Unrivaled (Beautiful Idols 1)

He abandoned his glass and leaned toward her, his hand returning to the place on her thigh that started the mess, even though it hadn’t really started the mess. The mess got started that day in the Neiman Marcus shoe department, when Aster decided to flirt with another girl’s guy in hopes of getting famous.

She swallowed hard, forced her gaze to meet his. His fingers were inching up her leg, her pulse quickening the higher they climbed.

“I guarantee by tomorrow your agent will be calling with all kinds of interview requests.” He rubbed his lips together as though preparing to kiss her—a kiss that, despite everything, she still wanted.

“And I won’t accept them.” Her voice was indignant, angry, the logic of her mind completely at war with her heart. On the one hand, his touch was driving her mad. On the other, it was impossible to accept how glib he was acting after all that had happened.

“Good call. Don’t talk to the press. Don’t talk to anyone, not even your friends. You’d be amazed how quick they’ll sell you out for a little cash and a few seconds of fame. Just go about your business, and when you do get ambushed, say, ‘No comment,’ and be on your way.”

“When I get ambushed?” She pressed her legs together in an act of incredible will meant to keep his wandering fingers at bay.

“It’s possible. But, babe, don’t worry. I’ll be with you the entire way.”

He slid closer, pressed his thigh against hers. She wanted to believe him, but she needed to hear it again, needed to have it confirmed, leaving no doubt of the promise he’d made. “Will you?” She looked at him. “Will you really?”

“Only if you want me to.”

His gaze bore into hers, leaving no doubt his word was good. Ryan offered everything she’d ever wanted—fame, fortune, nonstop media attention. Hers would be the name on everyone’s lips, and all the cameras would be aimed at her face. Though she never dreamed it would happen like this.

He pressed a thumb to the underside of her chin, lifted her lips to meet his. His fingers gently eased her legs apart, reminding her of where they’d left off, and the places they still had to visit. “It’s all good, Aster.” He kissed her nose, her cheek, her forehead, her neck, before finding her lips once again. “You have no idea how good it’s about to get. Will you trust me?”

She was alone in the Riad with Ryan Hawthorne.

By tomorrow morning she’d be famous, if she wasn’t already.

It was pretty much everything she’d ever dreamed delivered straight to her door.

And there was no doubt that Ryan was entirely responsible for getting her there.

Ryan was rich, famous, connected, and more importantly, no longer Madison’s boyfriend.

There was no reason for her to feel guilty.

Besides, she’d traveled so far from being a Perfect Persian Princess she might as well complete the journey.

She reached for her champagne, washed it down, and kissed him right back.

Her lips brushing against his ear, she said, “I just need to run to the restroom—meet me by the door?”

She kissed him fully, deeply, then pushed away and made her way through the club.

THIRTY-FIVE

JUST A GIRL

“Wow.”

Tommy searched Madison’s gaze and traced a finger across the curve of her cheek. The pulse of her kiss still alive on his lips, he was unaware he’d even spoken, until she smiled softly and repeated the word.

“Wow, indeed.” She sighed contentedly and curled her fingers at the nape of his neck. “Country boys sure know how to kiss. I can’t believe I’d forgotten that.”

Tommy narrowed his gaze, detecting the slightest twang in her voice—something he’d never expected. So that was her secret, or at least one of them. Clearly Madison wasn’t quite the East Coast prodigy she’d claimed to be, not that Tommy had ever believed that particular story.

There was something so accessible about her, which seemed like such a ridiculous thing to say about a star of her caliber. Still, Tommy sensed she’d be more comfort

able running across a freshly mowed lawn in bare feet than she was crossing a red carpet in designer heels.

The way she drank a beer, the way she kissed, the way her whole body relaxed when she was sure he was the only one looking, convinced him that if nothing else, he’d found a kindred spirit in the most unlikely of persons. It was like every other moment of her life was an act, while the moments they’d shared together were the real deal.