“I’m not surprised he hasn’t told you,” Tasha said. “He’s so stubborn and prideful. Anyway, make sure he gets plenty of sleep and takes his vitamins. He’s lucky he got away with a broken finger and toe.”
A gasp from the crowd drew everyone’s attention to the track. A rider cartwheeled over his bike. A second bike swerved wide to avoid the downed bike, and a plume of smoke blocked out the action.
Amy’s heart struggled to jackhammer from her chest. The bike that crashed was blue, just like Teo’s. She strained to squint and see while swallowing a lump in her throat.
Everyone directed their attention to the jumbotron monitor while the surviving racers rounded another tight turn and came toward them. Blue. Blue. Blue. Amy’s hands clutched in front of her chest. A blue bike streaked down the straightway. Number sixty-nine. Teo was safe. But Ronaldo was down. The cameras zoomed in on him. He leaped up a little too quickly, gave a thumbs up, and wobbled onto the grass where medics met him. Good. He hadn’t been hurt badly.
Tasha tapped Amy’s arm. “Teo’s okay. I’ll never forget the day I saw him slide out. It was a spectacular crash, but when it’s someone you care about, everything changes.”
Everything had changed. Amy grit her teeth and begged her heart to settle down. She didn’t know Teo from Adam, couldn’t care less about him. And even though no one was hurt, her heart continued to beat like war drums. Each menacing roar of the motors brought cold sweat along with the realization that death could occur in a split second.
A cold spear of ice threaded through her heart. Why was Teo racing? What did Mia mean about it being sad? There was something pathetic about a guy who had everything money could buy risking his life for a sport, a momentary thrill, a borderline of fame. Was his life so shallow? And if not, why did the thought of missing out on Teo’s life crater her heart into her stomach?
* * *
Teo and Ronaldo’s after race parties were legendary. While other contestants huddled in motor homes or retired to bug-ridden motels, the two sons of billionaires rented a suite at the same posh estate they’d had their team dinner. Whether they won or lost, they had reason to celebrate the fact they lived to race another day.
Tonight was no different. Teo had finished a respectable fifth, and he was ready to party. He stepped out of the shower and dried his hair.
Ronaldo stood in front of the sink, misting himself with cologne. “Mia says Amy didn’t make a good show in front of your sister today.”
“Why? What happened?” Teo tugged a T-shirt over his head and shoulders. “Was she sick?”
“More like iceberg cold. She wasn’t the least bit worried about you crashing. Tasha said she continued to watch the race with a bloodlust gleam in her eye, as if watching crashes were the main reason to spectate.”
Ronaldo was the drama king. He seemed to enjoy wrecking his bike and rehashing every incident. His arm candy women were expected to ooze concern over every bruise.
“Maybe Amy’s just stoic. I can’t have her falling apart after every crash.” Teo spritzed his chest with cologne to cover the twisty twinge in his heart that she might not care at all. “She better be coming to the party, or Tasha will suspect she’s not really my girlfriend.”
“No worries there.” Ronaldo combed his sleek hair. “I told Tasha it was still early in your relationship. Amy and you only met a week ago in Los Angeles.”
Teo pulled on a pair of jeans. “Did she buy it? What do you think she’ll tell Oba-chan?”
“Doesn’t matter what she says. Your job is to figure out why Amy didn’t seem to care if you lived or died.”
“Whatever. You’re the one who crashed, not me. I’m sure she’ll act real friendly at the party, at least friendly enough for a fake girlfriend.”
Ronaldo brushed his hair back, his upper lip twisted to one side. “You have to up your game and get her to fall in love with you. She might be able to fool a studio audience, but not a grandmother.”
“Especially mine.” Teo wiped gel into his hair. “What more can I do to convince her I’m into her? I’m sleeping alone these days. Shouldn’t that count?”
“What a big sacrifice you made.” Ronaldo threw a punch on Teo’s bicep. “Poor baby. Did your dick shrivel off from inactivity?”
“Shut it.” Teo packed his clothes into an overnight bag. “It’s time to take my relationship with Amy to the next level. Watch and learn.”
Fifteen minutes later, he arrived at the ballroom doused in his most sexy cologne, Le Male Terrible. A few of his many half-brothers and sisters were there, but most of them were scattered around the world thanks to his father’s fertility and money.
“Teo!” His sister Tasha, the one closest to his age, spread her arms for a hug. Her mother had held onto his father longest, being a Greek heiress.
Teo smooched her on both cheeks and spotted Amy chatting with Ronaldo who had his arm around her shoulder. Teo’s jaw tightened. Ronaldo would always have the advantage where Amy was concerned, since his family included Hollywood producers and directors and his grandmother was Amanda Silver, the doyen of movie casting.
Tasha patted his shoulders and straightened his collar. “Ronaldo’s too much of a flirt. He’s not used to you having a real girlfriend. Frankly, I’m surprised too. Amy doesn’t seem like your type.”
“In what way?” Teo’s gaze tracked Ronaldo and Amy as they made their way to the bar. Amy was wearing a clingy dress displaying her well-toned curves. Platform stilettos brought her eye level to Ronaldo’s five and a half feet, but she’d still be comfortably below his five-nine. Racers weren’t chosen for bulk, but speed and agility, especially since the rider and bike’s combined weight had to edge as close to the allowed limit as possible.
“Not that you’ve ever had a girlfriend before.” Tasha laughed. “Amy doesn’t worship the ground you walk on. You sure you can handle it?”
“She’s exactly what I want. I can’t handle a needy woman.” He strode toward Amy and peeled her out of Ronaldo’s arms.
“Hey, sweetie.” He placed a delicate kiss on her lips, just a brush, not enough to mess up her lipstick. “You look sexy hot. Enjoying the party?”
From the corner of his eye, he noticed the cameraman. Dang. Whatever response from her would be scripted. Sure enough, she smiled, her eyes lighting up on cue.
“Not until you showed up.” Her fingers traced over his collarbone. “You’re not looking half bad yourself.”
The blush on her cheeks. Was that real? If not, she was an awesome actress.
“What will you have to drink?” He raised his eyebrow at a waiter, eager to play her game of mock seduction.
“Whatever you’re having.” She seemed oblivious to Ronaldo and the drink he tried to wedge between them.
A flush of pride puffed Teo’s chest. Ronaldo might have his pick of chicks, but tonight, he was getting the brush off from the one who mattered. This actress idea was fabulous, especially since all the paparazzi were out in full force. Oba-chan was sure to be stalking on social media.
Teo picked two champagne flutes from the waiter and handed one to Amy. “I owe you a walk in the gardens. No tulips this time of the year, but lots of private space.”
He didn’t understand why he wanted to get away from the spotlight, especially since his goal was to showcase Amy everywhere he went as his real girlfriend.
She took his offered arm and nodded, smiling at him as if he were a prince. “You’re a naughty boy, Mr. Alexiou. The camera crew didn’t bring spotlights.”
“Good, let’s go for the darkest corner and give them the slip,” he whispered. “I’ll meet you out back beside the peeing baby fountain.”
“Sounds like fun.” She licked her lips and drained the rest of the champagne flute. Twirling so that her short dress fluttered above her panty line, she sashayed toward the powder room.
Chapter 8
Amy grinned to herself as she slid onto the marble bench next to the urinating cherub. It was ten in the mornin
g the following day. Teo had said to meet her here last night, but she’d ditched him. It had been rather amusing to leave his party early once he’d cut the cameras. She’d exited the powder room after arranging for a taxi and had had a blissful night of sleep in the soft bed back at the hotel.
She’d been undisturbed until she turned on her phone after waking up. There was a short message from Mia telling her to wait for Teo at the fountain this morning for their outing. The film crew was set up, but Teo was late. He was probably paying her back for last night.
Not a problem. She had an e-reader app on her phone and she could spend the morning relaxing near the delightful gurgling of falling water, a luxury not allowed in drought stricken California.
The roar of a motorcycle blew away her peaceful thoughts. Teo’s bike skidded to a stop, spraying gravel over her jeans.
He raised his helmet visor and cocked his head in a cloud of male arrogance. “Hop on.”
His commanding voice did all sorts of squishy things to her lower regions, but Amy stiffened her neck and stomped toward the French door. A camera lens blocked her path and she almost knocked down the soundman.
Where were her cue cards? Was Mia too lazy to write her lines? Whatever. Amy was definitely not going anywhere close to a dangerous motorcycle, especially since the man straddling it made her want to self-combust.
“You gotta be kidding.” She flipped her hair over her shoulders and pointed her nose to the sky. “I only travel in limos, Mr. Alexiou. Surely, you can hire one.”
He walked the bike closer to her and scowled. “No girlfriend of mine refuses to ride. I have a helmet and jacket for you.”
The way his smooth voice said girlfriend had her jiggly parts jiggling, but she wouldn’t be won over that easily. Her jaw tightened. “I won’t get on that bike. That wasn’t in the script.”
“I’m writing the script, darling, and since you ditched me last night, I’m punishing you.” His gaze hardened.
“I specifically requested nothing dangerous. Ronaldo agreed.” Amy’s skin heated, her heartbeat quickening. “You can’t make me get on that bike.”
“Then you’re in breach. Shall I send you home?” He grabbed her arm and yanked her up to his bike, its motor hot and idling like a growling bear.
“What? You wouldn’t.” A shiver chilled her spine despite the fire fighting its way up from her lower regions.
He squeezed her arm, firmly, but not enough to hurt. “You have no idea what I would or wouldn’t do. You’ve made me angry. Very angry.”
Amy shuddered, not because of his domineering touch, or the way his masculine intensity stirred the jelly inside her girly parts. She bit her lip, hating what she was about to do next.
Lowering her gaze, she touched his forearm, clutching onto him. “I’m afraid of motorcycles. Please don’t make me get on one.”
“So, the lady begs.” One side of Teo’s mouth lifted in the mother of all smirks. “In exchange, what will you agree to do?”
“What do you want?” The heat of his touch was turning her brain to mush. His scent, all leather and motor oil, was terribly sexy, and the way he dominated her had her shaking like a leaf in the wind.
“One night without rules.” He remove his helmet and pulled her into his arms.
She was resting right up against the fuel tank, so close the heat radiated off the bike, and the vibrations made her heart jitter.
Her breath barely cleared her throat. “When?”
“At my choosing.” His lips closed around her earlobe, and his hot breath drew tingles over her neck and shoulders. He nipped her with the edge of his teeth, a sharp reminder of what she’d agreed to—a night without rules.
Amy swallowed and collected her wits despite the urge to collapse at his feet. Later was later. She had time to strengthen her resolve. If he thought a night without rules would work to his advantage, he didn’t know the first thing about her.
“Fine, call the limo.” Amy yanked herself from Teo’s grip. “I’ll meet you up front.”
* * *
Later that evening, Amy and Teo were having dinner inside a private canal boat he’d rented. The day couldn’t have been more perfect. Was Teo warming up to her or was he getting better at acting?
Since they’d shot enough footage during the day, the camera crew joined them for beer and refreshments. The water in the canal was calm, and the air hung balmy—a perfect ending to a perfect day. Would a real romantic date with a real boyfriend have ended so pleasantly?
“Here’s to an awesome first date.” Teo raised his beer mug and tapped it against Amy’s. His phony seductive voice stirred discordant chords in her gut.
“Oh stop it, you don’t have to say that.” Amy jerked her mug, causing some of the beer to slosh over the side. “They’re not recording this.”
Everything had been too easy. Teo had taken her shopping, they’d bought souvenirs, visited a chocolate factory, and dined at an old tavern made to look like the inside of an eighteenth century windmill, all wood and stone. All the while, his attention and charm mocked her, like she could only score a sexy hunk on a fake reality show date, not real life.
Teo dipped his head toward her, his arm around her shoulder. “Come on, admit it. You enjoyed yourself with me.”
Across from them, the cameraman readied the video recorder and lights, and the soundman propped up the mics.
“It was fun,” Amy whispered. “Do they really have to record everything I say?”
“Yes, unless we’re behind closed doors.” He spoke into her ear. Tingles sizzled down her spine at the way his voice flowed, smooth and seductive. His sexy scent stimulated her belly to clench with desire.
“Sorry, not in my contract.” She clamped her lips shut and tamped down the pesky hormones rioting down under. She had to put some distance between them or she’d succumb to his honeyed tongue.
Flushing at the thought of his pointy tongue, she stood to scoot away from him. The boat jostled with a loud, splintering thump. Amy lost her balance and landed in Teo’s lap. The heat rising from his crotch burned through the thin fabric of her dress, and she swallowed hard.
Men’s voices shouted, and the sound of scuffles pounded on deck. The cameraman swung just in time to capture two masked men barging into the salon. One waved a red rose in front of Amy while the other strummed his guitar.
“It is I, Ronaldo,” the man with the rose said, kneeling. “I’ve heard from reliable sources you are not ‘into’ Teo, that you’ve been pining over me. You ditched Teo last night, refused to ride with him, and yawned at his stories. Say the word, and I’ll be the racer you romance next.”
What kind of game was he playing? Was this a trick question where if she answered wrong, she’d be on her way home? Hadn’t she played the part of Teo’s girlfriend well enough? Or was this one of the complications all reality shows had?
Amy’s pulse jumped. What should she do? She couldn’t afford to be sent home now. Stick to Teo or make a try for Ronaldo?
She glanced at Teo. His face was as stone except for the vein pulsing at his temple. Too strange. It was almost as if he really cared.
“My lady?” Ronaldo smothered her hand with a kiss. “Take my rose, and Teo’s off the show. I’ll meet you in Germany in two weeks.” Ronaldo twirled the rose in her face while the guitarist strummed a jumble of clashing notes.
“What happens if I don’t?” Amy’s hand found Teo’s under the table. She had enjoyed his company. Besides, there was something about Teo that intrigued her, a pervasive sadness underneath his arrogant bravado. Frankly, she couldn’t see herself saying goodbye to him. Not now, at least.
“Then you must tell me one thing you like about him,” Ronaldo replied.
So, this was a test. She squeezed Teo’s hand. Looking into his eyes, she said the first thing that came into her mind.
“I like a man who doesn’t flinch.”
He reeled her in, without blinking, and their foreheads touched, then the tips of thei
r noses. Amy moved first, tilting her face to capture his lips. Sure enough, no flinching.
His lips met hers straight on, his mouth already open. She pressed in, tasting the tang of chocolate and peppermint they’d shared before the interruption. She ran her tongue around the rim of his mouth, breathing him in. He was relaxed, waiting for her, unlike the other times they’d kissed.
She rather liked taking control. Sucking on his luscious lower lip, she dug her nails into the back of his neck. It was like spurring a horse. With a throaty groan, Teo turned his head and jockeyed his tongue into her mouth. Sinful, sexy, and demanding.
A powerful rush swooshed over her entire body. Heat raged in her belly, her breasts ached to be touched, and her tongue matched his stroke for stroke. What was going on? She’d never been kissed like this before, or rather let herself kiss a man so passionately.
Panting for breath, she caressed his stubbly jaw and leaned back, bringing his eyes open. The intense darkness of his irises, focused, seductive, tempting, shot daggers into her heart. He wanted her, and it pained him. There was no mistaking the flicker of agony before the carefree mask smoothed his face.
He tapped her nose and grinned. “Two weeks, sweetie. I’ll see you in Germany.”
Chapter 9
“Twenty thousand dollars.” Amy waved the check in front of Peter, her apartment mate and best buddy. “While I was gone, did you line up any auditions?”
She was back in Los Angeles, after a rather successful shooting of Romancing the Racer. She had a little less than two weeks before the next session in Germany.
“You’ve a full schedule for walk-on roles, and a couple of TV dramas.” Peter, her self-styled agent, swiped at the check, but Amy tucked it behind her back.
She sauntered to the ratty old couch and flopped on it. “After I pay off the back rent and give you your cut, we might be able to buy new furniture.”
“First, let’s do a wardrobe check.” Peter lugged her suitcases to her room.
“Can you believe they let me keep the jeweled gown?” Amy said, following him. “I really captured Teo’s eye with that one.”
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