Royally Mine: 22 All-New Bad Boy Romance Novellas

by Susan Stoker

  I felt tears in my eyes because I knew that she truly believed every word she’d just said. I just had to believe in myself at least half as much as Cheryl did. When she released my hand to cut another bite, I giggled. “Pie.”

  “What? They have pie?” she asked around a mouthful, looking towards the food truck.

  I laughed. “Probably, but that’s not what I meant. It’s cow pie, not cow cake.”

  She shrugged. “Oh, well, whatever. I just know I don’t want to step in it, and trust me, I’m not going to allow you to either.”

  I did trust her. When the last crumb of buttermilk pancake had sopped up the last drop of syrup and disappeared into her mouth, I was no longer scared. A mixture of calm and excitement had me anxious to get started. As we left the tent where food was served, I was already going over the scenes that were to be shot today. It was a bit strange that, unlike an author, they didn’t start at chapter one and work systematically through until the end. Instead, they shot in what appeared to be a random order. Though it seemed a confusing way to work, I knew that, once on the cutting room floor, a team worked to put all those pieces together into a cohesive movie. A film I still prayed would star Judd West.

  ***

  Four hours later, I was almost certain my prayer was going to go unanswered. For the first hour, nothing really seemed to be happening. I knew that lighting, wardrobe, and makeup, were important but I’d never considered that a film crew included a continuity supervisor. The woman had spent a great deal of time consulting her notes, moving around the set to adjust the position of a glass, a chair, hell, she’d even switched out the piano roll on the player piano. I could hardly complain because I knew how vital continuity was to a story. You couldn’t have a scene with four men seated around a poker table one second and the next have one of those men wearing a different colored shirt. After a wardrobe assistant had been called to take care of that little snafu, the supervisor had finally given a thumbs up, and I settled into the chair I’d been assigned and just watched.

  Though I knew the script by heart, and had seen various scenes played out on my iPad when Aaron had sent them to me as well as on the large screen the day before, I had to admit it was thrilling to watch my words come to life. It didn’t bother me when the director would call ‘cut’ when someone fumbled a line or the timing seemed off. I knew it took a lot of time to get everything just so. It didn’t even particularly bother me that the woman playing one of the whores in the saloon seemed a bit too star struck at first. The role was a bit part and had been given to a local woman hired on as an extra. I couldn’t expect her to get it right the first time… or even the sixth. But what had me climbing out of my chair and striding across the room was something that was bugging the shit out of me.

  “What the fuck?” Judd said as I walked right up to him. “You can’t just walk onto the set when I’m working a scene!”

  “I most certainly can when that scene is not working for me,” I retorted. “Or did you forget already?”

  I watched his eyes narrow, bracing myself but he only said, “No, that’s not something I’m likely to forget. So, Miss Movie Exec, what’s not to your liking? Is it the lighting? That annoying as hell piano music? The fact that we’ve already run through this scene a half dozen times?” He paused and gestured to the young woman at his side who was twisting her fingers in her dress and looked as if she was about to cry. “You can’t expect her to be perfect but she’s trying—”

  The actress cut him off. “I am, I promise. I know I made some mistakes, but if you’ll give me another chance, I promise I’ll do better. Please don’t fire me.”

  “I’m not going to fire you, Sandy. You were a little nervous at first, but you’ve definitely improved,” I said. “You were much better in that last take. You didn’t miss a cue and, by the way, that dress looks amazing on you.”

  “Oh, gosh, Ms. Connolly, do you really think so? I was just so excited to get a chance to be in this movie, but to actually get a speaking part, and to wear something so…” She paused and looked down where her normally modest bust had been shoved into prominence by the tightly laced corset worn over the red satin dress of a saloon girl. Having read her application, I knew she’d been born and raised in a small town in the middle of Montana, I expected her to say something like ‘risqué.’ She surprised me by giving a giggle and saying, “Fun.” Her pleasure and excitement almost made me forget why I’d left my chair, but Judd’s question had me looking up at him.

  “If you’re finished with the fashion critique, perhaps you can tell us what the hell is the problem?”

  “You,” I said, his irritated snarl instantly refocusing my attention. “You’re the problem, Judd.

  “What the fuck does that mean?”

  “It means that instead of looking like a man who’s torn up inside because the love of his life up and disappeared, you look like you don’t even remember her name. It means that you promised me magic and the only thing magical is that you’re still able to say your lines without slurring them.” Picking up the glass that the whore had delivered, I continued. “It means that the only spark I saw in your eyes was when you were given what… your sixth glass of whiskey? It means that there is no magic… hell, there’s not even a modicum of sizzle.

  Perhaps if I’d been looking up at him instead of down into the amber colored liquid, I would have seen it coming… but I hadn’t been and I didn’t. I didn’t even know he’d moved until I felt his fingers snatch the tumbler from me, sloshing its contents over my hand before he flung it across the room. The glass shattered against the bar, but I barely registered it breaking before I was pulled to a body as hard as steel.

  “You want sizzle? I’ll show you sizzle.” Fingers slid into my hair, fisting my curls and yanking my head back as his free arm pulled me even closer and his mouth descended on mine. This wasn’t the same man I’d dated… well, he was, but this certainly wasn’t the way I remembered his kisses. He wasn’t asking, he was demanding. The instant I opened my lips to protest, his tongue pushed inside and swept every inch of my mouth. I couldn’t think… couldn’t move… couldn’t even breathe. I couldn’t keep the first moan inside or the next when it was answered with his growl. When I was sure I was going to pass out, he broke away but only long enough to release my hair and move both of his hands to grab my ass, tugging me into him before his mouth descended on mine again. I could feel his tongue taking possession, I could feel his fingers squeezing the globes of my ass, and I could definitely feel the hard length of his cock pressing into my stomach. When my knees gave out, he didn’t release me. Instead, he lifted me to set me on the felt covered surface of the poker table. Playing cards, stacks of coins, and more glasses went flying as he swept them away, his body over mine forcing me to lie back. He continued to grind his cock against me and I continued to whimper into his mouth. I didn’t realize he’d snaked a hand beneath my blouse until I felt him palm my breast. I arched into his hand, my nipple hard and aching for release from its confinement. When he tugged down the cup of my bra and his fingers took the nipple and pinched, I screamed… and he swallowed the sound. It seemed to last a lifetime but all too soon, he released my nipple and pulled away. My eyes were locked onto his and as I gasped to replace the oxygen he’d stolen, he stood and looked down on me.

  “Is that enough sizzle for you?”

  His questions had my face flaming as I remembered where I was… where we were. Sitting up, I slid off the table, fury coursing through me. Lifting my hand to swipe my hair off my burning cheeks, I paused and felt shame take the place of anger when I saw the knowing sneer on his face.

  “Did you feel any magic, Dani? I might enjoy a few drinks but that doesn’t make me a drunk, and I never drink when I’m scheduled to shoot. Regardless of what you think of me, I take pride in what I do. So what are we really talking about? Who are we really talking about? And don’t tell me it’s about my lack of sizzle for your fucking heroine because we both know this—whatever t
his is—it’s nothing but bullshit. When you’re ready to have a fucking honest conversation, come find me.”

  Before I could speak, he’d turned and walked through the batwing doors. The sound of them banging against the walls was the only thing audible. Even the player piano had stopped its tinny rendition of Oh Susanna. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath, wishing the floor would open up and swallow me. Knowing that wishes didn’t come true, I opened them and turned to face the people who’d been witnesses. Cheryl’s eyes were huge, and her hand covered her mouth. It wasn’t her fault she’d not been able to keep me out of the shit. I’d not only stepped into a huge stinky cow pie with both feet, I’d rolled around in it moaning like some sex starved idiot. Not only that, it hadn’t been whiskey in that glass. Judd had been downing nothing stronger than apple cider.

  “I’m so sorry,” I began, but couldn’t continue. Shaking my head and praying I wouldn’t fall apart before I made it out of the saloon, I turned and ran, the batwing doors slamming once again.

  Chapter Six

  Judd

  I hadn’t planned on riding… well, not a horse. But when I left the saloon, I saw the Mustang. When she’d lifted her head and neighed, I figured she felt as trapped as I did. Since I was dressed in the appropriate clothing of the era instead of the leathers I wore when on my bike, I didn’t hesitate. It only took a moment to unloop the reins from the hitching post. Swinging into the saddle, a gentle kick of my heels against her flanks was all the guidance she needed to lunge forward to race down the street.

  As if she knew how I felt, she didn’t slow, galloping until the ghost town was out of sight. I enjoyed the wind in my face whether it was when riding a machine or beast and gave her free rein, allowing her to set the pace. I had no destination in mind. All I knew was that I had to get away.

  Just as I had needed to ride but had exchanged my Harley for a Mustang, the moment I had kissed Dani, my plan of shocking her changed and I’d shocked myself. The feel of her body pressed against mine, the softness of her lips parting for my tongue, the sounds of her moans filling my throat had caused my cock to go rock hard. I remembered the silky feel of her hair wrapped in my fist and the pebbled bud of her nipple against my fingertips as I tugged and twisted it into prominence. I’d tasted the trace of lemon on her breath from the tea she drank by the gallon and inhaled the fragrance of jasmine on her skin. It was a unique scent belonging only to Dani that I’d learned a decade earlier and, like the watch on her wrist, one she hadn’t changed.

  My intention might have been to punish her for questioning not only my acting skills, but for assuming I was some sort of drunk. And yes, maybe to show her what she’d given up when she’d run away, refusing to take my calls or texts. Actually disappearing… moving out from the small apartment she’d shared with three other women, none of whom was willing to even listen to my side of the story.

  It had taken a while, but I’d finally gotten over her. I’d accepted her choice to give up on us and had filled the void by working hard. Perhaps even then, as I’d taken bit parts and been grateful for them, knowing each one allowed me an opportunity to improve my craft, I was working to prove that I didn’t need her encouragement to make it. With each movie, the parts got a little larger and my name a little more sought after. In the last five years, I’d starred in movies that had made millions at the box office and put millions into my bank account. Yes, I’d not only moved on, I’d made it to the top. I’d dated dozens of women, had fucked even more. I enjoyed my fame and my time spent with each woman I bedded.

  And yet, all it had taken was pulling that incredible body to mine, to press my lips against hers, to feel her ass in my hands and to hear her moans and I knew the truth. Despite the blush on her cheeks and the look in her eyes, I knew I hadn’t punished Dani. Shocked her, yes. Embarrassed her, most definitely. But the only one I had punished was myself.

  By the time I returned and reached the livery at the end of the street, the afternoon was moving towards twilight. I slid from the saddle and patted the horse’s neck in appreciation. I tied the reins to the rail where a bucket of water had been hung and while the horse drank, I began the process of unsaddling her.

  “I’ll do that, Judd.”

  I looked up to see George, the hand who worked on a nearby ranch who’d been hired to take care of the stock.

  “I’ve got it, George, but thanks. She’s a fine animal.”

  “That she is,” he said, running his hand over her flank. “As much as I appreciate the offer, I think it’s better if you let me handle her this time.” He gave a pointed look to something behind me. “It looks like there’s another lady waiting for your attention.”

  I took a deep breath, telling myself that I was a grown man and could handle whatever Dani threw my way. Hell, maybe it was time to take a break away from film for a while. Perhaps I’d go find a ranch and spend a month or two doing nothing but riding fine horses. Draping the saddle over the railing, I nodded at George and finally turned. It appeared the surprises weren’t yet over. It wasn’t Dani standing a few feet away, fury written all over her face. It was Cheryl and for the first time since I’d met her, she wasn’t smiling. She was leaning against the railing of the small corral attached to the livery and she appeared to be murmuring to herself.

  Taking the Stetson off my head, I ran a hand through my hair. I knew it only gave me a moment to prepare myself, but damn if I didn’t need that moment. Though it wasn’t a surprise, for some reason I’d expected better of Dani. She’d shown she had found the strength to stand up for herself, but perhaps she wasn’t quite as strong as I’d believed. Still, it hurt, but I supposed that’s what agents were for… to be the tough guy whether it be in negotiations or kicking someone to the curb. Don’t let them see you sweat, I told myself as I put a smile on my face and walked over to Cheryl, determined to make it short and sweet.

  “Hey, Cheryl. I just want you to know that despite all this, I’m glad to have met you and I wish you and your baby the best.” Settling the hat back on my head, I added. “And, believe it or not, I wish the same for Dani. She wrote a damn good book and deserves to see it come to life. I’m just sorry I won’t be here to help make that happen.”

  She shook her head and pushed away from the railing. “I’m sorry to hear that, Judd. I was hoping we could work together. I was serious when I told you I was a fan. You’re both artists, and well, creative people tend to be quite passionate about their craft. I knew it might be a bit bumpy considering what happened between you two in the past, but… when I saw what happened in the saloon, I was positive that you and Dani could work it out. I mean, wow, talk about magic. I’m sorry to learn I was wrong.”

  “Me too.” I turned away, my long stride quickly putting distance between the agent and myself. Part of me wished Dani had told me the news herself, and part of me was glad she had sent Cheryl to do it. If I were honest with myself, I wasn’t sure I’d have been able to keep my hands off Dani. I couldn’t decide if I wanted to shake her until she saw reason and finally had a real conversation with me or if I wanted to finish what I’d started in the saloon and fuck her until she was so satisfied that the only sounds she could make were moans of ecstasy.

  “Judd… Judd? JUDD!”

  For a moment I thought my name was being screamed by Dani as she came apart in my arms. Shaking my head to clear it of the vision of Dani’s naked body writhing beneath me, I turned to find Cheryl walking… or rather waddling towards me, one arm snugged under her belly.

  I instantly began to run back towards her. “Are you all right? Shit, are you going into labor?”

  “No… just… give me a sec,” she said, grabbing my arm with her free hand and bending forward a bit.

  “Are you sure?” I asked, my heart pounding at the thought of her having her baby in the middle of the dirty street and expecting me to know what the fuck to do to help her. “You’re breathing awfully hard. I’ll call the medic…” I reached into my pocket and swore. “Fuck,
I don’t have my phone!”

  Having caught her breath, she said, “I’m fine, I promise. You grow a belly that sticks out so far you need to hang one of those wide-load signs on it and see how easy you breathe. Believe me, it isn’t easy to maneuver hauling this cargo.” She let go of my arm and reached up to pat my cheek. “Poor thing, you look like you’ve seen a ghost. You are just too cute, Judd West. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. I was just hoping you could tell me where you left Dani.”

  It took me a moment to process what she’d said. Left Dani? “I didn’t leave her anywhere. I haven’t seen her since the shoot.”

  “What? I thought you said the two of you had talked, that she’d fired you or you had quit—”

  “No, I thought that was what you were doing in her stead.”

  “She ran out right after you did and when she didn’t come back, I thought you two disappeared together!”

  I shook my head, looking to where George was brushing down the mare. “I got on a horse and rode for hours. I have no idea where Dani is.” Suddenly my heart was pounding harder and for a different reason. It would be dark soon and if Cheryl had no idea where Dani was… or had been for hours, that meant that Dani was missing. Slipping an arm around what used to be Cheryl’s waist, I bent down and hooked her around her knees, lifting her into my arms.

  “Put me down! I weigh a ton!”

  “You don’t, and I don’t mean to offend you, but I don’t have time to wait for you to waddle beside me to the production shed. If anyone else talked to Dani, it would most likely be Aaron.”