Surviving (Surrender 2)

“Love you too. I’ll wake you when I get home so you can show me how much.” He hangs up.

I smile thinking how incredibly spoiled I am but this is one thing I’m going to let Declan do for us without fighting back.

Chapter 21

Poster Girl for the Video

When we get to MJ Labels on Friday afternoon, Charlie greets us. She’s excited because Mike has asked her to join our meeting and take any relevant notes. Kelly was demoted after her attitude in Vegas, and she now works with the sound guys. Charlie told me when Kelly was sent home from Vegas she humbled quickly. She only talks to Charlie in passing as if she’s scared of her. I don’t have to interact with her at all because Mike gave the website to another associate. I still don’t trust her.

We’re led to the conference room, and I do a double take at the woman sitting there. She is one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen. She has long brown hair with hazel eyes and legs that go on for miles. I immediately go on high alert. She can’t be who Mike chose for the video.

Mike introduces her as Raine Mitchell. Even her name is sexy. When she shakes Declan’s hand, she holds on a little too long as she sizes him up. I can tell she likes what she sees as her eyes twinkle.

I step up beside him, and he introduces us. He doesn’t hide the fact that I’m his fiancée and disappointment flashes across her face. Instead of sitting beside her, I walk around to the other side of the table so I can watch her expression when we learn the plans for the video.

Mike introduces his creative associate, but I don’t get his name because I’m too busy staring at Raine. He plays the song first and then launches into a presentation about his vision and direction for the video. The goal is to have it ready when Sayge releases the album in December. Declan sits beside me holding my hand listening to them while I internally count to one hundred. I hear bits and pieces about outside settings but when they mention a scene with Declan in bed with Raine, I flinch. Declan starts to protest but all I notice is her seductive smile, and I know I hate her.

Mike tries to talk Declan down on his protests, and I come up with an idea. Declan is not backing down on his ‘no touching’ rule, so I interrupt. All the guys look uncomfortable, and Charlie winks at me.

“Mike, give me a minute with Declan. We’ll be right back.” I drag Declan out of the room.

When we are in the private hallway, I kiss him gently. “You really should consider this. Don’t be so stubborn.”

“No fucking way. I’m not going to start rumors from the beginning. I want the music, not the headache of dealing with the model/lover. I’m not going to put you through that, and I have no interest in touching another woman.”

“Sweetheart, we can get through this. What if I promise to be there the whole time? What if we schedule the filming so I can be with you? You need to do this.”

“Fucking not happy about it Rave.”

“This is the best approach. The girl, the heartache, the reunion. It’s what the song is about. Give it the best version it can be.”

He smirks at me. “I saw how you watched her looking at me. You sure you can handle me touching her?”

Bastard!

“No, but that’s why I’ll be there. For you. You need my support, and you have it. We need to make sure she never gets the wrong idea.” I lift up on my toes to kiss him.

“I don’t like this, but promise me you’ll be there.

“I promise.”

We make out for a few more minutes before going back into the room. Charlie, Blake, and Cooper laugh at us, but we ignore them as we sit down. Mike continues the presentation, and we listen for a few more minutes about the lighting and the sound. They have secured a few locations around town for the band to do their group play but mostly there is a set for the intimate scenes. When we are finished and Declan agrees to most everything, Raine gets up to leave. She shakes everyone’s hands but tries to hug Declan. He politely holds her in place and says he looks forward to seeing her in a few weeks.

I quietly ask Mike for a few minutes of privacy. Declan tries to stay, but I push him out.

“Mike, I don’t like Raine. She’s not going to do this video.”

He looks at me stunned but composes himself with a half grin. “No?”

“No. You need someone else.”

“Like who?”

“Like a beautiful lesbian who won’t hit on Declan. I can try to talk him into intimacy and touching, but don’t make me regret it.”

“How about you?”

“Me?!” I squeak. “What do you mean me?”