by Maggie Mundy
Chapter Twenty
“That’s a cut,” Colin said.
Gemma screeched now the season was wrapped up. It had been the most amazing three months of her life. She’d never considered being a married woman and having just one man would be so much fun. Mitch turned her on so much, and the sex kept her more than satisfied. He was working at the refuge and doing daily classes, teaching everything from photography to basic plumbing and carpentry. She would have asked him to marry her earlier if she had known he was so handy.
Brandon seethed and muttered under his breath every time he came near her, but she didn’t care. He wouldn’t do anything now she was a married woman. He hadn’t said anything about her mother and Gemma wasn’t going to bring the subject up. If she could get away without having that discussion with her mom, she would. It was sad if her parents’ relationship was a lie, but they were grown-ups and could sort it out themselves. Mitch had researched Brandon but hadn’t come up with anything. Well, nothing apart from the fact the guy was weird. And she already knew that.
Brandon was obsessed with old movies and bought strange items on the Internet. Other than that, he wasn’t bothering her or anyone else anymore. She would let it go. It was a part of her life she didn’t want to go back to.
Now all she needed to do was get home and get dressed for the end-of-season party. Mitch was outside the studios to pick her up. Gemma walked to the car park and sensed a shadow behind her. She peeked back over her shoulder and saw Brandon. What now?
Mitch waved at her from across the car park. She quickened her step but saw Brandon’s car was parked next to hers. She hugged Mitch and kissed him hard as he put his arms around her waist. She heard Brandon’s steps behind her. Why didn’t he just disappear?
“Gemma, why don’t you introduce me to your husband?”
Mitch held her close. She’d never been happier for having him there. Mitch held out his hand and Brandon took it. She hoped Mitch was breaking his bones.
“Mitch, this is Brandon Perser, he is one of our producers.”
“I’ve heard so much about you, Brandon. I’m glad we finally get to meet,” Mitch said, still gripping Brandon’s hand.
“I hope it’s all good.” Brandon grimaced and pulled his hand away.
“Of course. Why would you think it would be anything else?”
“I hear you take pictures of people for a living. I remember you being at the restaurant the night we won the awards. You were thrown out, if I recall.”
“I was there because some pest was bothering Gemma. It’s been sorted though.”
Gemma looked at Mitch to see an expression of hardness. If Brandon didn’t see the threat he would have to be blind.
Brandon got in his car and drove away. Gemma let out her breath and got in the car. As she glanced across at Mitch, she felt she might just be falling a little bit in love because of what he had done. He looked at her and smiled.
“You okay?”
“I am because you were there. He used to follow me to my car all the time. People would pass by and he would make it appear that I wanted him there.”
“I’m sorry you had to go through that shit. The guy should be taken down a dark alley and have the shit beaten out of him.”
A shiver ran through her body. She wanted Brandon to suffer but felt conflicted about the fact Mitch could be violent. He had needed to defend himself in the past and now he was defending her. She couldn’t complain about that.
“You made me quake in my boots the way you looked at him, so I feel safe.”
“I don’t want to scare you.”
“You don’t. I’ve never been so content and that is a word I don’t use easily.”
“You may be content, but I’m shitting it about the party tonight.”
Gemma was well aware Mitch had been avoiding any public gatherings with her and her friends. He was happy in the house but not open to mix with others. Brandon had just rammed the fact down his throat. God knew she would feel out of place if she sat in a room with a bunch of his paparazzi friends.
“You defended me against Brandon, and I’ll verbally beat the shit out of anyone who has a go at you tonight.”
“That’s my woman.”
She liked the sound of that and both of them knew the three months were up and they weren’t talking about it. Brandon was still around, though she had heard a rumor he was moving to New York to work on another show. She hoped it was true. Mitch pulled up at the house and when they walked inside the place was a hive of activity.
Tommy had friends for a sleepover and kids ran past them screaming. Mitch bent down and whispered in her ear.
“Kids, who would have them?”
If he wanted to go upstairs and practice right now, she would be happy. Kids were not part of the deal. That aside, if Mitch wanted to start a whole bunch of rug rats, she would go for it.
Where the hell did that come from? She had never been a person who wanted the family and kid thing. Finding anything was a challenge. All she had managed so far was a marriage of convenience with benefits. She stripped and climbed in the shower. The water pounded her back and washed away all thoughts of Brandon and the stress of the show.
Gemma jumped when she heard the shower door open. Damn, being twitchy. From the grin on Mitch’s face and the size of his erection, she knew he would be able to make her relax.
“I think we have time for a quick bit of fun. Turn around and put your hands on the wall,” he ordered, and her core heated up at the thought of what was to come.
Mitch took the soap and lathered her shoulders, rubbing the muscles. She groaned with the pain and the pleasure of it. His hands moved down her back, over her buttocks, and around to the front of her body. He pressed up against her back so she could feel his cock between her butt cheeks. Mitch lathered her pubes and then his hands slid up from her waist to her breasts.
He massaged her breasts and rubbed his thumbs over her nipples. The little buds stiffened and a zing went straight from her breasts to her pussy. Mitch kissed her neck and his tongue felt hot against her skin.
“Bend forward and open your legs.”
Gemma spread her legs and pressed her chest against the wall. She could feel his cock between her legs and rubbing on her pussy. She gasped as he thrust into her. She would never get tired of this man. She just needed to convince him to stay around. He withdrew and then delved deeper as his hand came around and massaged her clit.
She shoved back and he pumped into her. She could feel her orgasm building as she panted. Mitch groaned as his own climax came. The two of them stood still as they throbbed around each other. It was the same every time they had sex—neither of them wanting it to end. When they came apart, he turned her around and took possession of her mouth. He lifted her so her legs encircled his hips. She wanted to stay like this forever, but they had a party to go to.
When they finally came apart, she thought for a second he might say something. Did she really expect the ‘I love you’? This was lust and she should get used to it. She had paid him to be here. She would not tear up.
“Baby. You send me crazy when I touch you,” Mitch said.
“The feeling is mutual, but we need to get ready, as much as I would love to stay here with you.”
Gemma got dressed in jeans and a revealing top that showed off her breasts. From Mitch’s smile, he approved.
“I don’t mind people looking, but they better keep their hands off.”
“It’s okay. I only want your hands on them, anyway.”
She kissed him on the cheek and they headed downstairs. The rest were all ready to go out and the car was out front. Declan and Cassi looked as much in love as ever as he stared lovingly at her. Jack was there, and Sasha was going with them. Her hair had changed color again and was now purple. Gemma liked Cassi’s crazy friend and wondered if something was going on between her and Jack. That was soon put to rest when Jack patted Sasha on the bottom. She turned on him with a look that could cut
glass.
“Don’t touch what you can’t have, Jack. I have no intention of being another notch on your bedpost.”
“That’s unfair. I thought I was becoming a notch on yours,” Jack said with a pouty look.
“You wish.”
Everyone laughed as they walked outside. Gemma had a feeling Jack would never cope with Sasha anyway.
Gemma knew the cast and crew were going to the same restaurant where she had been saved by Mitch. This time she would stay away from the back alley. It was weird to think only a short time ago she had hardly known Mitch, and now he was her husband.
The car pulled up, and as usual, there were photographers outside. Mitch would probably know them all. As he helped her out of the car, the questions came thick and fast.
“Give us the dirt, Mitch. What’s it like being in with those you used to take risky pictures of?”
“Is it true Mitch is going to get you parts by blackmailing those he photographed?” another paparazzo shouted.
Mitch pulled her close as they made their way inside.
“The guys will say anything. You know that.”
“I trust you and others will too eventually. I don’t care what they say.”
Cassi gave her a hug as they got inside.
“I remember what it was like the first time I went out with Declan. The things people shouted out were crazy. It seems you two are the flavor of the month to get a story on. It will be someone else next month.”
Inside, the food kept coming and so did the drinks. Conner came over to join them. He played one of the characters on the show that had been infested with a demon virus and would keep having dark episodes.
He sat next to Declan. “It’s a good night and the show is finished for a while. What are your plans for the off season?”
Cassi grabbed Declan’s hand and grinned. Gemma reckoned something was going on and maybe Cassi was going to tell everyone about the wedding.
Declan piped up. “We are going to Australia to get married. My parents have been organizing things and we leave in two weeks. Your invitations will go out tomorrow.”
Gemma squealed and went around to give Cassi a hug. “I am so happy for you.”
“Well, you beat me to the post, but I know it’s the best thing to happen. I always thought I would never get involved again after Steve, but that was until I realized Declan was the perfect dad for Tommy and the man for me. I hope you two will be as happy.”
Gemma smiled, not wanting to get into a discussion.
“We were going to wait, but I have a secret,” Cassi said. “I‘m pregnant and feel this is the right time. You never know. You and Mitch might hear the patter of little feet before long.”
The next hour or so was spent with people doing speeches and a screen showing some of the bloopers from the series. Gemma was glad Brandon stayed across the room with Colin so she didn’t have to talk to him.
“I need to go to the ladies’. I’ll be back in a minute,” Gemma said.
“I’ll go and get another drink,” Mitch said as he headed off to the bar.
Gemma washed her hands and headed back to the restaurant. Brandon was waiting outside the restroom. It brought back all the fear she had before she met Mitch. She would not let him intimidate her anymore and took a deep breath.
“Let me pass, Brandon.”
He stood close and gripped her arms. “You can’t tell me you’re enjoying slumming with that pap. He is the scum at the bottom of the pool. Has he got a big dick? Is that why you like him?”
Brandon let go of her arm and grabbed her between the legs. Gemma responded by slapping him across the face.
“You bitch. After everything I’ve done for you. Colin was going to drop you and I said you should stay. I’ll destroy you.” Brandon grabbed the front of her blouse and ripped it so her bra was on display.
“You’re crazy. I was never interested in you. I’m married now so leave me alone.”
Mitch arrived and pulled Brandon away from her. His fist connected with Brandon’s chin and sent him toppling back against the far wall. Brandon wasn’t down for long and charged forward, tackling Mitch around the waist. The next minute they were both rolling on the floor in the restaurant. Everyone was either screaming to get away or pulling them apart.
Both men threw punches as the security yanked them away from each other. Colin pulled Brandon aside while Declan helped Mitch up, and the two of them returned to their table. Cassi put her arm around Gemma as she stared down at the ripped blouse.
“He’s crazy, Cassi. He grabbed my crotch and ripped my clothes. Brandon always creeped me out, but I thought now Mitch was around, he would back off, but it hasn’t happened.”
Cassi smirked. “I’ve never liked him. Is this what you were worried about before? You should have told us.”
Gemma couldn’t stop the shakes as Mitch put a brandy down in front of her. She took a big gulp that burned as it went down but would helped her relax.
“I had Mitch and thought I was okay.” Gemma heard Brandon yelling at Colin, and then he stormed out. She hoped she never saw him again.
Colin came over as she tried to pull her top together. Not that he hadn’t seen more on set, but she was acting then and it was different. Mitch took off his jacket and handed it to her. She inhaled his scent and felt better with it wrapped around her. Mitch smiled and touched her cheek.
“You okay?”
“Yep. Borrowing your jacket again. I seem to make a habit of it.”
Colin spoke to her. “The restaurant owner called the police. They’ve arrived and want to talk to you, Gemma. One of the waitresses saw the assault. I’m sorry. I didn’t know Brandon was bothering you like that.”
Gemma took a deep breath. “I don’t want to ever see him again. He’s been pestering me for months.”
Colin shook his head. “I’ll put it to the production committee that we don’t renew his contract for next season. He was always a bit of a hot head at college, but I thought he’d calmed down. I’m sorry.”
“It’s not your fault. I’ll be fine.”
The policeman came over and Gemma and Mitch moved to one of the other tables to talk. She wasn’t sure about pressing charges. If Brandon was gone, that would be enough. Plus, she didn’t want to risk information about her mother coming up. When the police left, she just wanted to go home. Mitch took her hand as they headed for the door. Cassi and the others followed them.
“You have a black eye, Mitch. I’ll get some ice for it when we get home,” Gemma said.
“I’ll be fine. I’ve had worse in the past. Sorry I let him get near you. I didn’t think he would try something with everyone else around.”
Declan touched her arm. “It’s going to be rough out there with the press. Bad news travels fast, plus the cop car turning up was a bit of a giveaway.”
Mitch pushed open the door and the camera flashes started to go off. Gemma felt small and scared as she wrapped her arms around her waist. She wanted to go and curl up in a ball somewhere so no one could touch her.
“Are you regretting marrying Mitch? We hear he beat up one of the producers on the show.”
“Is it true you have an Ice addiction, Mitch?”
“Are you pregnant, Gemma? Who’s the father? Mitch or Brandon?”
The two of them jumped in the car and were followed by the others. When the car door closed, the silence was wonderful.
“Did you used to shout those things, Mitch?” Jack asked.
“Nope. I took some dodgy pictures, but I can honestly say I never pushed people by saying shit like that.”
Cassi spoke next. “Look, we will all be heading off to Australia soon and by the time we get back, it will all have blown over.”
Gemma hoped so. If she saw Brandon in hell that would be too soon.
Chapter Twenty-One
Mitch smiled as Gemma zipped up her suitcase. She had always wanted to go to Australia and now he was going with her. It was a long trip, but they
were in first class. He really wanted to be excited, but his gut clenched. He should have told her he’d never flown before and was petrified.
Cassi, Tommy, and Declan had flown out two days before and Jack and Sasha were flying with them. He followed Gemma downstairs and the doorbell rang. It would be the limousine, and there would be no turning back. Jack patted him on the back. “You okay, mate? You look as white as a sheet.”
“I’m fine. First time flying is all.”
Gemma grabbed his arm. “Why didn’t you say? I know someone who could have gotten you a sedative. When we get to the airport I’ll get you a brandy.”
Mitch could see himself being thrown off the plane for being drunk. It didn’t take long to see how the other half lived when he got to the airport. The limousine pulled up outside a door that looked like nothing special. It opened and they were ferried inside. He had been a paparazzo and knew a special longue had been built for VIPs, but he never considered he would be using it. If he were cold hearted, he could make more money in a half an hour here than he made in all his years as a paparazzo. How the tables turned. Mitch knew he didn’t need to be famous to get in here, he needed the price tag. He heard it was around two thousand dollars a head.
A waiter asked them what they wanted as the two of them walked through the doors and Gemma ordered two brandies.
“It’s only midday,” Jack said.
Gemma laughed. “It’s nighttime somewhere in the world. By the time we get to Australia, we won’t know what day it is, let alone what time.”
Mitch drank his brandy in two gulps and it burned as it went down. He closed his eyes for a second and let the mellow feeling calm him. He could do this.
An hour later, they were on the plane and he was doing up his seatbelt. The roar of the engines made bile come up in his throat. Gemma sat next to him and held his hand. He had married her to be her protector. He wasn’t living up to expectations at the moment.
He hadn’t found any dirt on Brandon and made matters worse by getting in a brawl with him. Mitch knew he couldn’t pay for any of this shit and was living in a fancy Los Angeles home he didn’t belong in. The flip side was every time he was with Gemma, he wanted to kiss her and adore every part of her body.
