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

Chapter 8

CHAPTER 8

W as he allowed to banish all men from the convention?

It seemed a lofty goal, even for someone with his star power, but it may be worth a go. Or he could employ his prior strategy and carry Cheyenne out, caveman style. He could do both .

As soon as she returned, Cheyenne followed her usual routine, as if acting the same script in an endless loop. Wearing a jacket that did little to hide the skintight costume, she infiltrated a group of actors. She acted the kid in a candyland, delving closer and closer to men who were more than willing to reciprocate.

That man needed to stop twirling her hair. Julian stepped forward to demand it, but an excited fan asked for an autograph, then another and another and suddenly, half an hour had passed. He caught up to Destiny just in time to hear her address an entire gaggle of men, “This is the hardest decision I’ve had to make since choosing my mascara color this morning. Can’t I just buy all of you?” She batted her eyelashes.

She had to be kidding. “So now you’re buying men? Isn’t that a little illegal?”

“Not tonight,” she simpered. “The charity bachelor auction is going to feature all these handsome guys, and I broke into my piggy bank just for the occasion.” She giggled. “It’s like choosing from an entire box of chocolate. I can’t pick just one.”

Can’t pick just one? How could this be his smart, sassy and independent woman? And when had he started thinking of her as his woman? Was she on some sort of mood-altering drug? Did she possess multiple personalities? No, by her shrewd gaze, she knew exactly what she was doing. Something was driving this strange behavior, and he would uncover every last detail.

“Too bad you have another engagement during the bachelor auction, Julian.” She fluttered charcoal lashes, curved a smile that belied the sweet words. “I’m sure you’re disappointed you can’t attend.”

Actually, that was just an excuse. Last year, the woman who won delved dangerously close to stalker territory. When she called his mother, he pledged to never repeat the experience. He’d donated an entire wing to the children’s hospital to make up for it, far more money than they would have gotten at the auction, even for him. He planned to do the same every year he missed it.

“I’ll be there,” one of the men broke in.

“So will I.”

“And I,” chimed the others.

They may be there, but they would not take advantage of Destiny. He would ensure it.

“Well, I will definitely get one–” She winked. “Or all of you. I can’t wait. I’d better get ready or I won’t look presentable.” And with that, she gave a cute little wave and bounced down the hall.

“That is one fine woman.” One of the extras whistled low. “I can’t wait for tonight.”

Neither could he. “Gentlemen, how would you like the opportunity of a lifetime?”

Tonight, Destiny was going to win more than she bargained for.

“This is so exciting!” Cheyenne squealed, waving to the men prowling the stage like a group of caged lions. Dozens of thin bracelets clunked together, matched by clicking stilettos and a slinky dress that attracted endless attention. Yet she was not the only standout in the exclusive crowd. Beautiful women and dapper men roamed the spacious ballroom, which was scented by flowery perfume and spicy cologne. In the corner, a crisp orchestra played a lilting tune.

The event was a far cry from the earlier fare, where raucous panels, fan meetups and cosplay singalongs invited spirited excess. Revelers discarded funky costumes for fancy tuxedoes and glittering dresses, and Cheyenne had donned a long sequined sky-blue gown brought as a backup dress by Jess. Slinky and fitted, with a sweetheart neckline, spaghetti straps and a long slit up one leg, it sparkled under the lights like diamond dust.

“I don’t know which man to choose.” Jess rubbed her hands together. “It’s like an all-you-can-eat buffet.”

“Except there are no calories here, ladies.” Cheyenne giggled, playing her part. Yet even she had to admit the so-called buffet was pretty scrumptious. Its offerings: Men, men and more men.

And not just any men. No, they were the most handsome, muscular and striking stars from the television and screen. From A-list actors to extras, they offered themselves to the highest bidder for the benefit of the children’s hospital. Winners scored the star’s company for the duration of the dinner/dance, including four plus hours of personalized attention and fun. The yearly event drew a hefty amount of media coverage, oodles of money for a worthy charity and some very delighted women.

Cheyenne intended to be one of those women.

Bidding on one (or more) of the men on her short list would give her some insight into possible culprits, and hopefully allow her to cross several suspects off her list. She had a limited budget from the police department, but hopefully it would be enough to buy someone, especially since the extras would go for far less than the actual stars. Last year, Julian Starcroft had elicited a winning bid of over $50,000. Not that she would ever bid on the impossible man, even if he were in the auction and she was a millionaire.

“Who are you bidding on?” Jess clasped her hands. “I bet you wish Julian was for sale.”

“Doesn’t everyone?” Cheyenne gushed the expected response. “That would be a dream come true. There’s nothing in the entire world I want more.”

“That’s nice to hear.”

Not again…

“Are you happy to see me?”

About as happy to see the dentist. For a root canal. After they’d run out of anesthesia.

Apparently, there was no avoiding the man, or his effect on her. Cheyenne turned, preparing to jump into the role of adoring fan, yet instead she stopped.

Whoa.

It was bad enough to compromise her investigation, but to look so attractive while doing so? Now that was just impolite. Julian had ditched the super-tight costume, yet the Armani tuxedo showed off his physique to an art. Midnight black, fit to perfection, it outlined every single muscle in the tall man. Celyon sapphire eyes sparkled above a chiseled jaw, defining gorgeous features and captivating allure. He was the richest, creamiest treat in the candy store, but that didn’t matter. He threatened everything. “What are you doing here?” she demanded.

Woops.

He laughed. “That’s an interesting question from someone who just called me her dream come true.”

“Of course, you are. I meant… I…” Cheyenne dug her fingernails into her palms as their audience watched with keen interest. “I thought you had an engagement tonight.”

“It got cancelled.”

“Oh, hell… I mean, hello, my dream man.” She cringed. Relax. So he sent you on a dozen ridiculous errands. You can arrest him later.

The thought made her feel better, until Julian smiled widely. “I’m glad I inspire such joy.”

The crowd tittered. “Does that mean you’ll be in the bachelor auction?” a woman in the back cried. A moment later, dozens of women asked the same.

He shook his head, eliciting sighs, moans and other assorted sounds of disappointment. “Sorry, ladies, not this year. But don’t worry.” He looked straight at her. “I’ll be here.”

She swallowed. Had he come for her? It seemed ridiculous. Perhaps he was just unaccustomed to women not falling over themselves for him. Her strange feelings for him? Obviously stress-induced.

A symphony of inhales came from the crowd, as a group of people walked toward them. Even for someone not prone to be starstruck, Cheyenne blinked at the approaching star power. The Billionaires of Miami, as the press famously dubbed them, sucked all the oxygen out of the room, leaving the others gasping. Of course, Julian Starcroft was a premier member. They were a mighty group, famous, talented and wealthy men with their equally famous, talented and wealthy women. She had met them once at a charity event the cast had attended.

Julian grinned as his friends approached. “Thank you for coming to support this charity. It means a lot.”

“Happy to do it.” A tall, striking man nearly as big as Julian slapped his back.

Another towering man, famous major league baseball player Jason Sterling, patted his arm. “I appreciate when you showed up at mine.”

They all supported each other – and numerous charities – at philanthropy events. They were kind, giving and fiercely intelligent. The last meant she would have to be very careful, lest they discover her true identity.

“Destiny, it’s good to see you again.” A lovely woman with a heart-shaped face and flowing locks stepped forward. “I’m not sure if you remember me. I’m Laura Bancroft, and this is my husband Aidan. These are our friends, Kaitlyn and Cameron Drake, Destiny and Jason Sterling and Adrianna and Dominick Knight.”

“It’s great to see you,” Cheyenne gave the half-truth, half-lie. They were an extraordinary group of people, and in another lifetime, she would have loved to be friends. Now, however, they only posed a risk.

“It’s the Billionaires of Miami!” A screech called from the end of the hall. The group frowned, cringed and grimaced as Stacy came racing down, heels clicking and cameraman in tow. “How lucky are we?”

A symphony of sighs sounded, but short of replicating the Olympic fifty yard dash, they couldn’t get away before the wily entertainment reporter was upon them. “I have so many questions. Who wants to go first? How about you?” She thrust the microphone between Adrianna and Dominick. “Adrianna, how did you feel when you learned the new office intern was actually the billionaire CEO in disguise? And did you actually invite him to come home as your fake boyfriend without knowing it?”

Before Adrianna could answer, Dominick placed a hand over the microphone. “No comment.”

The reporter gave a carefree grin and turned to the next couple. “What about you, Kaitlyn and Drake? There were rumors that you also were also an undercover billionaire. My sources said Kaitlyn believed you were an actor when she hired you to be her fake date. She had no idea you were a billionaire who ran one of the biggest law firms in the country. What did she say when she discovered the truth?”

The couple blinked surprised glances, then gave a shared, “No comment.”

“Oooh, we know what that means.” Stacy laughed into the camera. “Let’s hear from Jason Sterling, one of the biggest baseball stars in the country. We were all rocked by the recent revelations about your past. Did Destiny know the truth?”

“I’m afraid you’ll have to funnel questions through the Florida Dragons publicity department,” Jason rumbled. “Other than that, no comment.”

Even though Stacy was hitting 0-3, she seemed even more gleeful. “There’s definitely a story there. Well, what about you two, Laura and Aidan? Congratulations on the family, by the way. Tell me, why did we only recently learn about your beautiful daughter? There were rumors about some sort of mix-up at a fertility clinic.”

“Don’t tell me you believe rumors,” Aidan replied smoothly. “I’m afraid you won’t find my story, at least not here.” He gestured to the actors, then at the poster for Spy Heat. “After all, this story is about movie stars and spies. You’ll have to look elsewhere for other adventures.”

Before the wily reporter could respond, a loud voice boomed from the stage, “Ladies and gentlemen, are you ready for the most exciting night of your lives?” The announcer paused for hoots, hollers and catcalls. “I have a big speech planned, but you look ready to rush the stage, so let’s get started. Remember every single dime goes to the children’s hospital, so dig deep into your wallets. We’ll start with our stunning soap opera stars.”

With a saucy wink and promise to find each and every one of them later, Stacy left to cover the auction. Thunderous applause sounded, and Julian also turned to leave. “I’d better go. See you ladies later.” He said ladies, but by the way he looked at her, he meant one. In a world of deception, such focus was dangerous.

The auction was open to both entertainers and members of the public who had obtained pricey tickets to the event. It started with a well-known show, and from there the pace was fast and hectic, with bids coming from all directions. They ventured into the hundreds, thousands and beyond, especially when it came to the stars. They travelled through numerous television shows, movies and more, with actors hamming it up to raise the most money. The women whistled, jumped and cheered with every offering.

Finally, it was time for the Spy Heat cast, and Cheyenne stood taller as she scanned potential targets. The first extra went for over a thousand dollars, far higher than her budget. She bid on the next few, but they went a little too high. Finally, only one remained. She bid when a lull came at $300.

That’s when she saw Julian. He was standing near the stage, poised and strong, with an incomprehensible expression. As if he had something planned…

“That’s $350. Do I hear $400?”

Cheyenne snapped back to attention. She’d been so distracted, she almost lost the auction. She quickly raised her hand. “$400!”

“Excellent. $400. Do I hear more?”

The ladies, saving their pennies for the more famous actors, kept silent. Cheyenne breathed in relief when the announcer said “Sold!” and pointed in her direction. Her co-stars hugged their congratulations, and she turned to the payment table. Her steps faltered when the announcer came back on. “Before we move to the next auction, there’s been a change in the last sale.”

Uh-oh.

John, her newly acquired prize, was huddled in deep discussion with the director of the auction and Julian . “We have bad news and good news,” the director said when Cheyenne reached them. “Which do you want first?”

Why did it seem like bad news and truly awful news? “The bad news.”

“The bad news is John is no longer available. Apparently, he received an offer to audition for a director tonight, and we simply can’t deny him this chance. However, we feel terrible leaving you with no one. Someone came up with the perfect solution, one that will make you very, very happy.” The director turned to Julian.

This was not happening.

“Do you want to tell her or should I?”

Definitely not happening.

“You’re in for the surprise of your life.” He paused for dramatic effect. “For the exact same bid, Julian Starcroft has offered to be your date. Congratulations – you’re going to spend the night with the man of every woman’s dreams. What do you have to say to that?”

“Oh yuck!”

Only she didn’t say yuck.

It rhymed with it, though.

It was like a freeze ray stopped the world. Every. Single. Person. Halted. Every single person looked at her. Only one smiled…

Julian.

He winked. “You meant that in a happy way, right?” She just stood there, staring at him as they all stared at her. “Right?” he prompted.

Then she shouted “Yes!” and the world started spinning again. “Yes, yes, yes! I meant, oh fuc... um, how wonderful is this, right? Just so, so, soooo wonderful. And amazing and, you know and…” She exhaled deeply. “Wonderful.”

“She’s so flustered, she called you wonderful three times.” The announcer, looking only partially recovered, gave Julian a thumbs up. He turned back to Cheyenne. “Bet you never thought you’d buy Julian Starcroft for $400.”

“No. Nope. Not even a little.”

“And you want the deal, right?”

No. Nope. Not even a little. Well… What she wanted didn’t matter. She had no choice, not with so many people watching. “Of course,” she forced out, like she was agreeing to that anesthesia-free root canal.

“So what are you going to do with Julian all night?”

Throw him in a jail cell with a hungry lion and watch while enjoying a bottle of fine wine.

“I’m sure we’ll think of something.” Julian took her arm.

“You might just be the luckiest woman alive.” The announcer winked.

Luck had nothing to do with it. Julian had orchestrated this, and, judging by his smile as nearby women offered obscene money to buy him from her, he wasn’t the least bit repentant. “My lady.” Like an old-fashioned hero, he captured her hand and brought it up for a kiss. Good-natured comments came from all around, but she barely heard them at the tingle that raced through her sensitized body. She snatched her hand back, a little too quickly perhaps, but his touch was doing things it shouldn’t be. He was doing things he shouldn’t be.

He towered over her as she settled the bill, paying with a stack of twenties. Then she turned… right into him. Fiery heat streaked in every limb, from her neck, down her body and everywhere . “Steady,” he rumbled, reaching out, grasping her shoulders. “I’ve got you.”

Yes, he did, in more ways than one. Unacceptable. “You may want to stay back,” she whispered. “I just had a fantasy about you.”

“Did you?” He didn’t appear the least bit concerned. “Did it involve a shark?”

“Actually, a lion, a hungry one.”

“And am I the lion?”

Oh yes. “You planned to be my date all along. Don’t deny it.”

“I wouldn’t do you the injustice. Do you know why?” He leaned closer. “I didn’t want you with those other men.”

Her heart acted its own action scene, skipping and then jumping and then pounding far and away. She hadn’t expected him to admit it.

“You suggested we date,” he drawled, “but if you’ve changed your mind, you are under no obligation. Of course, it wouldn’t affect your job.”

Yes, it would – her real job, that was. The more she stood out, the more the criminal would stay away. Turning down Julian Starcroft would invite a month’s worth of gossip. She smiled and waved at a passing actress. “It was supposed to be private,” she hissed.

“That’s the beauty of it.” He gestured to the avidly watching crowd. “No one knows we’re actually dating. Now how about a dance?”

“I can’t dance. I said we would go out, not that we were dati– hey!” She gasped as he seized her hand and led her to the dance floor. And because she couldn’t make a scene, she had to smile and follow. “Don’t you ever listen?”

“Not really.” He put his arms around her, bringing her closer to muscles she couldn’t ignore. “Besides, it’s tradition. Didn’t you specifically list dancing as one of the skills on your resume?”

When she found the person who wrote that resume… “Well, yeah, but not this type of dancing.”

He tilted his head, and for once she didn’t blame him. They were doing a simple slow dance. “What kind of dancing are you skilled at? Square dancing?”

Well, why not? “Hey, don’t knock it. It’s great fun and a fantastic skill. It can add something to any movie.”

“Should we ask the director to add square dancing to Spy Heat ?”

“It would be irresponsible not to.” Then she couldn’t help it – she smiled.

He turned the topic to the film, lightening the conversation. She tried to stay detached, but he captured her interest, and she laughed as he shared funny stories about his current and past roles. Only the laughter brought her into closer contact with his solid chest, and all humor vanished. She should stay aloof and reserved, strong and unaffected. Yet words and the world faded, as he held her with his heated body. She was accustomed to being with strong men in the force, but somehow he was just… more. A soft melody started playing, and they swayed in perfect harmony.

“Destiny?”

“Hmmm.”

“Have you heard a word I said?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Then what did I just say?”

She hadn’t the foggiest idea. “That you’re really sorry for sending me to forty-eight dry cleaners?”

His expression was pure mischief. “I didn’t send you to forty-eight dry cleaners.” She lifted an eyebrow, and he dipped his head. “Fine. I may have sent you on a few unnecessary errands. I didn’t like you flirting with five hundred and seventy-two guys.”

The admission was blatant, surprising and far too pleasing. Something dangerously close to satisfaction stilted her next steps. It was ridiculous. Whether he noticed, cared or watched couldn’t matter. “Now why is it a man like you makes millions at the box office, but can’t count?”

“You’re right. When you add up all the guys you flirt with on a daily basis, it’s probably far more.” He tightened his arms. “I don’t like seeing you hitting on other guys, especially when you’re on a date with me.”

Cheyenne meant to scoot back, instead she edged closer. “This date wasn’t supposed to look like a date. You’re not holding up your end of the bargain.”

Instead of responding, he simply held her tighter. And if she pushed into him ever so slightly, he didn’t mention it.

They danced the night away, as the saying went, and in truth Cheyenne couldn’t remember having a more fantastic time. Oh she tried not to, but clearly, it was a futile attempt. At the beginning she tried to flirt with other men, but every time she attempted an escape, Julian refused to let her go. Sometimes he grasped her hand, other times he led her with a touch on her back and once he gave the look – the one that said he was seriously thinking about throwing her over his shoulder again. The only other people she noticed were Jess and Zachary, and she smiled when she saw them deep in conversation at a table for two.

Somewhere between the second and third hour she forgot to be Destiny Dane and not Cheyenne Kirk. Oh, she didn’t completely blow her cover – she managed not to tell him her shooting average at the gun range – but she definitely didn’t behave like the na?ve starlet she was supposed to be. When her stomach growled in hunger, he took her to the buffet and filled two plates full of steaming vegetable lasagna, crisp garlic bread and fresh salad. They ate heartily, replacing the calories burned during dancing, and then burned some more. Finally, near the end, Julian plundered the dessert bar, bringing back a thick slice of chocolate fudge cake next to an even thicker piece of caramel cheesecake.

“I didn’t know which you’d prefer, so I thought we’d share them.”

Share? It sounded harmless enough, but something about it seemed… intimate. Yet how could she resist? “All right.”

He took a fork and dipped it into both the chocolate cake and the cheesecake to create the perfect bite. Her mouth watered at the scent of creamy chocolate ganache. She reached for the utensil, but he stopped her.

He brought the fork to her lips.

Now this was definitely too intimate. Certainly, people would notice. She had to stop it, only she didn’t have time when he brought the fork closer and the cake grazed her lips. The rich flavor of chocolate burst into her mouth.

“Good?”

Cheyenne nodded, and before she could stop him, he brought another bite to her lips. When he went for a third, she stopped him. “That’s enough,” she said quietly.

“Are you sure?” he murmured. “Because it doesn’t seem like nearly enough.”

It wasn’t. They were no longer talking about the cake, but something far more dangerous. She needed to escape, before she ruined her mission with the whole world watching. “I have to–”

Her cell phone rang.

“Answer the phone.” She made no effort to hide her relief. It didn’t matter if it was a telemarketer hawking vacuum cleaners, she would take the call. “I’m sorry, this is important. I have to get it.” Before he could respond, she raced from the room, the phone buzzing in her hand. She finally looked at the caller ID, ducked into an empty nook and answered it quickly. “Captain?” she whispered. She looked around, ensuring her privacy. “I’m at the comic convention.”

“I know,” the gravelly voice of Police Captain Stuart Suzman replied. “And so does the entire world. Why the hell are you spending the evening with Julian Starcroft?”

Cheyenne let loose a string of curse words… in her mind. “It’s all part of the act. The entire cast and crew are here. I’ve been talking to the suspects on my short list.”

“You are aware that Julian Starcroft is not on that list,” the captain rumbled. “He’s not a suspect. Do you know how I knew about tonight? I just saw it on YouTube. Do you understand the importance of this mission, detective?”

Cheyenne breathed out. “Of course, I do. I’ve been trying to avoid Julian Starcroft as much as possible. First, they chose me to be his body double and then his personal assistant. I couldn’t get out of it without getting kicked off the set.” She explained the bachelor auction. She did not explain how she’d agreed to date him.

His voice was only marginally calmer after her explanation. “Get away from Starcroft and back to your mission. Do you understand?”

“Yes, sir.” Thank goodness, he wasn’t taking her off the case altogether. “I’ll stay away from Julian Starcroft. He’s not what I’m after.”

With a terse goodbye, the captain hung up the phone. He was right – she had to focus, and she couldn’t do that with an all-too-clever movie star hovering near. She replaced the device into her clutch, pivoted and… gasped. Because standing right in front of her, with his arms folded, was Julian Starcroft. A thousand questions burned in his gaze, yet only one seized her:

What had he heard?