Page 44 of Cocky Bastard

Henry looked at ease in my kitchen, leaning against the counter and eating chocolate Hobnobs like he belonged there. He’d put his phone on the counter next to him, occasionally glaring at it like that would make it ring.

“Can I ask… how did you find out?” I asked as I made coffee, feeling slightly guilty that I was serving an award-winning actor and all-around superstar instant coffee even if it was the poshest brand I’d been able to find.

“Jenny told me,” he said casually. “I doubt she was supposed to, but she called me this morning absolutely spitting mad to say that you were being replaced. Obviously, I knew there had to bemore to the story, so I asked. It took some persuading but she told me, and it’s evident this whole thing is ridiculous, so I’m not going to let it stand.” He smiled wryly, a wicked gleam in his eyes, and I suddenly understood how much power this man wielded. “I want to work with you, Kane. I think you’re perfect for the role and I won’t accept anyone else in that part, unless of course you really don’t want it.”

“I do!”

“Good,” he said, smiling lazily as he pulled another Hobnob out of the packet. “There’s one thing you should know about me—it’s not really a flaw despite what my brother says—but it’s that I always get what I want. I know what I like, I’m very determined, and I’m not the sort who likes to be fobbed off with excuses. I’m sure to some people it sounds incredibly selfish, but I’m not ashamed of it.”

I slid the mug of coffee across to him, staring. I’d met plenty of arrogant stars from the worlds of music, film, and television before, but not one who was so charming along with it. His frankness stunned me, but it didn’t put me off him. It almost made me like him more because at least he was open about it. And if it was going to benefit me, then I’d be a fool to push him away.

It sounded terrible that I’d happily use him to get my part back, but at the same time, it sounded like Henry had started making demands before he’d even spoken to me.

“It’s okay,” he continued. “You can think I’m a terrible person. I’m sure many people do. And I’m sure as soon as Jason finds out what I’ve done, he’ll give me an earful. I don’t know why my brother thinks I need a conscience, but he seems to have taken it upon himself to be mine.”

“I don’t think you’re terrible,” I said, sipping my tea, which was now lukewarm. I pulled a face and walked over to warm it up in the microwave, not caring if Henry thought I was a bit weird.“Besides, you’re here to help and it would be a dick move of me to judge you. Also, compared to some of the people I’ve met in music, you’re practically a saint.”

He threw his head back and laughed. It was a bright, musical sound that filled the room with warmth. “Flatterer.” He winked and sipped his coffee. “Where is your gorgeous boyfriend, by the way? Is he around at the moment?”

I shook my head, a pang echoing through my chest. “No, he’s in York. He’s got a house there and… I’ve spoken to him, though. He’s blaming himself, which is so fucking typical of Austin. None of this is his fault but he’s just…” I glanced down and smiled before retrieving my tea from the microwave. There were now little curls of steam wafting off the surface and when I wrapped my hands around the mug, I felt comforting warmth seeping into my skin.

“How long have you been together?” Henry asked.

“Technically? A couple of weeks, but we’ve been fucking around for ten years.”

“It’s meant to be then,” Henry said with a sweet sincerity I hadn’t expected. “I’m not an expert on relationships, but I think if you’re still here after that long, then there’s something special between you.”

“I hope so. I mean, sometimes he frustrates the ever-loving fuck out of me, but I do the same to him.”

“True love then.” Henry smiled and then glanced down as his phone began to ring. “Ah, perfect. Hang on a minute.” He picked it up and slid the green button across. “Hello, Celeste, how’re you? I’ve been better, but… no, I’m not throwing a tantrum. I am just casually reminding people who I am and what I bring to the table.” He scoffed and shook his head, gesturing with his hands as he continued. “Oh, come on, they’re not going to fire me… yes, I’m expecting the head of the production company to call me very soon… Well, no, but I casually implied it…”

It was strange hearing one side of Henry’s conversation. He was clearly talking to someone he knew well and he looked very relaxed, the smile on his face easy and charming. While he chatted, I took the opportunity to check my phone to see if there was anything from Austin.

There wasn’t but I fired off a couple of messages to let him know what was going on. I wasn’t sure if I’d get a response straight away, but I did and I had to bite back a laugh as soon as I read it.

Austin

WHAT THE FUCK?!!!

Austin

Are you fucking serious, kitten?!

Austin

Jesus Christ.

Austin

That was not what I expected when you said you had a visitor xx

Kane

Believe me, I didn’t expect it either! Apparently Henry always gets what he wants, and in this case it’s me. I think he’s this close to starting a war with the production company xx

Austin

Fucking Christ. You’re worth it though xx

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