Rebecca pulled her phone from her purse and glanced at her screen before meeting Xander’s gaze. “The parts I will be able to offer her will outshine living out of the spotlight and behind the scenes with you.” She patted his arm. “Just giving you a friendly warning,” she said and walked away, already making a call.
Bitch.
But as much as he despised the woman, she did have a point. Sasha deserved her career and however far she wanted to go. He couldn’t and wouldn’t stand in her way.
* * *
After a long day on set, Sasha was exhausted. All she wanted to do was change out of her wardrobe, go home to Xander’s, eat something, and crawl into bed. With him. She needed the warmth and security of his big body wrapped around hers, and she wasn’t embarrassed to admit it. She’d been glad he was on set, and during her breaks, she always sought him out.
She stepped off to the side and slid out of her heels, holding them in one hand.
“You were brilliant today.” Cassidy approached, her eyes beaming.
“Thank you. It’s a fun movie. Fast-paced, easy dialogue. We’ll have some action sequences. I like it.” She glanced around and saw people wrapping up for the day. “Where’s Xander?” she asked.
Cassidy laughed. “Somewhere close by, I’m sure.”
Sasha rolled her eyes. “It’s his book. Of course he’s around.”
“More like he’s watching you.” Her friend held her iPad to her chest, her gaze growing more serious. “Are you okay? Between this so-called temporary romance, a new movie, and a stalker, you have your hands full.”
Sasha lifted her shoulders. “I’m fine. And the stalker thing is quiet. Knock wood,” she said, lightly rapping her knuckles on her friend’s head.
“You’re nuts. Just be careful.” She glanced at her Apple watch. “I have my security waiting to take me back to the hotel. Do you want me to wait around with you until you’re ready to go?”
“No, I’m fine.” Sasha wanted to find Xander and leave, too. “Go rest. We have another early call time tomorrow.”
Cassidy leaned over and pulled her into a hug. “Talk to you later.”
And text, and video chat, Sasha mused, watching as her friend headed for the entrance.
She glanced around again in search of Xander. She’d seen him talking to her agent earlier, and he’d been quiet and more withdrawn from her since. She wondered if he just hadn’t wanted to show overt affection on set, which she agreed wasn’t professional, or if Rebecca had said something to upset him. The woman was arrogant, blunt, and didn’t take no for an answer, which was what made her so good at her job. Not so great of a person.
Sasha felt that same eerie prickle over her skin she’d experienced that day in the city, and she spun around to see if she could locate the cause.
There were production people all over, and one man who looked vaguely familiar stared at her from his position near a camera. No sooner had she caught his gaze than he glanced down at his iPad. She narrowed her gaze. It wasn’t unusual for people to stare at her, even on set, but she was uncomfortable nonetheless.
She turned away and saw Xander walking in, cell phone to his ear. Relieved, she walked over to him just as he said goodbye and disconnected the call.
“Hi,” she murmured.
“Hey.” His gaze raked over her, his eyes darkening as they traveled over her body in the dress that she was ready to take off and the heels that were dangling from her fingers. Still, if the outfit elicited this reaction, that was a plus. “Great job today,” he said in a gruff voice. “Perfectly cast.”
She beamed, pleased with his praise. “Thanks. It felt good. But I’m so ready to get out of here. I just need to change.”
Jared somehow materialized by her side. All day she’d tried to ignore his presence and what needing a bodyguard close by meant, not wanting to consider the reality of someone trying to hurt her. Or worse.
“Ready to go upstairs?” the man asked, breaking into her morbid thoughts.
She glanced at Xander. “Are you coming with me?”
He nodded and they headed upstairs.
With both men beside her, she stopped at her door and automatically reached to open it.
“I’ve got it,” Jared said. He turned the knob and stepped inside.
She followed and ran right into his back because he’d stopped mid-stride. She bounced backwards and Xander’s hands settled on her waist, steadying her.
“What’s wrong?” she asked, wondering why Jared hadn’t just walked completely into the bedroom.
He turned, his features expressionless. “Xander, get her out of here.” He all but pushed her out of the room and closed the door.
She felt the blood rush from her head and dizziness assaulted her. “What? Why? My bag and my phone are in there,” she said, realizing the comment was foolish in light of something serious going on, but it had slipped out.