DEADLY
OBSESSION
DEADLY VICES
BOOK 1
KRISTINE CAYNE
Copyright © 2012 Kristine Cayne
Excerpt from Deadly Addiction copyright © 2012 Kristine Cayne
Excerpt from Revenge copyright © 2012 Dana Delamar
All rights reserved.
ISBN-13 (ebook): 978-0-9849034-1-2
Publisher’s Note: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Book cover design by Scarlett Rugers Design 2011
http://www.scarlettrugers.com/
Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise), without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.
The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the copyright owner is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The journey to publication is a long and often arduous one best taken in good company.
My deepest gratitude goes out to my fabulous critique partner, Dana Delamar. Without you, Dana, this book would have remained a draft. Your constant support and enthusiasm for my story dragged me through the valleys and helped me over the peaks. I couldn’t have dreamed of a better companion for this journey.
Overwhelming thanks to the CherryPlotters, a team where the sum of the parts far exceeds the whole. Carol, Cherry, Christina, Ciara, Dragon, Heather, Julia, Kelli, Laurie, Rebecca, and Shelli, this story would not even have made it to draft status were it not for all of you.
Special thanks to Dawn, Josefin, Karen, Marianne, and Sherri for having the courage to wade through the first draft of this story. Your writing experience and expertise served me well. I can only hope that, in some small way, I’ve returned the favor.
To Edith, beta reader extraordinaire. Thank you for the time you spent reading the first of my many final versions. Your insightful comments helped make this book much better than it would have been without you.
Finally, thank you to my family for putting up with the endless hours I spend at the computer and at writing meetings. You know why I do it. And someday, you may even appreciate it. Love you!
CHAPTER 1
Don’t forget Nic—you belong to me. If you stray, she’ll pay.
The darkened theater closed around Nic Lamoureux like a cave, filled with unknown, unseen dangers. How had the stalker gotten his private number? Clenching the cell phone in his fist, he glanced at his Bad Days co-star, Jane Carver, sitting on his right, then at his agent, Vivian Carmichael, on his left. Which woman was the message targeting? With a flick of his thumb, he brought up the text again. Sweat beaded on his back, making his silk shirt cling to his skin.
Jane leaned in close and smiled, oblivious. “You were great in this scene. Oscar-worthy.” He studied her face. Why would anyone want to hurt her? Jane was beautiful, intelligent, and absolutely unavailable. During one of their late nights working on the next day’s scenes, he’d discovered her secret engagement to the film’s director. If anything happened to Jane because of one of his crazy fans, her fiancé would have his balls.
As Jane settled back in her seat, a woman in the next row turned around to face him. Light from the screen reflected off something in her hand. On instinct, he twisted sideways to protect Jane. Blood pounded in his ears, drowning out the sound of gunfire blasting from speakers all around the theater. After snapping a photo with her camera phone, the woman gave him a thumbs-up and returned to watch the movie.
Vivian patted his arm as he sat back and shot him a questioning look. After flashing her what he hoped was an easy smile, he caught his bodyguard’s eye. Kaden leaned across Vivian’s seat. “Everything okay, sir?”
Tucking the phone in his hand, he reached over, resting his arm on Vivian’s shoulders, and slipped Kaden the phone. His bodyguard barely glanced at the message before standing up, his mouth a thin line. “Sir, we need to leave.” Nic started to tell him to sit down, that the movie was almost over, but the words died on his lips. Kaden’s hand hovered above his gun as his eyes raked the crowd. “You’re too exposed.” He signaled to Jane’s bodyguard. “Get her out of here.”
Kaden was right. The sender could be any one of the hundreds of people crowding the screening room. Nic grabbed Vivian’s hand. “Let’s go.”
“But—”
“Now.” Nic jerked his head in Kaden’s direction. She nodded, eyes wide. Kaden rushed them outside, calling out to the festival security guards to back him up as they ran to their limo. Nic glanced behind to make sure Jane was taken care of. Seeing her bodyguard secure her in a limo, he relaxed. A bit. He still had Vivian to worry about.
When they reached their limo, he opened the door and pushed Vivian inside as Kaden climbed into the driver’s seat and started the engine. They slammed the doors shut and took off, tires squealing.
“Darling,” Vivian said after fastening her seatbelt and straightening her skirt. “What the hell was that about? Taking off in the middle of your own premiere? How do you expect me to spin this with the press?”
He shot her a flirty grin. “Tell them I had a hot date.”
“A booty call? That’s your excuse?” Vivian sighed and brushed a loose strand of auburn hair from her cheek. “Tell me the truth. What’s going on?”
Trying not to scare her, he shrugged. “I was being watched.”
Vivian stared at him for a moment, then dropped her head against the seat and laughed. “Of course you were. Do you think people came to the premiere tonight to see your movie? No, they came to see Nic The Lover.”
“This felt different.”
You belong to me. Just thinking about it made his stomach roll. He stretched his shoulders to relieve the tension. When that didn’t work, he watched the streets of downtown D.C. zip by his window.
“Is this about the Internet postings by NicsBitch, darling?” When he didn’t respond, she continued. “Trust me. All celebrities have fans who follow them around and post about them online. Ninety-nine percent of the time, they’re harmless.”
“And what about the other one percent?” If the poster had followed him from L.A. to D.C., they weren’t dealing with a harmless fan. “Someone sent me a text tonight. I think it was NicsBitch.”
“A text? How did she get your number? It’s unlisted.”
He held up his hands. “Don’t look at me.”
“Anyways, she’s been keeping tabs on you for months. And nothing bad’s come of it.”
“Yet.” He handed Vivian the phone. “Read the message. I think you and Jane were in danger.” As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he regretted them. Vivian was such a mother hen, she’d ignore any danger to herself and focus on him.
She bit her lip and frowned. “Maybe Kaden should room with you tonight.”
Shit. Nic shook his head. “If anything, he should stay with you.”
“Don’t be silly,” she said, offering him a shaky smile. “I’ll be fine.”
Heavy silence accompanied them the rest of the way. Nic watched Vivian, his agent, mentor, and friend of ten years, fidget in her seat. Vivian never fidgeted. If anything were to happen to her because of him, he wouldn’t need an enraged fiancé to rip his balls off—he’d do the honors himself.
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At the hotel, he and Kaden escorted Vivian to her door. As she was unlocking it, she turned back to Nic. “I’ll see you at ten?”
“Ten?”
“You have a photo shoot with Rafael, remember?”
“Damn. I completely forgot.” He rubbed his stiff neck. “I was looking forward to going back home.”
Vivian pursed her lips. “I can reschedule it.”
He shook his head. “I’ll be there.” The GI Film Festival, which celebrated the American Armed Forces, had chosen to premiere Bad Days because the organizers believed in the film’s message as much as he did. The photos from the shoot would garner additional sponsors and publicity. He couldn’t let them down.
Once Vivian was in her room, safe behind a locked door, Kaden crossed the hall and opened Nic’s door. After a quick inspection, he gave the all clear. Nic walked into the living area and dropped onto the couch, propping his feet up on the coffee table. “Do you think NicsBitch sent the message?”
“Probably.” Kaden took the armchair across from the couch.
Nic yawned and glanced at his watch. “You can’t stay though.”
“I can’t?”
“Isn’t tomorrow your girlfriend’s birthday?” Kaden’s relationship was already strained enough without adding a missed birthday to Beth’s list of grievances.
Kaden winced. “Shit.”
Seeing his bodyguard’s expression, Nic laughed. “Go. As soon as I’m done with the photo shoot, I’ll hop a plane back to L.A.”
Kaden narrowed his eyes. “No can do. This situation has gone way beyond some celebrity sightings and even a few stalkerish postings. This is serious. How the fuck can I do my job if I’m not here?”
It was bad enough having a babysitter at public events—he didn’t want or need one dogging his every step. “I’m a big boy. I can take care of myself. Besides, the stalker isn’t targeting me.”
“Just any woman near you. I’m staying. Beth will have to understand.”
“And if she doesn’t?”
“Then we’re done.”
The words shook him. Life wasn’t perfect, but he had great friends. No way was the stalker going to dictate his actions or theirs. And nothing was going to happen to Vivian. He wouldn’t let it. “If I show fear, start acting like a victim, then she’s already won. I need to do this. On my own.”
“If the stalker comes after you or Vivian, what’s your plan to stop her?”
Nic tugged on his tie, loosening it. Did everyone think he was a weenie? “I can shoot just as well as you can.”
Kaden looked around, searching the hotel room with his eyes, before arching a sarcastic brow. “Yeah? Where’s your gun, hotshot?”
Nic’s gaze sharpened. Kaden knew exactly where his gun was—at home, locked in his safe. D.C. was one of the few places that had denied him a permit to carry. “The whole thing won’t take more than a couple hours. I’ll be home before dinner. Nothing’s going to happen to me, or anyone else.”
After finally convincing Kaden to return to L.A., Nic changed into his favorite jeans and a loose T-shirt, and grabbed a Coke from the mini-fridge. Popping open the can, he made himself comfortable on the couch and settled in for a long night of mind-numbing TV.
Anything to forget someone out there was watching him, following him. Obsessing.
Where was the best place to shoot Nic “The Lover” Lamoureux? The king-size bed or the beige club chair?
Lauren James scanned the hotel room through the lens of her Nikon D700. She adjusted the intensity of the lights and the angle of the umbrellas around the bed. With her foot, she moved the chair an inch to the left, then after a moment’s consideration, nudged it an inch to the right. She glanced at her watch for the tenth time in as many minutes, confirming what she already knew. He was late. Everything she needed to get the cleanest shot possible was already in place, except her target.
She hoped he hadn’t turned into one of those Hollywood diva types who’d blow off a contracted photo shoot to go party with some fangirls. This was a huge opportunity for her and he’d better not ruin it.
Oh, who was she kidding? In minutes, she’d be seeing Nic in the flesh, once again. For years, he’d been her own personal porn star, playing the male lead in her nightly fantasies. Her hands flew to her cheeks and she bit back a giddy laugh. If he walked in and read the thoughts on her face, she’d die.
The door opened. Her heart rate spiked. Nic entered the room followed by a pretty redhead she didn’t recognize. They made a perfectly matched, elegant couple.
As Lauren stood rooted to the spot, gaping at the most beautiful man she’d ever seen, he crossed the room, stopping directly in front of her, and smiled. “You don’t look like Rafael….”
Oh, God. His voice still held a hint of the sexy Québécois accent he kept hidden in his movies and public appearances. With considerable effort and concentration, she fought to close her mouth and struggled against the need to slowly peruse his amazing body. After surreptitiously wiping off her sweaty palm, she met his gaze and held out her hand. “I’m Lauren James.”
“Enchanté.” Nic raised her fingers to his lips and lightly kissed her knuckles. She watched, mesmerized, as the expression in his eyes turned inquisitive. “Have we met?”
A sharp pang of disappointment stabbed her chest. He didn’t remember her.
Before she could answer his question, the redhead joined them. She had a certain ageless quality Lauren admired. Although ten or fifteen years older, the tall, slim woman with her flawless skin, gorgeous hair, and tailored clothes could turn the heads of men still in their twenties. Based on Rafael’s description, she could be none other than Vivian Carmichael, Nic’s very demanding and very protective agent.
The woman leaned forward. “Where’s Rafael?”
“He’s feeling under the weather today so he asked me to handle the photo shoot on my own.” Lauren turned to Nic. “I hope that’s okay?”
“Of course it’s—”
“Not okay!” Vivian interrupted, pointing a perfectly manicured finger at Lauren. “I only agreed to this arrangement if Rafael were here to direct and supervise.”
Nic frowned. “What’s the big deal? We agreed to do a photo shoot after the Bad Days premiere. Let’s get on with it.”
Vivian grasped his forearm while making a dismissive gesture toward Lauren. “This woman isn’t a professional photographer, darling. She works in a two-bit Seattle department store taking snapshots of snot-nosed babies.”
“Why’s she working with Rafael then?”
Vivian glared at Lauren. “Somehow she managed to win a contest, and you were the prize.”
He turned to Lauren, looking impossibly sexy with one black eyebrow raised. “I’m the prize?”
“Not exactly.” Heat crept up her neck and her cheeks burned. “I won a photography contest organized by the GI Film Festival. The prize was to assist on a photo shoot with you.”
Vivian insinuated herself between them, draped her arm around Nic’s shoulder and whispered in a loud stage voice, “I can’t let you do this. My God, she works in a department store. Think of your reputation. You need someone with experience and talent.”
Lauren gritted her teeth. All she needed was a chance to prove herself.
“Come on, Viv. She did win the contest.”
When he’d shown up late for the photo shoot, Lauren had been prepared to write Nic off as just another smooth talking, self-indulgent Hollywood celeb, but here he was, standing up for her.
Vivian patted his arm. “All right, darling. But I’m staying to supervise, and I will personally approve any shots before they are released.” She stared pointedly at Lauren. “Is that understood, Lorna?”
“Her name’s Lauren.”
Vivian smiled tightly but remained silent, apparently waiting for her response.
Sighing with relief, Lauren readily agreed. As long as she got to work with Nic, she’d deal with any conditions Vivian imposed on her. This photo
shoot could be the key to jump-starting her career.
Lauren waved toward a room service tray on the ottoman in the hotel room’s sitting area. “I ordered a pot of coffee and pastries in case anyone wants some refreshments. Please help yourselves.” Nic loved coffee and éclairs, or so she’d read in Star magazine. God, let them be right. She couldn’t afford for anything else to go wrong today.
She closed the heavy curtains that covered the room’s single window and asked Vivian to take a seat in the sitting area so she wouldn’t interfere with the lighting equipment. After sucking in a somewhat shaky breath, she pasted on a bright smile and faced Nic.
“Okay, let’s get started.” She thumped the back of the club chair, surrounded by lighting equipment. “Please remove your jacket and tie, then sit here. I’ll take a few test shots.”
“The chair? Not the bed?”
Her breath caught at the sheer sensuality in the curve of his lips. The same perfectly shaped lips she’d imagined kissing hundreds of times. She absolutely had to capture that look.
“We’ll use the bed later,” she mumbled, lowering her head to retest the light.
“Promise?”
Startled, she looked up, her face flushed. Why couldn’t she flirt back like any normal woman, like Vivian?
With his gaze locked on Lauren’s, Nic undid the top buttons of his shirt. He lowered himself into the club chair, lounged back and stretched out his long, lean frame.
The man exuded sex.
Nic’s eyes, fixed on hers, penetrated her mind, seeing far more than she wanted him to see. None of the photos she’d seen did justice to his overwhelming animal magnetism. If she succeeded in fully capturing his allure, her career would definitely take off.
The dark slacks he wore outlined his muscular thighs as he crossed one foot over the opposite knee while the white dress shirt highlighted the broad expanse of his chest and shoulders. With one elbow on the armrest, he cradled his chin in the palm of his hand. A Cheshire cat grin spread across his handsome features. “Like this?”
DEADLY OBSESSION Page 1
