Page 4 of Two Hearts' Ploy

This time it was the Sergeant who blinked. “Really? You probably know that I was just kidding about the introduction, because who the hell am I to ask. But it kind of gives you hope, doesn’t it, that getting injured doesn’t always have to matter?”

“Kelly wouldn’t let it matter, although Luke was a little hard to convince. He just never thought he was good enough for her, and once he was injured…” Jeff shook his head in resignation, “it was a million times worse. But she never gave up on him.”

“It’s nice to hear that about someone I had a huge crush on as a teenager. But then again, who didn’t have a crush on her?” the Sergeant observed dryly. “You know—it’s good to know that there are still a few women out there that see under the surface.”

For a moment, Jeff let himself remember how he’d felt when he’d danced with Wren Matthews. He’d kind of fallen under a spell, looking into her sea green eyes. Would she still have danced with him if he’d walked up on the stage wearing a prosthetic?

Well—no use thinking about something that he’d never find out. She was an even bigger star than she’d been back then, after winning someGrammys. There’s no way in the world that he’d ever meet up with her again.

Chapter One

Present Day

Los Angeles, California

Wren Matthews stood with her hands on her hips, staring at Vin in disapproval. Apparently, someone who didn’t know about their breakup had let him slip through security.

Wren stomped her foot, glancing at the clock on the wall. This was supposed to be her meditation break, when she took the time to relax before a big performance onstage. “When are you finally going to get it, Vin? We’redone.It’s been nearly a month, but you won’t stop calling me.”

“You don’t really mean it Wren. Think about how long we’ve been together. You can’t let one little slip up on my end ruin what we’ve had.”

Her jaw dropped open momentarily before she finally answered, “So you consider cheating on me with someone I thought was one of my closest friends a little slip up?” She shook her head with disgust, picking up her sports watch from her dressing table to turn off the alarm. She sighed. So much for relaxation since the girls from makeup and wardrobe would be here soon.

A moment later, her cell phone rang. Scooping it up, she switched it on when she saw it was the head of her security team. “Marc? Have someone from security sent to my dressing room immediately. Somehow, Vin Desmond was allowed backstage. I want it made clear to everyone who works here that we’re no longer an item. In fact, he’s been harassing me, and I want nothing more to do with him.”

“Oh no.I’m so sorry, Wren,” Marc replied. “I’m not sure how he managed to get through, because I already let everyone know. I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

“Another thing, Marc. Will you please doublecheck to make sure all my security codes have been updated, and those extra cameras have been installed at my place at the beach?”

Giving Vin a side glance, she noticed him frowning fiercely. She’d suddenly had a gut feeling last week that he’d been continuing to mooch off of her and had been staying there since their breakup. She hadn’t thought twice about it until then.

“Also, I’d appreciate it if someone from security can assist me tomorrow while I remove everything from there that might belong to Mr. Desmond.”

“I can assist you personally, Wren,” Marc reassured her.

“Thanks, Marc. We might need some boxes. Shall we say noon? I’ll probably be wiped out tomorrow morning since tonight is our final tour performance.”

“You’ve got it, Wren. See you then. I’ll round up some boxes and meet you there,” Marc answered. “Someone should be at your dressing room door momentarily.”

“Thanks, Marc,” she said, switching off her phone and turning back to Vin. “Be sure to leave an address with Marc so we can have your stuff shipped to you.”

Vin was currently looking at her with what appeared to be indignance. “I’d prefer to be there while you’re removing my things.”

“Well, that’s too damn bad. I never told you that it was okay to move in. Just because we’ve been a couple doesn’t mean that everything I have is yours. You might try doing something you haven’t done for over a year – look for a job.”

There was a knock at the door.

“Come on in.” Wren motioned the security guard inside after opening the door. “Please see Mr. Desmond to the exit.”

“Can’t I even stay for the performance?” Vin asked in a whiny voice.

She raised a brow. “You bought a ticket?”

For the life of her, she couldn’t understand why Vin looked stunned when she’d asked.

Three years.What in the hell had she seen in this idiot?

“Just get him out of here, Grant,” she said to the security guard.

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