by Terry Towers
It was the headline that gave me pause. With The Break-up Between Sidney Lopez and Anthony Anderson, Who’s Her Mystery Caped Crusader? “How do they even know you two broke up?”
“It’s the media, they know before the people involved know in a lot of cases.”
“Hmmm.”
“I know you don’t like to make a scene, I’m sorry. But it’s a wicked picture, don’t you think?”
“It is.” And I meant it, it was really cool. But I couldn’t help but wonder if this was going to interfere with the way I lived my life. I hoped not. It was one picture, no big deal. They didn’t even know who Batman was. Though I doubted it would take long for them to put the pieces together that her Batman lover was also her new head of security.
As we rolled up to a ritzy skyscraper, a doorman immediately came to the car and opened Sidney’s door for her as I helped myself getting out of my own side. “Thanks,” I said to the driver, discreetly passing him a tip.
I was already around the back of the car and to Sidney’s side as the driver said his thanks. With a hand at the small of her back I led her into the stunning, modern creation. I felt naked without my gun, impotent even. What if someone took a shot at her? What if someone ambushed us? Okay, maybe I’m getting ahead of myself and overthinking this, but it’s the life I’d led up until this point. As a hit man you’re always on your guard and everyone is a threat until proven otherwise.
“What’s wrong?” she asked after giving the person at reception her name and waiting for Ian to verify we were expected and grant permission for us to proceed to the elevators. “Are you pissed over the picture?”
I was pulled from my thoughts and smiled at her. “It’s fine.”
“You’re free to proceed up Miss Lopez.” We were ushered to the elevators and when the doors opened the elevator attendant pressed the button to the appropriate floor and less than a minute later the doors were sliding open and we were stepping into the foyer of Ian’s apartment. It was nice – very nice.
“Sidney, sweetheart.” Ian came around the corner and gave Sidney a smile. Spreading his hands out as he approached once he got within touching distance he gave her a big hug.
My body stiffened and I forced myself to relax. I needed to get used to people – men in particular – touching her, although I was sure I’d have to have a bit of alcohol in me to stand by and watch sex scenes that were no doubt in the movie. Just what she needed a drunk bodyguard. Hell, the scenes that were occasionally in the show. Yes, I definitely needed to get the jealousy in check.
Although in this case my jealousy was severely uncalled for as I quickly found out when he released her, came to me and gave me a similar hug, but his hand just happened to “accidentally” caress my ass. I jerked backwards. Normally, I like to be prepared for any situation, but being groped by Sidney’s boss wasn’t one of them.
“Sidney, sweetheart, where did you get this one? He’s nice on the eyes. When you’re done with him, you have to send him my way. Allan is a good guard, but oh God, not pretty to look at, at all.”
I shot Sidney a look of desperation, I know it was desperation because I was feeling panicked right then. I had no idea what to say or do so I said nothing.
“Thanks Ian, but I’m afraid he’s mine. I really don’t want to part with him just yet.” She glanced over at me and gave me a wink. The wink didn’t help. “But he’ll be with me during shooting so feel free to borrow him.”
Borrow me? I shot her a dirty look, but forced a smile onto my face. I think she was joking, like 99% sure, I could see her fighting back laughter, but we were going to have to have a little discussion about lending me out. A guy has to keep some shred of dignity, you know.
“Well, come with me lovelies. I just finalized the cast last night and I just wanted to get you up to speed.” We followed him through the penthouse and into his sitting room. It was a corner room with floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides, overlooking the city. The view was spectacular.
Lovelies? Was I a lovely? I really wasn’t sure how I felt about that. This was severely out of my comfort zone. As I said before I have the greatest respect for gay people and their struggles, but at the same time being hit on by one was uncomfortable. How do you respond to being groped and having an offer to be borrowed out on you? The fact he was a guy really didn’t factor in, aside from my surprise. Had it been a woman I could have joked my way out of it, but this being a guy and her boss… I was at a loss. Actually, you know what? I’m lying, it had a little bit to do with the fact he was a dude.
“Take a seat.” He motioned towards the cream-coloured suede sofa. We took a seat on the sofa and watched as he walked over to the finely detailed bar against the side wall. “Anyone fancy a drink?”
I looked at my watch, it wasn’t even noon.
“I’ll take some wine Ian, thanks.”
I didn’t respond but he took the liberty of bringing us each a glass and set them onto the glass coffee table in front of us and then took a seat in the oversized matching armchair across from us. He downed half the wine in one swig.
“So, about the gig. I’m so happy to have you on this project. I’ve seen you in The Hunters and you’re extraordinary, I know you’ll excel at this role. And I have some great news, although I’m sure he’s told you already. But in case he didn’t, I just had him notified this morning, we’ve secured Anthony Anderson as the male lead.”
~*~*~*~
Sidney
Had I heard that correctly? Anthony as the male lead? I didn’t even know he was up for the part, but then again I didn’t know he was fucking his co-star so I guess there’s a lot I didn’t know about him. Picking up my glass of white wine I downed the entire glass as I mulled over the idea.
“You don’t look pleased, love. I assumed you’d be ecstatic. Movies do so much better when real-life couples are the lead roles. The chemistry always sizzles and there’s a couple of pretty steamy scenes. And the free publicity will be insane, simply insane. With you two in the leads this project is going to explode, my darling.”
Explode all right, I mused. How in the hell was I supposed to work with Anthony after what he did? I could always back out of the deal, but damn, this was going to be a blockbuster. It would be ages before I got another shot like this. I chewed at my lower lip, maybe Ian would change his mind on Anthony if I just explained…
I glanced over at Elijah, hoping he’d give me some non-verbal indication of what he thought I should do. He didn’t. His expression was blank, although I could see his jaw clench and unclench. It appeared he was about as pleased about this as I was.
I sat forward on the sofa and placed my glass back down on the coaster on the coffee table. “We broke up a couple of days ago Ian.”
“Oh.” He frowned as he sank back into his chair. “That’s unfortunate.”
“Yeah, it was a pretty bad one. He was fucking his co-star of his previous movie in my hot tub. He’s supposed to be moving out as we speak.”
Ian shook his head, running a hand through his shaggy blonde hair. “Very unfortunate.” Ian took on a far-away look and tapped his index finger against his teeth. “But I think we can spin this. I already had our PR people working on some angles, but we can spin this. It’ll still work.”
“I’m not sure I can work with him, Ian.”
He frowned. “Are you a professional, Sidney?”
“I – ummm...” God, I knew where he was going with this. “Yes, of course Ian.”
“And are you as good of an actor as I assumed you to be?”
“Yes. You know I am Ian, you wouldn’t have chosen me if you didn’t think so.”
“Then you’ll make it work. You’ll put whatever feelings you have for him to the wayside and you’ll make it look like you two are still head over heels for each other.”
Shit. I raked a hand through my hair and sighed, looking down at the floor between my feet. I wanted as much distance between me and Anthony as possible. Never seeing him again wou
ld have been ideal. Spending six to eight months shooting a movie with him was going to be a chore.
“So, do I find a new female lead, or are you going to be able to step up and do your job? Don’t waste my time Sidney.”
I glanced over at Elijah and our gazes locked. He gave me a nod. He had faith in me.
“I can do this, Ian. It’s just a surprise.” I smiled and shrugged. “It’s just a surprise, that’s all. I didn’t even know he was up for the role. We don’t even start shooting for a couple of months, by then the break-up will just be a memory.”
Ian returned my smile. “Good. That’s exactly what I wanted to hear.”
Chapter 12
Sidney – 1 Week Later
“Oh God, first he weasels his way onto the movie and now he’s at the convention? This is bullshit!” I glared over at Anthony who was sitting six tables down signing autographs, smiling and laughing like he hadn’t a care in the world. We were now back in L.A. and when I’d checked his cars were out of my garage and his things were gone, he was out of the house and that was a good thing at least.
“Calm down Sid. Just because he’s here doesn’t mean you have to talk to him.” Elijah put his hand up, signalling to the convention volunteer to stop anyone from proceeding to the table and then placed a hand on my leg, just below the hemline of my skirt and gave my leg a little squeeze. I’d just spent the past three hours signing autographs. I’d signed so many my hand had turned into a cramped claw, but my line was longer than I’d ever seen it due to the announcement of my lead in the new Ian Cambridge film so I was intent on getting another twenty minutes in, that would give me a half-hour break before the photo ops began.
“Yeah, you’re right,” I conceded. “It’s just pissing me off. And the way the media is spinning it, like I was some sort of ice queen who was fucking around on him and chased him into the arms of his co-star. It’s plain, full-out bullshit.”
“But it doesn’t matter. You know the truth.” He nodded towards the waiting crowd. “And you might want to lower your voice.”
I sighed, looked at the waiting fans and then looked over at him into his dark blue eyes. I took his advice and lowered my voice to a whisper. “I know. I just hate how he’s the one who was in the wrong, but I turned out the villain because we were photographed kissing at the convention.”
“It’s showbiz sweetie.” He chuckled “And why am I telling you that? This is your world, not mine. Besides, you said yourself that that photo has gone viral, isn’t any press good press?” His hand went a little higher on my leg. I was thankful for the long white tablecloth covering the table keeping his wandering hand from prying eyes.
A smile began forming on my lips. “You’re right. It was fucking hot. It’s not too often a photo stays in the headlines for a week.”
He chuckled. “See. There’s always a silver lining. And just so you know I expect a bonus for being your publicity playboy.”
“Oh stop! I need you to get me your information so I can pay you before I can give you a bonus.”
He leaned into me, until his lips grazed my earlobe. “I wasn’t thinking money Sid,” he whispered, the warmth of his breath teasing the side of my neck and making me moan softly.
“What were you thinking?” I asked, turning to face him. Our lips were so close our breaths were intermingling.
He suddenly pulled away and motioned for the volunteer to allow the next fan ahead. “I was thinking it’s time you got back to work.”
“Slave driver,” I murmured before pasting a smile on my face and greeting the next people in line, two over-exuberant teenaged girls who began shooting questions at me in rapid fire. I could barely keep up with what they were asking as I signed my name onto two both of the photos they presented me.
Elijah motioned for the next person to approach. “Oh, not yet…” His hand on my leg moved a little higher and I jumped, shooting him a glare. Elijah winked, giving my thigh a squeeze and inching his hand a little higher. With each new person who approached the table his hand would get closer to the apex between my legs. I attempted to press my legs tight together to stop his hand’s ascent, but it only seemed to amuse him as he forced my legs apart.
I leaned into him, pushing my chair as far as it would go under the table as I waited for the next teenage girl to finish giggling and approach. “There’s kids in the line, Elijah.”
“Then you’d better put those acting skills to good use, sweetheart,” he whispered back, his hand slipping under the fabric of my lace panties to cup my mound.
I gasped, fisting the table and fought to plaster a smile on my face, attempting to ignore the heat of his hand as it began to caress me. I managed to sign a half dozen more before his index finger slipped between my folds and touched my clit.
“You’re an evil bastard.”
He chuckled. “So I’ve been told.” He looked to the line. “Next.”
“We could be arrested for this,” I whispered through clenched teeth.
“Sure.”
I bit down on my lower lip. His finger began to stroke my swollen nub and I moaned softly. “Please.” I refocused my attention to the next fan.
“That’s right baby, beg me,” he whispered into my ear. “Next,” he yelled out.
The torture continued and with each person I saw and each autograph I signed it was becoming increasingly difficult to concentrate. Several times a surge of pleasure rushed through me so intense that the pen went sprawling across the photo and I had to redo it. Fans asked questions as they approached, I think I answered, I’m sure I did. But what the question was or what I answered was anybody’s guess.
I squirmed against his hand, the dampness between my legs becoming increasingly uncomfortable and the knot in my stomach demanding release tightening. But as much as I hated what he was putting me through I didn’t want him to stop, I was getting too close. My body was demanding release. God, I wished we were alone, but we weren’t. People kept coming to the table and I had to keep pretending he wasn’t torturing me.
When I glanced over at him there was a smug grin on his face as he pretended as if nothing was going on under the table. He was thoroughly enjoying himself and was actually chatting up the volunteer and fans. Oh, once we were done here…
His hand switched positions; he began thrusting two fingers into me, while stroking my clit with his thumb. Ohgod, ohgod, ohgod! I was on the edge, about to come.
“Stop them Elijah.” I needed the flow of people to stop – just in case. The waves of pleasure rippling through me were becoming too much.
“Hold up.” He put his hand up to signal to the volunteer to stop the people. The row stopped moving, the fans waiting. He leaned into me. “Once this is over I’m taking you to one of the back rooms, bending you over a table and fucking you until you’re screaming for me.”
I was fighting not to scream for him right now. Biting down on my lower lip hard, I lowered my head to my palm, keeping my face away from the crowd. Apparently, I had an orgasm face, Elijah informed me the other day and that’s the last thing I wanted the fans to see. As discreetly as possible I moved against his hand as I reached the breaking point. I silently inhaled sharply, my mind going blank as I went spiralling over the edge of my desire and a flood of my juices coated his probing fingers.
He immediately removed his fingers from me, and the bastard actually chuckled softly. I had no idea what I was going to do to him, but I’d get my revenge for that little stunt.
“Are you okay Miss Lopez?” I looked up, I could feel my cheeks were flushed and nodded at the volunteer, who had a look of concern etched into her expression.
“Yes. I’m fine. Just felt a little faint, that’s all. Can you send someone to get me a glass of water?”
“Of course, Miss Lopez.”
I shot Elijah a scowl. He just chuckled and gave me a wink.
“Next,” Elijah shouted, motioning for the next person to come to the table.
Elijah
Okay, sh
e was a little pissed. But I have to admit, I loved the look of fire in her eyes when she was pissed at me. The mix of satisfaction on her face with the fire in her eyes was so damned erotic the hard-on in my pants was becoming troublesome. She wasn’t the only one who was suffering from our little under-table play.
“Ten minutes to go,” I informed the volunteer. My announcement was met with a wave of groans from the fans who realized they wouldn’t get their autographs this session. “She’ll be back signing after the photo ops.” The fans who knew they wouldn’t get to see her this time began to fall away from the line.
While she’d recovered she kept cutting her eyes at me in between fans, occasionally hitting me with a full-out glare. I think my amusement over the whole thing was what was really pissing her off. But I’d achieved my goal and Anthony was a distant memory – for now.
I have to admit, having the ex, six tables down was unsettling, especially since neither one of us was expecting it. Although it was her insistence on dwelling on it that was shooting my ego down a little bit. The final person came up, said their piece, got the autograph and we were finally free. We had a half an hour before she needed to be in the photo-ops booth.
“I can’t believe you did that!” We’d barely dipped behind the curtain parting us from the eyes of the convention-goers.
“Did what?” I attempted to play innocent, but it was a complete failure. With a hand at the small of her back I led her down the corridor until we came to the empty convention room I’d spotted earlier.
“Where are we going?”
The room I had in mind appeared and I rushed her into it. “Right here.” Closing the door, I looked for a lock. There wasn’t one. Well, whatever. We wouldn’t be in here long enough to worry about it. Not that I’m a quick comer, let’s just get that clear right now. I have a very good endurance under normal circumstances, thank you very much, but my erection was nearly bursting the crotch of my jeans.