Page 41 of Princes of Hollywood

Uncertainty thrums through me as I walk around the island to his side. He turns on his stool and our faces are about level.

“You’re not going to cry on me again, right?” He actually looks worried that I might.

“No. I don’t usually cry.” I draw in a breath and wait for him to tell me to get my stuff and go.

He wraps his hand around the back of my neck.

“There’s nothing to fear here, poppet. If there was, I’d take care of it for you.” His thumb caresses my jaw while he searches my eyes. “Whatever bad things happened in the past, I’ve got you now.”

I blow out a breath. If only it were that easy, but he doesn’t have me. This isn’t some magical story where I turn into the belle of the ball. I’m the hired help, and that’s it. They’re just lines he’s saying. He’s this famous actor more comfortable playing a role than maybe in his own skin.

Again, it feels like I know him, but I don’t. Not really. Who he is as a person is a complete mystery to me, but I know how he makes me feel. He makes me feel alive, but he’s not here to save me.

He smirks. “I see your doubt, poppet. Trust doesn’t come easy, but I can put in the time because I have a feeling you’ll be worth it.”

When I open my mouth to tell him I’m not, his lips crash against mine, taking my words from me and spinning me out again. He draws me between his legs and holds me against him as he explores my mouth like Wyatt just did.

I don’t think I’ve ever kissed two guys in the same day, let alone one right after the other. Something burns a little hotter inside me. Roarke pulls away and searches my eyes again.

“Hmm, I think we should spend the day having sex,” he announces.

I laugh out loud. He has to be kidding. He grins and looks really encouraged.

“She’s my emotional support human today, Roarke.” Aiden’s voice makes me lift my gaze to watch him walk into the room. He’s dressed for the day in jeans and a shirt that hugs his lean muscles.

“I found her.” Roarke’s hands tighten on my waist.

“You answered the phone.” Aiden holds his hand out to me and I take it. Every little touch with Aiden lights me up and makes me long for more. Roarke reluctantly lets me go.

“None of you would have invited her to interview.” He picks up his bacon and points it at Aiden. “You should be thanking me. You could have gotten another boring drug dealer again.”

He gives me a wink as Aiden draws me back into the kitchen. “Do you need help making breakfast?”

My cheeks feel hot as I shake my head. “I’ve got it.”

He brushes my hair behind my ear and his focus drops to my lips. My insides tighten and heat floods me like someone dropped me on the surface of the sun. How could I want a third guy to kiss me? I’ve never been like this, but I want Aiden to.

I want to know what Aiden Clyborne tastes like.

My tongue darts out to wet my lips, and Aiden clears his throat.

“You wanted to know my schedule. Today is a perfect day to follow me.” He steps back to lean against the counter.

To cover my disappointment in not getting a kiss (because I’m greedy that way, apparently), I open the refrigerator again and get out the fruit and yogurt. Then I go to the pantry and find the granola.

Both Aiden and Wyatt had similar breakfasts down. So I cut up some fruit and put together two bowls of yogurt with fruit and granola.

“Normally, I would wake around the same time Wyatt is up to go surfing.” Aiden talks while I work. “Then I shower and get ready for the day.”

He holds his hands out to his sides to draw my attention to his outfit. His gaze trails over my bare legs and the thin sleep set I have on. Self-conscious, I draw my sweater tighter around me, knowing it won’t stay that way. I should have changed. I should hide my figure.

Always leave them wanting more.

It’s not surprising that Mary’s words keep coming back to me. This was her life, rubbing elbows with the Hollywood elite.

My foster mother, Mary, wanted to keep me. She wasn’t really looking for a daughter, though. More of a companion to keep her occupied between visits from her director lover. As a teenager, I loved her wild lifestyle and her novel way of looking at life.

But even that ended badly. They always do.

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