The Movie Star and the Spy (The Secret Billionaires #5)

Chapter 6

CHAPTER 6

J ulian stared at his guest. Shock, satisfaction, anticipation . So many emotions, zipping by like a sci-fi film trailer, as the words lingered in the air, echoing against gilded walls. He stayed silent, and so did she, locked in a battle of hidden motivations. There was no “How about a date” on his What would she say next bingo card, not even close. Of course, it matched the desire she couldn’t hide, the connection that sparked, yet she seemed determined to fight it. Now she wanted to explore? She was up to something.

He would discover what it was.

Although Destiny pretended he didn’t affect her, the truth was obvious. She disliked the body double role, and despite his claims otherwise, he didn’t want her in it. He may not have been with millions of women like he teased, but he’d been in relationships, and something was different this time. Something stronger. Something personal .

He wanted nothing more than to explore this force, but not as part of a role. Certainly not as a career move to “get ahead.” Uncovering her in front of the entire cast and crew made him feel like he’d eaten half an apple only to find half a worm inside. He’d accused her of jealousy, but the green-eyed monster had made a house call. He didn’t like it.

He wanted to get to know her better and not just in a physical way. He would’ve suggested it himself, however, despite what the press reported, he had morals, and he would never take advantage of a starlet. “You don’t need to do this.”

She stiffened. “Is that no?”

He wanted nothing more than to go on a date with her. He’d been planning on asking her, but once the roles were over and it was clear he wasn’t doing it for the wrong reasons. “I do want to go out. A lot.” She blinked at him; he cleared his throat. “But this switch is not contingent upon any sort of recompense. I want to help you find a better role, and I don’t expect anything for it.”

She visible softened, her lips curving at the top. “You really are different than I thought.” The words were murmured, more a self-reflection than a response. She straightened. “I know you aren’t expecting anything, and neither am I. I just thought it would be fun.”

He wanted more than fun from her, but he wouldn’t share that now. For the first time in, well, ever, he felt something real. “I’d like to get to know you better. In the meantime, you’ll get the chance to go out with America’s most eligible bachelor,” he teased, flashing a broad smile.

She shook her head, but her eyes lightened. “Don’t you mean the most arrogant actor in the world?”

“Gorgeous.”

“Egotistical.”

“Handsome.”

“Pompous.”

He grinned wider. “I think we’re off to a great start.”

“Perfect.” She took a deep breath. “But we do have to agree on some things.”

Putting conditions on the date she asked for? Stranger and stranger. She was definitely up to something. “What things?”

“First, how many dates?”

Dissatisfaction tempered his humor. She wanted to limit the dates before they even started? If things went the way his imagination was predicting, it could be a moot point. “Four hundred and fifty-two.”

She froze, gave a short laugh. “How about two?”

“Five.”

“Three.”

He nodded. Three dates should be enough to figure out why he wanted her so much and learn about the real her. More importantly, it would give him time to convince her to add more dates, even four hundred and fifty-two.

“They can’t be public,” she gave her next condition. “It has to be just you and me.”

His mind conjured images of a private date. Just when he’d gotten himself back under control…

“I didn’t mean like that.” She flushed. “I just can’t be seen cozying up to you. Your girlfriends become instantly famous.”

He inclined his head. “Isn’t that what you want? Not to be arrogant, but being seen with me provides great exposure.” His last girlfriend had scored a supporting role in a popular comedy series, and the one before that was working her way up the directorial ladder.

A shadow passed over her. Strange. Why wouldn’t she want the benefits of being attached to a successful actor? Even a date or two could provide a hundred times the coverage of a body double role.

“I’m shy.”

“Shy?” He lifted an eyebrow. “Didn’t you volunteer for a body double position? You also flirt with every guy on the set. I even saw you giving eyes to Goldy.” He waggled his eyebrows. “You know, the security guard’s goldfish.”

She looked skyward. “I didn’t flirt with a fish, and I didn’t flirt with you.”

“You said I was the most amazing man on all nine continents and twelve planets.” He swept his hair out of his face. “What do you call that?”

“A brief brain hiatus,” she said grumpily. “But if you agree to my terms, we should do it.”

“I was going to propose the first date be tomorrow at Fantasy-Con. It’s a huge convention for comics, movies and television, sort of an alternate version of Comic-Con. It’s not private, but the entire cast is going so no one will realize we’re together.”

She paused. “I suppose that’ll work, as long as you don’t make it seem like a date.”

Even if they didn’t label it a date, they’d still spend the entire day with each other. He could learn about her and the true motivation behind her actions. Perhaps then, he could figure out the mystery that was Destiny Dane.

“Perfect.”

Most likely suspects:

John T. – Arrogant extra always talking to different women

Alan B. – Quiet prop assistant who seems atypically nervous

Kevin J. – Extra willing to do anything to further his career

Peter L. – An assistant’s assistant who wants more

Also, Jeff H., Colin C., Trevor D. on the crew and many of the extras

Cheyenne read the list of possible suspects, as she shifted sore muscles in the pleather bench seat. Her older, nondescript sedan cum makeshift office smelled like her last four drive-through meals and contained stacks of computer equipment behind heavily tinted windows. She currently perused three of those devices, yet the state-of-the-art machinery could not output the solution without input from her fieldwork.

At least she’d made some progress. She’d immediately weeded out the higher-level cast and crew, but that left all the extras, much of the crew and even some of the actors with bit parts. The criminals used a variety of personality types to act as recruiters, to make it more difficult to track them. The list was just a start. She would still need the criminal to make his move.

Cheyenne shut down the devices and shoved them into the secret compartment under the seat. She had chosen a relatively far parking spot to ensure no one saw her musings, but it would be a long walk to the convention center. She was about to exit the car when her phone rang. She didn’t bother to look.

She let it ring through to voicemail.

Then once more.

On the third try, she answered it.

The expected voice was there. “Please listen before you say no.”

“No”

“I deserve that, but I’m going to try anyway. Let’s meet for a cup of coffee.”

Though he couldn’t see her, Cheyenne shook her head. “I can’t.”

“Yes, you can. We can’t meet in a public place – your job and all – but that doesn’t mean we can’t see each other. I own a café, just a little place, and we could meet sometime. No one would see us.”

She faced hardened criminals without a thought, but now a cold sweat made her hands slippery. “I really can’t.” Yet the words were stilted, the fortitude behind them weathered and cracked. The true message belied the denial: I can and I want.

He knew. “Sure you can,” he pressed softly. “It’s just a cup of coffee, nothing more.” A loud breath and a pause. “I think about you every day. I’m trying to move on, to be better, to be the… the…”

Cheyenne held her breath.

“The person you deserve. To be some part of your life, however much you’ll let me. If you could spare just a few minutes…”

Cheyenne closed her eyes, opened them to a world gone blurry. So much of her wanted to say yes; so much wanted to say no. “I’ll think about it.”

She didn’t know who was more surprised by her answer. “I’ll take it,” he returned immediately. “And leave before you change your mind.” The connection ended with a click.

She squeezed the phone until a faint cracking sounded. For a sliver of a second, the past engulfed her, the pain, the heartache, the endless disappointments, but then she forced herself to the present. Her choice deserved deep contemplation, but not now, and certainly not here. She grasped the cool metal handle and opened the door.

A second later, her name was shouted, “Hey Destiny!”

Cheyenne turned at the bubbly voice of Jessica Cole. She forced her voice to a normal octave. “Hi Jess. How’s it going?”

“Great. I was surprised to see someone else parked out here. My agent says walking is a great way to keep in shape, so I always park far.”

Cheyenne smiled. It was a great excuse. “Same here.”

They fell into step next to each other, the conversation turning to neutral, benign and comfortable matters. Jess told her about her small-town roots, a rural origin with more wildlife than people. She was sweet, kind and a little na?ve. Cheyenne would keep close watch on her, especially with the danger no one knew existed.

“So did you hear?” The bubbly woman was even more animated than usual, practically – no, literally – bouncing up and down with excitement. “I got your old role. I’m the new body double!”

“That’s great.” Yet Cheyenne’s heart plummeted to the pavement. What the hell was the matter with her? It should’ve been great. It truly was great. Jess was a kind woman who deserved a better role.

Yet why did it feel like her stiletto had just stabbed her heart?

She should forget about the body double thing. She needed to focus on her mission. Right now she should be questioning Jess in case one of the men had approached her. Although the criminals instructed the women to remain silent, the victims didn’t always comply. That’s how they’d gotten the tip that Spy Heat would be the next target.

Yet when she opened her mouth, something else entirely emerged, “I assume you’re going to practice with Julian.” She clamped her mouth shut. Of course, they were going to practice. As long as it wasn’t her, it didn’t matter.

“Nope.”

Cheyenne started, ignoring the feeling that was definitely not relief. “Why not?” At the girl’s surprised gaze, she lowered her voice. “I’m just curious.”

Jess shrugged happily. “Julian said we didn’t need to practice. Especially since there aren’t any scenes where he takes off all my clothes.”

Cheyenne nearly tripped on a fallen branch. “There aren’t?”

“Not anymore,” she confirmed. “Julian, the director and Zachary – you know, that really hot actor – talked, and they took them out. They said it would leave something to the imagination. They still need the body double, though, because even partial nudity is banned in the lead actress’ contract.”

“It makes sense.” Only Julian had seemed perfectly happy to expose her, at least for a little while. “Congratulations on the role. On the subject of hot actors, have you noticed all the hunky extras?”

Jess’ giant hoop earrings bobbed with her grinning nod. “Each is more gorgeous than the next.”

“Aren’t they?” Cheyenne gushed. “Have you talked to anyone in particular? I’m a big fan of networking.

Jess stopped to wave hello to another actor, then skipped to catch up to Cheyenne. “No one except Julian about a modeling contract.”

“Let me know if anyone mentions any opportunities,” Cheyenne waved her hand in feigned nonchalance. “I’m always on the lookout for exciting roles.”

“Sure thing.” They greeted more cast members as they reached the convention center, a masterpiece of architecture and artistry that soared twenty stories high. With a glass exterior that gleamed in the early morning sunlight, the massive building was a work of art, all sharp angles and lush curves, like a three-dimensional model from high school geometry. Staircases rose this way and that, creating a maze of optical illusions to make M.C. Escher proud.

They walked through the VIP entrance, where actors, authors and others personalities converged on a red-carpeted path. Cheyenne slowly pivoted, tallying the suspects, when a commotion sounded from behind.

“Look who’s there!” a woman squealed.

“Is that Julian Starcroft!?” another asked.

“OH WOW, IT IS!!!”

Even in a crowd of celebrities, Julian stood out. When he emerged from the mass, surrounded by bodyguards, assistants, handlers, executives and endless fans, she froze. He was handsome in everyday clothes, stunning in the rugged outfits he wore on set, but in a skintight black costume he was devastating . The futuristic costume outlined massive muscles, powerful legs and his long, lean torso. It matched his black hair perfectly, and his eyes shone like icy blue topazes. He strode in power-filled movements, the ruler of his domain, dressed like a nightscape hero.

She couldn’t look away, but to be fair, neither could anyone else. The people parted as he walked, surrounded by assistants. Then he stopped…

Right in front of her.

Oh hell.

“Hello,” he rumbled.

Everyone looked at them. Pointing, Considering. Wondering.

What. Was. He. Doing?

She donned a plastic smile, fought for control. A difficult task when she longed to feel just how smooth that costume was. She knew exactly where she’d start. “Jul… Mr. Starcroft. So good to see you.”

“You too,” he purred. “Everyone, I’d like you to meet Destiny Dane, my new personal assistant.

Appropriate responses to the sudden assertion she was his personal assistant:

Yell, “hell no” (and kiss him)

Display an inappropriate gesture (and kiss him)

Arrest him (and kiss him)

Inappropriate responses to the sudden assertion she was his personal assistant:

Gawk, break character and exclaim, “Say what?”

Yeah, she did the last one.

It was an ambush, plain and simple. Just like when she’d walked into that weapon smuggler’s house two years ago, only slightly more volatile and far more dangerous.

“That’s right.” His drawl was as satisfied as a lion in a steakhouse. “While we were practicing our scene, I saw her potential. I don’t usually employ a personal assistant, but I just had to make an exception when she begged for the job.”

That little–”

“It took a while for her to convince me, of course. She just made her devotion so clear, her willingness to do whatever it took to fulfill the role.” He winked. “Anything to add, Destiny?”

Cheyenne opened her mouth.

“No? Good. We’d better get going. Destiny has to get properly attired and all.”

Armed robbery. Double parking. Littering. There had to be something she could arrest him for. Wait. Had he said properly attired?

He waved to the crowd, and even though time was tight, spent a few minutes signing autographs and taking pictures. She stood to the side and mentally listed the prisons she could send him to. She was debating between Alcatraz and Devil’s Island (ignoring that both had been closed for over fifty years), when he waved goodbye to the fans. “We should go, or we’ll miss our panel. Bye, everyone.” A strong hand gripped hers, firm and possessive. It took all her professionally trained strength to stop from pulling away and creating a scene as he led her away.

This was a disaster. The more she stood out, the less likely the criminal would approach her and risk getting in Starcroft’s sights. Yet Julian didn’t let go as they traveled down a long hallway and stopped in front of a row of dressing rooms. As he released her, one of his bodyguards handed her a large white box. She clutched it tightly, but didn’t open it. She needed to get Julian in private and convince him to find her another job. “We need to talk.”

“Sorry, Destiny, there’s no time. You have to get into costume and then we have a panel to attend. I’ll need lots of assistance, of course.”

“Assistance with what?” she snapped. She exhaled, smoothed taut features. She couldn’t demand answers when they had an attentive audience.

“Most of the cast and crew will be dressed for the occasion.” He pointed to the aides carrying bags and boxes into the dressing rooms. “Since you didn’t know, I picked up something for you. Don’t worry, I got your measurements from your file. It’ll fit.”

Of course, he knew her measurements – he’d seen her nearly naked.

“Anything else?” he asked with a mischievous grin.

There was so much else, and absolutely nothing she could say right now. “Not a thing,” she bit out. Did that sound believable? She still needed to play the part of obsessed fan. “Although I must say, I’m going to miss playing body double.” She attempted a giggle.

He gave a wicked smile. “If you feel that way–”

“I’m good.”

“But you said–”

“No, I didn’t.”

“What’s going on here?” a loud voice bellowed. The director strode in, glaring at his stalled cast and crew. “This isn’t a vacation day. Get into your costumes. We have a panel in thirty minutes, and it’s a full house. Standing room only.” He nodded toward Julian, the only person he showed any semblance of respect to. “At least Starcroft is dressed.”

People burst into action. With no choice, Cheyenne strode toward the dressing room, but stopped at a voice from behind, “Hey, are you okay? You seemed a little upset there.”

Cheyenne gave Jess a weak smile. “I’m the luckiest girl around. Better get dressed now.” She quickly escaped into one of the unoccupied rooms. What a disaster. The ruse was failing if even Jess could see she was upset. Time to get back into character.

But first she had to adopt a different character altogether. She dropped the box on the stool like a suspicious package destined for the bomb squad. Who knew how explosive it would be? Without hesitation, she grabbed the lid and pulled it open so quickly it ripped. The sound of crinkling tissue paper crackled as she dug in, and the garment finally came into view. “Holy sh–”

“Whoa. Look at Jess in that outfit. I think the temperature just rose a hundred degrees.”

Julian barely heard Zachary. “Jess?”

“Ms. Cole. Your new body double.”

“Oh yeah.” Since the new body double had been chosen by the director, he’d hardly thought about her. In fact, really only once when convincing the director she didn’t need to be fully undressed for the scene. There was no reason to go that far when you could use easily concealed undergarments, which he preferred. Zachary sure as hell cared and had asked it as a rare favor. They’d gone together to talk to the director.

Zachary whistled low, still caught on the object of his desire. “She’s going as the Invisible Woman. That’s the superhero who can’t wear any clothing or someone will see her.”

“But she’s not really invisible.”

Zachary grinned.

Julian followed Zachary’s gaze. How does one pull off an Invisible Woman costume while perfectly visible? Craftily, it seemed. Made almost entirely of sheer nude mesh with strategically located lining, the suit performed its function well. The outfit and the lovely woman wearing it should’ve piqued his interest, but instead he idly wondered if it might be useful during body shots. It almost worried him, his complete lack of interest in a beautiful, nearly naked woman, until…

Destiny walked out.

And he stared.

And stared some more.

And kept staring and staring, longer and longer, for at least a century and a half.

He then reminded himself to breathe.

But he didn’t stop staring.

Her outfit was a juxtaposition of pure midnight and scorching sun, fiery heat and white ice. It was the feminine version of his own costume, a warrior princess from a futuristic space opera. Pitch black, the jumpsuit fit like a second skin, molding to every curve, outlining every single detail. It showed off sleek legs, generous hips and a slender waist. Cut low on top, it hugged generous curves and luscious dips.

“Um, buddy, you okay?”

“Uh-huh”

“You’re staring.”

“Uh-huh.”

“People are starting to notice.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Aliens invaded. They asked if you wanted to do lunch.”

“Uh-huh.”

A pause. Then… a punch on the arm.

“Hey!” Julian stared at Zachary. “What did you do that for? And why are you smiling?”

His friend shrugged. “No reason. I was just thinking we could triple date.”

“Triple date?”

“Us, the ladies and the aliens.”

Julian growled. Then he caught sight of Destiny again, and his lips quirked up.

“And Big Foot is coming along, too.”

“Uh-huh.”

Zachary may have mentioned something about a lost cause at that point, but he was too preoccupied to notice. Destiny epitomized the warrior she portrayed, a temptress in the black costume and matching knee-high boots. A fierce expression proved her power, as she undoubtedly formulated clever ways to exact revenge. Clearly, she didn’t appreciate the creation he had selected for her.

Just as every man in the place clearly appreciated it.

Julian fought down uncharacteristic agitation. So what if the men admired the gorgeous woman? It didn’t bother him when they looked at Jess. He hadn’t planned on getting Destiny the costume, but as soon as he saw the matching garment next to his own, he couldn’t stop himself. He’d ordered it on the spot and paid a small fortune to have them alter it that afternoon.

Nothing could explain his behavior when it came to Ms. Destiny Dane. He teased her like a fourth-grader pulling the hair of his playground crush, then gawked like a teen with his high school sweetheart. He didn’t mean to unsettle her – well, maybe he did a little – but he just couldn’t help it. More than anything, he wanted to know her better.

Zachary gave another low whistle as the women approached. “You ladies are gorgeous.”

Ms. Cole giggled. Destiny produced something that sounded like a choke, but by the upward tilt of her lips, it seemed like it was supposed to pass as a giggle. The others accepted it. Julian winked, and her eyes turned thunderous.

“I agree,” he murmured. “You are extraordinary.”

Her skin pinkened, but she didn’t respond, at least not verbally. She lifted her chin with that stubborn tilt, brewing challenge in blazing eyes. She was glorious .

“Look what I’ve found.” a new voice sounded, chipper and smooth and professional. A tall, red-headed woman in a sparkling white suit spoke into a microphone, and the chatter in the hallway immediately ceased. The director, who had been snapping like a drill sergeant on the first day of bootcamp, made a jerky motion for everyone to quiet.

“I’m backstage at Fantasy-Con, and I’ve just run into A-list actors Julian Starcroft and Zachary Thompson. On behalf of millions of women on this planet and billions on neighboring ones, you guys are looking good.”

Julian grinned smoothly at the reporter, a well-respected newswoman from a high-rated entertainment channel. “Thank you, Stacy. You look wonderful, as always.”

“Thank you.” She flashed snow-white teeth. “I know you have a panel soon, but how about a quick plug for your movie?”

Julian complied, giving his standard thirty second speech about the upcoming blockbuster. When he was done, he answered a few questions about the plot and his role.

“That sounds great,” Stacy held the microphone towards Jess and Destiny. “Are these two lovely ladies also from Spy Heat ?”

“That’s right.” This time, Zachary answered. “This is Jessica Cole and Destiny Dane, two up-and-coming stars.”

“How exciting.” Stacy’s gaze sharpened as she parried between the men and women. “I sensed something between you guys. Anything we should know?”

Zachary’s grin widened. “Well Stacy, you – and your billions of viewers on neighboring planets – would be the first to know, of course.” He winked to laughter. “But in this case, even I’m not sure where I stand. Ms. Cole, have you agreed to go out with me?”

Jess blushed deeply. A second later, she regained her composure and beamed. “I believe I just have, Mr. Thompson.”

Stacy laughed as the crowd roared in approval, yet surprise stole Julian’s mask, for just a moment. Zachary rarely revealed his personal life to reporters, yet he’d just spilled all on national television. What had Jess done to elicit such a response?

Perhaps the same thing Destiny was doing to him.

“And what about you, Julian? Is there anything special between you and Ms. Dane? Don’t think we haven’t noticed the matching outfits. Are you guys an item?”

Total silence ruled.

He opened his mouth and paused…

How should he answer?