Cinderella's Prince

by Stacy-Deanne

  “You’re unbelievable. How can you say that shit to my face?”

  “I’m being straight up. Isn’t that what you want?”

  “We can’t go back to how things were before. I want more.” She shut her eyes. “I deserve more.”

  “Horseback riding, seclusion and us chowing down on your herb-fried chicken.” He held out his hand. “Let’s go to the ranch and have the most romantic picnic you’ve ever dreamed of.”

  “Are you nuts?” She grimaced, glaring at his hand. “Do you not get where I stand? I won’t be your whore, Dash.”

  “You were never my whore.” He flinched. “How could you say that?”

  “That’s what it felt like whenever you’d take me to bed and then go running off into the night like it didn’t matter.”

  “This is Hollywood, Sierra.” He slapped his thighs. “You don’t have your reputation then you got nothing. You of all people should understand what happens when people lose respect for...”

  She gasped.

  “Wait.” He shook his head, grabbing her. “I didn’t mean that like it sounded.”

  “Let go of me.”

  “Sierra, I didn’t mean that.”

  “Let go.” She broke free. “And, fuck you.”

  “Sierra, wait.”

  She rushed out the office.

  “Sierra!”

  ****

  “Jesus, spit it out, Lessie.” Gabrielle got apple juice out the fridge. “What’s the deal?”

  She sighed through the speaker of Gabrielle’s cell phone. “I’ve never been one to mince words.”

  “Then don’t start now.” Gabrielle sipped the tangy juice right out the container.

  “I don’t want you to get upset.”

  “Upset?” Gabrielle laughed. “I’m happier than I’ve been in weeks. I just signed a contract for millions to be Iris International’s spokesmodel. Nothing you say could bring me down.” She twirled in a circle, holding the apple juice. “I’m on top of the world, and Futero can kiss my ass.”

  “I have something to tell you about Iris International.”

  “What?” Gabrielle set the container on her kitchen island. “Please don’t tell me they’ve changed their mind. Are they dumping me?”

  “No, they’re not dumping you. They’re ecstatic that someone of your caliber came onboard.”

  “But?” Gabrielle tapped her long nails against the countertop.

  “It turns out that Hugh Macintosh is a partner of Iris International.”

  Gabrielle leaned over on her elbows. “What did you say?”

  “Gabby, I had no idea he was involved in the business. I’d have told you—”

  “Wait.” She stood straight, clenching the edge of the counter. “God.”

  “I know this is a surprise, but it doesn’t matter.”

  “Bullshit it doesn’t matter. Hugh is the reason Iris offered me a contract.”

  “No, Gabby—”

  “Wake up, Lessie. Damn him. I told him to stay out of my life.”

  “Iris wants you regardless.”

  “Well, I don’t want them anymore. No. This is just a way for Hugh to control me and I won’t let that happen. Call Iris and tell them I want out.”

  “You signed the contract and you’re due to film the first commercial in a week. There’s no way you can get out.”

  “I won’t be in debt to Hugh Macintosh.” Gabrielle paced. “I’d rather be broke and homeless than to take anything from that man.”

  “They’ll sue if we pull out now.”

  “I don’t care.”

  “You’ll care if you have to pay millions of dollars for breaching the contract.”

  “I was tricked.” Gabrielle held her hip. “We can get the lawyers on this.”

  “First, why don’t you talk to Iris and find out if Hugh had something to do with this or not? Gabby, there aren’t many options out there for you as a model anymore. Don’t throw this away without knowing the facts. Iris is giving you another shot and it might be your last.”

  “It’s either stand up for my beliefs or sell my soul to the devil?”

  “Talk to the company and at least get the truth.”

  “I have a better idea.” Gabrielle wrapped her fingers around the apple juice container. “I’ll talk to the devil himself.”

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Hugh stood at Gabrielle’s door an hour later with a bouquet of red roses and a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon. “My god.” His eyes glazed over. “You’re stunning.”

  She groaned, holding the door. “I’m wearing sweatpants and a tank top.”

  “You’d look great in anything.” He handed her the gifts and entered. “I hope you like Cabernet Sauvignon.”

  “Uh...” She studied the bottle. “What the hell is this for?”

  “It’s a special occasion.” He walked around the living room, sniffing. “What a charming place. It has your touch.”

  She set the wine and flowers on the table. “This isn’t the occasion for wine and flowers.”

  Hugh seized her, trapping her lips between his.

  “Mm!” She shoved at him as he wrapped his arms around her, forcing her in place.

  He tore his lips from hers, face red. “I knew you wanted me.”

  “What the...?” She struggled to free herself. “Let go of me!”

  “What?” He kissed her again, causing her lips to go numb. “Still playing hard to get?” He pushed her on the couch and got on top of her.

  “Hugh, what are you...” She whipped her head back and forth, as he tried to kiss her. “Are you insane? Get off me.” She yanked his hair.

  “Ow.” He got up. “What the hell’s the matter with you?”

  “Me?” She stood, fixing her top. “I’m not the one with the problem here.” She wiped the remnants of his kisses from her mouth.

  “You serious?” He fixed the collar of his shirt. “Shit, you called me over here. I thought you were giving me the green light.”

  “I’m not giving you no damn green light you moron.” She rushed to the other side of the room and stood beside the entertainment system. “I called you here to confront your ass.”

  “About what?”

  “Don’t play dumb with me.”

  He rubbed his hair in place. “What the fuck are you talking about?”

  “You know what I’m talking about.” She grabbed a pillow from the two-seater and hit him with it. “You sleazy piece of shit.”

  “Stop.” He ducked, covering his head. “Tell me what the hell I did.”

  Gabrielle hit him as he ran across the room. “You low-life, sexist, two-faced, disgusting, arrogant, sex-crazed lunatic.”

  “Give me that.” He snatched the pillow and threw it across the room. “Are you crazy?”

  “You...you...” She curled her fingers in his face. “I want to scratch your eyes out I’m so mad. You manipulated me. You’re a business partner with Iris International. Admit it!”

  “Yeah, so?”

  “You never told me!” She hit his arm.

  “I’m confused as shit right now.” He raised his arms. “Why would I have to tell you who my business partners are?”

  “I’m sure you heard I’m the spokesmodel now.” She tapped her foot.

  “And?”

  “I’m supposed to believe you had nothing to do with it?”

  “I didn’t even know Iris signed you until they announced it in the press.”

  “I wouldn’t believe your ass if you said the earth was round.” She got the pillow off the floor and placed it back on the two-seater.

  “That’s good because it’s not round.” He massaged his neck. “It’s flat.”

  She balled fists. “I want you to admit you manipulated this situation.”

  “I swear I had nothing to do with it.” He fidgeted, switching his gaze to the floor. “I wouldn’t have dared told them to hire you because I knew you’d be mad if I had something to do with it.”

  “Look me in
the face and say it.” She stood in front of him. “You can’t because you’re lying.” She pushed him. “You made Iris International give me a contract. Tell the truth for once in your sorry life.” She lunged at him. “Tell me.”

  “All right. I might’ve suggested that they offer you a contract, but they decided.”

  “All because of you.” She swung her hand at him. “They probably wouldn’t have looked my way if not for you.”

  “That’s not true.”

  “Jesus.” She shoved her head into her palms. “Do you realize how embarrassing this is?”

  “You have nothing to be embarrassed about.” He reached for her then dropped his arms. “Gabby, if they weren’t interested then nothing in the world would’ve made them sign you.”

  “Am I supposed to be grateful that you finagled this behind my back?”

  “I was hoping you’d be flattered.” He rolled his eyes. “Guess I got that wrong, huh?”

  “You can’t keep doing this. My life isn’t a board game you can control. You have no right to be in my business.”

  “I have every right because I care about you.”

  “You only want one thing.” She pointed a shaky finger at him. “I’m getting that restraining order. Get out!” She went into the kitchen.

  He traipsed in behind her. “I’ve never met someone so ungrateful in my life.”

  She got a cup from the cabinet and filled it with tap water. “Eat me.”

  “I wish.” He stood by the island, grinning. “However it happened, you got a deal with Iris International so you owe me.”

  She exhaled between sips. “I don’t owe you a damn thing but a kick in the ass.”

  “I didn’t do this to get you into bed, Gabrielle.”

  “Right.”

  “If this doesn’t prove that I’m in love with you, what would?”

  “How can you be in love with me when you don’t know me?” She spread her arms. “You’re in love with a fantasy I present, but I’m not a fantasy, Hugh. I’m a human being, and you have no right to control me.” She crossed her arms, bowing her head. “I never wanna see you again.”

  “Tough because it’s gonna be hard not to see the guy whose movie you’re starring in.”

  “What?”

  “I meant what I said in my office. We belong together. I’ll do whatever it takes to have you.”

  She did her best not to jump across that island and strangle him. “Meaning?”

  “You signed a contract with Iris International.” His mouth formed a conniving grin. “That means you signed one with me.”

  She raced from behind the island. “What the hell are you talking about?”

  “Did you read your contract?” He touched her hair. “Or were you so anxious to sign you skipped that step? See, Iris and I are a packaged deal. When you signed the contract, you agreed to do the movie.”

  “You’re crazy.” She shuddered. “You can’t make me be in your movie.”

  “Oh, yes I can.” He nodded. “A contract’s a contract.”

  “You son of a—”

  “Who’s the desperate one now?” He placed his hand on her back. “It seems shady but you’re gonna thank me in the long run.”

  “Get out.” She slapped him. “Get out of my house and out of my life.”

  “Ain’t happening, sweetie.”

  “I’m not doing your film and you can kiss the crack of my black ass.”

  He patted her cheek. “You wanna be sued for millions bringing you even more embarrassment? I think not. I can’t wait to work with you.” He cackled. “I hope we put in a lot of long hours.”

  “Go to hell.” She shoved him out the kitchen. “No one makes me do what I don’t want. I’ll be the spokesmodel for Iris International, but I won’t be in your film. I’m getting my lawyers on this.”

  “Fine.” He sauntered across the living room, toward the front door. “We’ll set up a meeting if you want but it’ll be a waste of time.”

  “You’re a waste of a human being.”

  “Ouch.” He touched his chest, flinching as if she’d stabbed him in the heart. “You won’t win this battle, Gabrielle.” He opened the door, backing into the hallway. “Might as well surrender and realize the blessings you’ve been offered.” He blew a kiss.

  “Get out!” She raced toward him, swinging fists.

  He left.

  She punched the door. “Asshole.”

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  That night, Dash’s ranch hand Beckett greeted Sierra at the entrance gate of Dash’s ranch.

  In her white stiletto sandals, Sierra struggled to keep up with Beckett who navigated the curvy walkway with ease despite his clunky, cowboy boots.

  Beckett turned back, pointing to the mansion ahead. “I apologize, Miss Sierra. I could’ve driven you if the walk is too much.”

  “No.” She twisted in behind him as a breeze of fresh grass and sweet hay cuddled her. “I’m enjoying the walk.”

  They passed the large field equipped with state-of-the art stables.

  “Seeing you is a lovely surprise,” Beckett said. “You brighten this place up.”

  “I do?”

  “I deal with horses all day and every day. It’s a treat to see a pretty blonde once in a while.”

  “That’s sweet.” She held her dress as a breeze swept by.

  The more they walked the less attention she paid to Beckett and more to the fabulous property.

  “Damn.” He looked toward the purplish-black sky. “Weather’s coming in, huh?”

  “I saw on my weather app it might rain.” She scratched her arm. “It’s been a while so we need it.”

  He chuckled, straightening his cowboy hat. “Rain makes my job harder.”

  They got closer to the twinkling lights of the ivory-colored, Mediterranean-style mansion, surrounded by eucalyptus trees.

  “Now we gotta deal with mud and everything,” Beckett said. “And you know the horses go crazy when it rains.”

  Sierra giggled. “I remember.”

  “How long has it been since you were here?”

  “About a year.” She trekked, her stilettos reminding her she should’ve changed shoes. “Haven’t been since Dash and I stopped hanging out. I’m sure it was a surprise when I stopped coming.”

  “He hasn’t been the same since you and he stopped being friends.”

  She exhaled, weighed by guilt. “Is that right?”

  “He doesn’t have that spark anymore. Doesn’t seem to like anything but coming to this ranch. It was always an escape for him but now more than ever.”

  “Finally.” Sierra grinned as they made it to the gigantic front area of the mansion covered in Spanish step stones. “I’m not in as good of shape as I thought.”

  “Oh, you look like you’re in terrific shape.” He blushed, gripping the edge of his cowboy hat. “That walk seems to get longer when you haven’t been in a while.”

  “Isn’t that the truth?” She put on a front, but he’d always been a man to stare at a woman longer than he should. “Where’s Dash again?”

  “He’s in the den watching TV. He’s thinking of moving to the ranch.” Beckett nodded. “Yep, been talking about it for a while.”

  She touched the back of her dress. “I didn’t know.”

  “Anyway.” He clamped his callused hand over her wrist. “He’s gonna be happy you’re here.”

  “Um...” She loosened her hand from his grip. “Check you later, Beckett.”

  “Hey.” He grabbed her again when she tried to go up the entrance steps.

  “What is it?” She shivered.

  “I wanted to say I’m sorry.” His opaque eyes possessed a haunting glow. “For what you’re going through. It’s a shame. You’re a wonderful actress. I love all your movies.”

  “I appreciate that.”

  “You have any projects lined up?”

  “I’ll be talking to my agent soon.” She rushed to the door. “Hopefully she’ll have some good
news for me.”

  “I hope so.” His eyes got glossy. “Nice seeing you again.”

  She dashed into the house and let out a huge breath. “Creep.”

  She exchanged greetings with the housekeeper, zipped through the halls of orange and red flooring and reached the den.

  Under the cathedral ceiling and chandelier, Dash relaxed on the floral Santiago sofa.

  Batman vs. Superman blasted from the 84-inch LG TV.

  Sierra snickered at the irony of him watching a movie where he’d rejected the starring role. “Hey.”

  He jerked, liquor spilling from his glass onto his pants. “Sierra.”

  “I’m sorry.” She laughed, covering her mouth. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

  He wiped the drink off his thigh and stood. “I’ll get rid of this.”

  “It’s okay.” She gestured for him to sit. “I can handle being in the same room with alcohol.”

  “You sure?” He sat. “What are you doing here?”

  She walked down the concrete, entrance steps. “You invited me earlier, remember?”

  He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “As I recall, you rejected the offer.”

  “I changed my mind.” She stood on the red abstract rug. “You mind that I came?”

  He had a coy smile. “You know I don’t.”

  “Beckett still gives me the creeps. He’s always staring.”

  “You’re a beautiful woman. How can a man not pay you attention? He’s a huge fan of yours. Seen all your movies.”

  “I don’t know whether to be flattered or frightened.”

  “Come on. Lay off Beckett.” His gaze trailed her body. “Why did you come here?”

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Sierra smiled. “You’re not going to make this easy on me, huh?”

  “No way.” Dash propped his arm on the back of the sofa.

  “I wanted to see you.”

  He ran his tongue across his bottom lip. “Why?”

  “I wanted to say I was sorry for what I said in Hugh’s office.” She sat on the arm of the sofa. “I shouldn’t have cursed at you like that. I got mad.”

  “Yeah, but I like it when you’re mad. It’s sexy.” He scooted closer to her. “I’m sorry too for what I said. I didn’t mean it. No one admires your acting more than me.”