Page 27 of The Movie Star and the Spy

This was a disaster. The more she stood out, the less likely the criminal would approach her and risk getting in Starcroft’s sights. Yet Julian didn’t let go as they traveled down a long hallway and stopped in front of a row of dressing rooms. As he released her, one of his bodyguards handed her a large white box. She clutched it tightly, but didn’t open it. She needed to get Julian in private and convince him to find her another job. “We need to talk.”

“Sorry, Destiny, there’s no time. You have to get into costume and then we have a panel to attend. I’ll need lots of assistance, of course.”

“Assistance with what?” she snapped. She exhaled, smoothed taut features. She couldn’t demand answers when they had an attentive audience.

“Most of the cast and crew will be dressed for the occasion.” He pointed to the aides carrying bags and boxes into the dressing rooms. “Since you didn’t know, I picked up something for you. Don’t worry, I got your measurements from your file. It’ll fit.”

Of course, he knew her measurements – he’d seen her nearly naked.

“Anything else?” he asked with a mischievous grin.

There was so much else, and absolutely nothing she could say right now. “Not a thing,” she bit out. Did that sound believable? She still needed to play the part of obsessed fan. “Although I must say, I’m going to miss playing body double.” She attempted a giggle.

He gave awickedsmile. “If you feel that way–”

“I’m good.”

“But you said–”

“No, I didn’t.”

“What’s going on here?” a loud voice bellowed. The director strode in, glaring at his stalled cast and crew. “This isn’t avacation day. Get into your costumes. We have a panel in thirty minutes, and it’s a full house. Standing room only.” He nodded toward Julian, the only person he showed any semblance of respect to. “At least Starcroft is dressed.”

People burst into action. With no choice, Cheyenne strode toward the dressing room, but stopped at a voice from behind, “Hey, are you okay? You seemed a little upset there.”

Cheyenne gave Jess a weak smile. “I’m the luckiest girl around. Better get dressed now.” She quickly escaped into one of the unoccupied rooms. What a disaster. The ruse was failing if even Jess could see she was upset. Time to get back into character.

But first she had to adopt a different character altogether. She dropped the box on the stool like a suspicious package destined for the bomb squad. Who knew how explosive it would be? Without hesitation, she grabbed the lid and pulled it open so quickly it ripped. The sound of crinkling tissue paper crackled as she dug in, and the garment finally came into view.“Holy sh–”

“Whoa.Look at Jess in that outfit. I think the temperature just rose a hundred degrees.”

Julian barely heard Zachary. “Jess?”

“Ms. Cole. Your new body double.”

“Oh yeah.” Since the new body double had been chosen by the director, he’d hardly thought about her. In fact, really only once when convincing the director she didn’t need to be fully undressed for the scene. There was no reason to go that far when you could use easily concealed undergarments, which he preferred. Zachary sure as hell cared and had asked it as a rare favor. They’d gone together to talk to the director.

Zachary whistled low, still caught on the object of his desire. “She’s going as the Invisible Woman. That’s the superhero who can’t wear any clothing or someone will see her.”

“But she’s not really invisible.”

Zachary grinned.

Julian followed Zachary’s gaze. How does one pull off an Invisible Woman costume while perfectly visible? Craftily, it seemed. Made almost entirely of sheer nude mesh with strategically located lining, the suit performed its function well. The outfit and the lovely woman wearing it should’ve piqued his interest, but instead he idly wondered if it might be useful during body shots. It almost worried him, his complete lack of interest in a beautiful, nearly naked woman, until…

Destiny walked out.

And he stared.

And stared some more.

And kept staring and staring, longer and longer, for at least a century and a half.

He then reminded himself to breathe.

But he didn’t stop staring.

Her outfit was a juxtaposition of pure midnight and scorching sun, fiery heat and white ice. It was the feminine version of his own costume, a warrior princess from a futuristic space opera. Pitch black, the jumpsuit fit like a second skin, molding to every curve, outlining every single detail. It showed off sleek legs, generous hips and a slender waist. Cut low on top, it hugged generous curves and luscious dips.

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