Page 41 of Unguarded

The other girls giggle.

“I just think that with every camera phone around them tuned in on their very public interactions, what could possibly be happening behind closed doors? We already know Zade has been out and about with several of his female costars—basically confirming their relationship is on the rocks, at best. And with the moped ride through Seoul right after the left hook into the face of that YouTuber, the man is clearly obsessed with her.”

“And she’d be crazy not to feel the same!”

“Just look at her face in this clip. He grabs her stomach, and her lips part like she wants him to touch her. I’m obsessed with them. I need more.”

“I feel like this is only the beginning of this story. Once they start touring Europe, it’s over. I have tickets, and if the tension in person is as serious as it is on film, I’ll be done for.”

Katherine shuts it off, her face filling the screen once more. She’s trying to hold back a smile, but it’s blatantly obvious that she loves the direction of the online rumors.

“I mean, the comment sections are pretty clear. People want to know who he is and if you two are secretly together. They’ve fully turned on Zade—like, to the point that his engagement is down and the predictions for his new movie are very poor. His publicist called me to discuss your relationship.”

Zade’s public persona is the least of my concerns. I’m more worried about how Cash is taking all of this. Considering he barely speaks to me now, I’m sure this is only going to make him more withdrawn and distant if he thinks I’m crushing on him.

“Mr. Redford, would you care to give us your opinion on the situation?” Katherine asks, directing her attention to the man standing a few feet away.

All eyes shift toward Cash. I exhale before following suit, my gaze catching his.

16

CASH

If it wasn’t already painfully obvious, everyone is now fully aware that I am consumed with her. The videos of me angrily watching her sing with her ex-boyfriend, followed by my clearly overprotective, hands-on security measures, look like they were staged for a romantic comedy.

I’ve tried to stop touching her. I’vereallytried. With very conscious effort, I’ve successfully kept from making physical contact for nine days now, I haven’t spoken her name in eight days, and I haven’t spoken directly to her in ninety-six hours.

Except for the nonstop inner monologue I obsessively run through my head concerning her safety and her every move.

She doesn’t breathe, eat, sleep, or shower without my knowledge. Like right now, for instance, I can tell she just got out of the shower by her subtle, musky sandalwood and vanilla scent. It’s her shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion. I read the labels so I can buy them when I’m back home.

“What is it you’re wanting to know, ma’am?” I respond to the face on the computer screen.

She leans back in her chair, looking from Monroe to me. “Well? You’re a big part of this narrative. We can’t have you becoming a part of her public image and then up and disappearing to Texas. The European leg will be much different. Up to this point, we’ve had a language barrier, mostly keeping the rumors to only visual perceptions. Now that we’re on the English-speaking algorithms, the fans will surely catch something. It could be a video from the Texas incident or some girl you used to date posting on her story about what you were like in high school. At this rate, I’d feel more comfortable making a move to redirect the public eye, unless you’re willing to participate in the frenzy, even just for the duration of the tour.”

My fists tighten. “Participate how?”

Monroe stiffens.

Ah, not her favorite idea.

Katherine shrugs. “The possibilities are endless. We could stage a few intimate moments for the paparazzi to capture. We could spin the story that you’re an American hero, a veteran, and you’ve found yourself falling for someone you were hired to protect, but that you tragically don’t feel like you belong in the world.”

My jaw clenches as she continues, “But really, this could mean a whole lot for you. Your future could be redirected by this. You’d forever be a man who dated a celebrity, which would open countless doors and endless opportunities.”

Monroe turns to face me then, her blue eyes guarded. I can’t read her expression, which means she’s intentionallyhiding her thoughts because when we’re alone, she’s easy to read.

“I don’t care about any of that shit.” I say it casually, but my eyes are locked on Monroe’s. Surely, she already knows this.

“Well, if it’s monetary compensation you’re looking for, we could certainly discuss it. I understand you haven’t signed any additional contracts. Think about what you want. We can put a pin in it for now.”

Monroe tips the rest of her wine over her pink lips before turning her attention to the screen. I wish I could pour myself a stiff drink instead of discussing contracts for fake relationships for the world to digest like she’s on a fucking menu.

My phone buzzes with a text. I pull it out to read the screen.

Holden

Have you traded your Stetson in for a fedora yet?

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