Hollywood Playboy (Hollywood Royalty 1)

“We are looking for her,” Yolanda says as Yamina turns around and walks quickly out of the conference hall.

“We can get one without her,” Cassie says to Yolanda. “We are on a schedule, right? Tyler isn’t going to be left waiting because one of the journalists is pouting.”

I look at Jack, who stands next to me, and he rolls his eyes. “She must either be really good at her job, or she gives you something on the side because, let me tell you, she’s a grade A bitch.” I laugh at him and look at Yolanda, whose phone starts ringing. She turns around, and then I see that Yamina is coming back into the room with Jessica next to her as she smiles at her.

“Sorry, folks,” she says, coming toward us. “I got a call.”

“Ah-ha, my beautiful Jessica,” Henrik says, going to her and kissing her on the cheeks. “So lovely to see you again.” He brings her over to us, holding her hand.

“I’m so sorry for keeping everyone waiting,” she says, looking at Henrik. “Where do you want me?”

He comes to us and moves Evelyn away from my other side, then gestures for Jessica to take that spot. He then moves Evelyn again, placing Jonathan next to Jessica. “Hey, good looking,” he says, winking at her. When I clear my throat, only Jonathan looks over at me.

“There we go,” Henrik says, holding up his hands and doing an L with his thumb and his forefinger. “I like it.” He moves back, bringing his camera to his eye. He starts taking pictures as we all hear the clicking. “Okay, what now?” he asks, looking toward Yamina and Yolanda.

“We have to take one-on-one shots for the junket and also the red carpet promo,” Yamina says and then looks down.

“Perfect,” Henrik says. “Who is first?” Everyone tries not to say anything, knowing that Jessica has been left out.

“I’m out,” Jessica says from beside me and then walks away. “See everyone tomorrow,” she says, turning to Jonathan. “Text me later and we will catch a bite.”

“We need the picture,” I tell Jessica, grabbing her hand before she walks away. She quickly pulls her arm away from me and finally looks at me. Then she looks at Yamina and Yolanda.

“Do we need a picture?” Jessica ignores me and my request, turning to ask Yamina and Yolanda. They look from one to the other, not sure what to say.

“Henrik.” I turn to him. “A picture with each journalist,” I tell him, and he just nods his head.

“Tyler,” Cassie says from beside them, “this is just wasting everyone’s time.”

“Then everyone needs to get in place,” I say, grabbing Jessica’s hand and pulling her to my side. Her soft hand flies away from mine, making me put my hand around her waist. Henrik starts talking before Jessica can fly away.

“Perfect,” he says. “Jessica, can you turn more toward him and maybe put your hand in your pocket?” She does as he says, and he starts snapping pictures.

“Jess,” I whisper to her, “I didn’t think they would.” She looks at me, her eyes clear with anger or sadness, I’m not sure, and Henrik snaps the last picture.

“We are done,” Henrik says, and she puts her head down and then walks away without saying a word. Ella is the next one, and she quickly makes her way over to me. I don’t have a chance to catch Jessica again. It’s another two hours before I’m finally making my way to my room.

“Tell Ryan that Jessica can have Paris,” I tell Cassie once we make it back into my suite. I look at her, and she crosses her arms over her chest, glaring at me.

“Perhaps, I should point out all the times she tried to fuck you over?” she says. “The time she said you were in rehab, or the time she said you were fucking your co-star.”

“That one wasn’t exactly a lie,” I tell her, and she rolls her eyes.

“She made your mother cry twice.” She plays my mother card.

“I’m going to talk to her, one-on-one,” I tell Cassie, and she looks at me with her mouth open. “Call a truce of sorts. I mean, at least until we finish the tour.”

“Fine,” she says. “I’ll set up the meeting.”

“No,” I say, shaking my head. Taking off my jacket, I toss it on the chair. “I’ll handle it. You two don’t exactly get along.”

“Because she’s a bitch,” she tells me, putting her hands on her hips. “Just remember that I told you so when she turns around and fucks you over.”

Chapter Eight

Jessica

Looks like this Hollywood power couple is headed to splitsville; sources close to both say it’s only going to get nasty!

“How did you know?” Jonathan asks from across the table. We are sitting in the bar area of the hotel. His dress shirt is rolled up at the sleeves to his elbow. Two buttons open at his neck as he peels the label from his beer.