Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 95609 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95609 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
“But Patrick is the head of the department.”
“Which is why he should be working with Christy and the second unit directors,” I explain. “I’ve never known a PA with such access to the director, especially one at Joe’s level. I should have seen it.”
He pulls me into his arms. “This is not your fault. No one saw it. But now we can deal with this problem. What does it mean for the production? I’m concerned for the young man, but I have to wonder what it means for the project. I can certainly handle a delay, but I’ve put a lot of my time and effort into this. I’ve spent a lot of money getting the palace ready for the shoot. What should I be expecting?”
“I don’t even think there will be a short delay.” I’ve thought this over because I know how much this project means to Luca. I’ve come to the conclusion that there’s zero chance they’ll shut down production. “The CEO sent me here to find this information, so she’ll have a plan in place. The second director can take over. This is a flashy project for Joe, but it’s simple compared to what he’s used to. It’s not the best use of his talent.”
“No, it was a way for the production company to find out if he’s a good bet,” Luca surmises. “He told me he was doing this in exchange for the potential of heading a large franchise that will bring him millions of dollars.”
“Yes. If he proved himself on this, Jessica was going to announce him as the head of what will end up being a billion-dollar franchise. But what it would really bring him is power,” I reply. “I think he wants the power even more than the cash. After all, he told me he has millions waiting for him when his parents die.”
He tilts my head up and stares into my eyes. “You’re sure this won’t shut down production? They can’t throw it all away?”
I hate that he has to be so worried. “There’s too much money but, Luca, you should know even if they were going to, I would still tell Jessica what I found out.”
“Of course you would. You wouldn’t be Anika if you didn’t. I’m not telling you not to. I’m simply setting my expectations.” He kisses me, and I feel my shoulders come down from around my ears. “I’m sorry you’re in this position. Is there anything I can do to help you?”
“You didn’t see it so you can’t be a witness.” I tilt my head back. “I don’t want to cause trouble for you, but you’ll be asked questions when it comes out. All you have to say is you never saw him acting inappropriately, but you believe his victims and stand behind them. I suspect we’ll discover there are more Patricks out there.”
He kisses me again. “Even if there’s a delay, we’ll work it out. Though it’s hard to be patient. I want to get through the rest of this process. Excuse me, journey. I can’t wait to get you home. I can’t wait to show you off to my people. I know you don’t think this can work…”
“I might be changing my mind about that.” I cup that face I’m coming to love. There’s a crisp brush of his beard because he hasn’t shaved. He does that in the morning, so by this time of night, it rubs against my skin, and I’ve become addicted to the feel of it. “But I have to be able to work in some capacity. I know it seems like a hard business, but I do love it.”
His mouth takes mine, and suddenly the towel drops away and I’m naked in his arms. “We’ll work it out. Now stop thinking. I want to feel for a while. I spend so much time thinking and pushing away my own needs. This is the space where I get to be a man and not a bloody king. Only with you. Only ever with you.”
I wrap my arms around him and let the kiss take over reality. This is where I need to be. I need to be with the man and not the king. I like the king, but I’m in love with the man. I accept that in this moment. I love Luca in a way I’ve never loved a man before. He’s become vital to my life.
I’d been worried he would ask me to stay quiet until the project ends. Ivy had told me he would have to pick his country over me, but he’s reacted exactly as I needed him to.
He murmurs something in German as he lays me out on the bed and gets to his feet to undress. I’m going to have to learn some German because every word is sexy, and I’d like to know when he’s praising my body parts.