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But…we'll be in the crowd.

Not sequestered in a green room, watching through monitors.

Not isolated and on display, expected to act with perfect decorum.

I can let loose, be myself, and have fun with my girlfriends.

I can’t wait.

“I’ll see you tonight,” I promise. “In sparkles. And a huge smile on my face knowing that the man I love made it possible.”

The gold flecks in his hazel eyes melt, turning soft and sweet, and he leans down, brushes his lips against mine.

But it’s only a brief touch because we hear another soft sigh.

“Sorry,” June murmurs and I don’t like that her eyes look a bit sad. “I’ll just…” She hitches a thumb over her shoulder. “Head out.” And then she hurries away, heels clicking as she rushes to the front door.

“Go,” I order Hudson softly, squeezing his arm before nudging him away. “Make sure she’s okay.” And when he seems ready to protest, I add, “I need to get ready anyway.”

Steady eyes on mine for a long moment.

Then the front door opens and he spurs into action.

He snags his wallet and keys, shoves his phone into his pocket. “Text me when you’re on your way, okay?”

“Anything you want, honey.”

He’s heading for the hall, but that has his gaze flicking over his shoulder, a wicked smirk on his face. “Better be careful saying that, princess. If I remember correctly, it’s my turn next to use the cuffs.”

Then he disappears, phantom fingers from those silken words stroking between my legs.

It’s when I’m zipping up my short, sparkly dress while scrolling through social media that I see the headline.

Pre-production begins in Melbourne for Dylan Durand’s latest flick.

My heart skips a beat, but when I go to scroll by—because I’ve been actively avoiding anything that involves Dylan and/or myself, my brain processes what the words are actually saying.

And what they mean for me.

Dylan is in Australia.

And my name is on our house.

And Atlas got the restraining order revoked.

And Dylan is in Australia.

Which means he’s not here in California and I can legally go into the house and get…my picture.

My heart throbs. If he hasn’t destroyed it.

I push that last thought down and look at the time on my phone. I’m almost ready. If I leave in the next couple of minutes, I’ll have time to drive out to the house and look for it.

Heart pounding, I stare at my reflection in the mirror.

Determined. Strong. Not a weakling too scared to act.

I nod. I can do this.