“Hurting people is how you take care of business, Mr. Black?”
He leaned back in the chair, clasping his fingers together. “I don’t have the slightest inkling to what you are referring. But, understand this, Ms. Moreau: any threat that would come from me would be clear-cut.” There was a beam in his eyes.
“She shot at me!” I hissed.
He stood, hands in pockets, as he approached me slowly. “Again, I have no idea what you are speaking about. I made you an offer. Now, if you believe I did something more, what proof do you have? Slander is a punishable offense. Accusations have to be proved, Ms. Moreau. I would be mindful of what you say. Words have a way of causing damage.” He towered over me as his eyes fixed to mine.
“I would never accuse—”
“There’s nothing you could prove.” He cocked a crooked smile.
My heart continued to pound out of my chest. I knew he had something to do with the shooting, but he was right, I didn’t know that for sure.
I sprinted out the door and toward the food pavilion, dodging and weaving through a crew of men hauling equipment. Then I heard my name.
“Lauren!”
I cringed, turned, and was relieved to see Neesha.
“How could you?” she yelled, marching up to me.
Apparently, she saw the photographs, but what I didn’t understand was why she was angry.
“Neesha, look—”
“How could you act as though you didn’t know them?”
“What are you talking about?”
“You’re going out with Jackson Cruz! Last time we spoke, you said you didn’t know them.”
“I didn’t know them, really. The only person I knew was Jackson, and he wasn’t even there.”
“When I saw the news, and I saw you, I was shocked.”
“Me, being newsworthy, is a shock. Jackson wanting to go out with me was a double shock.” Oh, no! I slipped already. “Neesha, look, Jackson and I are just friends. We went out only as friends.”
She questioned my sincerity as she examined my face. Then a sinister-looking grin landed on hers. “Only friends?”
I knew she wouldn’t buy it, but I reiterated we were truly just friends.
“What’s Jackson like, as a friend?”
“Like you.”
She was too eager. “Lauren! Give me something to chew on.”
“Fine. He’s a total gentleman.” I gave her my best smile.
Neesha huffed in protest. All I could do was shrug my shoulders and smile bigger. That made it worse.
She looked at her watch. “I have to go, but I’m not done with you, Lauren. I’ll see you later.”
Walking to the food pavilion, I was acutely aware of the stares sent my way. Some tried, but failed, at not gawking. Others stopped their conversations when I walked by. Several were even whispering, as though I couldn’t hear them.
I was sidetracked when I found myself in a crowd of onlookers, as the crew were about to shoot a scene. There were extras dressed as zombies eating fake people on the ground as cameramen hovered over them. The shot lasted a couple minutes, then they allowed us to pass.
When I walked in the pavilion, Ashley greeted me as she finished tying her apron. “What’s wrong, hun?”
“I’m the town freak.”
She started to laugh. “Lauren, you have always been the town freak.”
“Thanks, Ash.”
“Your family has always been the talk of the town. You have such a colorful background, honey. Embrace it. Everyone is, or has been, the freak once or twice in their life.”
“Why are you in such a good mood, Ash?”
She was being nonchalant about the whole Jackson thing.
“Why can’t I be in a good mood?”
“Not like this.” I narrowed my eyes at her.
Ashley shook her head and pushed a cart of cheese toward me. “Start putting these out. Oh, I hear Ruben is your new bodyguard.”
“How do you know already?”
“I know everything.” She grinned.
“I’m starting to believe that.”
“Cary’s keeping us informed about everything, including your security.”
“Nice of him and his overbearing ways.” I sighed.
She pasted a huge grin on her face. “Yes, it is.”
Why was she smiling like that?
I reached for a ladle and held it up to her throat. “Spill it.”
“There’s nothing to spill.”
She was hiding something. “Tell me, Ashley.”
“Well, all right. Cary came up with an idea that he thinks could help defuse your situation.”
“What idea?”
“Cary cannot control what’s being done regarding those pictures from this side of the fence, but he can control his side. Victor has more pull when it comes to Cary’s press.”
“I’m not following? What’s the idea?”
“That you’re dating Cary.” She smiled even bigger.
“Okay . . . what?”
“You cannot continue to be seen in a love triangle with Jackson and Zara. Their fans can be nasty, I hear.”
“Ashley, really?”
“Really, Lauren. We’re not going to take any chances here. The studio is not controlling the rumor mill very well.”
I couldn’t argue with that. If it were Cary’s people, they’d have had it squashed already.
“Pretending to date Cary seems extreme,” I said.
It wasn’t as though I hadn’t dreamed about it, but I was with Jackson, and he would never agree to such a plan. Add that it was Cary, and that would ultimately end our relationship.
“You don’t have to actually date him, Lauren.” She raised a brow. “Cary wants to show how close your friendship is publicly. Maybe have you hang out with other celebrities. Try to slow down the rumors. He wants to make sure you are pictured with other guys. Make everything seem legit.”
“It also will say that I get around. I don’t see how that helps.”
“He’s doing it for you, Lauren. You know Cary hates paparazzi digging into his personal life.”
I pondered what she said for a moment. I also knew that if I didn’t act as though I were considering it, Ashley would hound me until I did. “Fine. I’ll talk to Cary, but I’ll have to discuss this with Jackson before I agree to anything.”
“Of course. Jackson should be aware.”
“How did you associate all that with dating Cary?” I asked.
“I got confused. One can hope.”
“Uh-huh.” I rolled my eyes jokingly.
“Cary is being very proactive.”
I scoffed. “Is he?”
“It kind of makes you wonder . . .” The accusation in her tone was loud and clear.
“Ashley, I’m not going over this again.”
“You and Cary are good together.”
“Of course we are good together; I’ve known him almost all of my life. Ash, he will never think of me in any other way than as a sister. In fact, I think he cares about someone else.”
She stared with furrowed brow. “I think you’re wrong. I’ve watched you two. Cary definitely doesn’t look at you as a little sister, and you—”
That conversation wasn’t happening again. I already had my hands full with my actual boyfriend. I pushed the cart quickly away from her without running. She protested, but that conversation was over.
The lunch shift was brutal. I didn’t realize I would be the featured dish on the menu. Everyone talked and stared at me. It took everything in me not to leave, and never return.
When I walked by one of the tables, someone sneered out how I could never compare to Zara. They couldn’t understand what Jackson saw in me.
Actually, that seemed to be the consensus from all the tables.
Ashley helped as best she could, and she stood by me for moral support. I learned that when she first found out about the photographs, she was livid and wanted to do bodily harm to Jackson and the TV reporter. Cary
was the one who calmed her down. She’d never admit it, but I knew she had her own crush on Cary.
All of a sudden, a hush fell over the crowded tent. I looked up and saw that Zara had entered the building.
Great, she’s just in time to humiliate me fully in front of everyone.
I hadn’t spoken to her since the ball, and a lot had changed. Jackson said she was cool with everything, but he could’ve exaggerated to make me feel better.
All eyes were on me. They had anticipated what would happen next. My stomach started to flip over again. No matter what happened, I was determined to come out of there with some dignity—I hoped.
“Lauren,” Zara shouted enthusiastically. She walked straight to me, wrapping her arms around my back, while kissing each cheek. “Come, sit, and take a break.” She grabbed my hand and led us to a circular table with a bench.
The people who were sitting at the table moved. All conversations ceased, and everyone looked as amazed as I did.
“Did you enjoy the party, Lauren?” Her question was not at all what I expected.
“It was good.”
“I love your brother. We need to get together sometime soon. I’ll have my assistant arrange it, yes?”
“That would be fun—”
Clapping her hands, she loudly squealed. “I know! I’m already excited. Have you seen Jackson?”
My heart stopped. Not clear about the direction of the conversation. “No?”
“He was looking for you.” She pulled out her cell and started to text. “He’s on his way. How are you handling all the attention?” she asked, then started to eat.
I wondered if it was another trick question. “Zara, look, I’m so sorr—”
She put one finger up to her mouth and shook her head. “No need, Lauren. I’m glad you had a good time. I looked for you, but you left?”
“Umm, yeah, I was tired.”
“Oh! I forgot. Did you hear about the shooting that night? It happened out back. Wait, probably not. I heard from someone that people were injured, but nothing was on the news.”
“Really?”
Zara leaned back, looking inquisitive. “Isn’t that crazy?”
I simply nodded, our surroundings forgotten. That was until Jackson strutted into the pavilion, and a collective hush of silence greeted him.
Everyone had gone back to their conversations after seeing Zara and me talking, and I was sure they were disappointed there was no hair pulling or slapping. As Jackson approached, they held their breath in anticipation.
Zara smiled as Jackson bent over to kiss her on the cheek. She cradled her hand on his face, and my heart skipped. He was unshaven and somewhat messy, and obviously came from shooting a scene. It was a new look for him. Sweaty, dirty Jackson was a very, very good look.
I sighed. It was the first time we’d seen each other since the masquerade ball, and I didn’t realize how much I had missed him.
He turned, winked at me, and kissed the top of my head. Slapping my hip, he told me to scoot over. Sitting in-between Zara and me, I felt his arm wrap around my back as he squeezed me tight.
“Aren’t we a little stiff?” he murmured in my ear.
As I inhaled his intoxicating musk, I leaned in a little too closely. “No.”
“You haven’t seen me for weeks, and this is the greeting I get? Not even a hug, Lauren?”
“I didn’t think—”
“Don’t think, hug.” He stretched both arms out, and I did as he instructed.
He laughed and said to Zara, “That’s what I’m talking about,” as he kept his arms around me. “Did you miss me, Lauren?”
“You know I did.”
“I couldn’t tell.”
“I was just . . . playing my role.”
He stared at me curiously. “Have you been speaking to David Black?”
“No! Why?”
“You said ‘role’?”
“That’s what Adrianna said.”
“Oooh.” They both laughed.
It was hard not to notice the food pavilion was too quiet. No one was talking, and all eyes were on us. I would have thought Jackson wouldn’t be blatantly obvious—but he squeezed me in tighter, before letting go. I knew he saw the shock in my expression.
“How are my two girls getting along?”
“I was telling Lauren we need to get together. I adore Blake,” Zara said, a little too perky.
“That sounds good. Can I come?”
“Unfortunately, you’ll have to,” she added.
Everyone’s face in the pavilion mimicked my amazement. Wondering how Jackson and Zara could act as if nothing had happened. Forget the people gawking; all was well in the world. They both showed me the art of ignoring people.
“I know you guys cherish your private time, but I would love if you both could come to my party.” Zara looked directly at Jackson.
“Sounds good. What do you think, Lauren?”
“I’m in.”
“Wonderful. I’ll send the invite, and Lauren, bring Blake.”
Zara eyed the people around us and softly growled. “Don’t they have anyone else to stare at? Lauren, don’t let these imbeciles get to you. They’re just jealous. They wish they could be this close to us.” She flipped her hair.
Maybe I was wrong, but it had to get to them at some point, although Jackson seemed fine.
He smiled at me, not playing his role at all.
I leaned in and whispered, “I thought the point of me coming out of hiding was so people could see nothing was going on between us.”
He lifted his finger and traced my mouth, ignoring my total shock. “No, and you better not hide. People are going to assume whatever they want, Lauren. Nothing I can do about that.”
“Jackson, you’re playing your boyfriend role quite poorly. Some crazy nut is going to come after me.”
He took a deep breath and had a devilish expression. “That’s not going to happen.” He turned and leaned closer to Zara.
What happened next floored me.
Jackson took Zara’s right hand and started kissing every one of her fingers—exactly as he did to me that night at the restaurant. Jealousy awakened inside me. I knew they had to be affectionate in public, but that was too much.
After he finished, he started on the other hand. Each finger hovered over his mouth as he parted his lips. He seemed to enjoy it immensely, as Zara closed her eyes and took in deep breaths.
No way was I going to sit there and watch. It was bad enough that I had to see women fawn over him on set. I started to stand, but Jackson used his free hand to push down on my thigh. He held it in place firmly, not letting me move until he was finished.
I was speechless, humiliated, and angry.
“There, role played,” he said with a proud smirk.
At that moment, I could have shot fire out of my eyes.
He slid closer to me, and I could feel his breath along my ear. “That was your hand. Every time I touched her, I was thinking about you. Remember that.” He lightly kissed my earlobe and pulled away. “A party sounds great,” he said, acting all chipper.
Zara clapped. “I’m excited.”
They didn’t miss a beat.
I, on the other hand, missed several.
I understood Jackson, and what he’d said made his intentions clear. What I couldn’t understand, was why I wanted him more than ever. His stupid grin showed he knew that too, and he even started to hum arrogantly.
Finally, everyone was back to their own conversations. I guessed Jackson’s finger porn was all they needed to see to know the rumors weren’t true.
They both stood, as Zara kissed my cheek. “We have to go. Big fight scene today. I get to go jujutsu on some zombie ass. See you soon, Lauren.”
“Dinner tonight?” Jackson asked me.
“Sorry, I can’t. I’m having dinner with Cary and his father Victor tonight.”
He looked surprised.
“Jackson, I told you. Remember?”
“I forgot. Can’t you cancel?”
“No. Victor is in town for a short time, and he wanted to talk to me about our situation.”
He snapped his head toward Zara. “I’ll be there in a minute.”
“See you later, Lauren.” She looked sympathetic heading out.
Jackson signaled me to follow him as he led me to an empty tent. “What do Cary and his father have to do with what is going on between us?” He averted his gaze. “Hey! Do you mind?” he shouted when two people entered.
They swiftly turned and left.
“Jackson!”
“This conversation is between you and me. Answer me!”
“They’re helping, and I consider them family. You weren’t here—remember? Cary had to take control of the situation. My family was being harassed, and they know about my mother, Jackson.”
“More than I did,” he said though clenched teeth.
“Jackson, look, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you the whole story about my mom. Can you understand why? I didn’t want your pity.”
“I would never pity you. I care about you.”
“I care about you, too. I’m used to people acting different toward me when they find out. I shouldn’t have assumed, but I can’t help it. I was going to tell you about her, but they beat me to it.”
He grabbed my hands, then released them. “Sorry about that.” He paused. “Are you really ready to be exposed?”
“Exposed how?”
“Being with me, people will dig up anything they can. They even make stuff up. Lauren, am I worth that?”
There he was questioning his worth? “Jackson, you are so worth it.”
I gazed into his eyes, and I could not stop the giddiness bubbling inside of me. I wanted to kiss him.
“Lauren?”
“Yes?”
“Tell Cary to butt out. I can deal with it from here.”
Moment gone.
“Jackson, Cary will always be part of my family. Whatever the reasons you two don’t like each other, it will have to be squashed.” I crossed my arms. It was not an option.
“Can’t make promises.”
“What happened?”
“That’s not important. What is important is that you are my responsibility.”
“I’m no one’s responsibility.” I snarled, while he peered at me.
The Devil has a British Accent: Book One: Jackson (White Carpet #1) Page 17
