Chapter 1 #3
“Well… That maybe you’d sing a couple songs. For Nina. And just a few guests.” I tried to act nonchalant, but after the last few months of engaging with Lainey at least once a day, the request felt way too personal. She had a life and introducing her to mine wasn’t necessarily a good idea.
I had no idea what she was thinking, her expression unreadable. Then her eyes lit up. “I’d love to.”
“I’ll understand if you couldn’t do it. You have other commitments. That’s fine. I hadn’t mentioned something like this to my daughter since I thought it would make her birthday extremely special, but…” I suddenly realized I’d been talking over her and what she’d said. “You’ll do it?”
She laughed, reaching out and touching my arm. The moment she did, another bolt of white-hot electricity flowed back and forth. She could feel it, her breath skipping. I expected her to pull away, yet she didn’t, instead licking her bottom lip. “You seem so surprised.”
“Well, we are from two different worlds.”
“My mother used to tell me that when two worlds collide, they create a new galaxy, a magical place full of joy and opportunities. I like to think she was right.”
Being around her was too easy. I’d heard the rumors that she was a prima donna and difficult to work with.
I’d seen anything but. She was kind to everyone from her roadies to her fans, making the time to sign autographs when I could tell she’d been dog tired.
I admired her tenacity and professionalism even while sensing she was hiding something behind her shimmering light green eyes.
“I have a feeling I’d like your mother.”
“You would. She’s as close to being an angel as there is. Just tell me when and where, but you might want to keep it a little secret between us. You know how Scott can be.”
“Yes, I do. I hope you don’t mind me saying, but your assessment of him was right. He’s a complete asshole.”
Every laugh created a wave of deep vibrations all throughout my body. “You’re one of the first people to tell me that. If there’s one thing I value in another person, it’s the truth. I hate bullshitters.”
“You won’t find that with me.”
“That’s why I like you so much.”
We’d bordered on flirting more than once without crossing the line. That didn’t mean I hadn’t indulged in impure thoughts. What the hell was I trying to do, lie to myself? I’d undressed her in my mind enough times my lurid thoughts could be considered a total sin.
“I will admit I might have mentioned the possibility to Bernie, including extending an invitation.”
Her smile lit up her face. “That’s perfect. I can use him as an excuse to keep me protected.”
“I assure you that you won’t need to worry about security. The family is very tight.”
“So I understand, Mr. Dmitriyev.” She made the statement in a knowing way, likely hearing all about my family and what others called a regime. At least there’d be no surprise.
“Would you like me to go through your assistant with details?”
“Give me your phone.” Lainey held out her hand.
I did as she asked, unlocking the screen.
While constantly darting me looks, she typed in her contact information, hitting save.
“I like to handle personal aspects of my life with no one else interfering. What I do in my private life is nobody’s business and the lovely birthday party is very personal and very private. ”
Our fingers touched again as she handed it back to me. My hand lingered a little too long, my index finger caressing her soft skin. I was such a bad boy teasing her, but soon she’d disappear, heading back to her fabulous celebrity life while I’d be grinding away here in Vegas.
Oh, poor me. One of the wealthiest men in the world and I was complaining.
“I’ll let you get back to relaxing. Let me know if you need anything.”
She tilted her head, studying me as intently as I’d done with her dozens of times. “I will and thank you for being so kind.”
“I’m not kind, Lainey. Trust me.” Laughing, I headed for the door. As soon as I threw it open, a bouquet of red roses was suddenly in my face, the flower bearer trying to barrel inside. “Whoa. Hold on.”
“Shit, I’m sorry, man.” The man’s voice was one I couldn’t place.
I tipped my head toward Lainey, ready to toss the guy out and I could tell instantly she recognized whoever the gift giver was. Only her face had hardened. He lowered the flowers, peering around me as if I was nothing but a fly on the wall.
Bernie was right there, more than eager to toss the man to the curb. That meant I was as well. “Ms. Rose. I’m sorry. I’d gone to the restroom. I was only gone a couple minutes.”
His voice was full of fury. That made me curious.
“Lainey,” the rose bearer said in a way that also bothered me. All too familiar. All too controlling. Where had I seen his face before?
Ah, shit. It finally came to me. Her alleged boyfriend.
“It’s okay, Bernie. I’ve got this. What are you doing here, Damien?” Her body language indicated she wasn’t happy to see the stranger.
Damien Kane.
“I came to see you since you’ve been avoiding my calls.” He was certainly insistent. Now I was on edge.
“Are you sure, Ms. Rose? I’m happy to escort him back to whatever hole he crawled out of.” Bernie was as well. Whatever was going on, there was bad blood between them. While some would say this wasn’t any of my business, this was my club. No one fucked with the entertainment.
She opened her mouth, then her lips twisted and she glanced in my direction.
“I’ll reiterate Bernie’s offer. Do you want me to escort him to the exit, Ms. Rose?” I asked, the sound of my voice stating clearly I’d be happy to toss him out. Bernie was beside himself, uncertain what to do.
I wouldn’t hesitate to do what was necessary.
The asshole bristled. He had no idea tangling with me wasn’t in his best interest. Especially today.
“No, Sasha. I’ll be fine. I can handle Damien. Trust me.” She looked at me, offering a slight smile. The air of familiarity she was using was a push against him. Good girl.
I sensed utter discord between them. I’d glanced at the tabloids. I’d seen their photographs. She’d never appeared happy, her expression blank. His reputation? A man used to women falling at his feet. He was considered to be the hottest action movie star in the world.
He also happened to be under contract with our movie production company, the contracts already signed with him playing the male lead.
I didn’t like the guy or his attitude; however, it wasn’t my place to interfere.
Unless the bastard pushed my hand.
Something in the back of my mind reminded me I’d also seen the two of them together a year or so before. The celebrity couple, expected to get married. All glitz and glamor.
But what I knew was that while she’d been here, he hadn’t appeared even once.
What I also knew was that she wanted no part of being around him.
But again, it wasn’t my place to interfere.
That didn’t mean I wouldn’t hang around to ensure their meeting was cordial.
I didn’t like other men touching anything special to me.
As I walked away, I gave her another look and it was the same as the one she offered to me.
A deep, intense, and soulful desire that if not kept in check could become uncontrollable.