ROMEO

by Ruby Rowe

  I wish I knew why that is. Why Ava Leoni? It can’t only be her beauty since I’ve been around countless gorgeous women I’ve managed to resist. Maybe it’s her sass or her longing for something more than money or fame.

  I wanted to kiss her so damn bad yesterday, and if she hadn’t moved away, I might’ve said fuck it and devoured that mouth of hers.

  Her lips are just the right fullness to be sucked and bit, the upper one shaped like a perfect ruby heart. Eyeing her mouth across the room, I feel my cock twitch and tighten in my pants, so I adjust myself.

  I’m hoping she won’t recognize me here. I’m standing in a corner, having removed my suit jacket, and I’m wearing a mask myself, which seems odd, seeing how I’m always comfortable in the club without one. I hope no one I usually talk to approaches me.

  Abruptly, I push off the wall. Why is Matt speaking to her? A Top I know sits down across from Ava. I could tell from how he pointed to the chair that he asked first if she minded, but it doesn’t change how angry it makes me.

  She smiles, but she’s nervous. I know this from how she keeps glancing down at the table. She’s also rubbing the condensation on the side of her glass of water like I’ve watched her do before. She fidgets when she’s uncomfortable, and she’s doing it now.

  Smiling, she stands and follows Matt away from the table. He leads her down one of the hallways where there are private and themed rooms, and he better be only giving her a fucking tour.

  Every fiber of my being is nudging me to follow them, but she’ll spot me for sure. As much as she deserves her privacy and space, it’s killing me to give it to her.

  Matt’s an experienced Dom who likes variety. He finds new partners frequently and acts out different scenes every time he’s here.

  I don’t know what Ava’s experience is regarding BDSM, but from the way she ran out of here before, I suspect it’s minimal. If so, then she’s not ready for someone like Matt, who enjoys inflicting pain to a degree she wouldn’t expect.

  Dammit, I don’t want her experiencing this with him. It should be me breaking her in.

  Feeling my pulse thumping in my neck, I pull at my tie. Every second Ava’s out of my sight, it becomes harder to breathe. I have to get out of here before I do something that gets me fired and also banned from Dungeon Six.

  I should get the hell out of Ava’s life, as well, but that’s not going to happen any time soon. I’m determined to find the man scaring her with his threatening letters and packages.

  I’ll have to leave her one day, in order to stay alive, but it won’t be before I put that asshole behind bars and ensure that she’ll be safe without me.

  Ava

  “No, I have no interest in needles. Actually, I hate them,” I say, shaking my head as I stare through the glass into a medical exam room. It’s empty right now, and I have no desire to be the patient.

  “It doesn’t do anything for me, either,” Matt says. Relieved by his words, I look his way to give him a faint smile.

  “I was that little girl who while receiving a shot, could be heard screaming all the way from the parking lot of the doctor’s office.”

  Matt laughs. He’s handsome and maybe my age. His hair is dark and short like Griffin’s, but his eyes aren’t the same ocean blue. Instead, they’re onyx and a little sinister.

  “So, Ms. Moore, what is it you’re interested in?”

  I shrug. “I’m still trying to figure that out. A little bondage … sensory play … are the only areas where I have experience. I’m pretty much a newbie.”

  “I happen to like newbies. If you’re interested, I could introduce you to some things privately. I’ll even spring for the room here.”

  I brave a look at him again. His hands are hanging loosely from the pockets of his jeans, and his sleeves are rolled up his forearms, revealing patches of dark hair.

  I can’t help but wonder how hairy he is underneath those clothes. I look into his eyes, and they display an eagerness for me to agree to his proposition.

  “From what you said earlier at the table, it sounds like you have a lot of experience.”

  “I do, and that means I know what I’m doing and won’t hurt you outside of what you’re comfortable with. Although, I can’t deny I’d like to inflict pain on you, so I hope you’re open to it.”

  My throat thickens. “I need a little more time to think about my limits. Maybe I could meet you back here next Friday night to talk about it.”

  “I can live with that, seeing how restraint is something I’m trained in.” He gives me a flirtatious smile, but his eyes tell his darkest desires, and I’m fighting not to flee like I did the first time I was here.

  “Thank you for the tour, but I should be going. I have a driver, and he’s been waiting.”

  “I’ll walk you to the door.”

  “That’s OK. I can let myself out. I hope you find what you’re looking for tonight.” After one last smile, I hurry toward the end of the hallway.

  I want to try new things, I do, but I can’t say I’m ready to take that leap of faith, which is what I’d be doing if I shared time with Matt tonight. Maybe if I keep returning, I’ll find it in myself to try, but could I ever trust someone not to go to the press?

  Arriving at the first exit door, I do as Griffin insisted and text him that I’m leaving. I wait for about a minute, to ensure he’s outside, before I walk out the last door and into the darkness.

  He’s standing only a few feet away, the streetlight shining down on him, and he looks irritable. He was like this on the way here, and I don’t understand since we discussed the arrangement beforehand. I made it clear that I’d be going inside without him, but he’s still brooding.

  “Hi,” I say as I pass by him and walk to the car Harold has pulled up to the curb.

  “Did you have any trouble inside?”

  “No.” Kellen is waiting by the vehicle, glancing around the area. We all get in, and I stare at the building as we pull away. Needing time to process what I experienced, I lay my head back against the seat and close my eyes, hoping that no one speaks to me.

  I want to focus on Matt, and the sexual acts I’m interested in trying, but all I can picture is Griffin and how close he was to me yesterday in my kitchen. I also recall how I got myself off in bed again while thinking of him.

  After watching scenes inside the dungeon, I’m horny, and it doesn’t help that I haven’t had sex in months. The last time was with Oliver, right before we broke up. I’m missing human contact, and I want it with Griffin.

  ***

  I’ve been trying to fall asleep for an hour, but the house is warmer than usual. My groundskeeper/maintenance guy programs the thermostat, and I need to have Holly ask him if the temperature was lowered for the summer.

  On top of feeling hot, I keep thinking about Griffin and how bad I crave sex. I kick off the covers and groan in frustration. I’m never going to fall asleep like this, so I get out of bed and stroll to the window that overlooks the lawn and pool.

  Light filters out from Griffin’s apartment, and I wonder what he’s doing. Since I seldom leave, he’s shut in often, so what does he do to occupy his time besides exercise?

  Maybe I’ll take a stroll around the property or have a dip in the pool. There are more stars twinkling in the sky tonight than stars in Hollywood, and I love seeing how the pool water shimmers in the moonlight. Geez, Ava, listen to yourself. Just admit you’re hoping to get a glimpse of him.

  I slide my feet into some flip-flops and pad downstairs. Punching in the code to the alarm system, I step out on the veranda and notice it’s cooler outside than in the house.

  The abrupt change makes bumps rise on my arms, so I rub them. They’re bare since I’m wearing only a tank top with my thin pajama shorts.

  I stroll across the backyard in front of Griffin’s place. The curtains in the living room are slightly pulled back, and I can see his torso as he sits in a chair with a book in his lap. Shit, he’s attractive and reads.


  Not wanting him to notice me, I veer left and walk farther out on my property, toward my gazebo. I take a seat on a bench inside it, and although I can’t see the blooming flowers surrounding the structure, I can inhale the scent of them, and they smell wonderful.

  The white gazebo is only ever on display, looking pretty, and it hits me that I’ve never sat in here before. I should get more use out of it.

  I glance around, and in the dark, I can barely make out the black fencing surrounding my property. I wonder if Romeo could find a way over it.

  I shouldn’t have named him. It gives him power, but saying stalker repeatedly is more upsetting to me.

  Hearing footsteps from behind, I twist my torso to have a look. I can’t see anyone, but I know I heard footsteps. Maybe I’m paranoid since I’m dwelling on Romeo.

  I strain to look again, and from the moonlight shining on the yard, I spot a shadow moving. Once I hear a rustling sound, I jump to my feet and run fast toward Griffin’s apartment. I pound on the door and hear him move immediately.

  “Ms. Lane, is everything OK?” he asks after swinging the door open.

  “There’s someone on the property.” I’m panting for air as he grabs my arms and pulls me inside, shutting and locking the door behind him.

  “It’s probably a security guard, but don’t open this door for anyone but me, and don’t go near the windows,” he says before he grabs a pistol and keys from the nightstand.

  With an ominous look in his eyes, he barrels straight for the door. I move farther inside the apartment to sit at his dinette set, and as I look around the open floor plan, I bite on my nail and tap my foot. I’m worrying about his safety as much as my own, and the wait is torturous.

  About ten minutes pass before I hear the lock rattle and watch Griffin step inside. I stand as he puts his gun away and looks at me.

  “Well?”

  “It was only a guard. He’s one of the extra guys I added to the night detail to patrol the property.”

  I rub my forehead. “I feel stupid. I should’ve thought of that.”

  “No, it’s better to be safe, but what were you doing out in the yard this late?”

  “I couldn’t sleep, so I came outside to sit in the gazebo.”

  “You should’ve let me know first. You could’ve been hurt if the guard had mistaken you for an intruder.”

  I clutch my hip. “I’m starting to feel like a child with you around. I shouldn’t have to ask permission to be in my own yard.”

  “Look, you can do whatever the hell you want. Just tell me first so I can keep you safe. While this Romeo is free, it’s not wise to leave your house at night without me accompanying you.”

  “Fine, I’ll tell you next time.” Now that he’s standing still, I take in the sight of him. He’s only wearing athletic shorts again, and today they’re resting even lower on his hips. He’s in nothing else, and I’m struggling to pull my eyes away from his defined muscles.

  My nipples pebble against my tank top, and remembering it’s white and thin, I cross my arms to cover them. “This place is nice inside, but it’s not big enough,” I say.

  I look around and tuck a strand of my blond hair behind my ear. “Maybe I should have new guest quarters built.”

  “It’s enough space for me.”

  I bring my eyes back to him, and his gaze travels up my body until he stares at me with intensity. What is he thinking? Does the same attraction vibrate through him, or is he waiting for me to leave? Feeling like I’m intruding on his home, I walk toward him and the door.

  “I’m sorry I alarmed you. I should’ve known it was security.”

  “Ava, you did the right thing. You can call or come here any hour of the day or night. It’s my job to respond.”

  “I like it when you say my first name.” I step around him to leave, but he grabs my arm, and in seconds I’m pinned against the door by his firm body.

  He plants a palm by my head while his other hand grips my waist. Struggling for a breath, I meet his gaze.

  “Don’t say shit like that. Just the sight of you makes it near impossible not to act.”

  “Act how?”

  “To act on touching you, Ava. It’s tempting as hell.”

  “Why?”

  “Why the fuck not?” He gives a puzzled look.

  “Because I’m a decade older than you.”

  “Don’t word it like that. I don’t notice the difference.”

  “I want you to touch me, but I need your protection more.”

  “You don’t seem to enjoy me protecting you. Touching you, on the other hand, would leave you begging for more.”

  Ducking his head, he skims his nose up my neck and blows out a heavy breath in my ear. “Fuck, I want a taste of you, but I take my job seriously, so for that reason, I’ll find restraint.”

  I nod to convince myself that it’s what he should do. He raises his head, and we stare each other down, once again, hoping that the other will make a move.

  “Let me walk you to the house.”

  “OK,” I whisper.

  CHAPTER NINE

  Ava

  “Drake, hi.” I stand from my patio chair and smile at my friend who has co-starred with me in all but four films.

  “Hi, gorgeous.” Walking over to my side of the table, he snakes an arm around my waist and kisses my cheek. “Damn, vacation and sunshine agree with you. You look amazing.”

  “Oh, stop, but thank you.” I motion toward the chair across from me, encouraging him to sit.

  “Always modest, which I’ll never get.”

  “I see you brought your notebook. Are we really doing this?”

  “I promise to handle everything but the script. I want us to write it together.”

  “I’ll try. Do you have a plot in mind?” Janelle opens one of the French doors and brings over a tray with our lunch. She sets a bowl of chicken and cranberry salad in front of each of us and grins at Drake.

  “Mr. Gerard, what can I get you to drink?” she asks.

  “Water will be fine,” he replies, returning a smile. She bats her long lashes at him, and the only plus to her flirting with my guests is it’s not limited to only Griffin.

  She bustles back to the door in her maid’s dress, and I notice how pretty her black hair is in its tight bun. She’s twenty-four and naturally tanned, whereas when I tan, my freckles emerge from hibernation.

  What’s with my sudden hang-up over younger, beautiful women? I know it all began when Sydney secured a couple of roles we both auditioned for. Then, Oliver cheating with a younger woman only confirmed my fears that my age was becoming an issue.

  “So, has there been any progress on catching your stalker?”

  I scrunch my forehead. “No, and I’m sick of worrying about it. I don’t know how far he’ll take his obsession.”

  Drake reaches across the table and squeezes my hand.

  “I can see why you have a stalker.”

  “What is that supposed to mean?”

  “You’re beautiful, and you’ve been in the spotlight for some time now. The public believes you’re the real-life version of the American Sweetheart you portray in films, and I must agree. What man wouldn’t fall in love with you?”

  “Uh, many. You, for example, and this man is delusional if he believes his actions would make me like him. He’s a quack. Besides, he’s never even eluded to who he is. He only wishes to torment me through the U.S. Postal Service.”

  “Maybe he’s someone you’ve rejected in the past.”

  I yank my hand away. “Are you defending the man who routinely threatens my life?”

  “Ava, absolutely not.” He furrows his brow. “I’m only trying to make sense of his infatuation.”

  “Well, I don’t want to talk about it any longer. It’s upsetting.” I grab my water to quench my dry mouth. My hand trembles, and I hate the distress Romeo causes me.

  “Oh…”

  “What now?”

  “I was thinking we could writ
e a script based on your experience with having a stalker.”

  I shake my head. “No, I refuse to glorify his behavior.”

  “You want to star in an unforgettable drama, right? You’ve told me countless times over the years that you want to show a layer of complexity and emotion that no one has witnessed from you before.

  “I can’t think of a better time to express that then while your unsettling emotions are at the surface, waiting for validation. You’ll hardly need to conjure them up. Your anger, sadness, fear and frustration, you can let them out on the big screen.”

  “Lord, do you ever get out of character?”

  Janelle returns with Drake’s water, and after he takes a drink, he slides a hand along the side of his wavy light brown hair, giving me an impish smile in the process.

  “I’m not putting on an act. My gut tells me this could be a masterpiece, and everyone would want to watch it because it’s true. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at their American Sweetheart.”

  I clap my hands. “Bravo, Mr. Gerard. Bravo.” As he shakes his head, his cheeks turn pink. “Seriously, Drake, I think you should be a signing agent rather than an actor.”

  “Come on,” he replies. “Just humor me, and write one scene of how this all began.”

  I slouch and sigh. “I can’t believe I’m falling for this.”

  Grabbing my hand again, he leans over the table.

  “It’s because you want to show the world you’re a human being with feelings, and who better to have by your side than the man you’ve most trusted on camera?”

  Drake gazes at me with his piercing dark eyes that remind me of Matt’s from Dungeon Six.

  “And what role would you play?”

  “Your hero … or your Romeo. I’ll let you decide.”

  “Romeo will never be mine.” The French doors open, and Griffin walks out. In an instant, his eyes hone in on Drake’s hand holding mine. He glowers, so I pull it away.

  “Griffin, how can I help you?”