Page 7 of Billion-Dollar Ransom
Cassandra was twenty-six years old and for the past three years had been deftly climbing the action-movie ladder, first in a small but memorable role in a wildly successful franchise, then in a supporting role in a superhero tentpole, and finally in a starring role in an abysmal streamer action-comedy. That last one was a massive flop, but it had still worked in her favor—critics called her its only redeeming feature and hailed her as the next Margot Robbie. Now she was on the verge of breaking through in a big way. It was just a matter of finding the right starring vehicle.
Which had been Tyler’s cue to step in and say: “I can help you with that.”
A genetically gifted beauty like Cass intimidated mostmortals, but Tyler Schraeder was not most mortals. He had all the benefits of a privileged upbringing plus a genetic advantage of his own—he favored his mother, an actress very popular in action movies of the 1980s and ’90s.You have your mother’s cheekbones and her ruthlessness,his father often told him. Well, back when he and his father were speaking to each other.
Tyler understood that Cassandra Bart, more than two decades his junior, had crashed into his life for reasons beyond his physical endowments and his incredible wealth. He’d turned a graduation present from his estranged father into a small production company on the Universal lot that had a knack for launching massive action franchises—the company had launchedplentyover the years—and Cassandra was up for the lead in the next one.
Not that this was a casting-couch situation. Oh, no. The role was hers for the asking. But Cass was currently playing coy, wondering aloud if she should continue along the action-movie route. One forgettable summer tentpole, and suddenly no one considers you for prestige roles. That was her thinking, anyway. Tyler had suggested they go somewhere to discuss.
In depth.
Which was what they were doing now. Deep engagement without any annoying words getting in the way.
Tyler couldn’t believe how thoroughly this woman was throwing herself into the unspoken discussion. Her body demonstrated her athleticism, playfulness, and invention. But the way she continued to lock eyes with him, almost daring him to comment—it was all too delicious.
Best notes meeting ever.
And then she earned herself an Oscar in his mind by somehow turning the most clichéd of phrases into something believable.
“Tyler,” she whispered.
“Yes?”
She breathed in deep for a second, as if she couldn’t believe she was actually going to say these words, then took the plunge: “I love you.”
Tyler Schraeder knew better, but damn if he didn’t completely buy her performance.
“Hell yeah, you do,” he replied.
(Later, Tyler would blame Cass for distracting him at a crucial moment. Had he not been so overwhelmed by her multipronged assault on his senses, he surely would have heard the door to their private villa opening as well as the nearly silent footsteps across the hardwood all the way to their bed.)
A sharpclackroused them both from their passion.
“Do everything I say,” said a man’s voice, “or both of you die.”
For Tyler, the initial shock was immediately replaced by entitled outrage. Serpents weren’t allowed in this paradise—how hadthisone slithered in?
Even worse, the snake was clutching an AR-15, which Tyler recognized from countless film sets. But this was no set, and the semiautomatic weapon was no prop, and it was pointed at his midsection.
“No,” Tyler said as if negotiating a deal, “this isnothappening.”
CHAPTER 10
“THIS ISVERY muchhappening, Tyler Schraeder,” the gunman replied.
The producer flinched, which pleased the gunman.Yeah, I know your name, rich boy.
The most important weapon he had was not in his hands; it was the element of surprise. This would work only if he could keep the nude couple off balance for the next two minutes.
The gunman, whose code name was Five, had no doubt this spoiled prick would try something, if only to maintain the illusion of dominance. Question was, would he try right away or bide his time and size up his opponent?
Five decided it was best to proceed with clear instructions and wait for the producer to make his move.
“On your feet. Hands on top of your heads, fingers laced,” Five commanded.
“Not gonna happen,” Tyler said. “You and I are gonna talkthis through, because obviously, you’re not thinking straight. I can get you whatever help you need.”
“I won’t ask again,Tyler.”
