko at last spoke.

“I think that was the best sex we’ve ever had,” he murmured into the soft skin of her collarbone, the heat of his breath sending ripples of excitement through Jinx’s entire body.

“The best?” she asked as she turned to look at him, an eyebrow raising in amused curiosity.

“The best,” Ekko replied shortly.

“Better than cowgirl night?” she asked with a grin, her eyes fluttering open. “Better than that time we used whipped cream on everything?”

“Yes, Jinx,” Ekko groaned, feigning exasperation. But Jinx could tell he was smiling against her chest.

“Better than that time we tried ice play?” she continued with a stretch. “Or when we used candle wax?”

“Jinx.”

“What about when we tried butt stuff? We haven’t even tried pegging, yet –”

“Jinx!”

Ekko ignored that last statement, and the implications of what additional toys Jinx traveled with for work. He looked her dead in the eye, his smile spreading from ear to ear.

“Yes, baby?” Jinx replied coyly. His heart fluttered as he realized what she’d called him outside the walls of her trailer.

“That was the best. Sex. Of. My. Life,” he said, each word punching into the air.

Jinx rolled her eyes, her face filling with mischief.

“Be real with me, mister,” she said, even though she knew he was telling the complete and utter truth. “What made it so special?”

“It was so special because it was real, Jinx,” he answered. “It was great because we were real with each other, at last.”

Jinx smiled, pressing her lips against his in a deep, passionate kiss.

“Well, we have the rest of this movie to keep being real with each other,” she started. “And maybe, the next movie we film after that? And the next one, too?”

Ekko took her hands in his, kissing her fingers gingerly. Their eyes never parted, and Ekko realized Sky was right - they spoke so much love to each other with their eyes alone.

“I told you this morning I’d be a good partner for you, Jinx,” Ekko said, as his costar’s eyes glistened under the soft studio light. “In this scene, in this movie…”

“…and if you’d have me, for the rest of my life.”