Rumor Has It: A Bad Boy Romantic Comedy (8 page)

8

I punched the bag as hard as I could. Pain shot through my knuckles and wrist. “Shit!” I hissed. I shook my hand, trying to force the pain away.

“You’re doing it wrong,” Connor said drily.

“Well, you could have told me that before I started punching.”

“Like this.”

He took a defensive position, made his hand flat then quickly punched using his flat palm as the point of contact instead of a fist.

“Krav Maga- it’s what the Israeli Special Forces use. They’re some of the best trained in the world- not as good as ours, but they’re good. Watch me.”

I mimicked the position of his legs and put out my hand palm out.

“You want to aim for your assailant’s chin or lower face. Strike upwards. You’ll snap their head back and you won’t hurt your hand.”

I replayed the events of last night. This time, I imagined myself standing outside the limo. The driver approached. I struck upwards, the same way Connor showed me. I hit the driver’s chin. I imagined his teeth clanking together as he bit down on his tongue. Blood ran from him mouth as he collapsed to the ground from my punch. I smiled at the thought. I’d saved myself. I didn’t need a man to save me. It was a nice thought. Unfortunately, that’s not what happened.

“You’re doing it wrong.” I turned to find Theo standing in the entrance to the gym, watching. He slowly walked over to us. “There’s not enough force in your arm, and you’re leaving your body open to attack. You’re making yourself more vulnerable.”

“I’ve never done this before,” I protested. “You can’t expect me to master Krav Maga in one session.”

“No, but you’re going to try,” Connor said. “Let’s run a few scenarios. I want you to come at me. I’ll throw you to the ground, then we’ll reverse roles. I’ll be the attacker and you try to stop me.”

I lifted my fist and started to run at Connor when Theo stopped us.

“I’ll take over,” he said. “Connor, why don’t you head back up to the hotel room? Louis’s security team is here and they have no clue what they’re doing. They could use your help.”

“Roger, that.”

Connor left me alone in the gym with Theo. His eyes drifted over my body. I was wearing a pair of yoga shorts and a hot pink sports bra. He made a funny face.

“What?” I asked.

“I’m sure Connor was thrilled when he saw your gym clothes.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You knew you’d be throwing each other around, learning self-defense, and you showed up half-naked.”

“Are you jealous?” I asked playfully.

“Of course not.”

“That’s why you told him to leave. You couldn’t stand the idea of me and Connor getting hot and sweaty as we roll around together on the gym mat.”

“No. As usual you’re totally wrong.”

I laughed. “Admit it: you’re jealous.”

“There’s nothing to admit.”

“You’re a stubborn asshole, you know that?”

“Yes, thank you,” he said with a smile. “Now let’s get started.”

Theo took off his jacket and tossed it aside. He wore a tight black shirt that hugged his biceps nicely. I gave his muscles and appreciative look.

“Attack me,” he said.

“How?”

“Come at me.”

I ran at him and tried to get my arm around his neck. Before I knew what was happening, I was flipping through the air. I landed with a thud, flat on my back. Theo’s forearm rested gently on my throat. With a little more pressure, he could easily choke me.

I frowned. “How’d you do that?”

“Get up. I’ll show you.” He stood up and offered his hand. I took it and he pulled me up. “Come at me again- this time slowly.”

I did as he said, watching closely as he managed to get his arms around me, then kick my legs out from under me. Again we landed on the mat. Theo was on top of me. I stared at his bulging bicep; it was almost as big as my head.

“Are you starting to get it?”

“Get what?” I said, distracted.

“Pay attention.” He helped me to my feet. “I’m going to come at you this time. I want you to try and knock me down the way I showed you.”

He came at me slowly. I went through the motions and managed to get my arms around him the way he showed me, but I couldn’t kick his feet out from under him. Theo seemed to find this funny.

“Stop laughing!” I demanded, which only made him laugh more. I kicked at his legs in frustration. Theo stepped away.

“That wasn’t bad. You’re getting better. This time do it like this.”

Again, he flipped me onto my back. He pressed his body on top of mine. I could feel his cock through his pants. I squirmed, grinding my hips against him.

“You’re a pain in the ass, you know that?” he said. His voice was low and husky. He could pretend like he wasn’t interested in me, but he wasn’t fooling anyone. I leaned in to kiss him. The moment was interrupted by the sound of a voice loudly being cleared. I looked over Theo’s shoulder. Shonda stood in the gym’s doorway. Her hands were crossed in front of her chest.

“How’s the self-defense lesson going?” she said drily. She raised her eyebrow.

“Swell,” I replied sweetly.

Shonda cocked her head, as if warning me not to play games with her. She was in no mood today. Theo hopped up off me and pulled me to my feet.

“She needs a lot of work in the gym,” Theo said. “But with practice, she’ll get better. Before too long, she’ll be able to take care of herself. She won’t need me.”

The thought of Theo disappearing left a sour taste in my mouth. I wanted to take care of myself, but having a strong man around was nice too. Shonda didn’t seem impressed.

“You need to get cleaned up,” she said to me. “You’ve got a photo shoot in a couple hours. I managed to score an exclusive with People. They’re paying four million dollars for your story. You and Louis need to rehearse.”

“Wait- I have to tell them this bullshit story about how Louis saved me.”

“Yep. He’s your hero. Don’t forget it.”

“But Theo saved me. I can’t-”

Shonda waved her hand in the air silencing me. “I don’t care what the truth is. You have to sell this story. It’s what you do. You’re playing a part. Learn your lines and own your role. No one’s going to give you an Oscar for this bullshit, but they are paying four million dollars. So, get it together.”

“Louis’s upstairs. I won’t blame you for keeping him waiting, but we are on a schedule.”

Before I could protest, Shonda left me alone with Theo.

“Theo, I’m sorry. I hate this. Louis shouldn’t get credit for what you did.”

“It doesn’t matter. I didn’t save you because I was looking for credit. Just go get your interview over with so we can focus on what’s important.”

Theo acted nonchalant about it, but I could tell he was bothered by the situation. He wasn’t a very good actor.

“Theo, maybe we should-”

“Go. The sooner it’s done the better.”

“But-”

“This is your life. You can’t have it both ways.”

“What do you mean?”

“Me and you. We can’t be together. Last night was a mistake. I shouldn’t have…”

“Shouldn’t have what? Taken pity on me? Is that all last night was to you? Just a pity fuck?”

“No, I just-”

“You’re acting like a child!” I screamed.

Then I stamped my feet and marched out of the room. I was keenly aware I was acting like a spoiled toddler, but I didn’t care. I was sick of dealing with Theo’s mixed messages. One minute he was giving me the cold shoulder, the next he was on top of me, pressing his hard body against mine invitingly.

I got onto the elevator alone and road back up to my hotel room. When I opened the door, Louis was inside looking over several papers.

“Finally!” he said. “What took you so long? We need to go over our story.”

I ignored him and walked straight into the bedroom. My stylists were talking and drinking champagne. They brightened up when I entered.

“Let’s get this over with,” I said.

I emerged three hours later with my hair straightened except for a slight curl at the bottom. My makeup was fresh and sunny, but not too dramatic. Shonda wanted me to look cute but not too pretty. She was worried it would clash with the image people had of me as a victim.

I hated every second of it, but I had no choice.

Louis had slipped the script beneath the door while I was getting ready. I’d read through it contemptuously. The story was almost entirely focused on Louis’s bravery. At no point did it even touch on what I’d experienced. They’d even included two references to Louis’s next movie. The script had instructions for me to cry during the interview. When I recounted the story of Louis’s bravery, I was supposed to sob, but in a ‘pretty’ way. They didn’t want ‘ugly’ tears.

I’d crushed the script in my fist and tossed it into the trash.

“Problem, love?” my hair stylist had asked.

“No, everything’s swell.” I didn’t bother to hide the sarcasm in my voice. I saw him give my makeup artist a look.

When I emerged from the room in my conservative pale pink dress and kitten heels, I felt like I was about to audition for a role in one of the worst soap operas on the planet. I took a deep breath and thought of what Shonda said. I was playing a part. This was just a role. I’m an actress. It’s my job to sell this narrative no matter how distasteful it is. I put on my best saccharine sweet, phony smile.

“Are you ready, Louis?” I asked.

“Yeah, let’s do this.”

9

The photo shoot left me exhausted. We’d spent hours posing in front of a black background. After three hours, the photographer declared that we’d taken the perfect cover shot. In the image, Louis cradled me while I rested my head on his chest and looked sad. My eyes were downcast and somber while he looked off into the distance bravely.

Louis’s PR team loved it. Shonda gave a vague nod of approval.

It was time for the interview and I was exhausted. Louis took my hand and led me through the hotel. Theo had fought and (for once) won an argument with Louis’s PR team. He didn’t want me leaving the hotel, so he managed to convince the magazine to come to us. The photo shoot was held in the ballroom downstairs. Our interview took place in a hotel room upstairs.

The first thing I noticed upon entering the room was a table full of snacks. I reached for a cupcake only to have my hand slapped by Shonda. She gave me a hard look. Cupcakes weren’t part of my diet and I was supposed to be too upset to eat.

I remembered I was in character and introduced myself to the reporter. She was very nice and flattering, taking time to compliment us both on our previous movies. I smiled, but not too brightly. It wasn’t difficult for me to slip into character. I was traumatized by what had happened. I didn’t have to dig too deep to find the right affectation. It suddenly struck me that I wasn’t acting at all. The story was bullshit, but my feelings were genuine. The best performances come from artists who can reach down deep inside them to pull out something real. This was my time to shine- and boy did I.

I recounted the phony story, but when I spoke of Louis’s bravery I thought of Theo. I went off script and told the reporter how quickly he’d acted.

“He saved my life. He could have died,” I said solemnly. “No one’s ever done anything like that for me before. Afterwards, I spent all night in his arms. We made love.” This confession drew severe looks from both Shonda and Louis’s PR team. I didn’t care. I pushed on. “I’ve never felt anything that real before.”

Louis gave me a nervous look. He wasn’t a bad actor, but improvising wasn’t his strength. Wisely, he sat back and let me tell the story.

“It was a rollercoaster ride from one emotion to the next. I was terrified, certain I would die, then I was safe in his arms. I knew I could trust him with my life because he’d put his own life at risk to save mine. I trust him completely. That’s so rare in life. I’m so lucky.”

My vision fogged. I blinked, surprised to find real tears falling from my eyes. I brushed them away quickly and cleared my throat. The reporter’s eyes were glassy. It was then I realized she was touched by the genuine emotion I’d shown. The story was fake, but she could tell the feeling was real.

“That’s enough. I think you’ve got what you need,” Louis publicist said, stepping in.

“Thank you so much for sharing your story with us,” the reporter said.

“It was her pleasure,” the publicist answered for me. I gave her a dirty look. “And don’t forget,” she continued, “Louis’s new movie comes out June sixteenth. I want that in the article. It’s part of our arrangement with your magazine.”

“Yes, of course,” the reporter replied curtly. She took my hand and shook it gently. “Thank you so much, Jamie. You’re very brave. I’d like to speak with you again sometime.”

“That would be nice,” I replied politely, but noncommittally.

The reporter shook Louis’s hand quickly, then left. She didn’t seem terribly interested in him. In fact, she’d hardly asked him any questions at all. After she left, Louis’s publicist turned to me.

“Well, that went well. Your improvisations were good, but next time stick to the script.”

“I’m going back to my room. I’m exhausted,” I announced.

“Go on. You’ve had a long day, sweetheart,” Shonda said.

Affection from Shonda was rare. Occasionally, her maternal side came out and it reminded me of how desperately I wished I had a mother. Of course Shonda was more of a stern matriarch who took no shit. She could be more than a little harsh, but I still appreciated her affection.

There was precious little genuine feeling in my line work. Fans adored me, but they didn’t know the real me. Their love was for a version of me that existed only in their own minds.

Connor waited for me outside the room. Together we rode the elevator to my penthouse in silence. When I walked into my room, it was blessedly empty. I couldn’t take the circus anymore. I just wanted to wash all the makeup and hair products out and lie down.

A table in the corner of the room caught my eye. Room service had been here in my absence. Uneaten cakes and snacks were laid out. I made a beeline for them. I picked up a fork and stabbed the red velvet cake, taking a huge bite of it.

I turned to Connor. “Are you hungry?” I asked with a full mouth.

“No, ma’am. I don’t eat or drink while on the job.”

“Suit yourself.”

I took a bite of each of the different cakes, then turned my attention to a covered silver plate. I lifted the lid off to find an envelope with my name on it. I picked it up and unsealed it. Several pictures fell out along with a letter. I picked up the photos. The first was of a staircase leading down into the dark. The next one showed a basement with a dirt floor.

My stomach clenched.

The third photo was of chains, whips and long knives. The fourth photo was one of the naked selfies from my cell phone. Ropes had been drawn on my body with a magic marker. The insides of my thighs were covered in red cuts and fake blood. I dropped the photos along with the note.

“What is it?” Connor asked.

He snatched up the photos and flipped through them quickly. He tried to keep his stony composure, but I could see anger pass over him. He picked up the note and opened it.

“What does it say?” I asked, my voice barely a whisper.

“Nothing.”

“Tell me!”

He flipped the note open and showed me. One word was written in red: “Soon.”