Chapter 11

Eleven

“The thrill of getting caught

is a dangerous thing.”

~ Emerson Chase

He presses his finger hard against my clit, only the thin fabric between us. I’m still holding in a breath, scared if I let it go my legs will fail and I’ll drop to my knees which happen to be at eye level with his crotch.

Maybe that’s not such a bad thing?

“Emerson,” I hear my name being called, and like a giant bucket of cold water being thrown at us, Logan retracts his hands and shoves them in his pocket.

Scarlett turns the corner, looking slightly flustered. “We need to talk.” She realizes I’m standing with Logan and she’s quick to notice no one else around. I can see her mind turning, wondering what’s going on and why the both of us look suspicious.

“I’m sorry. Did I interrupt something?” She hides her smile, eyeing me with curiosity.

“Nope,” I say casually. “Logan asked for a room so he can screw a Bunny.”

“Talk about throwing me under the bus, Chase,” he notes with dark amusement. “Excuse her. She’s chasing dick and chocolate.”

My shoulders move up and down while laughing at how ridiculous that sounds.

“Sounds like I’ve interrupted a fascinating conversation. Maybe I should leave you guys—”

Logan interrupts Scarlett, “I need another drink. The Bunnies have the stamina of a... well... a Bunny. I’ll catch you around later, Emmy.”

Asshole.

Scarlett ushers me into her bedroom through a hidden stairwell behind the kitchen. Guests aren’t allowed upstairs, but she still closes the door behind us so we can talk in private.

I’ve never seen her bedroom and even in my intoxicated state, I can’t help but utter the words “Wow!” a million times over. It’s huge.All white with a large four-poster bed in the middle of the room. Even her bed sheets look fancy with an intricate gold trim.

A few pieces of abstract artwork hang on the walls which brings the room to life. I swear they’re couples in compromising positions but I’m drunk and have sex on my brain, so what would I know.

“There’s not many people I trust, but I know you’re not like the rest of the fake people in Hollywood.”

“Ah… thank you?”

“My um… brother-in-law is here.”

“Okaaay,” I drag, unsure of what that means.

She shakes her head, almost in a state of panic. “You don’t understand.”

“Of course, I don’t. You just said your brother-in-law is here.”

“I’m in love with him, Em.”

She crosses her arms, pacing back and forth at the same time I mouth, “Oh.”

“Yes, oh. They have a daughter. I’ve pretty much avoided him for the past few months, but my sister confided in me and told me they’ve separated. Things aren’t working out, and they both needed a break from each other.”

“I’ve heard kids can do that to you.”

“You don’t understand.”

“I’m trying to, Scarlett, but I guess you haven’t painted the whole picture for me,” I tell her.

“I made a move on him. When he first came here. It’s awkward between us and now he’s here, and single.”

“I wouldn’t call him single. Is the separation final? People have breaks then realize they’re in love with each other again.”

She nods her head in agreeance then quickly shakes it. “Morgan, my sister, she has a complicated life. Noah is... not so patient. I mean... he worships the ground she walks on but ever since she had the baby they’ve simply grown apart.”

“That’s sad… for the daughter.”

“I know.” Scarlett lets out a frustrated groan. “Em, please tell me to get over this. I hate feeling this way. I avoid him at all costs, and when I’m forced to be around him I pretend like there’s nothing’s there. I’m embarrassed about what I did but... I don’t know. I haven’t even been with a man for so long because I just can’t get him out of my damn mind.”

“Maybe you need a distraction fuck?” I suggest. “Like someone to just knock your socks off so you can move on.”

She laughs. “I’ll cross Logan off my list.”

I clear my throat. “Logan is single.”

“You’re an awful liar.”

“That’s the truth!”

“Uh-huh.” She grins. “God, what do I do?”

“Look, just have some wine and relax. You’re beautiful. Men loveyou. I mean, really, how good looking are we talking?”

She grabs my hand and drags me outside the room and to the top of the stairs, the void opens to the main foyer where partygoers stand around. She points to a man positioned in the corner, chatting with some other men. It doesn’t matter which one he is because the three of them are as hot as fuck.

The lighter-haired one is tall with a handsome face and sharp jaw—it’s like jaw porn. The darker-haired one is wearing glasses and is dressed in a plain white tee and jeans —totally glasses porn.The third one looks slightly older, dressed much smarter and looks like a model from a designer magazine—absolutely model porn.

We’re standing a fair distance away, but even from here, I can see he has lighter eyes similar to those of Logan. Great, more eye porn.

This party just got interesting. Now I understand her predicament.

“Oh... you’re so screwed,” I say without thinking.

“I told you,” she hisses. “What could be worse than this?”

“How about almost fucking your brother’s best friend only to be interrupted by a friend who’s hopelessly pining for her brother-in-law?”

She turns to face me, eyebrows raised, her eyes wide and full of shock. “I thought you guys were just flirting. You’re engaged.”

“Nope. Wes fucked two hookers while snorting crack and everything you see filmed is a lie.”

We both fall silent, staring into the crowd with heavy shoulders.

“We’re both screwed.”

“Yep,” I quip. “So, your brother-in-law?”

“Noah,” she corrects me. “His nickname is Mr. Rebound. Before he met my sister he was known for preying on broken women.”

“What’s new? Wesley does that now and he’s supposedly committed.”

She bumps my shoulder, laughing then quickly apologizes. “We should probably head back. Your camera crew look pissed off.”

“Will you be okay?”

“Yeah, I don’t know. I guess I have to go say hello.”

“I’ll come with you,” I offer. “You know, for moral support.”

She chuckles. “C’mon.”

We both step downstairs weaving in and out of the crowd until we’re standing beside Noah and his friends. I can see the awkward exchange between Scarlett and Noah, but move on as she introduces me.

“Haden Cooper runs the publishing house who published my book,” she says proudly of the man wearing the glasses. “Lex Edwards owns a few studios in town and his wife is also my lawyer.”

The older guy has these very green eyes, almost an emerald shade. It’s hard to concentrate and not be rude by staring at them.

“And Noah is my brother-in-law.”

“Nice to meet you all. I’m Emerson.”

Haden snickers. “Oh, we know who you are.”

I smile politely, holding back the flirtatious eye-batting. “Is that a good or a bad thing?”

Lex bows his head, hiding his smirk while Noah stands there mirroring Haden.

“Good,” Haden responds. “We’ll leave it at that since your fiancéis over there.”

I turn my head to look where Haden’s pointing. Low and behold, Wes is surrounded by a group of people, mainly women, who are all desperate for his attention.

“Ignore him, please,” I say bored. “Lord knows I do.”

“So, Emerson’s here with her brother, Ashley Chase and his friend Logan Carrington.” Scarlett sways the conversation, detecting my annoyance.

“I’d love to meet them,” Lex speaks up. His voice is so masculine yet smooth as silk. “I’m a huge Royal Kings fan.”

“Sure, if you can pry them away from the Playboy Bunnies,” I joke.

The three of them laugh. “Easier said than done, right?”

I continue to chat for a few more minutes before Josie finds me and requests that I head on outside to film some additional scenes with a few Hollywood big names who are at the party.

I quickly excuse myself, promising Lex I will find Ash and Logan and send them his way.

We set up outside where I clip on my mic, and film for another hour. Our discussion revolves around weddings and my relationship with Wesley. I honestly couldn’t have thought of a more mundane topic, but Cliff gave the camera crew strict instructions to film me discussing my wedding plans. Fictional wedding plans since we aren’t actually getting married!

I make sure I don’t have any alcohol in hand while filming, but when a waiter walks past with a tray of drinks I reach out and grab a glass, downing it in one go when Josie uses the restroom.

This wedding talk does nothing to curb my anxiety. Every time I think about it, I resent Wes even more. I bet he’s not being filmed talking about the wedding because he’s a guy. Fucking sexist bullshit.

Karl’s now joined Josie and asks me to walk through the house and find Wesley so we can finish up taping. I keep walking and stop just shy of the fire-pit where Logan’s sitting next to some woman. He hands her a wine, and despite the bullshit he said earlier she’s a fucking blonde.

In the corner of my eye, I see his gaze shift to meet mine. I quickly move on, ignoring the jealousy building up inside me. You have no right to feel that way—ignore, ignore, IGNORE.

Inside the house, Karl moves the camera around the room capturing what I’m witnessing. I continue walking, pretending Logan’s behavior doesn’t affect me whatsoever because it shouldn’t, and I’m terrified the camera will pick up my irrational emotions.

Wesley’s moved to the main living room cozied up in the middle of women only. There appears to be no men around him, and oddly, it bothers me more than it should. I still care about him, and I hate admitting that.

“Here’s my baby,” he slurs. “Come sit on my lap?”

I don’t sit on his lap. Instead, ask the skank beside him to shove over.

“Did I tell you girls how much I love her? She’s going to be my wife.” He laughs, grabbing my neck with his hand and pulling my lips toward his. I watch him pull back with mixed emotion written all over his face. “You smell different.”

My instinct is to sniff my armpits, but the more he stills the more I become paranoid. I shouldn’t smell of anyone... Logan hasn’t been near me. Stop being so paranoid. “I’ve been mingling with everyone, hugging everyone…”

He continues to watch me then follows through with a laugh. “Oh, yeah.” Sliding his hand up my thigh, he leans into my ear. “I don’t care what you want. I’m going to fuck you tonight.”

“Stop it!” I tell him, pushing his hand aside. “You’re drunk.”

He leans back in and I know the microphone can’t pick up too well over the noise in the room, but Wes strategically removes his mic.

There’s a commotion near the entrance, a fight has broken out between two men. Karl turns to face them and film.

Wes grabs my thigh, applying firm pressure. “You think someone else can touch you? Then think again. You’re coming home with me and the second we walk through that door, I’m going to take back what’s mine. I’m done waiting for you.” His demand to take me without my consent angers me beyond belief. How dare he! Wes thinks I so easily will forget what he did? I know I’m not thinking straight. I know the champagne’s not only expensive, but it is rather potent clouding any rational thoughts or any ability to remain civilized.

He doesn’t own me.

No one fucking owns me!

“You’re a jerk. I’m not coming home. So, do whatever the hell you want!” I storm off and start looking for Ash and Logan. Searching everywhere, Karl tries to keep up with me, calling my name frantically. I notice Ash huddled in the corner with his head buried in some girl’s neck. I stomp to them, quick to pull him away.

“What the fuck, Emmy?”

“We’re going.”

“I’m busy.” He motions with his eyes to the girl next to him.

“He’s married,” I shout at her. “Did you know that? Or you don’t care ‘cause you just want to be known as a whore?”

The girl stands up on her platform heels, her skimpy dress pulled up past her knees. She has on way too much mascara, so much so you can barely see her eyes in between her thick lashes. “Who you calling a whore?”

“Uh... you?” I bark with a smile, crossing my arms firmly over my chest.

I can see a look of shock filter out across Karl’s face.

He wants drama, he’s damn well got drama. Emerson Chase has her gloves on ready to fight anyone who crosses her path.

The whore launches herself right at me. Ash attempts to hold her back, while I shout profanities that would make any sailor proud. This is all his fault—he can’t keep his dick in check like every other man. I’m so sick of it, and perhaps the alcohol isn’t helping but it’s heightening my emotions to the point where I have no control anymore.

My body jerks back, a hand restraining me, removing me from the space where that ditsy whore tried to pull my hair. She fights like a fucking girl.

“C’mon, Emmy. Just leave them alone,” Logan grits.

I pull away from him. “Because you condone that?”

Whore launches for me again, yelling, “You’re nothing but a reality-TV slut.”

She shouldn’t have said that!

Trying hard to wriggle my way out of Logan’s grasp is near impossible with the grip he has on my arms. He’s stronger than I anticipated.

“Ash. Control her,” Logan warns him. “I’m taking Emmy home.”

“I don’t want to go home.”

“Well, I’m taking you anywhere but here.”

Logan drags me away with Karl struggling to follow. We’re almost to the front door when Wes stops me, blocking the entrance.

Wes’ eyes are wild with jealousy, his veins prominent and scattered all over his red face. “You’re not taking her anywhere.”

“Get out of the way.” Logan raises his voice, keeping his grip tight.

“I said…” Wesley almost spits, “… you’re not taking her anywhere.”

“You know what? Fuck you! You don’t own me, Wesley Rich,” I yell into his face. “Go back to your sofa full of sluts.” The adrenaline running through my veins gives me the strength to pull away from Logan and push past Wesley until the fresh air graces my boiling hot skin. Seeking some sort of escape, I spot our limo and slide in demanding the driver take me home.

Trying to still my heart to no avail, I bury my head into my legs. I hear the door open but ignore it. At this moment I just don’t understand life, or why all the men in my life have this need to act the way they do.

I don’t look up immediately but smell him instantly. I hate that he smells so good.

“You’re not going home.”

“I can handle my own decisions,” I argue back, defeated, and on the verge of tears.

“Why are you angry at me?”

“Because you’re all the same. Ash is no fucking different and you’re his best friend.”

“We’re not the same, Emerson. And I will not allow you to go home.”

“It’s not like he’s going to get his way.”

“Excuse me?”

“Wesley,” I mumble. “He said he was going to have his way with me and that I had no choice.”

Logan lets out a sinister laugh. “No way you’re going home then. It will be over my fucking dead body.”

“What do you care anyway? It’s not like you’re my fiancé. Or even my boyfriend. You’re my...” trailing off I stop talking not wanting to say anymore.

His body slumps, his eyebrows knit together in a frown. I’m sure he feels defeated the same as I am feeling right now.

“What are you trying to say, Emmy?”

“I’m not saying anything.”

“I-I know you,” he stutters. “You always have something to say.”

“Not this time…” I pause, then retract that comment and voice my thoughts without any care in the world. “We agreed it was one time and that was it. I got off, maybe you got off. It was a great night. Three cheers for knowing how to get a girl off in less than three minutes.”

Logan lifts his head, watching me with a steady yet pained gaze. Why does he have to be so beautiful? Of all the glamorous men attending the party tonight, why is Logan the one I can’t get out of my head?

“I just want to go home, Logan. All I want is to lay down and close my eyes.”

“I won’t take you home… not to him.”

I shuffle a little closer, resting my head on his lap. When he begins to stroke my hair, I fight to hold back my tears but lose the battle quickly.

“Why are you crying?”

“Because I’m tired…” I cry openly, through thin strained sobs, “… of everything.”

“Then don’t be.”

It takes a moment to compose myself then sit up and question him. “What do you mean?”

“You’re tired of the responsibility. You’re tired of being in front of the cameras. So am I, Emmy. I’m done with it, too. Let’s live a little… just you and me. No one else has to know.”

“I’m not following you.”

“Let’s throw all caution into the wind, have fun, just you and me and no Ash. He doesn’t need to know.”

“But the show?”

“They don’t always follow you.”

“What exactly will we do?”

“Whatever you want, Emmy. Whatever your fucking heart desires.”

I smile, through my tears. “Whatever I want?”

He nods with a grin, staring at my mouth as he runs his finger against my bottom lip.

I push the button to extend the screen and speak into the speaker, “Ted? Take us to Hollywood Boulevard.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“What exciting things are there to do on Hollywood Boulevard?” Logan asks, wiping the tears from my face with his thumb while waiting for an answer.

“Just you wait and see.”