Brotherzoned

Isla's POV

Click. 

The rhythm of my camera shutter had become the sound  of the evening. The scent of white roses, scented candles, and too much perfume filled the air. My assistant, Ava, hurried toward me through the crowd, clutching a clipboard like her life depended on it.

"Okay, boss, we've got fifteen minutes before the bride makes her entrance," she said, slightly breathless.

"Perfect," I replied, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear as I scanned the ballroom again. "Let's make sure the secondary lights are steady near the dance floor, and I want someone stationed by the cake table."

"Yes, ma'am." Ava grinned and jogged off.

This was the biggest job I'd ever gotten - a high-profile wedding with guests whose jewelry alone could fund my entire studio. And I wouldn't even have been here if not for Silas.

Silas, my boyfriend, he'd called in a favor a month ago to land me this gig, told me I deserved to be seen. And here I was, trying to prove him right.

I adjusted the lens and captured a fleeting moment - the bride's father laughing, her veil shimmering under the light. I was in my element, camera steady, heart calm... until I realized I'd lost sight of my team.

"Where the hell did everyone go?" I muttered, scanning the hall as I walked out of it.

Ava had disappeared toward the buffet, and the rest of the crew were scattered. I turned down a side corridor, hoping to find them, but instead, I found silence. The music faded. The sound of conversation dimmed.

And then - a hand.

It gripped my wrist, strong and familiar, pulling me through a half-open door before I could even gasp. My back hit a wall softly, and the scent hit me next - tobacco, cedar and spice.

"Silas-?" I breathed, startled.

He was already there, inches away, his breath warm against my ear. His tie was loosened, white shirt perfectly pressed, sleeves rolled just enough to expose his veins. He smiled - that same boyish, dangerous curve that usually  undo me.

"Missed you," he murmured.

My heart stumbled as I adjusted my glasses. "You scared me. What are you-"

He cut me off by pressing me gently back against the wall, his hand braced beside my face before pressing a kiss to my lips. "Wanted to see how my favorite photographer's doing."

I exhaled a nervous laugh, eyes flicking over him. "You came all the way here just to check up on me?"

He tilted his head. "Maybe I needed a break from my own meeting. Maybe I just wanted to look at you."

He said it easily, as if words like that didn't always make the air between us too tight.

"Silas, I'm working," I whispered, even as my fingers betrayed me - brushing his sleeve, tracing the edge of his cuff. "You shouldn't be here."

"I shouldn't," he said, low and amused. "But I couldn't stay away."

The corridor