Before I could respond, Blake left me alone in a place that appeared to be a den. I hovered my mask over my eyes, as if that would hide my anxiety that had come out of nowhere.
The place was scandalous, and I had been to my share of Mardi Gras parties. They took the best and worse from Bourbon Street, and gathered it all in one intimate room.
Were those two men wrestling on the bar?
That distracted me until a hand slid around my hips. “You are the most exquisite creature in this place.”
I sighed in relief as the familiar masked man stepped in front of me. “You look incredible yourself, Jackson.”
He began to rub my waist affectionately. Every nerve in my body pulsated.
“Are you going to be rude?”
I didn’t notice a woman standing next to him.
“I’m so sorry!” I pulled my body away from Jackson.
He chuckled and turned me toward Zara.
“It’s fine, Lauren. She knows about us,” he whispered in my ear.
It was still weird.
“I had to meet the girl who was freaking David out.” She wore a devious grin.
I was lost. “Who’s freaking out?”
“You’re the girl who made poor Jackson brain dead. It’s because of you that lover boy has had a lapse in judgment, which has infuriated David.”
I faced Jackson. “I’m not following.”
He gave her a stern look and turned to me. “I’ll explain later. Zara meet Lauren. Lauren. Zara.”
Zara was stunning, yet strange in a way, though she seemed nice. She wore a stunning short, blood red dress with a corset bodice, and a sheer train attached, leaving nothing to the imagination. Her ocean-blue eyes stood out against her perfectly sculpted tanned body, and her shoes were amazing, because it appeared she was walking on bones.
Nonetheless, it was awkward standing with Jackson and his girlfriend. Even though she knew we were dating, everything about it felt wrong.
“Nice to meet you.” I shook her hand.
“Nice to finally meet you.” She glanced at Jackson.
“Love your dress, Prada?” she asked.
“Um . . . sadly I forget. I think so. Jackson picked this out.”
Jackson smiled at Zara and nodded.
“Nice. I taught you well, Jackson.” Zara laughed.
They gave each other a high five.
“Yours is incredible,” I blurted out.
“It was nice meeting you, Lauren.” She gave me a genuine smile. “We’ll see a lot more of each other in the future.”
Blake arrived with drinks. “Hey, Sis.” He gave Zara a cheesy grin.
“Zara, this is my brother, Blake.”
It took everything in him not to howl at the sight of her. His eyeballs popped out as he greeted her. “Nice to meet you, Zara. Hey, man.”
“Nice to meet you, too,” she returned.
They smiled at each other for a little too long.
Were they flirting?
“So, you’re Jackson’s girlfriend in the movie?” Blake asked.
“And apparently, so is your sister.” Zara looked serious then forced a smile. “Drinks anyone? Blake, let’s hit the bar.” Zara gripped his arm and led him away.
He haphazardly looked back at me as I glared in his direction. He knew I wouldn’t be happy he was drinking tonight or any other night.
Blake smiled, looked over at Jackson, and wiggled his eyebrows.
I wasn’t sure what that was supposed to mean, but I had Jackson to myself for a moment.
He moved in closer while his eyes scanned my body. “I really like that dress.”
“I bet you do.”
He glued his eyes to my cleavage. Placing one hand on my lower back, he pressed me in closer. “What do you think, Lauren?”
“I love the dress.”
“No, about the party?”
“Oh, it’s nice, and different.”
“It’s ridiculous. This guy tries to outdo himself every year.”
“You do this every year?”
“Ever since we started these films. The first one was during our first production, some sort of futuristic space center. Last year we defeated an army of vampires in the film, and we get this vampire ball. Can’t wait to see what he does with zombies.”
“Is it always this . . . dark?”
“Dark?” He furrowed his brow, smiling moments later in understanding. “It’s erotic,” he emphasized, pulling me closer, our bodies pressed hard against the other.
“Is this appropriate with your girlfriend and others in the same room?” I whispered.
“This is very appropriate with my girlfriend, who is in my arms right now.”
My breath caught. He said girlfriend!
A server sashayed by.
“Do they always have nude people roaming around at these events?”
“It’s a vampire ball, Lauren. The more risqué the better.”
“This is part of the theme?”
He grinned. “Yes. I’m sure there will be a lot more debauchery as the evening progresses.”
“Good to know.”
“Zara will be at the bar for a while. I’m all yours.”
“You’re allowed to entertain another woman while she has her wicked way with my brother?”
“Sounds about right.” His head dipped toward my neck.
“Then why pretend? If you publicly are out with others, why continue the charade?”
He whispered in my ear. “I am not publicly out with others. This is a party. It’s expected that I mingle. Have you noticed how dark it is in here? We’re wearing masks, after all. Tonight is all about fantasy.”
I glanced around the room. “You wouldn’t be able to be this close to me in a normal setting?”
“Exactly.” He nicked my neck with his teeth.
“Mm . . . got it.”
“You are welcome to spend time with me in private, at a more secluded location,” he mumbled. His lips softly traced along my throat.
“I plan on it,” I answered. I felt a coy smile along my skin. “Maybe I need to rephrase that. I would enjoy spending time with you, privately, without feeling someone will find—”
“Jackson!” A man with a slight accent hissed.
Jackson shot up quickly. “David!”
The tall, drop-dead gorgeous, older man, who looked as if he stepped out of Italian Vogue magazine, was standing in front of Jackson and me. His suit hugged his large, muscular body. Every black hair on his head was perfectly coiffed and gelled back. His chiseled face would have taken my breath away, if it didn’t feel like a snake had slithered in.
It was him!
The man who was in the shadows staring at me in Alligators, and the same one who was puffing the cigarette and watching me closely on my first day on set. Something about the man was wrong, and I wanted him as far away as possible.
“David, this is Lauren Moreau. Lauren, this is David Black. He’s head of Ahriman Studios.”
He caught me off guard and kissed my hand. “Ms. Moreau. Are you having a nice time?” His voice was intoxicating, yet sour.
“Yes, thank you.”
David scrutinized me, then peered at Jackson, as if they were having a silent conversation.
Zara’s comment came to mind. I was an issue for the studio, and David was the studio.
Did that mean I was an issue for him?
“Jackson, why aren’t you with Zara?”
Yes, clearly I was.
“She went to get a drink.”
“Why didn’t you escort her?”
“She has an escort, Lauren’s brother. She’s fine.”
“You two need to head to the pressroom. They’re getting impatient, wondering why you two haven’t made a joint appearance.”
“Is it because we have a life outside of us two?” Jackson said boldly.
David’s green eyes became frightening and his face slightly distorted. “Do you Jackson? Would you want a life outside
of us?”
Jackson glanced at me and tried to position a grin. “Not what I meant, David,” he sneered.
“Find Zara, now!” David barked.
Jackson turned to me apologetically, and said he would be right back. I watched as he maneuvered through the crowd, leaving me alone with David.
“Ms. Moreau?”
Was it rude to pretend I didn’t hear him and walk away?
I looked up. His expression was tame, though his eyes showed something else. “I understand Jackson has explained to you his relationship with Zara, correct?”
“He has.”
“You are fine with their arrangement?”
Something stirred inside of me. “Yes. Why wouldn’t I be?”
“Most girls do not like to share. I’m sure your mother would want more for you, as well.”
What did that mean, and why did he bring up my mother?
“Cocktails?” The male server interrupted, now fully undressed, wearing only a G-string.
“You do know your relationship with Jackson could cause a huge problem for the studio.”
“That would surprise me. How could being friends with Jackson cause the studio problems?”
“You may not be aware, Ms. Moreau, but you have some sort of spell over him.”
“I doubt that.”
He sipped his drink as he stared. “You do realize your friendship cannot go any further?”
Acid stirred in my gut. “It’s too soon for us to think about the future. I’m happy with our friendship, for now. Whatever happens in the future will be decided between Jackson and me. He can answer the rest of your questions.” I was done.
“I’m asking you.”
It was my turn to stare him down. I didn’t care who the hell he was. I was not going to be spoken to that way. “Are you asking, Mr. Black?”
“You seem like a nice girl.” He moved in closer. “Nonetheless, you are out of your league. I’m sure Jackson will get tired of you soon enough.”
His words slashed into my chest. “Then this conversation is pointless. No need to worry about me.”
I took a deep breath and held back my anger. I was not going to give that prick the satisfaction of upsetting me.
We stood there staring at each other. He looked smug; however, I was not going to waver. He stepped back, took another sip from his drink, and walked away.
I stood there rooted, willing my heart to slow down. The stirring started to calm in my gut. It took everything in me not to go after him, and slap that ridiculous expression off his nasty, disgusting face.
I had enough. I was out. I needed to find Blake and go home.
I pushed through the crowd frantically trying to find him. I should’ve known he didn’t leave the bar.
“Hey, I’m going to leave, Blake.”
“Why? What’s wrong?”
“Long story. Do you mind if I head out?”
“You want me to take you home?” He touched my arm.
“No. Stay. Have a good time. Do you want me to send the car back? I see you had a couple drinks already?”
“I’ll take a cab or call Cary. Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I’m good. Hey, make sure you don’t drive home.”
The spa, where he left his car, was only a couple blocks away. I didn’t want him to do something stupid, such as walk there then drive. I kissed him and started toward the door.
“Lauren!” Zara called out. “Is everything okay?”
“I’m fine.”
She pulled me over to the side. “It didn’t look like that when you were speaking with David. It looked as though he had gotten under your skin.”
“He wanted me to be clear about my relationship with Jackson.”
“You need to understand that David has a one-track mind. When he’s focused on something, nothing and no one can deter him from his plans. You were not part of the plan, Lauren.”
“I don’t understand how I could affect anyone’s plans.”
“The studio is making an exorbitant amount of money exploiting Jackson and me. You can mess that up if word gets out he’s seeing you.”
“I would never jeopardize—”
“I know that, but David is not convinced.”
“I would never cause any problems.”
She grabbed a drink from the passing tray. “I have known Jackson for a while now, and I have never seen him this way, with anyone. I’m not sure you fully understand how consumed Jackson is with you. David is alarmed you’re affecting his star’s work. He’s very instrumental to David’s plans.”
I was at a loss for words. She had to be mistaken. “I doubt it’s me affecting his work.”
“To be honest, Lauren, I first questioned what Jackson saw in you. Meeting you tonight, well . . . you don’t give yourself enough credit.” She smiled. “Don’t let David get under your skin. Jackson is very happy with you, and that makes me happy.”
Hearing her say Jackson was happy with me was a shock. I wouldn’t think he talked about me with anyone, and especially her.
Zara touched my arm, breaking my thought.
“Sorry, Zara, I’m trying to take this all in.”
“Get used to it. You’re now with Jackson, and this is all part of it. It’s not going to be easy, but it’s a hell of a ride.” She held up her glass, as if to make a toast, then took a sip. “I’ll see you later. I’m being summoned.” She nodded her head toward a girl waving her down.
The crowd started cheering over the change in music when the DJ began spinning eighties retro. Jackson was across the dance floor speaking to some people. When our eyes met, he gave me a quizzical look. My liking of eighties music was obvious as I danced in place. INXS was one of my favorite bands; Michael Hutchens was hot. The music was loud, the smoke thick from everyone smoking weed, and the lyrics on fire. I figured I might as well enjoy one dance before I left.
The dance floor was crowded, and everyone was singing along. I was so caught up in the music I didn’t notice Jackson.
“Your moves . . .” He began to sing in my ear.
The hairs on the back of my neck prickled.
He pressed his chest against my back and wrapped one arm around my stomach, bringing me closer.
Then we started swaying to his rhythm.
The firm touches of his hands and the closeness of our bodies were electric. I wanted to turn around to face him, but he held me firm, continuing to sing in my ear. When he spun me around, our chests slammed into one another. “You’re a great dancer,” he shouted, moving behind me.
“I love this song.”
“I could tell. The way your body was moving . . . it called to me.”
“You were admiring my dancing?” I laughed.
“Very much,” he said through my hair. “Though, I preferred the view.” He twirled me around, our faces inches apart.
“Be careful. We’re not alone,” I teased.
He leaned in and pressed his lips against my ear. “We can be.”
The man made my body sing. It became extremely difficult to keep in control around him. His touch was maddening, as his hands traveled up and down my back. I closed my eyes to try to rein in my reactions—nevertheless, my body really wanted to give in to him.
He stopped dancing. I opened my eyes, and he looked deep into mine. The most sensual smile appeared, making my heart jump out of my chest. His tongue swept over his bottom lip.
He had to know what that did to me.
“Do you want to get out of here, Lauren?”
“Yes!” Oh, yes, and he knew he had me.
“I need to speak to a few more people. Meet me in fifteen minutes by the front tables in the lobby.”
My head was spinning. I wanted him. My mind was saying, Slow down, yet my body wasn’t hearing it.
Jackson appeared in front of me, and I yanked at his tie. “You were quick.”
“I had a reason to hurry.” He leaned in and kissed my forehead.
“Jackson!”
>
We both cringed as we saw David advancing.
I was ready to run.
“What the hell are you doing?” David was furious. After that public display, he had good reason.
“Lauren and I are going to head out.”
“I don’t think so! You still have interviews to do.” David yanked Jackson’s arm.
“I’m done for tonight, David.”
“No, you are not.” He twisted his arm hard, and Jackson looked cautiously at him.
Would David hurt him?
“All right, David.” Jackson yanked his arm away from his grip, turning to face me. “I’ll hurry.”
He forced a smile that had a hint of embarrassment.
“Jackson, it’s okay. I understand. I’ll go home and talk to you tomorrow.”
“I’ll take you home. I won’t be long,” he said, forcefully.
“Jackson, you still have work to do.”
Jackson looked sullen as he moved us away from David. “Lauren, I have to leave in the morning for New York.”
“What? When were you going to tell me?”
“Later tonight.” He gave me a sad, pathetic look.
As much as I wanted to be angry with him for not warning me, again, I understood his work came first. I wasn’t going to distract him in any way.
“Jackson, you’ll need to get some rest before your flight.”
“The last thing I wanted to do tonight was sleep.”
“You should remember that next time you forget to mention you’re leaving.”
“Augh! I’ll call you.” He conceded, squeezing my hand.
David stepped in. “I will see Ms. Moreau gets home.”
“Thanks.” Jackson did not hide his sarcasm.
“You need to get back to Zara, Jackson. She’s waiting.”
“I’m so sorry, Lauren.” Jackson’s remorseful eyes met mine, before he glanced one last time at my dress and walked back into the party.
David came closer to me. “Ms. Moreau, I will have a car take you home.”
“That isn’t necessary, I—”
“Since your evening was shortened, I insist.”
“I already have a car waiting.” I headed toward the front door.
“You can’t go through the front door unescorted. Paparazzi.” He rolled his eyes. “I will have your driver meet you around back.”
I wasn’t certain the reason, if it was the way he said it or how he peered at me, but I wanted to run away from him as fast as I could. I made note to tell Jackson never to leave me alone with him, ever.
The Devil has a British Accent: Book One: Jackson (White Carpet #1) Page 11
