Page 92 of The Movie Star and the Spy

“I love you so much,” she whispered. “And I don’t care who knows it. I love this man,” she called for the world to hear.

“Forever?” he asked.

“Forever,” she said.

And the world applauded.

EPILOGUE

Life was wonderful.

A dream come true, since Sarah had married Julian in the wedding of the decade, as deemed by the news, social media and hundreds of influencers. All the Billionaires of Miami and their spouses attended, as well as friends and family. Who walked her down the aisle?

Her dad.

Their relationship had blossomed since they reconnected. It may never be a traditional relationship, or a perfect one, but he’d made vast efforts to support her, in little and big ways. He made time for her at a moment’s call, attended special events and let her guide their relationship. When it was time for the wedding, asking him seemed natural.

Tears had been shed.

With the mission successfully closed, she’d returned to the force, albeit in a different role. She led investigations and, with the assistance of makeup and wigs, even delved undercover for short stints. She was still doing what she loved, catching criminals and seeking justice, yet there was something – someone – she loved even more.

Julian.

Life with him was an adventure, filled with the ordinary, extraordinary and everything in between. Despite their hectic work schedule, they made it work, spending more time together than apart. He had even booked an upcoming television show set in Miami, so he wouldn’t have to travel to location. For special events, she often accompanied him.

Now they were at one such special event, another comic convention filled with thousands of enthusiastic fans. As they prepared for their presentation for Spy Heat, she planned something special, a homage to their unusual beginning. They were acting out one of the biggest scenes, in which the hero, i.e. her husband, captures the masked villainess. Only instead of using the actress, Cheyenne convinced the director to let her dress as the character. In full costume and makeup, she was unrecognizable, if a little sweat-slicked under the skin-tight garment.

Yeah, she was going undercover.

They stood on the grand main stage, under garnet cascades of curtains, before an audience of thousands. The air smelled like cake makeup and anticipation, with a warmth of so many bodies packed so close together. Under the brilliant lights, the crowd hooted, clapped and cheered, ready for their favorite characters. The scene started, and Julian crept across the stage toward her, giving his famous monologue, vowing to discover all the criminal’s secrets. She stayed still in her hiding spot, waiting for him.

Even though his approach was imminent, she still jumped when hecapturedher. He lunged from the side and wrapped his arms around her. “You will never escape me,” he growled.

Then… he froze.

Freezing was not part of the script, not for him, not for her. He was supposed to launch into a triumphant speech, his victory lap now that he caught the criminal mastermind. Thevillainous was supposed to scream and struggle, proclaiming her innocence.

Yet neither played their part as they locked eyes, sharing a thousand messages. Did he realize it was her? How would he react? He shifted her, his narrowing eyes showing a tangle of confusion, shock and challenge. So she did what any red blooded woman would do when held by the hottest movie star in the universe.

She kissed him.

It was sweet, delicious and filled with more passion than all of Spy Heat. As usual, he stole control, holding her flush against his heated body, as he plundered her mouth. He whispered her name, proving he knew the woman he married.

Around them silence reined, traveling from a cacophony of screams and shouts to the utter quietness of a second’s breath. It lasted but a moment before the noise returned with a vengeance, the whistles, hoots and hollers filling the cavernous hall. Finally he pulled back and lifted her mask. They grasped hands… and bowed.

The presentation had been a success,and more fun than she ever imagined. Julian had previously offered her cameos, and for the first time, she actually considered it. She was already famous, whether she liked it or not, and working with him would be a rare treat.

Since the disguise worked so well before, they had both donned similar costumes for the remainder of the afternoon. Now they walked through the convention, and for once nobody was paying attention to them, providing a rare freedom. The costumes covered them from head to toe, including masks that only revealed their eyes and lower face. Of course, they were notSpy Heat costumes, but instead various aliens from a show that involved a time-travelling hero in a little blue box.

So far he hadn’t mentioned her subterfuge, instead staying silent as they passed talented artists, enthusiastic celebrities and exuberant cosplayers. Vendors offered a variety of souvenirs, including photographs and paintings ofthem. They passed a group of girls giggling about the Spy Heat presentation, and she grimaced.Three, two, one…

“You do realize I’m going to get you back for that little performance.” Cole gave a rather convincing growl that sent lightning through her blood. “Expect retribution.”

A shiver stole her breath. She couldn’t wait. “I’m a trained professional. I’m not scared of you.”

“No?” He lifted a perfect eyebrow. “Do you want to hear all the things I have planned?”

Oh. Yes.

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