Relentless (Renegades 4)

Kill me now.

Giselle couldn’t keep her smile from slipping a little.

Chad’s head swung toward Giselle, his brows pulled together in a frown. “Who’s Troy?”

That familiar metal band was back, cinching Giselle’s chest tight. But she met Chad’s eyes and said, “An old friend.”

“He’s also one of our top stuntmen,” Jeff said. “Amazingly talented. Does the rigging for all the blockbuster action films in Hollywood. Works with a company called Renegades out of Los Angeles.”

Stuntman. Troy was a Renegade.

That surprised Giselle more than if he’d been an actor. In his youth, Troy had been teased over his lack of coordination and skinny build. He’d never been particularly athletic, and sports had bored him.

“That’s really beside the point,” Jeff went on. “The point is that when I saw you with him the other night at the mixer, I realized what was missing in this film: passion. We’ve got the big stars, the big stunts, the big budget, but no passion.”

The band ratcheted tighter. Chad was frowning now. The vertical line between his brows indicated how hard he was trying to figure out how this all connected. And, man, she really didn’t want to r

ehash her history with Troy again.

“I’m not sure how I can help,” she managed, pushing the conversation along, wishing it would end. Wishing it hadn’t ever started.

Jeff leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, and focused on Giselle with such intensity, she felt his magnetic pull. “I want to offer you a cameo in the film, Giselle. Just a small part, a few small scenes, really, as the love interest for our villain, Alec Guzman. I want the passion I saw between you and Troy in the movie on the screen. Matt and I actually came up with the idea together. He thinks a sexy part in a motion picture of this caliber would be right in line with your goals and give you a nice boost toward that jump you’re trying to make in your career.”

She darted a look toward Chad and found him already looking at her, still trying to unpuzzle this Troy situation, she was sure.

“You’ve really got the fresh country-star persona dialed in, and I would never have considered you for a sexy part like this unless I’d seen you on that music video at the mixer. But the camera loves you, Giselle, and you look absolutely at ease with your sexuality on film. It’s beautiful and sensual. Add that passion between you and Troy, and bam”—he smacked his hands together, making Giselle jump—“we’ve not only got a blockbuster, we’ve got something really, really special. It’s a win-win, in my eyes. What do you think?”

“I…” God, she didn’t know what to think. “I’m not an actor. I don’t know—”

“You don’t have to be. If you need coaching, we can give you a little on the set. I talked to the producer about adding you in the background singing in one of the other major scenes. That would enable more of your work to appear on the movie soundtrack.”

This was huge—her music on a major motion picture soundtrack? Personal exposure in a blockbuster film? There really was no better way to show her updated persona to the world. Of course, there was a love scene to think about. And working on the same film as Troy…

“Wow,” she said, her heart squeezing. “What an amazing opportunity.”

“For an amazing woman,” Jeff finished with a charming grin. “I’ll let you discuss it with Chad. If you’re interested, we can finalize the nitty-gritty details later. And, just so you know, whatever’s happening between you and Troy—”

She shook her head. “Nothing’s—”

“As long as you can both handle it and do your jobs, it’s fine with me. Troy’s a really, really great guy. Maybe a little wild, but it’s nothing a good woman couldn’t cure.” He tapped a thick sheaf of papers lying on the coffee table. “This is the revised script. I’ve highlighted your part. I’d like you to take a look at it and get back to me—either way—within the next couple of days. I know it’s short notice, but after talking with Chad, it sounds like it would fit into our production schedule and your tour dates. If you decide not to take it, we’ll need to revisit the part to see if we want to keep it and cast someone else or just drop it.”

“I understand. I’m honored, Jeff. Really. Thank you for considering me.”

“My pleasure.” Slapping his thighs, he pushed to his feet and offered his hand to Chad. “I’d better get back and see what my hellions are up to out there. Troy and his crew can kick up some serious dust when someone’s not watching them. Their practical jokes are legendary.”

Giselle stood and walked Jeff to the door with Chad. There, Jeff turned and shook Giselle’s hand. “I hope you’ll join us. And I can’t lie when I tell you it would mean the world to my daughter. I’ll be a hero in her eyes, and, well, at her age, anything I can do to connect is a blessing.”

She smiled. “Thanks again.”

They said their good-byes, and when Giselle closed the door, she held on to the handle for a long moment before finally facing Chad with a hand pressed against her pounding heart. “Wow.”

“Yeah, wow.” He pushed his hands into his pockets. “About this Troy…”

Giselle’s eyes fell closed, and her shoulders sagged. “Such a long, painful story.”

“Not too painful to take the part, I hope.” His voice was deadly serious. “Not only is it exactly the exposure you need to get the sponsors to drop to their knees and drool at your feet, but it officially marks you as a triple threat in the industry.”

She frowned at the title used for someone who could sing, act, and model. “I’ve never modeled, and I’m not sure you could consider messing around with a stranger while on camera acting.”