Page 129 of Princes of Hollywood

I glance at Wyatt’s concerned face and Mason’s thoughtful expression. My gaze then goes to Aiden, standing next to the swimming pool. Is he angry at me, or angry this is happening? All I know is he’s all alone, like when he was up that night. The guys are giving him space, but sometimes space isn’t what’s needed.

I squeeze Roarke’s hand and give him a reassuring smile.

He looks out to Aiden and nods slightly. He kisses my hand.

I walk around the table to step into the sunlight with Aiden.

“Hey.” My voice is soft, but he turns his head toward me.

“This is all my fault. I shouldn’t have done that. I know better. Shit like this always gets out.” Aiden doesn’t look at me as he beats himself up. He doesn’t need to worry about this.

I slide my hand in his, and his fingers curl around mine.

“I’m glad you did.” I can’t regret anything that happened with these guys even if it means I’m not staying. But Aiden is still vulnerable and in pain.

We just stand there, staring at the sunlight reflecting off the pool. Neither of us can do anything to help the others sort this. But if this is my last day in paradise, I can spend it holding Aiden’s hand.

He draws me to lean against him. His hand rests on my hip, holding me close. This morning feels like forever ago, but my insides soften at his touch. The tension eases out of me as we hold each other up.

“You won’t leave,” he says after several minutes.

I glance up at his face, but he’s still looking out at the water. “If I don’t have a job, I can’t stay.”

I can’t take from them without giving. I can’t just hang around and be available for sex. Even mind-blowing, life-changing sex.

“You could simply be our assistant and not my sobriety companion.” His fingers stroke over my hip, bunching up my T-shirt a little. “I need you, little warrior.”

I lift my gaze to his light blue eyes. My heart thumps against my chest because the deeper I go with these guys, the harder it will be to untangle myself when they drop me.

“Hey.” Wyatt’s voice is soft, and we both turn around. “We might have a solution.”

Wyatt holds out his hand to me. I take Aiden’s first and then Wyatt’s. He leads us both inside. The inside seems dimmer after being outside in the sunlight for so long.

Aiden sits next to Wyatt. Wyatt draws me down onto his lap.

Mason rests his forearms on the table with his hands clasped. “We managed to negotiate for exclusive rights, but that doesn’t mean it won’t still get out.”

Roarke studies me carefully. But I can’t change any of what’s about to happen. I have to remind myself that this could all end. I need to prepare myself for the worst. It’s easier that way.

“Which means we need a new tactic. Either a distraction or a stand-in.”

“A stand-in?” I ask.

“Someone who resembles you enough to say that’s who Aiden was kissing.” Mason’s intense gaze focuses on me. “He would go out and be seen with her on outings that look like dates. The public will assume that’s the woman he kissed at the party, and even though a few guests might try to argue, we’ll all claim that’s the fact.”

I swallow, and Aiden takes my hand.

“It’s no different from when agents try to boost one of their clients by having another client act like they’re in a relationship.” Aiden sounds less than enthusiastic about it.

“What’s the other option?” I don’t know what a distraction would be either.

“Give them something bigger with more meat, so that this kiss gets shuffled to a smaller section or isn’t enough to make it onto the site.” Mason moves his gaze to Aiden. “The problem with that is finding something big enough. Aiden dating after rehab will be big news, especially with his divorce from Siobhan.”

I bite my lip. I don’t like the idea of Aiden dating anyone else, but if it’s the only option, it’s better than being out of a job.

“If we go with the decoy date, then the bank won’t have any reason to not approve you to work with Aiden for the course of the film.” Wyatt traces his finger along my thigh, sending a shiver through me. “But we also would need to make sure they don’t look at you suspiciously again.”

“What does that mean?” I glance around at the guys, waiting for one of them to explain.

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