Page 127 of Princes of Hollywood

Aiden stands abruptly and walks out onto the patio. My gaze follows him, but I don’t know what’s bothering him. This kind of thing always happens to celebrities.

“Isn’t this normal tabloid fodder? Would it be bad if this got out?” I mean, it’s not that great of a picture, but it’s just a kiss. It’s not like we were skinny-dipping or fucking. It’s barely anything.

Wyatt rubs his hand down my back. “The problem is if the bank realizes you’re in a sexual relationship with Aiden, they won’t allow you to be his sobriety companion for the film.”

“Oh.” And there’s the rug pulled out from under me. It was too good to be true. I thought I’d make it for a while longer.

My heart slows and my brain quiets. This is the life I’m used to. Not fantasy all-day fuck fests with celebrities. I blow out a breath. I should pack my things. Figure out my next move. I can’t go back to my apartment. Not with Chad there.

Maybe Bristol would take me in for a few days, just until I get my feet back under me. I need to call the diner and see about getting back on the schedule. I still owe Chad rent, so I won’t be able to afford a place of my own.

But I can find a room somewhere. I can make this work. It’s no different from when I left my final foster home.

“Is her name attached?” Roarke asks.

Maybe the guys will give me something for my trouble. My brow furrows. But then am I just a prostitute if I take their money? I attended one party. I wasn’t even supposed to start until Monday. I probably shouldn’t take their money.

I sigh. I’ll find a second job. Maybe I can build my own future. It’s just going to take more time. I can go to college later. I didn’t really know what I wanted to be, anyway.

“No. They don’t have her name.” Mason watches me carefully. “Greer?”

I lift my head and meet his eyes, still trying to figure out how to fix my life after having this for a few days. It wasn’t nearly long enough. I’ll miss them, but that’s the way my life is. I know not to get attached.

For a few moments, I thought I could have the fantasy.

“Hey, kitten.” Wyatt tips my chin up and searches my eyes. “This is just a bump.”

I nod, because what else am I going to do? It’s always the same. It always doesn’t work out. Don’t get comfortable. Don’t get settled. Don’t think you’ve finally found somewhere you belong, because you don’t.

You never belong.

Tears choke me. No, I don’t cry. It’s easier if I don’t cry. The tears never change anyone’s mind anyway. I can leave with some dignity left.

“Excuse me.” I stand and hurry to the bathroom before any of the tears can slip free. I just need a moment and then I can start living my life again. Without them.

#

ROARKE

I’m focused on the picture when Greer says, “Excuse me.”

I catch the fear on her face before she runs off. Fuck. I know that look. When the door shuts, I turn to the others.

“Not good.” I walk over and knock on the door. “Poppet?”

She doesn’t answer.

“What’s happening?” Wyatt asks.

I storm back over to the table. “She’s fucking spiraling because you just said she’s out of a job.”

“No one said that.” Mason glances toward the door.

“If everything in your life has been shitty up until now, what would you have heard?”

Mason sits back and shakes his head. “This is fixable.”

“Is it? Because if I go tell her everything is going to be okay and we send her packing, that will destroy her.”

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