Page 2 of The Movie Star and the Spy

Starcroft was looking right at her.

Not at the woman, as the actress likely assumed, but no, most definitely, assuredly her. His blue gaze bore into her, the attention that swept a million women off their feet now focused on a single entity. His regard speared her, revealing no hints as to what lurked behind those soul-searching eyes.

Look away.She commanded herself, but her body refused to listen. As if he had shackled her with her own handcuffs, she could only stand still as his lips moved. She couldn’t discern the words from so far, but then he turned to the producer, and the spell broke. And suddenly not one but all five men looked in her direction.

Not good.

Cheyenne slunk back behind the actress, even as heavy footsteps approached. Perhaps she was wrong − perhaps they were indeed targeting the gorgeous model. Who wouldn’t choose the leggy beauty queen with an extraordinary resemblance to the last Miss America? Though Cheyenne was no Quasimodo, she more closely resembled an ordinary human than an angel on earth. No doubt she would never have gotten hired if not for a friendly nudge from the Miami-Dade Police Department.

She counted every crack on the ground, blending in as best she could to its pocked gray surface. Perhaps she could pretend to be part of the crew, an assistant with wardrobe or props or grips, whatever that was. Shuffling sounded from retreating stilettos, as the sight of midnight black boots came into focus. The voices around her hushed. Then suddenly…

He touched her.

He didn’t ask permission. In the movies he never did, and now in real life he didn’t. His hand was warm, large and strong, and he slowly raised her chin, giving her a foot to head perusal ofeverything. The long legs that went on and on, strong hips that led to the muscles the shirt molded, a chest as wide as the ocean.Then that famous face, like an angel’s with perfectly formed lips, sculptured cheekbones, a chiseled jaw and fathomless eyes.

“She’s the one,” he murmured. “Perfect.”

Training urged a counterattack, to fight back as she’d been taught in the academy. No one touched her without permission. Yet she couldn’t betray the cover that was her only chance to save unsuspecting women from a bleak future, eager starlets from a life of exploitation. But it was more than duty that kept her there, under his commanding power. His touch sparked fire − it raced down her body, sending sensual heat through tender limbs and swelling sensitive spots with anticipation. The scents of nature and oak surrounded her, as her lashes fluttered downward, but still he didn’t let go. It was no mystery why he enthralled the world, commanded fame unlike any other modern actor.

“She has the same coloring as the lead actress,” the director’s voice broke in, thin and nasal, like a broken violin compared to the Stradivarius that was Starcroft’s. “The same build, too. You’re right, she’s perfect.” The others murmured their agreement as one giant sigh of disappointment emerged from the crowd. “Congratulations...” The director looked to his assistant, who whispered in his ear, before he continued, “Destiny Dane, Sexy Woman Extra #12, you are now reassigned. Your new job is lead actress’ body double. In other words… your role is to be undressed by Julian Starcroft.”

Cheyenne’s heart tumbled like an action hero stunt double. She could say no, should say no, had to say no. How could she stand still while he slowly removed her clothing? In the script, the actress did not do it herself. Starcroft did it for her.

Yet she would allow it − for the women who were being victimized, for the promise she made when she joined the force. To maintain a cover that would be shattered with one simple negative. Unlike the lead actors, the extras’ contracts requiredagreement to nudity – there were more than enough willing women than to start negotiating. In other words, she had already consented.

“Is that agreeable?” Julian studied her, his steady gaze a palette of untold questions. How could she have ever thought he lacked intelligence?

“It’s fine,” Cheyenne replied, plastering a wide smile on her face. “I’m just tickled!”

He raised an eyebrow, and she fought a cringe. Had she actually just called herself tickled? It was a tumultuous start to an acting career, which was never supposed to emerge from the basement of extras. It boded ill for future endeavors, and disastrous for her life-changing mission. Could there be a way out of the role before he helped her out of her clothing? Maybe if she acted too overeager, he would change his mind. “I’m just soooo excited to be chosen! This is like winning Miss Excavator Falls all over again.” She waved her hands back and forth, furiously fanning herself as if about to swoon like some simpering Regency heroine. She inserted a loud sniff as a special effect. “I just never ever thought you would choose me. I adore you, you know. You’re the most amazing man in the country, no in the continent, no in all−” She pretended to count on her fingers. “On all nine continents! Probably on all twelve planets in the solar system, too!”

He gawked at her as if she had rocketed to one of those other planets. Excellent. Maybe a little more frosting on the crazy cake? “You’re like the butter to my bread, the boom to my backhoe. I’ve watched every one of your movies twelve − no a dozen − times!”

Cheyenne finished with a flourish, then stood back to view the audience. For a police detective, she had given a flawless performance. Strangely, the extras appeared to understand her musings completely, and a few even nodded in sisterlyagreement. The men on the set appeared chagrined at Starcroft’s luck, and the director just seemed irritated, a fairly common emotion for him. However, the only truly important reaction would come from Julian. Would it be exasperation, dismay or annoyance − or hopefully all three − along with a call to find a less animated actress? With a wistful smile, she looked into smoldering eyes to find… amusement?

What the−

He clapped her on the back, steadying her with his other hand. His grip was warm and firm, fully encircling her arm. “Thank you for the exuberant praise. Clearly, you are a dedicated fan.” He winked. “Tell me, what was your favorite part ofThunder Force?”

Cheyenne froze, the smile melting from her lips as her memory held up a closed sign and dashed away. Julian’s last action film had been wildly successful, scoring hundreds of millions of dollars at the box office, shattering records and demolishing its competition. Nearly everyone in the country had seen it − everyone, that was, except for her. Just like she hadn’t seen any of his movies.

Not even a clip.

“I, um−” Cheyenne blinked heavy lashes as Julian stomped straight through her defenses. Had he guessed her tactics? She had to recover, and quick. “I liked the part when you defeated the bad guy!” she suddenly shouted, far too loud, far too eager. He had to have defeated a bad guy somewhere in there, right?

He was not to be deterred. “And which bad guy was that?”

“There was more than one?” Cheyenne posed before she could stop herself, then grimaced as he chuckled deeply. She had fooled everyone else; how had he seen through her ploy? “The really bad one,” she replied. “The really, really, really, really bad one. The most hated man in the world.”

The bemused expression never left his face. “That’s funny − I’ve never heard the bad guy described that way.”

“Which way?”

“As a man.”

Well, crap.

“The bad guy was, after all, awoman.”

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