Page 96 of Princes of Hollywood

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GREER

After dinner, people mingle again. I’m on edge. There are now two people I’d rather avoid at all costs at this party. But I’m here to do a job, and Aiden keeps my mind on other things.

Those people are my past. They shaped me into who I am now, but they no longer have control of me.

Aiden is part of my present, as are Roarke, Wyatt, and Mason.

“How’s it going?” Mason’s dark voice next to my ear sends a little jolt through me.

I turn my head to look at him. Aiden is busy talking with someone, but his fingers toy with mine as we stand next to each other.

“All good.” I glance around to make sure Sawyer isn’t with him. I breathe a little easier when I see Sawyer across the pool with his wife. Mary always said Rita wasn’t good for Sawyer, but the two look happy enough.

Sawyer’s actively avoiding me, so we’re on the same page. Deny, deny, deny.

“Any issues I should be made aware of?” Mason’s fingers toy with my skirt hem, making me suck in a breath.

Does Aiden kissing me count as an issue? Because it was amazing. While I want to do it again, he’ll likely withdraw. And I’ll be okay with it, because I know that’s what he needs to do.

“Not that I know of.” My eyes flick up to his.

“Not starstruck, mouse?” His fingers brush my thigh, and I hiss out a breath.

“No, sir.”

His chuckle is dark. “Good girl.”

His touch and warmth move away like he was never there. Sighing, I turn back to listen to this guy tell Aiden about the guy’s last film. I don’t know how Aiden appears so interested when I’m trying not to nod off.

“If you’ll excuse us,” Aiden says to the man. I perk up.

“Of course.” He seems surprised.

Aiden draws me away and into the house. He doesn’t pay attention to anyone as he climbs the stairs and heads into his bedroom.

“Make yourself comfortable, little warrior.” He kisses the top of my head and goes into the bathroom.

His room has a little seating area close to the window overlooking the ocean. I slip off my shoes and curl up in the chair, watching the waves roll in and out as the sounds of the party drift up to me. It’s soothing after the loudness of everyone.

After a few minutes, Aiden comes out. “You need to use it?”

I nod and pass him on my way into his bathroom. Overall, tonight has been a success. I blended in and didn’t make anyone uncomfortable with a story about my mother, who overdosed because my dad left us. After which I spent years in the foster system before aging out.

Of course, no one was offering that story, either, so that probably helped.

Checking my makeup in the mirror, I wash my hands. As I go to open the door, I hear voices on the other side.

“You shouldn’t be up here,” Aiden says.

“I wanted to ask how you’re doing.” Female voice. I can’t place it.

“I’m doing great. Now leave.”

“Aiden, I still care about you even if we aren’t together anymore.” Hmm. Siobhan, maybe.

“I’m not your concern.”

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