Page 26 of True Stars Collide

“No. I haven’t wanted to ruin it. But the record’s done and now it will be just the two of us in his house and I’m scared. You have to help me.” Zoe’s heart squeezed in her chest.

“Okay, okay. Although I think you two should talk. What if he feels the same way? Don’t you want to know?”

“Look, he made it clear he never wants to get married and have a family. I mean, he’s said that in more than one interview. He doesn’t even talk to his parents. It’s just too dangerous for me.”

Krissy sighed. “Well, there’s a way but it involves you acting unstable, and you’ll have to play it up in public, so I don’t know if you’ll want to do it.”

Her throat tightened. Nope, she had to protect herself. “Tell me.”

“We can file for an annulment now. You’ll need to make some kind of scene, either a public fight with Liam or you acting erratically solo. Something to make it clear the marriage is over.”

Numbness flooded her body. “I doubt Liam would agree to staging a fight. And I don’t want to blindside him.”

“Yeah, you’re probably right. I don’t think he has your acting chops. So, you tell him the plan––maybe just say I suggested it to add even more interest in the band and the tour because fans will dig the drama. And if any questions remain that you’re too popstar, this will cement you belong in rock and roll.”

Zoe pressed one hand against her chest. “In my mind, I know you’re right. But in my heart it feels terrible. But it’s safer this way. When?”

By following her agent’s advice, she’d redirect the bulk of the press’s attention to her and away from Liam, which he’d appreciate.

“Well, it’s the weekend. But I can prep the legal filing and we’ll leak it to the press. I’ll just need you to check in to Chateau Marmont and get wasted in Bar Marmont for the world to see. Be loud and obnoxious. Maybe kiss another guy?”

“No, I’m not going to kiss another guy. Drunk I can do. Or at least pretend to be drunk. Oh this stinks.” A sharp staccato beat raced in her temples and bile rose in her throat.

“It’s going to be okay. Liam can handle it. Tell him the deal, pack up your stuff, and head over there in the afternoon, okay? I’ll take care of the rest.”

“Okay. Thanks Krissy.”

Her friend made it sound so simple. And maybe it would be if she didn’t care. She didn’t want to hurt Liam, but she had to protect herself. It was for the best. For both of them. For the band.

Although, one part of her whispered he would be upset because even if he wasn’t capable of falling in love, he cared for her. She’d make him understand it was for the best. After all, she’d been a good actress in the past. She could be one again.

He’d never wanted the fake marriage and he’d probably be relieved.

Now, she’d take that long bath and try to sleep.

Tomorrow, she’d break the news to him before she left.

CHAPTER 13

What the actual fuck? Liam threw his coffee mug across the kitchen and savored the dramatic crash when it shattered into a thousand pieces.

“What was that?” Ian asked.

He ground his molars together and glared at the phone. “Nothing. So Zoe’s leaving my house today, and everything’s already set up for her to make a scene at the Chateau?”

Sure would have been nice if she’d bothered to tell him. So this was why she’d wanted to sleep solo last night. How long had she known? Was this the strategy all along?

“Yeah, Krissy called me first thing to tell me the new plan and it’s brilliant. I know you weren’t keen on this whole fake relationship and now you don’t have to pretend anymore.” Ian chuckled. “Her acting erratically will work great for the press. I don’t know how I didn’t think of it first.”

Smug bastard. Liam stalked to the window and glared at the postcard view and pristine blue sky. Fuck this sunny state. He needed to return to England or move to Seattle where the gray, dark weather suited his mood.

“Liam?”

“Yeah, I’m here. Anything else?”

“That’s it. Maybe lay low for a few days. The press will show up outside your gates and try to catch your reaction. But once the initial news dies down, the focus will be on Zoe, and she can handle it. She’s a pro from her time with her former group.”

“Yeah, no problem. Gotta go.” He tossed the phone onto the counter and paced around his kitchen.

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