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by Jackie D.

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  Synopsis

  Audrey Knox has been America’s Sweetheart since she appeared in her first film at sixteen. Never one for a scandal, she’s lived a predictable and well-manicured life. With each movie more successful than the last, she has the world at her fingertips. An undeniable connection with bad girl superstar Harlow Thorne was never in her plan.

  In Harlow Thorne left her childhood trailer park with nothing but her guitar and twin brother. Those times are nothing but a distant memory now, and she’s consistently at the top of the pop music world. She has managed to keep her mother in her rearview mirror through all her success, but that all changes when her mother reappears with a family secret.

  Together these two could conquer the world—but in a town where careers are made and broken by the press, the secrets and lies may be too much to overcome.

  What Reviewers Say About Jackie D’s Work

  Spellbound—Co-authored with Jean Copeland

  “The story is a mixture of history and present day, fantasy and real life, and is really well done. I especially liked the biting humor that pops up occasionally. The characters are vibrant and likable (except the bad guys who are really nasty). There is a good deal of angst with both romances, but a lot of ‘aww’ moments as well.”—Rainbow Reflections

  “Spellbound is a very exciting read, fast-paced, thrilling, funny too. …The authors mix politics and the fight against patriarchy with time travel and witch fights with brilliant results.”—Jude in the Stars

  “[T]he themes and contextual events in this book were very poignant in relation to the current political climate in the United States. The fashion in which existing prejudices related to race, socioeconomic status, and gender were manipulated to cause discord were staggering, but also a reflection of the current state of things here in the USA. I really enjoyed this aspect of the book and I am so glad that I read it when I did.”—Mermaid Reviews

  The Rise of the Resistance

  “I was really impressed by Jackie D’s story and felt it had a truth and reality to it. She brought to life an America where things had gone badly wrong, but she gave me hope that all was not lost. The world she has imagined was compelling and the characters were so well developed.”—Kitty Kat’s Book Review Blog

  “Jackie D explores how racist, homophobic, xenophobic leaders manage to seize, manipulate, and maintain power.”—Celestial Books

  “The best thing about the writing is the seamless blending of two very different genres. First we have the uber action packed main plot, but it is blended artfully with the second romantic plot so that the two never feel tacked on. More often than not, I prefer my dystopian novels to be lighter on the romance and my romance to be light on the action, but I really enjoyed seeing them play out alongside one another in this book.”—Lesbian Review

  Infiltration—Lambda Literary Award Finalist

  “Quick question, where has this author been my entire life? …If you are looking for a romantic book that has mystery and thriller qualities then this is your book.”—Fantastic Book Reviews

  “This book is an action-packed romance, filled with cool characters and a few totally uncool bad guys. The book is well written, the story is engaging, and Jackie D did a great job of reeling the reader in and holding your attention to the very end.”—Romantic Reader Blog

  Lands End

  “This is a great summer holiday read—likeable characters, great chemistry between the leads, interesting and unusual premise, well written dialogue, an excellent romance without any unnecessary angst. I really connected with both leads, and enjoyed the secondary characters. The attraction between Amy and Lena was palpable and the romantic storyline was paced really well.”—Melina Bickard, Librarian, Waterloo Library (London)

  Lucy’s Chance

  “Add a bit of conflict, add a bit of angst, a deranged killer, and you have a really good read. What this book is is a great escape. You have a few hours to decompress from real-life’s craziness, and enjoy a quality story with interesting characters. Well, minus the psychopath murderer, but you know what I mean.”—Romantic Reader Blog

  Pursuit

  “This book is a dynamic fast-moving adventure that keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time. …Enough romance for you to swoon and enough action to keep you fully engaged. Great read, you don’t want to miss this one.”—Romantic Reader Blog

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  Brought to you by

  eBooks from Bold Strokes Books, Inc.

  http://www.boldstrokesbooks.com

  eBooks are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared or given away as it is an infringement on the copyright of this work.

  Please respect the rights of the author and do not file share.

  By the Author

  After Dark Series:

  Infiltration

  Pursuit

  Elimination

  Lands End

  Lucy’s Chance

  Rise of the Resistance: Phoenix One

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  Co-authored:

  Spellbound (with Jean Copeland)

  Swift Vengeance (with Jean Copeland and Erin Zak)

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  © 2021 By Jackie D. All Rights Reserved.

  ISBN 13: 978-1-63555-909-5

  This Electronic Original Is Published By

  Bold Strokes Books, Inc.

  P.O. Box 249

  Valley Falls, NY 12185

  First Edition: June 2021

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission.

  Credits

  Editors: Victoria Villaseñor and Cindy Cresap

  Production Design: Susan Ramundo

  Cover Design by Tammy Seidick

  eBook Design by Toni Whitaker

  Acknowledgments

  Thank you, Vic Villasenor and Cindy Cresap, for taking this journey nine times with me—even when I’m sure you wanted to bop me on the head. Thank you, Bold Strokes Books, for always embracing my genre-hopping whims. Standing ovation for my mom, who reads every single word before it’s published with a loving and diligent eye. Thank you to my wife and son for being insanely patient while I toil away at the keyboard. Last but not least, all my incredible friends: Stacy, Stacey, Erin, and Jean. Your laughter and encouragement are priceless.

  Dedication

  For my grandmothers: one was ahead of her time, one was effortlessly brave, one was brilliant. All of you still live in me.

  Chapter One

  The thumping started in her chest and worked its way through her body to the tips of her fingers. She did her best to control her breathing, so she didn’t pass out from exertion. She pulled her firearm from its holster. The sweat accumulating on her back caused her shirt to cling to her.

  “Ready, Callan?” James nodded to the door, ten feet away.

  She took a deep breath and gave him a silent nod. She put one hand on top of the decimated cement wall and hurled her body over, never letting go of her gun.

  “And cut!” The director pushed out of his chair and raised his hands. “That’s a wrap, everyone. Great work.” He walked over and put his arms around her. “It’s been an absolute pleasure, Audrey.”

  She handed the gun to the prop master. “The pleasure was all mine. I hope we can work together again in the future.”

  She accepted the towel handed to her and dabbed her face. What she really wanted was to strip out of her sweaty clothes and take a hot shower. But that would be
rude. It was customary to stay and congratulate the crew for a successful project.

  She made her way through the handshakes and smiles. She reiterated her thanks to everyone, from the grips to the camera operators to the producers. She smiled, blushed when appropriate, and pretended she had no idea how good this film was going to be. People didn’t like it when you knew how good you were, and she didn’t want anyone thinking she took her life for granted.

  “Ms. Knox, you have to leave now to make your dinner reservation,” her assistant, Kylie, said.

  Audrey slipped her arm around Kylie’s shoulder. “How many times do I have to remind you to call me Audrey?”

  Kylie pulled her tablet closer to her chest. “It’s more professional if I say it that way. I don’t want anyone to think I got this job because we’re friends.”

  Friendship was the last reason Kylie was her assistant. Kylie was smart, articulate, organized, and one of the few people Audrey trusted. She’d taken over when Audrey discovered her last assistant was selling stories to a gossip rag. It was never meant to be a permanent fix, but Kylie had finally given in after weeks of Audrey begging, and now it looked like she’d be by her side for as long as Audrey could keep her.

  “Whatever you’re comfortable with, Ms. Shielding.” Audrey walked past her, and she could almost hear Kylie rolling her eyes. “I need to shower.”

  Kylie caught up to her to inform her that she did not, in fact, have time to shower. Audrey already had her rebuttal ready when she ran directly into her intended dinner date.

  “Oh, hey, I’m glad I caught you.” Tia Perkins’s voice was unmistakable. It was crisp and refreshing. The way words rolled off Tia’s tongue made you want to listen to her for hours.

  “Hey, you.” Audrey kissed her cheek and ran her hands up Tia’s arms. “I missed you.” Audrey saw a flash of annoyance in Tia’s eyes and wanted to make it go away as quickly as it appeared. “We’re all wrapped. You have me for the next few weeks.” Audrey kissed her cheek again.

  Tia pushed her backward. “That’s what I wanted to talk to you about.” Tia crossed her arms and glanced at the people passing. Some waved, and she smiled politely.

  “What’s up? Do you want to go to my dressing room?” Audrey tried to lead her in that direction, but Tia seemed rooted in her spot. “Is everything okay?”

  Tia ran her hand through her lengthy black hair. The annoyance was back. “I can’t do this anymore.” The words had fallen from her lips in a rush like she was compelled to say them, a necessity born of indifference.

  Audrey felt her cheeks burn. Tia must be talking about dinner. She must be talking about her newfound love of vegan food—not their relationship.

  “You can’t do what?”

  Tia pointed between them. “This. Us. I just can’t.”

  There were words, even entire sentences, bouncing around in Audrey’s brain, but she couldn’t catch one. And she desperately wanted to catch one. She tried to say something. But she couldn’t. All she could do was stare blankly at Tia. Tia, who was breaking up with her in front of everyone. Tia, who’d clearly had time to process this, a luxury she wasn’t going to afford Audrey.

  “Are you going to say anything?” There was that annoyance again.

  Audrey felt the shiver of rejection climb its way down her spine, invisible needles pricking their way along her nerve endings. The sweat that had dried now caked to her skin, leaving her feeling scaly.

  “Why? Why are you doing this?” Audrey felt her voice crack at her words.

  “I just don’t love you anymore. I’m not sure I ever did.”

  Breathe. Audrey felt as though she might fall over. Breathe. The bile started to rise in the back of her throat. Everything was spinning. She desperately needed to ground herself to something. She needed to sit down. She needed to run. She needed…

  “Audrey, I have your agent on the phone. She needs to speak with you about your schedule.” Kylie gently pulled her toward a car.

  Audrey let herself be led toward the waiting vehicle. She held out her hand for the phone. She didn’t want to talk to her agent, but it was an involuntary reflex.

  Kylie leaned into her and pulled Audrey’s head onto her shoulder. “There’s no phone call, sweetie. Let’s get you home.”

  Audrey felt her body revolt, but instead of vomiting, it came out as a sob. She was hurt and confused. Tia had been on the winning side of their relationship from the beginning. She’d been a struggling actress when they’d first started dating and had landed much more significant roles since. Audrey knew their relationship had increased her exposure, and she was okay with that. She was happy to see her succeed. Now Tia had the audacity to humiliate her in front of a room of colleagues. Audrey wasn’t one to keep score, but if she were, she’d be on the losing end of this situation for sure.

  Chapter Two

  Harlow Thorne dropped the headset onto the table in front of her and pulled the guitar strap from over her head. “Did you get everything you needed?”

  Casper pushed the button from behind the glass. “That was fantastic, Low. You really nailed the hook on that take.”

  She stepped out of the booth and pulled her hair into a bun. “What do you think, one more day?”

  Casper got out of his chair and came into the studio. He leaned against the edge of the piano. “Two at the most.” He seemed unable to control his excitement and picked her up in a giant hug while spinning her around in a circle. “This album is fantastic. It’s your best—no question.”

  When he finally set her down after she swatted at him, she took off the yoga pants she’d been in all day, and pulled on a pair of jeans. “You say that with every album release.”

  “You get better with each one.” He clapped his hands and rested them against his mouth. “You’re so goddamn talented.”

  She took off her sweatshirt and replaced it with a tight black tank top. “You got all the talent in the family, little brother. You make me sound good.”

  He hugged her again. “We both know that’s not true.”

  It was stupid, really. She consistently sought the approval and praise of her brother. It didn’t matter how many albums she sold, how many awards she won, or who was climbing at her heels. She needed to hear it from him. Maybe it was because their father drank himself into an early grave while cutting her down every chance he got. It could’ve been because they hadn’t seen their mother in over fifteen years, who only called when she needed money. Daddy and mommy issues, to say the least. It was no doubt all those things, but mostly, it was because she valued Casper above anyone else. His opinion, his insight, his love—they were vital to her existence. She cherished him, their relationship, and everything they’d built together over the last thirteen years.

  “Where are you going, by the way? Do you need me to call you a car?” He pulled his phone from his pocket.

  She grabbed a fluorescent pink wig from her bag and moved it around on her head, checking her appearance in the mirror. “I’m going to the Rainbow. And no, I’ll walk.”

  “We’ve had this conversation. You can’t just walk the streets. You’re one of the most recognized faces in the world.”

  She pointed to the wig. “I’m undercover.”

  He stood behind her in the mirror and straightened the wig. “You take too many risks.”

  She turned and kissed his cheek. “You worry too much. I just need a little release. You know, blow off a little steam.”

  “Is Megan still the flavor of the week?” He sounded annoyed, but she could tell by his eyes that wasn’t the case.

  “Megan who?” She winked and headed for the door.

  “This will all catch up with you someday.”

  She was out the door before he could say anything else.

  Despite all her bravado with Casper, she did her best to stay in the shadows while she walked the few blocks to the Rainbow. It wasn’t the easiest task on Sunset Strip, but keeping her head down, her arms crossed, and wearing a pink
wig was a surprisingly effective technique.

  The Rainbow was a restaurant, but like a person, it was so much more. The second floor was home to one of the most exclusive clubs in Los Angeles. Exclusivity meant anonymity. It meant she could be herself for a few short hours without worrying about paparazzi and without someone watching her every move. It meant freedom, and that wasn’t luxury anyone could put a price tag on in her position.

  “Hey, Jimmy.” She pulled her wig off and let her hair down.

  Never one for small talk, he pushed the door open after witnessing her transformation. “Have a good night, Ms. Thorne.”

  The room was poorly lit, which always added to the appeal. Sparse decorations and leather benches made up the seating area. There was a small stage, a full bar, and a few tables if you wanted to be closer to the music. She didn’t. Harlow weaved between people until she found a seat on an empty leather bench. Other patrons spared her a few glances, but no one approached her. She loved it here for just that reason. The type of people who enjoyed the Rainbow were like her; they needed anonymity, space, and privacy.

  A server appeared before she had a chance to get situated. She handed her a lowball glass filled halfway with whiskey and two ice cubes. “Your usual, Ms. Thorne.”

  Harlow took the glass and handed her a hundred-dollar bill. “Thanks.”

  The server walked back to the bar without looking back. Harlow leaned on the table and gazed around the room. Bodies pressed into each other, and glasses tipped toward waiting mouths. The music thrummed through her body, and it felt as if her pulse was following the bass. She loved it. She made eye contact with a tall redhead a few feet away, knowing it wouldn’t take long before the woman came over. She sipped her whiskey and waited for the inevitable.

  The redhead sat down next to her. “Want some company?”