Page 12 of Don't Puck Up
“What do you do, Kamirah?” he asked graciously, keeping the conversation moving.
“Charity work. I’m mostly fundraising for Warrior Pups—we train rescue dogs to become therapy dogs for veterans. But I also work with charities helping survivors of domestic violence, and youth mental health and drug services.”
“They’re all noble causes.”
We were interrupted when the server came to us for our breakfast orders.
“My dad’s a veteran,” Locke explained once we were alone again. “He saw two active campaigns before being medically discharged. Mum says he wasn’t the same when he got back, especially after the second tour. PTSD treatment is so important for vets. I can’t imagine the horrors they see.” He shook his head and frowned before he seemed to shake it off and add, “And I love dogs, so… yeah, it’s a worthwhile charity.”
“That’s what I think too,” Kam replied, grinning at him. She bit her lip and flushed a pretty pink, clearly pleased that he thought the same as we did.
“Have you been on the island long?” I asked, wanting to know more—everything—about him.
“This is my first full day.” He sighed and stretched his arms above his head before cracking his neck side to side. This close, I could see the heavy weight of exhaustion on him. Even as good as he looked,there was a washed-out quality to his skin and dark smudges under his eyes. “I’d planned on sleeping all day, but it’s too nice out here to stay indoors.”
“We’re going snorkeling just off the coast.” Kamirah gestured to the large yacht moored at the jetty and added, “We’re hopping on the catamaran in about an hour. I’m told the net between the two hulls is perfect for a nap.”
He grinned then moaned. “That sounds incredible.”
“You’re welcome to join us if you’d like,” Kam offered. I squeezed her hand, silently thanking her again.
“Really?”
“Definitely,” I agreed. “Three’s company. We’d love to have you.”
“In that case, yeah. I’d love that too.” His smile was shy, and his eyes shone with excitement, when only a moment ago, fatigue clung to him.
My heart flip-flopped in my chest, butterflies doing loop de loops in my belly. We were going to spend the day with Locke freaking Ledger!
six
Locke
Iwas exhausted. The promotional tour for Vigilante had just wrapped. It had been red carpet events, back-to-back interviews and television appearances, and a whirlwind international tour typical of a blockbuster action movie. The role was the most unique I’d performed. Hank Hayes, my character, was a true antihero who had nothing to lose after the murder of his family. He took vigilante justice to new heights. His actions were swift, brutal, calculated, and without mercy as he avenged his wife’s and children’s deaths. He wore all black, except for the glow mask that had Xs for eyes and a stitched mouth with a terrifying smile. He tormented his targets, never giving them a hint of who he was until they were on the edge of death.
Vigilante wanted vengeance.
He was hell-bent on burning down the world to avenge the ones he loved. That kind of love—powerful, all consuming—was so rare in the world. Despite it being so dark, the movie was a celebration of that love.
The role had called to me, but it also took a toll. Physically, I’d never been in better shape, but mentally, I was exhausted. Method acting a tortured soul had been hard. I’d needed some time out after filming the first two movies in the series back-to-back, but we’d followed them up with a packed promotion schedule. But I was so grateful for the opportunities I’d been given.
I was determined to ride the train while I still had a seat on it. I didn’t act for the fame or even the money—although that was a nice perk of making it in Hollywood—I did it because I loved the art. Performing and creating were food for my soul. The stunts and wild plots satisfied the adrenaline junkie in me.
But right now, I needed peace and quiet. My executive assistant had suggested this resort, and it was perfect. The island was moderately sized—it took a good two hours to circumnavigate the whole thing on foot—and it was exclusive. Only a couple of dozen luxury bures dotted the island, each nestled on a private beach with pockets of rainforest and manicured lawns between. I’d gone for a walk the evening I’d flown in, and after a restless night, I was now joining some new friends on a snorkeling trip.
I eyed my bed longingly, but I knew if I stayed, I wouldn’t sleep. If I did, it’d only make the jetlag worse. The sooner I adjusted to the change in time zone, the better.
Exercising was good for me. It helped silence the noise in my brain and unwind. Hollywood was incredible, but it could also be poisonous. Ask anyone in the industry, and they’d tell you that with the release of Vigilante, I’d solidified my position as the “next big action star.” Move over, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Locke Ledger was the new “it” man. But I was just me. I didn’t want to lose myself in the hype.
Becoming a conceited arsehole wouldn’t help to ensure career longevity, especially because I didn’t quite fit the mold for an action star.
I was an Aussie. That wasn’t unheard of in Hollywood, thanks to the likes of Hugh Jackman, Cate Blanchett, Chris Hemsworth, and all our predecessors. But I was also bisexual.Thatwas the complicating factor. My agent had been at pains to warn me that my sexuality couldaffect my star power if I started dating the “wrong” person, aka a man. But I needed to live authentically. It wasn’t the dream life if I was hiding.
Except that all the noise, the pressure, and the need to prove myself worthy of the hype was exhausting too.
These trips alone, where I could just switch off and enjoy the simple things, albeit in a luxury resort that catered to my every whim, were essential for me. With that in mind, I grasped my backpack, slipped on my sunnies, and let the door click closed after me.
The sand was soft under my slides as I walked to the golf buggy. The path I was on would lead me back to the jetty with the stately catamaran moored alongside it and the two guests who I still couldn’t believe were waiting for me.