Page 54 of From the Moment We Met

Chapter Eleven

Jacob

Victoria was lounging in the living room when Jacob returned home, her legs hooked over the arm of the sofa, wearing only a sheer white bra and g-string. She flashed him a seductive smile as she walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Hello handsome, I’ve been waiting for you.”

Jacob removed Victoria's arms, sighing. “Stop.”

Her eyes grew wide and incredulous. “Stop? Don’t pretend you don’t want me, I saw you watching me at the awards dinner. I’ve missed you so much.” She pressed her lips to his neck, right on the spot that always drove him wild.

Jacob stepped back, his blue eyes steely. “I said no, go put on some clothes.”

“Why?”

“Are you serious? Perhaps you’ve forgotten the last month or your many lovers while we dated?”

Victoria perched on the arm of the sofa, crossing her arms over her chest. “We discussed all of that.”

“We never talked about it, not once. One day you’re in my bed with another man, and the next day, you’re gone. You made your choice, it wasn’t me, and I’m fine with that.”

Victoria wrapped her arms around him again, her red lips pouting. “Aren’t I allowed to make a mistake? I’m only human.”

Jacob shook his head, extricating himself one last time. “Why are you here? What is this, showing up here with no call, no notice, nothing?”

“I left you a message saying I was coming to London. I assumed you wanted to see me as much as I wanted to see you.”

He watched her stretch and realized her every move was calculated. There was an ulterior motive behind her sudden reappearance. “I didn’t get the message. I’ve been busy.”

“I know, I wish I could have been there when Janie had her surgery.”

Jacob flashed a fake smile. “Janie’s doing great. Going home in a few days, as a matter of fact.” He walked to his liquor cabinet and poured a finger of whiskey, not bothering to offer Victoria a drink. “What are you really doing here?”

Victoria huffed, laying aside her sex kitten act. “Let’s just say I have a proposition that will benefit us both.”

A muscle twitched in Jacob's jaw as he waited for her ‘deal.’

“I happen to be friends with the director of that upcoming movie. You know the one? The one role you’d do anything for? I can make certain you’re the forerunner for the lead, but I’ll only do that if you help restore my reputation.”

Jacob's jaw dropped. “Why the hell should I help restore your reputation? I didn’t damage it. You bedded half of Hollywood on your own.” He slammed his drink down, sloshing whiskey out of the glass.

“I screwed up, okay? But these men threw themselves at me, they worshipped at my feet—”

Jacob guffawed. “I do not want to hear this crap.”

“Right,” Victoria sighed. “My behavior has put me in a compromising position, and I can’t have that with my album release in a couple months. Plus, my fans love you; they loved us together. I thought if we reconciled, just until the press forgot about my recent indiscretions, I would speak with the director of Milieu of Madness, and your lead would be guaranteed.” She walked over to the bar, taking the last swallow from his glass. “And,” she whispered, grabbing his crotch, “we do work so well together.”

Jacob looked skyward, laughing bitterly. “So, to get the role of a lifetime, I have to dance with the devil? Wonderful.”

Victoria’s eyes darkened. “There’s a price to pay for everything we want, Jacob. You’ve always known that. It’s a win-win situation.”

The words resonated with Jacob. There was truth in them, but the idea of reuniting with Victoria made him physically ill. The flip side was not playing her game, but would that cost him the lead in Milieu of Madness? Would he regret that decision forever?

His thoughts drifted to Lilly, a woman who in a few short days had mesmerized his every thought. But how can I pass on the most significant role of my life?

Jacob swallowed hard, pouring himself another drink. “I’ll help restore your reputation, but we aren’t reconciling. I’ll act as your public escort, but you are not staying here. This is an act, and when the act is finished, we return to our real lives.”

Victoria rolled her eyes and nodded. “Whatever you want, just remember that publicly, you’re mine.” She cupped his cock again, causing him to wince. “And soon, it won’t be an act.” She grabbed her coat, flouncing toward the door. “I’ll be at The Lanesborough, in the penthouse suite.” She paused, her hand on the door. “If I didn’t know better, I would swear you’ve developed feelings for someone, like that little scamp who was here earlier?”

Jacob said nothing but his glare spoke volumes.

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