ROMEO

by Ruby Rowe

  “Fine, I get that you enjoy inflicting pain. I’m finding I enjoy being on the receiving end of it, but why in front of a crowd?” Looking back at me, he shoves his hand into my hair and exhales the effect my words have on him.

  “It’s self-expression, like an art to me. In the club, I direct the scenes and control the crowds. I draw them into my world. It’s my time.

  “You know as a bodyguard that my life revolves around my client’s. It’s her holidays, birthdays, vacations and parties, but this is for me, and it’s the only time no one outside of the club can reach me. You’re the only person outside of Dungeon Six who knows about it.”

  He glances around the theater as he massages my scalp. “You wanting to be alone in this room shows me you understand how important that kind of time is to me.”

  “If you need more time off to go to your favorite place, that can be arranged. There are plenty of other guards who can fill in for you.”

  “Like I said before, cut the shit. You know I want you.”

  “You also made it clear you can’t have me.”

  “I’ve changed my mind. We both know what I crave, but the question is, what do you want, Ava? What were you hoping to find at Dungeon Six?”

  “Something thrilling and daring. It’s exhausting being America’s Sweetheart, so I was trying to push myself past my comfort zone. Obviously, having a husband and family isn’t meant to be, so I want erotic rather than romance. From my experience, the latter only ends badly.”

  “Perfect then. We’re together often, so we can give each other what we need. I’ll get to be in my world while I’m immersed in yours, and vice-versa.”

  “I’m not going to be on display at the club. I realized I’m not that kind of exhibitionist.”

  “I don’t want you to be. I prefer to have you to myself and in private.” Pushing my robe open, he cups my breast and massages it. “I can’t find it in me to share our intimate time together or the sight of you naked.”

  I close my eyes and breathe in through my parted lips.

  “I still think you need what the club gives you.”

  “Not if I can have it my way with you.”

  “Then no one can find out,” I mumble.

  “I agree, and I need you to answer a question before this begins.” I open my eyes about the time Griffin leans over and bites my nipple. Grabbing his damp hair, I flinch from the sting.

  His tongue swirls around the pointy tip before he blows on it slowly, making it ache further. He sits up and tilts my head back to see my face. His hand fists my hair tighter, the act only getting me wetter.

  “Are you still in love with Mickey DeLuca?”

  “No,” I reply breathlessly.

  “Then why do I keep seeing him in your personal space?”

  “Because Mickey and I have a complicated history, but I made it clear to him that he needs to stop pursuing me.”

  “Promise me that while we’re in this arrangement, you’ll keep other men’s hands off of you. If I have to intervene, we’ll be busted for sure.”

  “I promise, as long as you’re not planning to be intimate with other women.”

  “Unlike your exes, I’m not a cheating asshole.”

  “Then I’ll do my best. Ahhh,” I exclaim as he pinches my nipple and doesn’t let go.

  “You promised, Ava, and if you break your promise, I’ll have to punish you, along with the men who crossed the line.” Moving his mouth to my ear, he traces it with his tongue, and damn, the scent of him could get me high.

  Bumps rise on my skin as he skirts his mouth down my neck and to my chest. Shoving my robe open farther, he eyes my body. “You’re such a Hollywood cliché in this robe and those damn fuzzy slippers,” he says before he pulls them off my feet and throws them across the room. “That’s not the Ava I know.”

  “Fuck you. I like my slippers.”

  Squatting in front of me, he pushes his upper body between my legs and yanks my pelvis forward.

  “Your foul mouth is going to get you into a world of trouble.”

  “Fine then. Fuck. You. Griffin Scott.” Grasping the strap on my robe, he jerks it, sliding it effortlessly right out of the belt loops. Feeling panicked, I grab his shoulders.

  “Wait–please not here and not tonight. I’ve never had this kind of arrangement with someone. Neither of us knows how it will end, so please, anywhere but my favorite place.”

  Wrapping the strap of my robe around his hand, he cocks his head to the side.

  “Why not tonight?”

  “Have you forgotten what I saw only hours ago?”

  “That wasn’t the same as this, and you know it.” He kisses the inside of my knee before he works his way up my inner thigh. “She’s not you. You’re so much more,” he breathes against my leg.

  “I can’t be more. Remember that. Please … tomorrow.” Sighing, he stands and grips the arms of my chair, so I stare up at him.

  “I understand, but I’m coming for you tomorrow, and it’ll be when you least expect it.” Ducking, he kisses my cheek and disappears from my favorite space that just became a hell of a lot more memorable.

  Ava

  “Holly, good morning,” I say as she approaches me on the veranda.

  “Morning. I got your text message and added your one o’clock appointment with Mr. Gerard, but Sullivan’s calling you at twelve forty-five.”

  My agent, Rozanne… “What, is she fitting me in on her lunch break? That woman hasn’t made me a priority in ages.”

  “Sorry. That’s the time her assistant gave me, but I can call back and schedule it for another day.”

  I wave my hand toward her. “No, it’s fine. Will you please let Mr. Scott know that we’ll be leaving at twelve thirty?”

  “Yes, I’ll call him now. Anything else?”

  “Sydney will be over for dinner tomorrow, so have Janelle prepare something special. I think that’s everything.” Taking a good look at Holly, I smile at her. “I like your new haircut.”

  “Oh, thank you.” Picking up a strand of her thick auburn hair, she studies it and blushes. I know that look. This new style was fueled by a man.

  “Does someone have a new love interest?” I ask, smiling.

  “Actually, I’ve been meaning to discuss that with you.”

  Please don’t say you have the hots for Griffin.

  “Would you be opposed to me dating one of your staff?”

  Shit. I drop my morning paper. “Who might that be?”

  “It’s Kellen.” She glances away and smiles.

  “You’re already dating him, aren’t you?”

  “I’m sorry. I know I shouldn’t see a fellow employee, but he’s always been flirty, and then one night we ran into each other at a bar, and well, the rest is history.”

  “Or the rest is burned into your brain.” I giggle, and she covers her chest.

  “Oh, I’m so relieved you’re OK with it.”

  “I am unless it falls apart and I lose an employee. Don’t tell Kellen, but it better be him and not you.”

  “I’ll do my best not to let it interfere with work.”

  “Um, this is probably out of line to ask, but he didn’t mind that you’re a little older? What four years? I mean, I don’t think it’s a lot or anything. I was just curious if it came up.” I shake my head. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.”

  “No, it’s OK. I did make a joke about it, but he said it wasn’t an issue. I don’t think guys worry about that as much as women do.”

  “Yeah, maybe not, but it’s hard to believe since Hollywood takes it into account.”

  Holly gives me an empathetic look before she glances down at her schedule.

  “OK, I’ll call Mr. Scott now to let him know when you’re leaving.” She types away on her tablet before she marches to the door. Thank goodness she’s not after Griffin, but I better not lose her as an assistant, or I’ll personally kick Kellen in the balls.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Av
a

  I’m anxious as I meet Griffin outside. I haven’t spoken to him since he left my theater last night, and he appears serious now.

  “Good day, Ms. Lane,” he says indifferently before he holds the door open for me.

  “Hi.” To acknowledge Kellen, as well, I give him a smile. Once we’re all in the car, and the silence falls on us, I fish my phone from my purse and use it to distract myself from Griffin, but it’s useless.

  I feel his breath on my ear. “You’re going to need that phone later.”

  What the hell does that mean?

  Closing my thighs, I suck in a breath, along with his enticing scent of cedar and citrus. He sits up and looks out the passenger window like he didn’t just taunt me with what’s to come.

  Shaking my head, I catch up on reading my emails, and when my phone rings in my hand, I jump. Rozanne Sullivan.

  “Hello.”

  “Ava, sweetheart…” I roll my eyes. “How are you today?”

  “Great. How are you?”

  “I’m fabulous, and I have good news about that film we were discussing last week.”

  “Yes, the drama. Does Leary want to meet with me?”

  “Oh, no, I wasn’t talking about that film. He decided to go with Kara Elliott. I’m talking about the one Gabe Harrington’s producing … the romantic comedy.”

  “Oh.” I lean my head against the glass. “What are the details?”

  “Naturally, he wants both you and Drake. Animals are the in thing right now, so the story is about two pet lovers whose dogs try to attack each other at the dog park, so then the owners have it out, too.” She’s not going to stop to breathe.

  “Not long after that, they enter their pets in this contest to appear on one of the morning television shows, and they both get picked, so they have to see each other again, and one starts humping the other on stage and yada, yada, yada, they fall in love. It sounds like such a riot—”

  “The dogs or the people start humping on stage?” I chide.

  “Well, the dogs, of course. Wait–you’re being sarcastic. You’re angry.”

  “No, I’m disappointed.” I shift to face the door, hoping Griffin pays less attention to my conversation, but I swear the man misses nothing. “Are you even fighting for me to get a serious part?”

  “Yes, but we’ve had this conversation before. Viewers love seeing you and Drake in the romantic comedies. I so wish you two would fall in love in real life. That would only add to the Gerard /Lane craze.”

  “Drake and I will never be a thing, so you can forget that right now, and I better not see a rumor about it in the tabloids, or I’ll find a new agent.”

  “Damn, you’re testy today.”

  “No, I’m tired. I’m tired of you falling short at finding me a leading role in a drama. Maybe I need to go on the hunt for auditions myself, or just maybe I need a new agent.”

  “Ava, don’t do anything rash. I’m trying; I swear. Have you eaten today?” Pushing the end button on my phone, I throw it on the floor.

  “I told you you’re going to need that later,” Griffin says.

  “Yeah, well, you can shove it up your ass instead.”

  He shuts the partition before his hardened gaze latches on to mine.

  “Take your anger out on me again, Ava, but just remember that when you do, there will be consequences for your actions.”

  I sink into my seat. “I’m sorry, but it wasn’t the time for a joke.”

  “I was trying to lighten the mood.”

  “Too soon.”

  “Then do you want to talk about it?”

  “If you didn’t gather from my conversation, that was my agent. She’s so damn resistant in finding me a serious part. I’m sick of being cast in romantic comedies.

  “Why am I trapped in this box? I’m only seen as this sweet, wholesome romantic.” I clutch my knees. “She wants me to play a part in a movie with dogs when I’m fucking allergic to them!”

  “You’re trapped because people don’t see you as anything else.”

  “Well, they need to start.”

  “Only you can make that happen.”

  “I can’t prove it if I don’t get the damn chance. I need to throw a party. It’s time I reach out to more of my connections. If I don’t, Rozanne is getting canned.”

  “The answer is right in front of you, but you don’t see it.”

  “OK, Mr. Director of the Hollywood Foreign Press. What am I missing?”

  “Never mind. You’re not ready to see it yet.”

  “You’re arrogant.”

  “No, I’m observant. I never claimed to know everything or be better than anyone.”

  “Let’s just drop it, OK? I’m sorry I’m being pissy. There are just a few things in my life I can’t fix, no matter how hard I try, and it’s wearing on me.”

  Griffin skims my cheek with his knuckles. He’s staring at me with desire, and I watch as his breaths become more frequent, his nostrils flaring as he searches for restraint.

  He eyes my lips, so I lick them and slip my fingers under his tie to drag them down his chest. His forehead scrunches, and without warning, he turns back in his seat and looks out the window.

  “Not now,” he mutters.

  Arrogant asshole.

  Griffin

  This Drake guy is a phony douchebag, and I think he might want Ava more than Mickey does. The men in her life are getting on my fucking nerves, and not a one of them has a set of balls.

  Mickey fled New York when he was close to being busted for his and Teddy’s crimes. They live here now, in their protective bubble, while still reaping profits from those beneath them in New York.

  He might be a criminal, even one with blood on his hands, but deep down, he’s a coward, just like that pansy skin-care model she was dating, Oliver.

  Damn, I’m losing my patience in these four walls. After a few heated words between Ava and me, she convinced me to wait in the family room of Drake’s home while they have lunch in his dining room. Kellen is outside, standing guard.

  This waiting is making me crazy. I hear her giggle, and it pisses me off. She was upset and angry in the car, yet he’s managed to make her laugh. I’ve had enough of this shit, so I pull out my cell phone. Time to catch her off guard.

  Me: That giggle cost you a punishment.

  Ava: Stop, not here.

  Me: My way, remember? And don’t pretend like you don’t want it. Every few minutes, you’re going to text me one of your hard limits. Wait, no, text me the things you WANT me to do to you.

  This isn’t the club, so I’m going to handle Ava differently. Maybe I’m ready for different.

  Ava: Fine. Let me take a fucking bite of my carrots first.

  Me: Spankings better be on your list.

  Three minutes pass, and I’m growing impatient.

  Ava: I want you to tie me to something.

  Me: More specific, please.

  Ava: My bed … with rope.

  Me: There’s my dirty woman. What do you want me to do to you once I tie you to your bed?

  Two minutes pass...

  Ava: I want you to punish me.

  Me: HOW do you want me to punish you? Don’t shy away now, baby.

  A minute passes…

  Ava: With a flogger. Touch me and hit me with it. Leave your mark on me.

  Fuck. I push on my pants to quiet my stiff cock. She needs to wrap up this total waste-of-time with Drake right now.

  Ava

  Griffin: It’s getting hot in this room.

  Me: It’s getting hot between my legs … and wet.

  Griffin: End this pointless meeting with the douchebag.

  Me: how is it pointless?

  “Ava, you’re distracted,” Drake says. “Do you need to step out to make a call to whoever it is you’re texting?” He smiles, but his annoyance isn’t missed.

  “I’m sorry. Just a second, and I’ll put my phone away.”

  Me: Drake’s getting frustrated with me, so we’l
l talk about this later. Maybe you can spank me after you tell me why my time here is so pointless.

  Griffin: My way, Ava. Starring with him in a movie about your stalker is not what you want. At some point, you’ll realize it, too.

  Staring at my phone, I bite my lip.

  “Ava, is everything OK?” Drake asks.

  “I’m sorry, but I have to go. Sydney needs a friend right now.” Grabbing my bag from the chair next to me, I shove my phone inside it and stand. Drake’s forehead wrinkles as he wipes his mouth with his napkin.

  “OK, I guess our work can wait. It means you’ll be back to see me.” He winks, and I’m thankful Griffin isn’t around. We walk to the living room, and my possessive bodyguard is already standing, straightening his tie. One corner of his mouth lifts faintly as he realizes he’s won.

  Sexy asshole.

  “I’m ready to go,” I say before I turn my back on him and walk with Drake to the door. He kisses my cheek, and recalling Griffin’s words in the theater, I tense up.

  “Thank you for lunch. I’ll be in touch soon.”

  “Yes, please call, and give Sydney my love. Oh, and we need to talk about Gabe’s movie. From what Rozanne told me, it sounds like a hoot. I can’t wait for us to get started.”

  I fake a smile, covering my nervous stomach in the process.

  “Bye, Drake.” Desperate for space to breathe, I hurry down the few steps that lead up to his door. I head for the car, feeling more confused than when I arrived.

  Griffin got in my head with his shit about the screenplay being pointless, but what’s more disturbing is how the second he said it, I felt it, too. I felt that everything I was doing in my career was wrong. How did he know first?

  “ ‘Give Sydney my love? It sounds like a hoot,’ ” Griffin says. I turn around in my heels and grip my hip. He smiles, and it makes me smile, and as much as I want to be mad at him, the sexy grin off his sharp jawline makes it impossible. “I mean, what real man talks like that?” he adds.

  I glance over my shoulder to ensure Kellen isn’t within earshot.