Page 25 of Behind the Scenes

I have no choice. Right? That’s why I’m doing this?

No, no question about it. It’sthe onlyreason I’m doing this.

But that didn’t mean I would roll over and take whatever she dished out.

So I got back to work on the contract.

There was no timeline. It was one of the notes I added in the margins. Another was crossing out the physical relationship aspects.

If we ever fucked—which we wouldn’t—it would be on my terms, not because of something she wanted me to sign.

Another problematic thing was that we couldn’t be separated for more than two days. I crossed it out and suggested a week.

And then there was the public appearance clause, and I didn’t know how to approach that.

She wanted me to make multiple appearances with her out and about—as a couple.Dates, movie premieres, the whole shebang. As if any of it were real.

Yeah, definitelynotsane.

I sat back in my chair with a sigh. It would be for appearances’ sake only.I knew the game well, especially with these Hollywood types. Everything depended on their image, down to the types of movies and shows they were considered for.

I knew it, but I still hated it.

I sighed. I would do anything to protect my clients and wouldplay the game as needed. I could dress myself in the most expensive brands, get my hair and nails done, show up on her arm. It should be fine.

But this felt… more complicated than it seemed.

My hand reached for my phone. I needed to do something about it. Something that was probably just as crazy as she was.

I’m going to have her killed.

It wasn’t until my thumb was hovering over the call button that hesitation washed through me.

Just dial the number and get it done.

It was the easiest way to get this over with, and I knew just who to talk to.

I had only usedtheirservices in times of desperate need, and having a murderer stalking me and obsessed with me felt pretty damn desperate.

So why can’t I press the button?

Part of me was… curious. Curious at what more she wanted. Curious at what this would turn into. Excited, even.

My mind and body were in conflict. I knew what I needed to do, but my body wouldn’t listen to reason. It hesitated.

My phone lit up. I didn’t recognize the number, but somehow I just knew it was her.

I answered and put it on speaker.

“Have you read it over, darling?”

Her voice was far too seductive for a conversation about a contract.

“And then some. I have some changes before I can sign it,” I said as I capped my pen. “We can discuss it somewhere public. Preferably a restaur?—”

“I’m in LA. Will be here for a few more days. The car’s already waiting outside. My assistant will take you to the plane. Don’t pack anything; I have that taken care of.”

My jaw fell open at her audacity.