Bulletproof

by Melissa Pearl

  I shook my head, an edge of warning creeping up my spine.

  “This is my show, and I can do whatever I want with it. In fact, just the other day, I was chatting to a fellow producer and we were talking about what makes good television. You know what we both decided?” He spread his hands in the air, as if selling me the world’s best idea. “Drama. Shocking, unexpected drama. People say they hate it, but in truth, the audience lives for those surprises. Take for example Superstar. Can you imagine the reaction we’d get if, say, Harley disappeared off the show?”

  I swallowed, my stomach twisting into a tight knot.

  “Maybe he’s contacted by a European dance troupe and leaves to follow that dream. Or maybe he dies in a car accident.”

  The cheeriness of his voice was like acid in my ears. I held my head high, keeping my expression bland in spite of the scowl I wanted to throw at him.

  “Wow, Sasha’s story would take on a whole new twist, don’t you think? The impact of his death would be huge for her storyline. Now let’s think about the impact Harley’s departure would have on your story, Sean.”

  There was that damn finger again. I wanted to grab it and snap it right off his hand.

  “I’m the son of one of the richest men in Hollywood. I have connections everywhere. You, on the other hand, are a B-grade actor, desperately trying to make your mark in the entertainment business, and so far the only thing people really remember you for is a shocking incident with Abigail Tripoli. Yikes. Wouldn’t want that to rear its ugly head again, would we?”

  My lips pressed into a tight line, anger pulsing from my gaze.

  The emotion ricocheted right off his triumphant smirk.

  “Now, now. Let’s not get our panties in a twist. I’m just giving you a friendly reminder of how our little eco-system here at Polychrome Studios works. You want a future in this business, you do as I say and you don’t question me. Are we clear on that, Mr. Jaxon?”

  I swallowed, my jaw working to the side.

  “Unless of course, there’s something going on between you and my gofer. Now, that would be unfortunate. You see, I know for a fact it would definitely make her life much harder, if you catch my drift.”

  The stone in my throat dropped into my gullet, pressing down on me. It took every ounce of willpower I possessed to give a casual shrug and shake my head.

  “There’s nothing going on between me and that girl. She was just helping me out.” I clicked my tongue. “I guess I like to see people treated fairly.”

  Travis chuckled, stepping toward me and patting my shoulder. “How about you let me be captain on this ship.”

  I gave him a tight nod, his threat still ringing in my ears.

  He squeezed my shoulder and beamed me another smile that I wanted to punch right off his face.

  “You’re a good man, Sean Jaxon. Love having you on the show.”

  Catching the look in my eye, he tipped his head and gave me a glare. “But always remember, the show will go on whether you’re here or not. Can you say that about your career?” He gave me a mocking wince. “Once I’m done with you? I don’t think so.” Slapping my shoulder, he stepped back and looked around the small room. “Now, if there’s anything you need help with, why don’t you let Lisa know; I’m sure she can find it for you.”

  “I’ll go see her now.” I punched out the words, scrambling to think of something I might need as I shuffled past him.

  Breaking into the corridor, I headed back to the set in shell-shocked silence.

  What the hell just happened in there?

  Travis McKinnon was definitely not the man I thought he was, but that didn’t matter now. All I knew for sure was that I believed every damn word that came out of his mouth...and it made me scared. Not just for my career, but also for Morgan.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  MORGAN

  I was twitchy for the rest of the day. Travis had me scuttling around the studio all afternoon. Although I hadn’t really done anything wrong in that storage room, aside from not replying to his text in two microseconds, I still felt like I’d been caught doing something really bad.

  Heat rose on my cheeks as I stepped out of the bathroom stall and gazed into the mirror. Sean’s hands on my body, his whispered words of longing electrified me. I’d been desperate for this since our first kiss in the parking lot five weeks ago. He was so hot and sweet and funny and...I was falling in love with him.

  I rested my hands against the cool countertop and smiled into the mirror. Although we’d only managed two quick dates since we’d officially started dating, we’d spoken on the phone every night. I’d never had a relationship like that before...gotten to know a guy so thoroughly before sleeping with him. I thought it’d drive me insane, but all it did was tantalize me. My muscles vibrated as I imagined our night together. Giddy bubbles shot through my body, most of them bursting as I tried to work out the logistics of my evening. Travis had been in a really foul mood since catching me “helping” Sean, and I had a sinking feeling he’d keep me late.

  Damn that man.

  I didn’t want Sean to be too tired for work the next day. Maybe I should tell him we could wait until Sunday. I’m sure we could find a quiet, little corner to spend an afternoon.

  Glancing at my watch, I figured I had five minutes before Travis expected me back from my break. Surely I could sneak in a quick convo with Sean or at least pass him a note. Skipping out of the bathroom, I tugged my skirt down and headed for his dressing room. He wasn’t due for his last session of filming until four, so he was no doubt getting changed and would be heading for makeup. If I hurried, I’d be able to catch him.

  I turned sideways to shuffle past Ashlee, returning her friendly smile with one of my own. She reminded me so much of Jody, such a bubbly sweetie-pie. I made a mental note to call my little sister tomorrow. I hadn’t spoken to her in a couple of weeks. We were both so caught up with our hectic lives. At least I’d get to see her in a month or so. She was flying home for Thanksgiving. I couldn’t wait.

  My steps slowed as I neared Sean’s room. I was lifting my hand to knock on his door when I caught a female voice inside.

  “Travis McKinnon is a powerful man, Sean. You don’t say stuff like that to him.”

  Rhonda. I recognized her voice immediately. I glanced behind me to make sure no one else was around and then pressed my ear to the door.

  “...okay? I’ve lost all respect for the guy.”

  “It’s not about respect. It’s about protecting your career. If he does what he says, I won’t be able to resurrect you from that. You got me? If he decides to destroy you, he will.”

  What? Fear coiled around my spine as I wondered what exactly Travis the Jackass had said to my boyfriend.

  “What was I supposed to do? He treated her like shit right in front of me. I’m just expected to stand by and let it happen?”

  “Yes! That’s exactly what you should have done. She’s a big girl; she can stand up for herself.”

  Sean let out a scoff that only made me love him more. He stood up for me after I left the storage room! My lips quivered into a shaky smile.

  “Look, if you don’t like it, tell her to find another job.”

  “I don’t want to. I hardly get to see her as it is. Besides, I love working with her.”

  “Then be more careful, okay? Your career is more important than some girl.”

  “She’s not just some girl.”

  “Oh don’t get all romantic on me now. If you really don’t want to give her up, keep her hidden. No more dragging her into closets for make-out sessions. This isn’t high school. This is your life...your future.”

  His silent beat after her sharp statement had me worried. Whatever Travis said must have been a very believable threat.

  “You can’t have anyone here finding out about your little affair, and keep her out of the public eye, as well. Travis cannot get wind of you two together...and I’m not just saying that for your sake. You know he wasn’t bulls
hitting. He may be brilliant and talented, but he’s a first-class asshole. If you care about that little gofer, you’ll keep her a secret.”

  I heard movement in the room and jumped back from the door before it opened.

  “I’ll check in with you again next week. Have a think about that movie. It’d be a three-week shoot in May next year. Definitely worth considering. I’ll send you the script as soon as I get it.”

  Rhonda bustled out of the room. I pressed myself against the wall, but she saw me anyway.

  “Hi, Rhonda,” I greet her softly.

  She eyed me up with a stone-cold glare. I raised my chin, pulling up to my full height. Like hell I was going to let her intimidate me. Her look of warning didn’t bounce off me the way it usually would. I absorbed it like a punch to the face. When she finally turned and clipped away, a shaky breath whistled out between my teeth.

  Sean’s door flew back, and I jumped as he appeared in the hallway.

  “Oh, hey.” His smile was sad. His gaze brushed over me before landing on the floor.

  “I just wanted to come by and check...about tonight, but I take it that’s not happening anymore?” I crossed my arms, holding in the hurt.

  “I want it to, but...” His jaw worked to the side. “It was bad, baby.”

  “Can you tell me about it?”

  “Not here.” He shook his head. “I got to get to makeup.”

  “Yeah, I know. I need to go, too.”

  His blue gaze caught me, traveling over my face. His sad smile dropped away as he drank me in. “Call me as soon as you get off tonight. Promise?”

  I grinned and mouthed, “Promise.”

  He walked past me, lightly brushing my arm with his long fingers. I would have stood there watching his fine body until it disappeared from sight, but my phone buzzed. I couldn’t help a groan as I pulled it from my pocket and cleared the text. With a huff, I replied immediately and took off down the hallway to do Travis’s bidding.

  *****

  My feet were killing me by the time I made it to the car. These new flats were a bad purchase. I should have stuck with my usual attire and worn jeans and sneakers to work, but I’d felt like wearing something a little nicer. I smoothed down my fitted skirt as I slid into my car, reminding myself that unless I was greeting someone important for Travis, I just had to wear clothes that were one hundred percent comfy. It didn’t matter what I looked like. It didn’t matter that I’d wanted to look pretty for my boyfriend.

  I relived our moment in the storage room. Too bad it’d had such a terrible ending. I frowned, reaching for my phone and sending Sean a quick text before starting the car and pulling out of the lot. It was ten o’clock. He usually waited up to say goodnight to me before going to sleep. I loved that about him.

  I got a reply before I’d even made it to the security gate. I braked to check it.

  Waiting down the road for you. Take your second right off the main street.

  A thrill raced through me. I pushed on the gas and sped down the road, squinting to see Sean’s car in the darkness. He flashed his lights at me as soon as I took the turn and I stopped beside him, lowering my window.

  He leaned out and called across the road. “Follow me.”

  I nodded and did a U-turn, following him out of the street and winding our way up into the Hollywood Hills. Twenty minutes later, we were pulling to a stop in a very secluded lookout. I switched off the engine and drank in the sparkling lights of LA.

  Sean opened my door for me. He looked tired and agitated. I ran my hand down his face and his expression softened a little. Taking my hand, he led me to his car and we leaned against the hood, gazing out across the city. Strains of music played from his car stereo. He’d left the window low so we could hear it.

  I smiled, my body responding to the soft beat. I forced my hips not to sway as I took in Sean’s serious expression. He crossed his arms and let out a heavy sigh.

  “What did he say to you?”

  Sean clicked his tongue. “Basically told me if I tried to stand up for you again or question his authority, he’d kick me off the show and make sure I never got another job in Hollywood again.”

  My mouth dropped open. “Can he do that?”

  He glanced at me and shrugged. “I believed him, baby. Rhonda thinks he can.”

  I swallowed, anger and worry battling for top position within me.

  “Travis is such a—” I pressed my lips together, not wanting to ruin my minutes with Sean cursing a boss who didn’t deserve the time of day. Like hell he was going to stomp on the only alone time I’d had with my man in over a week.

  “I thought he was better than that. I know he treats you like shit, but I kind of thought it was some sort of initiation or something. The guy’s sick.”

  “What are you going to do?”

  “I love my job. I mean, I love the show and I love acting. I don’t want to give it up.”

  I squeezed his arm. “I’m not asking you to.”

  “And I know I should be asking you to quit. You shouldn’t be expected to work for him, but—”

  “I’m not quitting. It took me so long to get this job, and I’ve nearly got enough saved to get my own place. I think I’ve found a little studio apartment near work. I’m checking it out on Sunday. I need this job, Sean, and besides...if I left, I’d never get to see you.”

  He turned to me, his white teeth shining against his dark skin. The moonlight captured the edge of his face, bathing him in a soft light that highlighted his handsome features. I reached for him, brushing my thumb over his thin goatee before squeezing the back of his neck with my fingers.

  “I’m falling in love with you, Mr. Jaxon...and I can handle Travis if it means getting to see you.”

  Sean turned to smile at me, his mouth tipping up at the side, his blue gaze intense. His finger fluttered down my arm before he lightly kissed my shoulder.

  “He can’t find out about us, baby. No one can. I told him there was nothing between us.” His eyes filled with anguish as he muttered the words. “He said he’d make your life hell if there was.”

  “I can handle him.”

  “I can’t handle him treating you like that.”

  “I’m not quitting.”

  He stepped in front of me, resting his hands on my hips. “I want to protect this...us.”

  “I know.” I smiled.

  “Me & U” by Cassie started playing. How appropriate. We both snickered, but the sound died out as Sean’s expression shifted. I matched his gaze of longing, brushing my teeth over my lower lip and giving him a cheeky smirk.

  His muscles flexed as he gently lifted me onto the car. His warm fingers pushed my skirt up my thighs until I could spread my legs wide enough for him to stand between them. My smirk grew to a grin, my inner thighs sparking as his jeans pressed against my soft flesh.

  His thumb brushed my cheekbone, his blue gaze unraveling my center. “I love you,” he whispered. “I don’t want to lose you.”

  “You won’t.”

  “So we keep this hidden...from everyone. I won’t risk it. No one can know.”

  I wrapped my legs around his waist, pressing him into me. “No one will.”

  His grin was delicious as his hand skimmed up my thighs until my skirt was around my waist. The cool breeze kissed my exposed skin. Goosebumps rippled over my flesh, but Sean’s warm hands shooed them away before traveling up my body and untucking my shirt. My nerves sizzled as his fingers glided up my back.

  I captured his lips, relishing the heat of his tongue as it dove into my mouth. Gripping his shoulders, I pulled myself against him. My soft center pressed into his hard core, making me want to melt. His hands flew to my butt, his hips thrusting against me.

  “Oh, baby,” he murmured into my mouth.

  I grinned, pulling his shirt free and lifting it over his head. I dropped it behind me and leaned back to take in the glory of his chiseled body.

  “Damn, boy, you fine.” I mimicked his voice, ru
nning my fingers over the ridges of his hard frame. We both chuckled, but he swallowed his grin as I reached the button on his jeans, his blue gaze penetrating me with a look so pure, I felt lightheaded.

  I was about to make love to Sean Jaxon.

  Fame aside, that was epic.

  Licking his bottom lip, he slowly peeled the shirt off my body, brushing his lips over my shoulder as he pulled my bra strap aside. His tongue traveled up my neck, setting off rockets within me. Every nerve in my body was like a firework and his touch set each one off.

  My insides whistled and crackled as I slowly undid his jeans. His hands were feather-light on my thighs until his thumbs gently dug into the soft flesh just below my core. I’m sure his look of yearning matched mine as he leaned toward me, our panting breaths mixing together before our lips locked.

  The cool breeze continued to caress us as our long-awaited desires were finally met. The night air captured our moans of ecstasy, and my body was sent to a higher plane as Sean took me on the hood of his Camaro.

  It was the best first time I’d ever had.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  MORGAN

  I glanced across the car and smiled at Sean. He winked back, making my insides sizzle. It’d been two months since the Travis warning, and we’d managed to keep our relationship under wraps. I thought it would bug me, but there was actually something kind of tantalizing about it all. We’d turned Travis’s threat into something sexy and romantic. No one but Jody, Ella, and Cole knew I was dating the gorgeous actor, and I’d let Isabella in on the secret, too, but she already knew anyway. She was livid with Travis and had sworn not to breathe a word to anyone.

  I was happy with my decision to stay at Polychrome Studios. It meant I got to see Sean. He didn’t pull me into any more closets, but he had gotten into the habit of meeting me at my studio apartment after work some nights and on Sunday afternoons. Yes, my own little apartment.

  It took me a while to convince him it would be safe enough. Superstar aired on TV in mid-September and so far the show was a huge success, which meant the media were hot for Sean. People couldn’t believe Mr. Bulletproof was capable of pulling off song and dance, but he was now making it onto The Sexiest Most... lists all over the place. Fans liked him in this role, and the buzz over whether Harley Barnes and the nineteen-year-old Sasha would eventually get together was hot. Reviews for the show were fantastic, and the ratings were going strong. Even Travis was in a slightly better mood, which made work a little less painful.