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

Chapter 13

CHAPTER 13

T he two outfits were as different as a mystery to a rom-com. One was a black cocktail dress, smooth and silky and fit to perfection, the other faded blue jeans and a plaid button-down shirt, boring and ugly and well-suited to a cowhand. Cheyenne sighed with reluctance… and tossed both into the duffel bag.

This was ridiculous. She was packing (yes, packing!) for a two-hour date. But Julian refused to share their destination, despite her repeated questioning. He wanted it to be a surprise, although he promised it would be private. The thought of more time alone with him was more scary than placating, but at least it wouldn’t compromise the operation.

When she pointed out she didn’t know how to dress for their date, he told her to bring several outfits. When she tried to argue, he silenced her with a kiss. She tried to argue once (okay, seven) more times, but in the end it seemed easier to bring a few things. This was their last date, after all, and she’d already set up personal visits with multiple suspects. If she got lucky she might not have to return to the set at all. Might not have to see Julian Starcroft ever again, at least not outside the silver screen.

The thought made her distinctly uneasy.

A knock sounded, and she tightened. He was early. “Just a minute!” She threw a few more shirts into the duffel bag, zipped it up and jogged to the front door. She unlocked and opened the door to...

“Abraham Lincoln?”

With a long fake beard and a big hat, Julian bore a striking resemblance to the iconic president, and the presence to match. He stood in the doorway, waiting for her to let him in, but instead she slipped into the hallway. He didn’t need to see the lack of personal items in the sparsely furnished apartment she rented for the assignment.

He looked behind her as the door clicked shut. “Hiding something or just in a really big rush?”

Both. She locked the door and smiled. “You got me. Big Foot is in my apartment.”

“I didn’t know he made house calls.” He adjusted his fake beard. “Or are you just that anxious for our date?”

She snorted. “Nope, it’s Big Foot– Hey!”

He took her duffel bag. She tried to snatch it back, but he kept it out of her reach. “Can’t I hold my lady’s bag?” Then he turned on his major weapon – that smile. Heat filled the small corridor. She was not going to win. Not this battle, perhaps not the others.

“All right.” She lifted a finger. “As long as you don’t throw me over your shoulder. Again .”

He smiled wickedly. “My mother told me never to make promises I couldn’t keep.” He took her hand. “And I’m keeping this, too.” He resumed his pace… taking her with him.

She tugged at her hand with the same success she’d had with the bag. “You can’t keep someone’s hand.”

He passed the elevator and went straight to the stairs. Hand in hand, they walked down the concrete steps. “Actually you can keep a whole person if you’re a celebrity. It’s in the job description.”

She walked fast to keep up with his long stride. “That’s completely untrue.”

The look he gave her was so full of comic disbelief, she couldn’t help but laugh. “No one ever told me ‘no’ before.”

Now that, she’d believe. People treated him like a king, emperor or some sort of supreme being. They would give him the moon wrapped in a big red bow if he asked politely. “You’d better get used to it.”

“Really?” he drawled. “Does that mean you’re planning on seeing me more?”

No. Of course not. Absolutely not. Yes. “Don’t worry. When I leave, I’ll train the cast and crew how to say no to you.”

He laughed. “I wish people would treat me like everyone else. Most people just smile and nod. I don’t even know if they’re listening.”

“Well, you are a bit larger than life. Not that you intimidate me, of course.” She stood to her full height – and almost reached his chin.

He stopped on the stairs, turned to her. His regard was mesmerizing, as all humor departed. She’d never admit how much he affected her. Yet what she couldn’t voice, her body acted, as she leaned closer and closer and closer… No. She jerked back. One kiss and she’d be lost. “I’m not getting caught in that again. Especially when we haven’t even made it out of my building.”

“So when we get out–”

“No.”

“What about when we–”

“No.”

“Want to make a wager on that?”

“No.”

This date had to end as soon as possible. Now she galloped down the stairs, pulling him with her. Despite their speed and Julian’s disguise, people pointed and whispered, and a few even followed them. Fortunately, they made it through the lobby without anyone approaching, screaming or fainting (as tended to happen when Julian was around), emerging into the comfortable early evening. A long stretch limo pulled up just as they made it to the curb. Before she could say a word, Julian shuffled her into its dark wood interior and shut the door behind them.

The scent of new car and wealth immediately sounded her. The ambiance lights were low, and the space was warm with a soft amber glow. She settled into the plush seat and buckled herself in as the car rolled away. “This is being inconspicuous?”

“Don’t worry.” Although there were six seats, he took the one next to her. He brushed against her, and she brushed against him. He smiled and moved even closer. “No one recognized me.”

“I’m not sure about that.” She pointed to the window, where a small group of people observed their departure. Eyes played the part of eagles, cell phones poised and recording. “They didn’t actually think you were Abraham Lincoln. It’s like deep down you wanted someone to see us.”

He removed the beard and hat, then set his full gaze on her. Paused, considered. “What if I did?”

She forgot to breathe. Almost to exist. “Remember our deal. If our relationship becomes public, it changes everything. Besides, you can’t enjoy getting mobbed. Don’t you usually have a bodyguard?”

“I have several,” he admitted, “but they watch from afar when I’m in disguise.” His smiled turned wicked. “I don’t need protection from you.”

That didn’t mean she didn’t need protection from him. His gaze turned predatory, like a wolf, and she edged ever-so-slightly back. She couldn’t go far. “Where are we going?”

He plucked an invisible wrinkle out of his sleeve. “You’ll just have to wait a little longer.”

“Are you afraid I’ll back out?” she joked.

He didn’t answer.

“Now hold on just a–”

“Would you like some wine?”

“Moment. If you think–”

“Red or white?”

“You can take me wherever you want and I’ll just go along with it–”

“Red then? Here you go.”

“Ugh!”

He leaned in, all masculine power. “Do you really want to leave?”

“Yes.” No. “You can try to intimidate me, but it won’t work. You can also forget about anything sneaky. You have this one night – evening – and that’s it.”

He smiled. “So how was your week?”

He didn’t respond to her ultimatum, but it didn’t matter. This time she wouldn’t let him – or her – start something that would complicate their relationship. So she answered his question, and then another and another until they somehow fell into an amicable conversation. They discussed the week, laughing through dozens of stories and shared memories. Later, they traversed into a comfortable silence, as they traveled a winding road flanked by palm trees and colorful art deco buildings. Up above, a cloudless sky extended to endless horizons, darkening as night approached.

They travelled further and further east until they were almost upon the Atlantic, and then they turned south. They passed a bevy of expensive, ocean-view restaurants. “Won’t people notice us if we go out to eat?” Unexpected disappointment crashed like the waves of the sea, but she would have to dispel any such idea. A beachside dinner with the captivating movie star posed far too great a risk of exposure.

Yet that wasn’t Julian’s plan. “We’ll be next to the water, but not at a restaurant. Only my employees will see us.”

They turned into a parking lot and stopped at a guarded security gate before threading through rows of gleaming cars at a spacious dock. Sailors and passengers disembarked, garbed in myriad outfits, from sailor uniforms to black tie as they made their way to the water’s edge. A series of expensive yachts bobbed in the water before them. The destination was unexpected – and concerning. “We’re going on a boat?”

“That’s right. You’re not prone to seasickness, are you?” He relaxed at her headshake. “Good, because we’ll be there for a while.”

Uh-oh. “What’s your definition of a while?”

Instead of responding, he gave her a quick kiss. Then he pulled back (too) quick. “Stop being so suspicious. New rule: I’m going to kiss you every time you ask a question.”

She grimaced.

He kissed her again. “And when you grimace.”

She glared.

He kissed her again. “And when you glare.”

She didn’t move, and he edged closer.

“Don’t you dare say when I stay still.”

He didn’t say it… but he still kissed her.

Thankfully, the car stopped then, and she scrambled out before he could kiss her again. She liked them far too much to resist. His smile was entirely knowing and utterly satisfied as he grasped her hand and took the lead. They passed a dozen majestic ships, each one larger than the last, until finally they came to the final boat. Then Cheyenne uttered the only possible response: “Whoa.”

If the other boats – which probably cost millions – were ordinary fare, this one was a mansion. Pure pristine white, the five-story vessel rose from the water in sleek lines and jaunty angles, with gleaming windows and winding balconies. It was luxury defined, its rich wood furnishings and golden accents perfectly suited to its movie star owner. The name Starcraft was emblazoned on its side.

“Like it?” Julian winked as he greeted the captain and a dozen crew members. They walked up the ramp, passing open doors revealing lavish interiors, set around a resort style pool with plush recliners, slides and a waterfall . A table was already set on the deck, and he held out a seat for her.

She sank down on the plush chair, which overlooked the vast ocean. She smoothed sapphire linens, traced China dishes and tapped cut crystal goblets . “You sure know how to impress a lady.”

He poured them each a glass of wine. “You’re admitting you’re impressed. I’m shocked.”

She didn’t want him getting the wrong – or right – idea. “It’s not bad. If you like that sort of thing.” She waved her hand. “You know, living like a king.”

He laughed. “True, but what’s a king without a queen?”

She smiled impishly. “Still a king.”

He laughed again as a waiter brought a tray filled with savory appetizers: crusty bread topped with bruschetta, cheese-filled ravioli and steaming potato wedges covered in melted cheddar cheese, chives and sour cream. Julian served her a sample of each, then took his portion. She bit into the hot bread, and the flavor of fresh herbs and olive oil burst into her mouth. “Mmmm.”

He took his own bite and grinned. “Living like a queen not so bad?”

Not at all, and therein lay the danger. Acting as Julian’s queen, wined and dined in opulent wealth, was as tempting as the forbidden apple. Yet in truth, he represented the true culprit. She didn’t need money to be happy – she wouldn’t have become a cop otherwise – but Julian was entirely too enticing. “It’s nice, but not necessary. You don’t need wealth to stand out.” She inclined her head. “You already do.”

He didn’t quite manage to hide his surprise – or satisfaction. He cleared his throat. “I just want to make this special for you.”

“It is special, and not because we’re on a twenty-million-dollar boat. Or more. Is it more? Wait, don’t tell me. The point is you’re pretty great the way you are, and you don’t need any of this to prove it.” She gripped the wine tightly. She hadn’t planned to share so much, yet she couldn’t regret it, not as his sapphire gaze shimmered, reflecting the twinkling stars. All of it was true.

“Thank you,” he said softly. “Most people only notice the characters I’ve played or the actor with the fame, luxury and money. They don’t actually see me.”

How could they not see the man with his kindness, goodness and strength? She inhaled the cool evening air, spiced with his scent. “I see you.”

He grasped her hand. “And I see you.”

Yes, he did, and not just the character she portrayed. He might not know her name or true profession, but he knew more than those who did. “I wish there was a chance.” She closed her eyes, opened them to the stark truth. Nothing could ever come of this. Julian was a famous movie star, but she was no actress, body double or assistant. She didn’t live a fairy tale, but a dangerous profession with a regulation-issued gun and a dangerous criminal who would be furious when she caught him. After the mission, she’d go back to regular shifts at the police unit and Julian would go on to another movie and thousands – no millions – more fans. And he would forget her.

She didn’t belong in his world any more than he belonged in hers.

“My life isn’t a fairy-tale. Yours, well, yours just might be. This can’t be.”

He leaned forward. “We live in the same world, Destiny, the same country, even the same state. From our conversations, we like the same things, have the same point of view on so many subjects. I can’t say a lead a normal life, if there even is such a thing, but at least it’s an adventure.”

She sipped wine far sweeter than expected, just like his offer. “My life is already an adventure.”

“It is?”

The wine turned as dry as the desert as it snaked down her esophagus. Destiny Dane’s life wasn’t an adventure – Cheyenne Kirk’s was. She swallowed hard. “Look around. I went from a low level extra to dining on a multi-million-dollar yacht. I’d say that’s an adventure.”

His regard didn’t waver. “True, but that’s not what you meant. There’s something else, a reason that explains why your resume reads like a fairy-tale, why you treat me differently than the other men on the set.”

“That’s simple. No other guy attracts me like you do.” She gasped. “I meant excites.” She gasped again. “I meant arouses. I meant bothers!” She gripped the table. “Not that type of bothers.”

He laughed. “Now why don’t I believe you?”

“Okay, fine.” Get it together, Kirk. “I never pretended I didn’t lust after you. But that’s it.”

“You like me far more than you admit, and more than you want to,” Julian challenged. “Tell the truth, Destiny. Why are you so afraid?”

“I’m not afraid.” The wine glass in her hand creaked; she released it and picked up a pastry. “With me, what you see is what you get. Plain Destiny Dane.”

“There’s nothing plain about you.” Fervent words blazed the truth, then a second’s pause. “Or that name. What’s your real name?”

The appetizer lodged like a golf ball in her throat, and she choked into the linen napkin. She drank half a glass of wine before she could finally breathe. Her head churned like the waves of the sea.

Concern darkened his gaze. “Are you all right?”

“I’m fine. Just went down the wrong way.” Like his questioning. She clasped chilled hands . “Destiny Dane is my real name. Why would you think otherwise?”

“Most actresses use stage names.” He swirled his glass, but did not drink. “No offense, but Destiny Dane is clearly invented.”

Yes, it was. The resume writers truly had it out for her. The name sounded like an 80s stripper. “Maybe I’m just lucky to have a movie star name.” She tried to smile. “What about you, Mr. Julian Starcroft ?”

He shrugged. “My fan club claims it’s my real name.”

“And what do you say?”

“It’s as real as Destiny Dane.”

She glared, and he softened. “I’m not accusing you of anything, Destiny. But your behavior makes no sense and your resume reads like a soap opera script. I’d like to help, but I need the truth. Are you in some sort of trouble?”

“Absolutely not,” she denied.

“That was passionate.”

“I really meant it.”

“Perhaps, or maybe you really want me to believe it. I’m sorry, I can tell you’re lying.”

Emotion surged. Of course, he could tell she was lying. They had some sort of connection, a bond that made deception impossible. She could resist simple attraction, yet this was far more powerful. He was all his fervent fans proclaimed him and more.

“Even you can’t deny it,” he said softly. “So why are you trying to?”

Because she wasn’t really an actress. Because she was an undercover operative on a mission. Because the fairy tale life of an actor’s girlfriend was just that – a fairy tale. “I can’t talk about it.”

His eyes narrowed. “Can’t or won’t?”

“Can’t,” she said firmly. “My life is too complicated. Let’s forget this conversation ever happened and enjoy the evening.”

“I’m sorry.” He sat back. “I can’t just leave it at that.”

Not good. He’d mentioned searching for information on the Internet. If he looked long enough, he would discover a dozen red flags – maybe not who she was, but definitely who she wasn’t. “Are you planning to investigate me?”

“Is there a reason I shouldn’t?”

“Invasion of privacy,” she retorted. “Stalking laws. Common decency. I’d think you’d know all about that.”

“I do,” he countered, “but I’m not stalking you. I want to help.”

“I don’t need your help.” Not only didn’t need, but couldn’t afford. His investigation could blow her cover and put them both in danger. Although the criminal had never been violent before, who knew what would happen when the authorities closed in on him? How could she convince Julian she had nothing to hide? “You’ve got it all wrong.” She relaxed into her seat, lifting a potato wedge covered in melted cheddar. “I’m just an aspiring actress. I have no problems.”

Not quite true. Soon he would return to his world, back to the gorgeous starlets with their glamorous careers and matching millions. She might be a nice diversion, but in the end he would remain true to his kind. That was the Julian Starcroft from the magazines, the larger-than-life actor who ruled social media. Just like the actor from her past, the one whose calls were harder and harder to ignore.

Only a tiny inner voice protested that Julian wasn’t anything like that.

And that other actor? Perhaps he wasn’t like that anymore either.

“If you have nothing to hide, do you mind if I ask a few personal questions?”

Not unless they had to do with field training. She smiled widely. “Of course not. You can ask me anything. I… hey!” She gasped as the floor beneath her shifted. The landscape beyond the boat drifted – no they were drifting. “Are we moving!?”

He sipped his wine. “It would appear so.”

The chair clanged as Cheyenne shot up and ran to the side of the boat. She gripped the cool railing, gazed at a coast already some distance away. For a brief instant, she debated swimming for safety, but the water was inky black, swirling in dangerous depths. She pivoted back to Julian. The scoundrel was relaxing in his chair, munching on an appetizer. “Where are we going?” she hissed. “Are you kidnapping me? I could arrest you for this!”

Oh. My. Goodness.

His gaze sharpened. “You could arrest me?”

“I mean they’ll arrest you. The cops will arrest you.”

“You said you’d arrest me.”

Yes, she had. “Well, maybe I will arrest you. A citizen’s arrest. Have you heard of those?”

The speculative light never left his eyes. “You asked for this date,” he finally said. “It’s just a boat ride.”

She released a low breath. He wouldn’t really be stealing her away. “Okay, fine, you’re not kidnapping me.”

“I didn’t say that.”

She placed her hands on her hips. “Which is it? Are you kidnapping me or not?”

He stood up, rising to his full 6’3 height. Silhouetted by the twilight sky, he appeared an avenging warrior. “Perhaps I am kidnapping you. Traveling to a world just for you and me, with no interruptions, no responsibilities, no obligations. No one else and no secrets.” His voice turned to a murmur. “Just us.”

Sensuality replaced anger, excitement replaced fear. Even as danger lurked, her body – and her heart – urged her to stay with him, to embrace the emotions he wrought. Around them, glistening waves played a night symphony, as they journeyed a path to the horizon.

Breathe. Stay calm. Relax. She was overreacting, as logic and reason rejoined her world. A movie star wouldn’t actually kidnap her. He was probably just taking her on a brief sightseeing cruise. “It’ll be a short ride, right? We’ll come back in an hour or two?”

He shrugged. “That or the kidnapping thing.”

Of course. She wasn’t a character in one of his rom-coms, where the hero steals the heroine until she admits her love. They were just on a romantic evening out. “I’m sorry. I’m a little stressed.”

“Perfectly understandable,” he commiserated. “You should relax and enjoy yourself. Cruising is much more entertaining than sitting at port, and this is the perfect night for it.”

Yes, it was. Sapphire waters stretched to the rapidly fading coastline, their gentle waves glittering like diamonds under the bright moonlight. A brilliant sunset lit the sky in wondrous glory, purples, blues and pinks highlighted by the fiery yellows and oranges of the setting sun. From afar, the beach looked like a picture postcard, its sand golden, emerald palm trees swaying amid the twinkling lights of faraway buildings. The sea air was salty and crisp, and its soft breeze cooled her as it whispered past. “It’s beautiful.”

“Yes, it is.”

She turned to Julian, but he wasn’t gazing at the sunset. “You’re not even looking.”

“Actually, my view is far more beautiful than sunsets or sunrises, diamond stars or vast waters.” His voice lowered. “Absolutely stunning.”

The wave of pleasure was powerful and all-consuming. “That’s unfair. How am I supposed to resist that?”

“You’re not.” He smiled without repentance. “I never promised fair play.”

No, he hadn’t, and she was weakening. She fought the urge to push closer, to kiss him, to share everything with him, here on the romantic ship under the velvet star-studded sky. She edged closer. One little kiss couldn’t hurt. She’d just give him a tiny peck on the lips and get it out of her system. She closed her eyes, leaned in.

A clanging sounded.

Cheyenne’s lashes fluttered open as the waiter placed their salads on the table. Reality returned, the responsibilities and consequences of the real world beckoning. What was she doing? No way would they have stopped at one little kiss. She should be resisting him, not all over him like the Caesar on her salad. She needed to change the mood… now. “Tell me about your boat.”

He lifted an eyebrow at the abrupt question, but nodded and answered. As they returned to their seats, he told her about all the wondrous places he’d sailed, the exotic ports he’d visited and interesting people he’d met. They continued to talk as the main course arrived, a savory pesto pasta dish with fresh vegetables and garlic, served with crusty garlic bread, creamy mashed potatoes and grilled zucchini. Flavor blossomed with each bite, and she ate until she was full and then some.

“That was wonderful.” If only she could claim she’d had a horrible time, that she couldn’t stand another moment in his presence, but he was like an ice cream sundae after a year without sugar. Irresistible.

Julian finished his third helping and folded his napkin on the table. “Save room for dessert.” He laughed at her pained grimace. “Don’t worry, we have time. We’re not having dessert until the island.”

Uh, what? “Did you just say island?”

Julian smiled and gestured behind him. And suddenly she realized that while she’d been eating, talking and occasionally imagining Julian naked, they’d reached an island, sprouting from the seas like the lost land of Atlantis. It was majestic and lush, with green vegetation, vibrant flowers and turquoise rivers. There was even a softly flowing waterfall, its melodic cadence chiming an ethereal tune. It would have been difficult to see such details by moonlight alone, but enough light emanated from the building’s single structure to light half the island.

Calling it a “mansion” was far too diminutive. Castle – or maybe palace – far better suited the colossal structure so gorgeous it seemed a massive work of art. Five stories tall, endlessly wide, it boasted pure white bricks in sweeping arches and carved pillars. Covered in emerald ivy and sunshine yellow flowers, it was a storybook setting fit for a king, or a movie star. “What is this?”

“This–” Julian rose. “Is where we’re having dessert. I hope you like it.”

She liked it, beyond that, although she would never admit it. Every second he tempted her further into the fairy tale, but in this story, she had to resist. “Doesn’t a king own that or something?”

He winked.

“A king or…” She shook her head. “A man who lives like one. Don’t tell me you actually own that… castle.”

“All right.”

Relief rose. “So it’s not yours.”

“Actually, it is, but you said not to tell you.”

Relief edged away. “I suppose I should be grateful you don’t own the entire island.”

He hesitated, opened his mouth.

Relief hitched an Uber and left the country. “Don’t you dare say it!”

He smiled. “Time to disembark.”

With a gentleness that attested to the skilled crew, the boat barely rocked as it stopped next to a long pier. Cheyenne allowed Julian to take her arm as he led her down a short ramp and along the dock, followed by several crew members. When they reached the home, she stopped…

And stared.

She’d guessed a king owned the palace, and in actuality one would probably be envious of such a find. The home was even larger from close up, almost as impressive and intimidating as its owner. White pillars gleamed in the moonlight, their sides carved into intricate designs, while windows were plentiful and large, characterized by overflowing flower boxes. Towers rose high into the sky, with golden domed roofs and curved windows. It was pure elegance and regal luxury, yet somehow also welcoming and warm.

“Ready?”

Cheyenne hesitated, but then notched up her chin. She nodded.

Julian unlocked the door and disabled the security system. They entered a large circular foyer that rose four stories in height, pure white and the perfect background to the massive nautical paintings that adorned its walls. The foyer opened into a vast great room, with two golden railed, curving stairways leading to a second floor with many wide hallways, each with rows of polished wood doors. Several rooms could be seen from the foyer, including a dining room with a long cherry wood table, bedrooms that each eclipsed her small apartment and a spacious ballroom fit for a royal wedding.

Julian gestured to the dining room. “Wait for me in there. I’ll be just a minute.”

Cheyenne proceeded to the room, where a fifty-person table was already set with two covered golden place settings and a bottle of wine in a gleaming silver chiller. She sank down on one of the throne-like chairs as Julian spoke to the crew and an older couple she didn’t recognize. After a minute, Julian and the others exchanged goodbyes. Everyone except the actor departed.

“Please tell me you didn’t order a spaceship to take us to the moon,” she teased when he returned. It faded as the door clicked shut behind the people. “Where are they going?”

He sat, picked up his napkin and smoothed it over his lap. “They’ll be back. In the meantime, enjoy.” He lifted the covers from both plates at the same time.

All thoughts of the boat (and everything that wasn’t Julian) departed at the one thing that was close to the star in deliciousness. The culinary masterpiece started with a thick piece of chocolate cake covered with velvety ganache. Creamy cheesecake followed, topped by a thick layer of chocolate fudge. A rich brownie and a drizzling of caramel completed the savory concoction.

Cheyenne picked up her fork, looked between Julian and the dreamy layer cake. Too delicacies, each more delicious for words. “If you’re trying to soften me up with the best dessert in the universe, it’s not going to work.” She stabbed a piece, somehow managing to get every layer in a single forkful, then took a bite. The rich flavor of dark chocolate exploded in her mouth, complemented perfectly by the sweet cheesecake and creamy caramel.

Julian scooped his own morsal of cake. “Are you sure it’s not working?”

Of course, it wasn’t. And she was going to tell him that as soon as she took another bite. But after that bite, she wasn’t quite ready to talk about it. And it wasn’t polite to leave her piece half finished, so she took another bite. She gave up the pretense as she took one bite after the next until she’d consumed the entire piece, every single crumb. She put down her napkin daintily. “See, it didn’t work.”

He’d already finished his cake. She hadn’t even noticed. “Actually,” he said putting down his napkin. “It worked perfectly.”

“How’s that?”

“Distraction.”

“What?” she asked, but his attention was no longer on her. Instead, he was gazing behind her, at a large glass window that overlooked the water. She pivoted and frowned. With nightfall, she couldn’t see much – just the dim outline of the coast, the water, the boat sailing away.

Wait – what?

“Why you little–” Cheyenne leapt from her seat and lunged to the front door. After a moment of fumbling with the lock, she opened it and ran to the dock as fast as she could.

It didn’t matter.

She stopped at the edge of the pier, her chest heaving, partly with exertion, partly with fury as her only escape cruised away. Julian came up directly behind her. “It’s too late. It’s already gone.”

He was right. The boat, which appeared large seconds ago, was rapidly fading into the darkness, way too far to reach or even hail. She looked upward, taking in deep breaths of the salty air. The stars twinkled, but they couldn’t help her now. “I can’t believe it. You really did it.”

“You actually kidnapped me.”