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

Chapter 14

CHAPTER 14

J ulian debated his plan for a long time, even made a pro and con list.

Pros:

Would get an uninterrupted week with Destiny, hopefully enough to discover her true identity.

Would reveal the potential for a permanent relationship.

He might never get another chance to crack the case that was Destiny Dane – or whoever she really was.

Cons:

It was technically kidnapping.

Kidnapping was technically against the law.

One could go to jail for breaking the law (technically).

In the end, he did it because he simply couldn’t give up the opportunity. Of course, he wasn’t going to make it appear like a kidnapping, but rather an unfortunate mistake that left them stranded together. He would even give her a way out, which she wouldn’t take. So now she was his, at least for nine days. Maybe more. Much, much more.

Time to deal with the fireworks. “Isn’t kidnapping overstating it?”

Her eyes flashed. “It’s the very definition of kidnapping. Get that ship back here now.”

He ignored her command. “You came at your own discretion.”

“I came on a short sea tour, not a multi-day island retreat. Now call the captain and tell him to return immediately. We’re leaving.”

“You don’t even know how long they’ll be gone. For all you know, they could be returning tonight.”

She took a deep breath. “Are they coming back tonight?”

“No.”

“Tomorrow?”

“No.”

“The next day?”

“No. And to answer your next few questions, no, no and no.” He grinned.

Her eyes blazed fire. Did she know how beautiful she was when riled up? “When are they coming back?” she gritted out.

“Well, we have to be at work next Monday.”

She gasped. “They’re not coming back for ten days?”

“Of course not. We need at least a night to prepare. They’ll be back in nine.”

She glared. “You are kidnapping me. The plan is over, because I’m not accepting it. You call for help this instant, or I’ll have you up on charges so quick your head will spin.”

He had no intention of calling anyone back, even though he could. Of course, she didn’t know that. “Are you sure? Most people would love an all-expenses paid vacation to an island paradise.”

“Sure, to Hawaii.”

“No problem. We can do that after filming.”

She ignored him, started looking around. “I need something to throw at you.”

He laughed. “Hawaii will definitely do you some good. As will this vacation.”

“I’m not going to Hawaii with you,” she ground out, “nor am I staying on this vacation. You get on the phone and call your ship back here. Now. Got it?”

He made a dramatic sigh. Too dramatic? Probably. “Okay, but I think you’re making a mistake.” He pivoted toward the house, stopped. Time to exercise those acting chops. “Uh-oh.”

“Uh-oh?” Destiny repeated. “What do you mean uh-oh?”

“About the phones…” He let his voice trail off, even put some horror into it. Definitely Oscar worthy. “My main phone line isn’t exactly functional right now.”

Her eye twitched. “What does not exactly functional mean?”

“It doesn’t work.” That was actually true. His main phone system had gone down last week. He was still waiting for the technicians to come and repair it.

“You live on an island, and your phone doesn’t work?” She didn’t hide her incredulity – or disbelief. “You have no back-ups?”

Of course, he did – several actually. He wasn’t irresponsible enough to be on a deserted island with only a single phone system. He had multiple satellite phones, as well as other forms of communication. And, of course, there were two speed boats on the other side of the island. “Would I be acting like this if I had a backup phone system?” It wasn’t exactly lying. If she assumed it meant he didn’t have any backups, then that was really her mistake.

“Well, you’re lucky I have my cell phone, otherwise you’d be on your way to a felony kidnapping charge.”

“Oh, you have a satellite phone? That’s lucky.”

“A satellite phone. No, of course no–” She clamped her mouth shut. “You don’t get service out here.” She tossed the phone back into her purse, took a deep breath. “And I don’t suppose you have a satellite phone?”

With all his travelling? Of course, he did. Again, multiple ones, just in case. “Not with me.” Again, not quite a lie. One was in the bedroom, one was in the living room, another was in the office.

She closed her eyes, opened them. “Let me get this straight. We’re stranded on an island with no way to contact the mainland and a boat that’s not returning for a week and a half. Is that correct?”

He smiled heartily.

She looked ready to commit her own felony. “What if there’s an emergency?”

Now to give her the perfect out – an option she wouldn’t take but which would prevent her from accusing him of blatant kidnapping. “Actually, I do have an emergency device that lets me contact the Coast Guard. It’ll be impossible to keep it a secret, of course. We’ll be on every news station within the hour. There will be helicopters, news crews, media boats, all those things. Of course, it might be a little challenging convincing them you’re just my personal assistant, but we can try. Since I don’t want to be accused of kidnapping, we might have no choice.”

His reluctant guest clenched her fists, clearly fighting for control. Thank goodness she hadn’t found something to throw at him. “That won’t be necessary.” She scowled. “I know you planned this.”

Oh yeah, she did. She couldn’t prove it, but she knew. Hopefully by the end of the trip, she’d forget about his little deception. Of course, if things really went downhill, he could always call for the boat to get them early, and she always had the option of contacting the Coast Guard.

So it wasn’t really a kidnapping.

Just sort of.

She turned and started back to the house. “You better have a lot of that cake.”

He smiled. He did.

“Strike! And a turkey. What a way to end the game.” Cheyenne held her arms in the air, did one of those super-geeky fist pump motions and sat back down. She tried to tamp down her enthusiasm, but it didn’t work. She was simply too happy.

Julian laughed. “Wow. Who would guess Ms. Excavator Falls not only liked bowling but played competitively?”

It was true. Her competitive streak extended to almost everything she did. Yet no matter how she surprised him, it couldn’t compare to her surprise at her own mood, especially after her kidnapping. She simply couldn’t help it.

She was having a great time.

Julian had been lying earlier. It wasn’t obvious from his expression – he was an award-winning actor after all – but he had to be. Who lived on an island with only one form of communication? And what sort of emergency communication only worked with the Coast Guard? Undoubtedly that had been an excuse to give her a way out so he wouldn’t technically be kidnapping her. If it were going to compromise her mission, she’d call his bluff, but her investigation couldn’t progress with production suspended this week, and the captain would be furious if he found out. Staying was the best option.

She didn’t have to have fun, however. Yet, it seemed she couldn’t avoid it. She considered spending the week holed up in a bedroom, but in the end it just didn’t make sense. Why punish herself? If she was stuck on the island for a week, she might as well have a little fun. But she wasn’t having a little fun.

She was having a lot.

Even the reminder of her failed cover story couldn’t stop the humor. “You didn’t know bowling was the main criteria for Miss Excavator Falls?” she teased.

Julian laughed again. “No, I didn’t. Maybe they should add it to the Miss America pageant.”

“I completely agree.” She took a sip of wild cherry sparkling water and sat back on the padded vinyl seat. “I still can’t believe you have a bowling alley in your house.” Sure, it was only four lanes, but really – a bowling alley? “I was excited when I found a pinball machine at a yard sale, but now it seems kind of lacking.”

“What are you talking about? A pinball machine is exciting.” Julian took a swig of his beer. “I love old fashioned pinball games. In fact, I still play them.” He took a gleaming silver and white ball from the ball return, wound up and threw one straight down the center – too straight – and split it. He’d have to get the spare and then another strike just to tie her. “Not that I have a lot of free time, but once in a while I get a break between projects. I prefer games to the television. Ironic for an actor, isn’t it?”

She was learning, and liking, more about him every day. “True, but I would’ve thought you’d have other pursuits.”

“Like what?” He smiled wolfishly. “What did you think I did in my spare time?”

“I don’t know. Lounge around while a harem of women peel grapes and fan you with huge feathers?”

He laughed and picked up the ball that had just returned. “That’s exactly what I do… while playing video games.”

She chuckled, then quieted while he set up his shot. He took several graceful steps and threw the ball. Just when it looked like it would miss, it hit the right pin at the very edge, sending it flying toward the left. They slammed together with a loud crack, and the spare was secured. He came back and held up his hand for a high five.

And damn it, she gave him one.

He went right back to work, lifting the ball and hurling it at a speed that gave testament to his brute strength. She didn’t have to look to know he’d rolled a strike. 196-196. A tie.

She held out her hand. “Good game.” He took the offering, and then pulled her close and gave her a full kiss on the lips. She was dizzy by the time he released her. “You’re not supposed to do that.”

He moved closer, crowding her. “I rarely do as I’m supposed to.”

If he wasn’t playing fair, why should she? She gave him a kiss, only barely managing to pull away at the end. Not to be outdone, he immediately returned the kiss. And since she couldn’t let him have the final say, naturally, she gave him another. By the time they were done, the world was spinning, her cheeks burned like a furnace, and everything tingled.

His grin was a little wicked and all satisfied. “Are you having fun?”

Far too much. She forced seriousness into her expression. “Not even a little.” Maybe now would be a good time to escape, before he got ideas. Or realized she had ideas.

“Would you like to continue having no fun by playing pinball games?”

The excuse froze on her tongue. “Pinball games?”

“You said you enjoyed those. Interested?”

“Well, I should probably…”

“I have a dozen.”

She tried to say no, she really did. Unfortunately, the word yes emerged, and somehow it came with a smile. “I guess a few more minutes wouldn’t hurt.”

He’d manipulated her again. How could she take down hardened criminals but couldn’t resist the scheming of one hot movie star? He didn’t give her a moment to reconsider. He grasped her hand and led her through a series of wide hallways. Finally, they stood at the threshold of a large and dark room just off the indoor pool. With a wink, he disappeared into its confines. Then… it transformed into a neon wonderland.

The gleaming arcade took her back twenty years and a lifetime ago. Flashes of hot pink, yellow and orange spun in a dizzying array, topped by glittering mirror balls strung in asymmetrical waves. The pinball machines lit in a clinging, ringing and dinging symphony, their mechanical voices daring players to take a chance for a quarter. Teal carpeting with characters from classic video games lined the floors and walls, between overstuffed swivel recliners and giant orange beanbag sofas. Video games played introduction scenes of pixelated heroes, next to modern fare that included the newest games and even some virtual reality rides. Cheyenne did a three sixty to get the full view, ending at full-size air hockey, ping pong, billiards and foosball tables. The scent of popcorn and cotton candy flavored the air, from a bright snack area in the corner. “Did you rob a video game store?”

“Yes. When I’m not acting, I hold up arcades, trains and small bakeries.” He tapped her shoulder. “Are you going to threaten to arrest me again?”

She stiffened at the reminder of her unforced error. “Of course, I’m going to arrest you. A citizen’s arrest . You’re under arrest for grand theft video game.”

He laughed. “I hate to disappoint you, but I didn’t actually steal an arcade. There was an arcade going out of business near my studio. They were looking to unload everything, so I made them a decent offer.”

“You’re a bargain hunter?” Cheyenne teased. “Good for you.”

“Just because I have money doesn’t mean I throw it away. I’d rather spend it on important things.”

Memories of Julian’s charity work flashed. “Like helping people in need?” She softened her voice, and her stance. “You seem to do that a lot.”

He shrugged, turned away. “I don’t do much.”

Yes, he did. He donated millions, and even more importantly, he gave his time. In addition to volunteering at the children’s hospital, he was involved with a number of charities and causes, including the Boys and Girls Club and Special Olympics. Anyone who had money could spend it, but time was precious. “You do a lot more than you admit.”

Now he seemed almost embarrassed. “What do I have to do to get you to threaten to arrest me again?”

Practically anything. “How about we try some games instead?”

He led her to a pinball machine, a fast action game based on an older superhero movie. The silver ball streaked like liquid lightning, its play almost as addictive as the man next to her. After several rounds, they switched to another machine, then another and then half a dozen more. They spent the next two hours at the arcade, laughing and playing like carefree teenagers, as the real world faded into a distant dream. They played cheerleader for each other, clapped the wins and booed the losses. Julian gave her seven more congratulatory kisses, but hey, who was counting?

She gave him nine .

Finally, her eyes grew heavy, and the yawns emerged one after the next. “It’s been a long day.” She wrapped up another pinball game, her first and her favorite. “That’s it for me.”

Julian finished his own game. In perfectly natural motions, he took her hand and started toward the hallway. “But a good day, right?”

Actually, it had been a great day. She hadn’t had so much fun since… well, their last date. And before that, their first date. But before then, she couldn’t honestly remember. “It was terrible. Truly awful.”

He traced her back, turning her muscles into liquid heat. “I’m sorry to hear that. You did look rather devastated while you laughed. Did you desperately wish to be doing something else?”

“Oh yes. I’d much prefer to be sitting home doing laundry.”

He laughed. “How could I take you away from such excitement?”

Ironically, that’s exactly what she’d be doing if it wasn’t for this trip. “You owe me for interrupting the joy of Friday night laundry.”

“Do I?” His hand tightened on hers. It was large and warm and sparked heat throughout her entire body. “What can I possibly do to make it up to you?”

A million ideas formed, none of which involved a stitch of clothing. By his darkening regard, he realized it. “Come,” he murmured, “I want to show you something.”

“Now wait right there, buddy. I’ve already seen something, and while I’ll admit it’s impressive – okay, really spectacular – I’m not–”

“Not that, silly.” He silenced her with a kiss. “Something else.” He led her down several cavernous hallways with cathedral ceilings and jewel-toned carpets, past endless rooms heralded by exquisite entrances, until they finally came to a pair of oversized oak doors, carved with a starry night sky. They opened soundlessly, and he gestured her through.

For a moment, it wasn’t clear if they had ventured outside or remained inside, until she realized it was a glorious combination of the two. The ceiling soared three stories high, domed with textured paintings that extended down intricately carved walls and framed by gilded crown molding. A four-poster bed rose from the middle of the room, a centerpiece to grand cherry wood furniture that included an overstuffed couch, an antique desk and a cozy round table for two. A huge flat screen television took up most of a wall. Yet that fourth side held the room’s true magnificence. Hidden doors opened, creating a portal into the majestic night.

Breathtaking. No other word could describe nature’s bounty. Diamond sand glittered under the starry sky, shimmering as it kissed the midnight blue waters of the vast ocean. The cool night air was fragrant with lilies and dew, as captivating as a siren from a sailor’s tales, under a brilliant full moon. Sparkling light caressed the gentle waves, illuminating golden grains and pearly shells.

“This is why I bought the island.” Julian came to stand next to her. “It’s the most peaceful place on the planet.”

Yes, it was. For a man whose every movement was watched, followed and recorded, it was a heady boon. “You must appreciate the privacy.”

“I do.” His eyes reflected amber starlight. “It’s nice to have a place that is just mine, where I don’t have to worry about acting the perfect man. Yet sometimes, it’s too quiet.”

“Don’t tell me the world-famous Julian Starcroft gets lonely.” Cheyenne nudged a solid bicep. “With a million fans, how is that even possible?”

The jest brought a brief smile, but it soon faded. “The fans want the movie star, the larger-than-life man with the perfect life. They don’t actually know me.” He looked away. “You can be lonely even surrounded by people.”

So very true. Even her job could be isolating. Positions like hers were dominated by men, and although her colleagues tried, sometimes she felt like an outsider, even among those who knew her true identity. “When you put so much into your work, it’s hard to find people who appreciate you without it.”

“Exactly.” He edged closer. “Especially when you’re pretending to be someone you’re not.”

Cheyenne stiffened, swallowed. She backed up, breaking the contact. “Everyone plays a role. It’s part of human nature.”

“Yet if you look hard enough, the fa?ade disappears,” he murmured. “You cannot hide the true person.”

Had he seen the true her, just as she’d seen the real him? Not Destiny Dane, not the actress, but Cheyenne Kirk? “Just because you can look doesn’t mean you should. You don’t like others scrutinizing your life. Others feel the same, even if they’re not movie stars.”

He shrugged. “I can’t help what I see.”

No, he couldn’t. And just like he saw beneath her mask, she saw beneath his. He wasn’t the slick, woman-of-the-week movie star social media touted. Deep down, he was a down-to-earth, modest guy. A great guy. The type of guy she could fall for.

The type of guy she was falling for.

But she couldn’t let that happen. Too much stood in the way, too many reasons why it was impossible. Even if he were willing to overlook her subterfuge, she’d still have to give up the work she loved. As soon as they were romantically linked, there’d be enough publicity to compromise her entire undercover career. Even if it never progressed past a few dates, the damage would be irreversible.

The wind picked up, tousling her hair. The perfect opportunity to change the subject swept in. “What do you do when it rains?”

“Like now?” The rumble of thunder sounded in the distance, and he retrieved a remote control from the marble nightstand. It glowed neon blue when he pressed several buttons, then a humming noise sounded as three-story high glass panes emerged from either side and slowly came together to form a glass wall over the opening. Seconds later, the first fat raindrops splattered against the windows. Another minute and rain pelted against the windows in a rapid staccato.

It should have been jarring, yet the rapidly falling water droplets only made it cozier next to the muscular man. “It’s lucky you were here. Your room would’ve gotten soaked.”

“Actually, it’s usually closed.” He replaced the remote on the nightstand. “I opened it earlier so you’d get the full effect when you walked in. Plus, there are sensors in the carpet by the window. If it gets wet, it’ll automatically shut.”

“That’s smart since the weather changes so quickly in Florida.” She frowned. “We are still in Florida, right? You’re not actually king of this island, are you?”

He laughed. “I may be a lot of things, but not actual royalty.”

She gave a face, then jumped as a piece of softball sized hail crashed against the window. She stepped back, pressing flush against a wall of muscle. Before she could escape, Julian captured her, pulling her close. “Don’t worry, that’s hurricane rated impact glass. And even if there was a hurricane, I’d keep you safe.”

She was anything but safe with him. “I wasn’t worried.” Except suddenly she was. Not of the rain, not of hail, lightning or thunder, not of any sort of weather. No, the tempest she was afraid of was right before her, studying her with darkening eyes. In their private, cozy chamber, safe and warm from the storm outside, she was anything but safe.

It was dangerous.

It was exciting.

Attraction flared like lightning in the pitch-black sky. She must resist it, must resist him. Yet under his smoldering gaze, her resistance blew away like sand in the storm. When he leaned down and pressed his lips to hers, she was lost.

His mouth was warm and supple, his body hard and muscular, and he tasted delicious . She pushed into him, but it wasn’t enough. Then her feet were no longer on the ground as he lifted her, striding toward the bed like a warrior with his prize. She sank into the plush mattress, its softness enveloping her as he came down next to her. She tugged on his shirt, telling him without words what she wanted, what she needed, no matter how unwise.

But this time he didn’t let her undress him. Instead, he pulled back, pushing himself above her. “I’m sorry.” An unwavering gaze betrayed nothing, yet an edge turned his tone to a quiet rumble. “This can’t progress any further, at least not yet.”

“What?” Fervent need surged, urging her to resolve anything and everything to return to the delicious intimacies. “You don’t want this?”

“I want this more than words can define, but I can’t. You see…”

“I’m blackmailing you.”