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A knot formed in my belly. I couldn’t imagine living without Faith, because even though Niko was right and we did fight a lot she was also the person I knew would be there for me night and day, no matter what.
“Tell me you’ll come to New York.”
I was quiet.
“Cleo, I need you to be there. Or am I not that important to you anymore?” His tone became harder. “Did you find someone else?”
The last thing I needed was another fit of jealousy from Niko so I hurried to interrupt him.
“No, of course not. I’ll be there.”
“Good… I want my woman there. You know.”
“Yes, I know.”
“Hey.” His tone turned softer. “I miss you.”
“I miss you too.” The words felt hollow because to be honest, Niko’s being on tour had given me a much-needed break. His intense personality could be draining at times.
“Listen,” he said in a calmer voice with a hint of seduction. “I was thinking that I’ll be fired up from the concert, so we should hit the after party and then I’ll take you back to the hotel and give you multiple orgasms. Doesn’t that sound good?”
“Uh-huh.” I honestly couldn’t remember him ever giving me multiple orgasms and certainly not after a party when he was typically high or drunk.
“All right, babe, see you tomorrow, and be a good girl until then.”
“I will. I love you.” I waited for him to say it back, but he was already gone.
Taking time to put my phone away was mostly about slowing my racing heart before facing the others at the party again. I loved Niko, but not his mood swings.
When I turned, I was hit by my constant companion.Loneliness.
There were plenty of people in the room, all talking and laughing. But they were strangers. Even the few I’d given autographs to – I couldn’t remember their names.
As Cleo, I was an expert at small talk and socializing. It was like playing a part, really.
Usually, I enjoyed it, but after my fight with Niko, I felt vulnerable and sad.
“Be Cleo,” I muttered to myself, but I was very much Chloe. The insecure girl – full of fears and limiting beliefs.
A waiter passed with a tray of champagne and in reflex I grabbed a glass and downed the content, welcoming the numbing effect of the alcohol.
Christian’s friendly face at the bar became my rescue. He was my only friend here and I went straight for him.
“Christian, darling, happy birthday!” I exclaimed and smacked a big kiss on his chin. He wasn’t alone so I automatically took on the role as Cleo.
“Cleo.” Christian smiled and put his arm around me. “Let me introduce you to my sister, Violet, and her date, Adam.”
His sister had the kindest eyes and looked at me with a shy smile. Jane, my agent, had told me a million times that it can be intimidating for people to meet a celebrity and that it’s important for me to help them over their initial shyness. So I broke into a pearly white smile and reached out to shake her hand.
“I’m so glad to meet you. Christian is one of my favorites and I adore his restaurant. If you want my autograph, I’m happy to give it to you.”
Violet blinked a few times and looked to her date for help but he just shrugged and took a sip of his beer.
He was a stunning sight. Forget big-muscled wrestlers, or polished pop stars like my boyfriend Niko. This man was something else entirely.
His long black hair reached his neckline. His face was chiseled and his eyes a dark obsidian color with specks of gold. He was Native American and wore clothes that most likely cost less than the price of my left stiletto. Yet he radiated a masculine strength much sexier than any tailored suit from Dior.
I sure wouldn’t mind shooting a few kissing scenes with him, I thought and was brought out of my admiring stare when Christian said, “Cleo, I’m afraid not everyone is aware of your great work in Hollywood. My sister isn’t big on pop culture.”
