Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 93575 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 468(@200wpm)___ 374(@250wpm)___ 312(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93575 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 468(@200wpm)___ 374(@250wpm)___ 312(@300wpm)
There was only one way to find out.
“I’ll talk to Nick tonight.”
She nodded. “Listen carefully to his words, Mila. My brother was an expert at getting me to believe his denials. There were times he got me to believe it was everyone else, not him. I loved him too much. I wish I had been harder on him. Pushed more.”
“Do you think it would have made a difference?”
“I don’t know. I think he was too far gone. His doctor told me the bottom line was, he didn’t want to change, and nothing I said or did would have made him. But I regret it some days.”
“Maybe Nick is different.”
She stood and bent to kiss my cheek. “For your sake, kiddo, I hope so. I really hope so.”
NICHOLAS
I had a headache already, and the day had barely begun. I leaned my head back on the leather and tried to shut out the annoying voice beside me. But MJ wouldn’t shut up.
“You can’t give me the silent treatment forever.”
I sighed, knowing she was right. We had a lot of shit to discuss. I opened my eyes and turned my head to look at her. She was unapologetic, haughty, and angry.
Never a good combination with MJ.
I cast a glance over her with a frown. Her hair was brassier than usual. She was wearing more makeup, and her outfit was better suited to a younger woman. She was revealing far too much chest and leg. She always used to wear suits. When did that change?
I realized she was waiting for a response, but I had no idea what her question was. I didn’t care much either.
“You had no right to tell them where I was. You know how much I hate the paps. How much they love to taunt me. Why the hell would you do that to me?”
“You need to be out there more.”
“Then hook me up with a charity or a hospital visit. Something positive,” I snapped. “Don’t fucking throw me to the wolves.”
She laughed, the sound unpleasant to my ears. When Mila laughed, it was soft and sweet. Or loud and full. Honest. It made me smile, not want to cringe and wonder where the cauldron was hidden.
“You are so overdramatic. No wonder you love acting. It’s publicity. It won’t kill you to feed them something.” She snapped her fingers. “You and Lacey should pretend to date.”
“She’s married.”
“You and Bradley, then.”
I gaped at her, and she waved her hand. “Okay, too much. I’ll find another actress who needs some PR. You two can be seen on cozy dates.” She loved to do that—feed the rumors. Get my name out there, no matter the consequences.
“No.”
“I think—”
I cut her off. “I don’t give a fuck. I said no. And I mean no.”
“You’re being difficult. Is the stress getting to you already?”
“The only thing causing me stress is you, MJ.”
The car pulled up to the gates of the studio, and I breathed a sigh of relief. I waited until we’d arrived at the building, and I put my hand on the door handle, not opening it just yet.
“In fact, I’m starting to rethink this relationship.”
“We have a contract. An exclusive, unbreakable contract.” She smirked when she reminded me of that.
I shrugged. “Maybe I don’t care anymore. You can’t get blood from a stone.”
I felt the thrill of smug satisfaction when I saw the shocked look on her face. I stepped from the car and leaned down. “I mean it, MJ. Tread carefully right now.”
I slammed the door and headed into the building, not looking back.
Mila was different this morning. I couldn’t put my finger on it. She was friendly and cordial but withdrawn. She arrived last, frustrating me when she sat on the opposite side of the conference room table where I couldn’t touch her. My fingers itched to feel her skin under mine again. She somehow calmed me simply with her presence, but now, I felt a wall between us. I wondered if last night had been too much for her. It had been intense and intimate as hell.
Was she regretting it? Regretting me? My heart hammered simply at the thought of her withdrawal. Our character discussions were winding down. Bradley didn’t come to the meeting, and Lacey’s questions were sparse. She told Mila how much she appreciated her time and was grateful for all the insights.
“You’ll be around still?” she asked.
I waited anxiously for Mila’s response. Andi spoke for her. “For a bit.”
I didn’t like that reply.
Andi looked my way, a direct challenge in her gaze. “Any other questions, Nick?”
“Nicholas,” I corrected.
One eyebrow rose slowly, and she pursed her lips. “Nicholas,” she repeated. “Any other questions for my client?”
I barked out a laugh. “Your client? Am I on trial here?”
“Of course not,” Mila chided her agent with a shake of her head. “I know you had the most questions, Nick. Are you good, or do you have more?” she asked, her voice gentle. It soothed the ragged edges of my nerves, helping to calm me.