Unscripted

The morning light filtered softly through the blinds, casting long shadows across the penthouse as Marta sat at the edge of her bed, her phone screen still lit with the unanswered texts from Pelayo. Good morning, beautiful… What happened last night? I hope you feel better today… He sent them every day without fail, but today Marta couldn’t bring herself to reply. The words felt empty, distant, as though they belonged to someone else.

She put the phone down with a deep sigh, feeling the weight of the previous night’s fight settle on her chest. She had never been great at confrontation, but today, it felt different… too much to handle. With a swift movement, she grabbed her bag, tossed her coat over her shoulder, and left.

The studio was quieter than usual when she arrived early, the early-morning energy settling in as crew members went about their tasks. She made her way through the halls, her footsteps echoing in the otherwise silent space. The hair and makeup department was already buzzing with activity, and as Marta walked in, she saw Sofia seated in front of the mirror, her long blonde hair already being prepped for the cut.

"Morning!" Marta said, her voice betraying a hint of exhaustion.

Sofia smiled up at her, a look of calm in her eyes.  “Morning, director! See you on set!”

Marta nodded and turned, making her way to the food area to meet Maria, her assistant. Maria had always been a friendly presence, her enthusiasm being always a welcome break from Marta’s more serious moods. She was already holding a coffee when Marta walked in.

“Here, your usual…” Maria said, handing Marta the coffee.

Marta smirked, taking a sip. “You always know what I need.”

Maria chuckled, a small blush rising to her cheeks. “It’s part of my job. Also, you looked like you could use it.”

Marta sighed, rolling her eyes. “Long night.”

Maria hesitated before speaking. “You don’t have to tell me, but... are you okay?”

Marta looked at her assistant… really looked at her. Maria had always been there, quietly supportive, asking nothing in return. There was something comforting in that. In the warmth of her gaze, in the way she stood just a little too close.

Without thinking, Marta reached out and gave Maria’s hand a quick squeeze. “Yeah… I will be. Don’t worry.”

Maria smiled softly, and in a rare moment of impulsiveness, she hugged Marta. It was brief but full of meaning. For Maria, it was a moment she would remember… one she knew didn’t mean the same to Marta, but still, it was something.

What neither of them noticed at first was Fina entering the room just as the hug ended. She stopped in her tracks, her expression unreadable. Maria quickly stepped back, muttering something about needing to check on wardrobe before hurrying away, leaving Marta alone with Fina. She was just as stunning as usual, her gaze sharp and assessing as she took in the scene before her.

Marta felt her chest tighten. Fina’s eyes flicked from Maria to Marta, lingering there for just a second too long, before stepping into the room.

“Everything alright here?” Fina asked, her tone sweet but with a subtle edge that Marta knew all too well.

Maria’s eyes darted nervously. “Yeah, everything’s fine. I’ll just… uh, leave you both to it.”

Maria quickly excused herself, her cheeks flushed, and Marta stood there, suddenly hyperaware of Fina’s gaze on her. As soon as Maria was out of earshot, Fina crossed her arms, her lips curling slightly. “I didn’t realize you were that close now, Marta.”

Marta’s stomach twisted. She tried to hide her discomfort behind a smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes. "What are you talking about?"

Fina’s voice was low, almost playful, but Marta could feel the intensity beneath it. "Maria. She just hugged you, didn’t she?"

Marta’s face flushed. “It’s nothing. She’s just being… friendly.”

Fina took a step closer, her gaze flicking over Marta, studying her. “Friendly, huh? That’s interesting. Because from where I’m standing, it didn’t look all that ‘friendly’ to me.”

Marta clenched her jaw, her heart racing. She could feel the heat of Fina’s presence closing in on her, and she didn’t know how to respond. It was a simple hug, nothing more, but Fina was making it feel like something else. "Fina…" Marta started, trying to keep her voice steady, "This is just between me and her. It’s nothing you need to worry about."

Fina’s eyes sparkled with mischief. "Worry? I’m not worried, Marta. I’m just… curious. What’s going on with you, huh? Something feels different today."

Marta forced herself to take a deep breath, trying to steady her pulse. "There’s nothing going on."

Fina took another step toward her, voice dropping lower, as if they were sharing a secret. "If you say so. But just so you know, I’m not blind. And I can tell when there’s more to the story than meets the eye."

The way Fina looked at her, the way she spoke, sent a shiver through Marta, and for the briefest of moments, she considered telling Fina exactly what was going on in her head, what was twisting her up inside. But she couldn’t. Not now. Not yet…

"I don’t have time for this…" Marta said, her voice tight. "We have work to do."

Fina didn’t back down, though. She held Marta’s gaze for a moment longer, before finally nodding and stepping back. "You’re right. Let’s get to work."

But as Fina turned and walked away, Marta couldn’t shake the feeling that Fina was far from finished with her. And for the first time, Marta wasn’t sure if that scared her… or if it excited her. Fina’s presence was becoming Marta’s drug… getting more and more addicted each day.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

The scene was set. The dimly lit pub set was alive with the buzz of the crew getting into position. Fina, always at ease in environments like this, was already at the bar, effortlessly leaning against the counter with a casual drink in her hand. Her eyes scanned the room, taking in the crowd, assessing the scene, always on the lookout for someone interesting. And there she was… Sofia.

Sofia entered the room with that air of quiet elegance, the kind of rich sophistication that stood out even in a place like this. Her new look… short, blonde hair with a sleek cut, a tailored dress that hugged her curves just right…. was the final touch that made her resemble Marta more than ever. But it wasn’t just the physical similarity that caught Fina’s attention. It was the way Sofia carried herself. She wasn’t flaunting her wealth… she was comfortable in it, like it was second nature to her.

‘And… Action!’ Marta’s voice pierced through the silence.

Fina, always the provocateur, couldn’t resist… She flashed a smile as Sofia’s eyes scanned the room, eventually landing on her. It was a look Fina knew well… the curious gaze of someone who was probably used to getting what they wanted but was about to find out that Sofia was no ordinary woman.

Sofia approached the bar, confident and unbothered by the attention Fina’s smile was drawing. She sat next to Fina, crossing her legs slowly and carefully. There was no rush in her movements. She wasn’t playing the game in the way Fina was used to.

“You look like you’ve been here a while…” Sofia said, her voice smooth but with an undercurrent of something more… something that made Fina take notice.

“I’ve had a few drinks. But I’d be happy to keep you company if you want.” Fina smirked, her gaze lingering on Sofia’s lips, then slowly down her neck and to her chest. It was a game she knew well, the subtle dance of attraction that always led to one place… her bed.

Sofia raised an eyebrow, looking at Fina with a bemused expression. “Is that your way of saying you’re interested?”

Fina chuckled, a low sound. “I never said that.” She leaned in just a little closer, brushing her fingers against Sofia’s arm, a deliberate move, feeling the warmth of her skin. “But I’m offering. And I’m good at what I do.”

Sofia didn’t flinch, didn’t even look fazed. She simply met Fina’s gaze with a quiet intensity, something shifting between them. “You don’t have to offer me anything,” she said softly, her voice taking on a slightly different tone. It wasn’t dismissive… no, it was more like a gentle correction. “I’m not interested in what you’re offering. Not the way you think.”

Fina froze for just a split second. No one ever turned her down like this… not outright, anyway. Most women would have at least played along. But Sofia... Sofia was different. There was no pretension, no hesitation in her words. It was as if she wasn’t even playing the same game.

“You’re a beautiful woman…” Sofia continued, “but I don’t need a quick fix. I’m not interested in seduction for the sake of it. I’m looking for something... real.”

Fina tried to laugh it off, her lips twitching into a grin, but it was less convincing this time. “Real? You’re serious?” She raised an eyebrow. “What, you think that’s what I’m after? I can do real too, you know. All the ladies around here, they get what they want. And they get it quick.”

Sofia didn’t flinch, her lips curving into a teasing but knowing smile. “I’m not like the others. I don’t play by those rules.”

Fina couldn’t help it… her eyes flickered, a mix of confusion and fascination. No one had ever made her feel like this before, not with such ease. “And what rules do you play by?”

Sofia’s gaze softened, but there was something daring in it. “I play by my own rules. I don’t need to hide behind my looks or use my body to get what I want. Maybe that’s what you need to understand. There’s more to intimacy than just... the physical.”

Fina’s heart skipped a beat. She was used to this… used to the games, the power, the seduction. But Sofia wasn’t playing. Sofia wasn’t even tempted by her usual tricks. The more she spoke, the more Fina realized how off-balance she felt. For the first time in a long time, she wasn’t sure what to do next.

Sofia stood up slowly, her eyes lingering on Fina for just a moment longer before she turned and walked away. She didn’t give Fina a second glance, not to tease, not to give her the satisfaction of an invitation. It was like Sofia had won the battle without even trying.

Fina was left at the bar, her drink now forgotten in her hand. There was a sinking feeling in her stomach, but it wasn’t one of frustration… it was something new. Something unsettling.

Back on set, Marta was watching their rehearsal with a mix of fascination and discomfort. The chemistry between Fina and Sofia was undeniable, but there was something more that Marta hadn’t expected: the way Fina seemed caught off guard by Sofia’s reactions. Sofia was playing the scene, sure, but she wasn’t playing Fina’s game. It was subtle, but Marta could see it clearly… the tension between them wasn’t just acting. Fina was genuinely struggling to figure out what Sofia was doing to her.

Marta couldn't help but feel a strange sense of relief watching Sofia put Fina in her place. And at the same time, there was something else… a bitter realization creeping in, that maybe, just maybe, she had chosen Sofia because she reminded her of... herself. The way Sofia had handled Fina was the same way Marta wished she could handle her own feelings.

Fina was vulnerable now, something Marta had never thought she'd see. But instead of feeling victorious, she felt something deeper, something more complicated.

After another rehearsal, they even filmed that scene, plus other separate sequences… and at the end of the day, they decided to rehearse a scene outside, on the street…  The street was almost silent except for the distant hum of traffic and the flickering neon signs reflecting off the wet pavement. It was past midnight now, and the set had taken on a certain stillness… like the air itself was holding its breath, waiting.

Marta stood behind the monitor, her arms folded, eyes locked on the scene playing out before her.

This was it… The turning point. The moment Fina’s character, so used to seduction as a transaction, would be confronted with something entirely new. She needed this to be perfect.

“Ready?… Action!’

Sofia’s character moved with slow, deliberate grace, her heels clicking against the pavement as she approached Fina. She was dressed in something effortlessly elegant… powerful in a way that didn’t need to be loud, the definition of classy.

Fina, leaning casually against the wall, swirled the last sip of whiskey in her glass before setting it down on the margin beside her. When she turned, she found Sofia standing too close.

"Didn’t imagine you the type to wander dark alleys alone…" Fina murmured, her voice all silk and suggestion.

Sofia tilted her head, her eyes glinting under the dim streetlight. "Didn’t imagine you the type who only feels powerful with a drink in hand."

Fina’s smirk dimmed. Just for a second. Sofia stepped in closer, not touching her yet, but pressing forward in a way that felt intentional.

"You act like you’re in control…" she said softly. "Like you’ve got it all figured out."

Fina’s breath came a little sharper. "And what makes you think I don’t?"

Sofia smiled, slow and knowing. Then, in one smooth motion, she reached out and pressed Fina against the cold stone wall.

It wasn’t forceful. It wasn’t rushed… It was controlled. Fina sucked in a breath.

Sofia’s hands skimmed down Fina’s waist, her touch barely there, before settling just lightly at her hips. She wasn’t pinning her… she was keeping her there.

"You can take people to bed all you want…" Sofia whispered, lips hovering close to Fina’s. "But tell me… when’s the last time you let someone touch you like they meant it?"

Fina’s jaw tensed. The air between them crackled, heat rolling in waves, but Sofia didn’t push. She just waited. And that was what did it.

Fina felt something tight in her chest… an unfamiliar kind of tension, one she couldn’t immediately name. She did what she always did. She leaned in, ready to flip the dynamic, ready to take.

But Sofia pulled back, just slightly, denying her. Not yet. The look in her eyes said I know what you’re trying to do. And for the first time in a long time, Fina felt completely seen.

Marta’s pulse was a slow, heavy drumbeat in her ears as she watched it all unfold. The way Fina exhaled, just barely. The way Sofia tilted her head, patient. The way their bodies aligned but didn’t touch too much.

Something about it made Marta’s chest feel too tight.

And then… something was missing.

"Cut."

Her voice was sharp, slicing through the moment. The actresses blinked as if waking from a spell. Fina let out a slow breath, rolling her shoulders. Sofia raised an eyebrow, waiting.

Marta stepped forward, every movement calculated. "It’s close…" she said, measured. "But the way you’re touching her… it’s not enough."

Sofia gave her a half-smile. "Not enough? What do you mean?"

Marta inhaled, controlling herself. "Let me show you."

She turned to Fina, meeting her gaze. Her stomach was tight, but her voice was steady. "May I?"

Fina’s eyes flickered with something Marta couldn’t name. But she nodded. "Yeah."

Marta stepped in, positioning herself where Sofia had been. Immediately, the space between them felt charged.

Fina’s perfume… dark, rich, intoxicating… wrapped around her, making Marta’s head spin for just a second. But she held her ground. Her fingers found Fina’s waist… softly at first, just a whisper of a touch, before she applied real pressure. She felt the way Fina inhaled at the contact.

"This isn’t just about force…" Marta murmured, adjusting her hold. "It’s about making her feel like she wants to stay."

Fina’s lips parted, but she didn’t speak. Marta leaned in just enough so that Fina could feel her breath. "And when you push her back…"

She moved, pressing Fina against the wall… not hard, but deliberate. She felt the way Fina’s body responded, chest rising and falling just a little quicker.

"It’s not about trapping her… " Marta whispered, her hands still on Fina’s waist. "It’s about giving her the illusion that she wants to be trapped."

Her fingers trailed slightly upward, onto Fina’s neck. Not inappropriate. Not quite… But something in the air was different now. Marta swallowed. She needed to stop. She should stop. Instead, her hand lingered. Just for a second too long on Fina’s warm skin.

And then… Fina’s hand covered hers. It wasn’t a rejection. It was something worse…

Marta yanked her hand back, clearing her throat. "Got it?" She looked at Sofia, trying to avoid Fina’s eyes at all costs.

Sofia smirked knowingly. "Crystal."

Fina said nothing. Marta turned too quickly, moving back to the monitor before she could see whatever was burning in Fina’s eyes.

"Alright," she called, voice tight. "Reset. Let’s go again."

She ignored the way her hands still tingled. She ignored the way her breath felt uneven. She ignored everything.

Because this was just work. Just work…