Page 25 of Overexposed

“Gem’s girl,” I muttered, picking up the magazine and scanning the contents of the double-page spread Jerry had it open to. “That was fast, I guess.” The images were all of the douchebag's injuries and the article content was purely allegation and speculation.

Jerry was squinting at Snow with heavy suspicion, like he recognized her but couldn’t place where he’d seen her before. Of course he probably paid a lot more attention to the camerasharks than I did. I just kept my head down and pretended they didn’t exist.

“Is it true?” Jerry snapped, dismissing Snow from his attention. “Did you beat the crap out of a pap because you were drunk and he insulted you?”

I scoffed, tossing the magazine down. “Absolutely the fuck not.” Jerry’s shoulders sagged with visible relief, and I realized he thought I meantnoneof it was true. I’d best clarify. “I was a little drunk, yes, and I did beat the crap out of him, also yes. But he didn’tinsultme, nor did I know he was a fucking pap.”

Jerry’s eyes bugged out and he spluttered like he couldn’t quite find the words to tell me how utterlystupidI had been. Totally not necessary—I was already aware, and I scowled at the sexy culprit herself.

“You set me up, Snow,” I accused.

She rolled her eyes again, like I was being petulant. “I already said, no, I didn’t. And while we’re on the topic, I specifically told younotto bring me home with you. I remember being quite adamant that I was just fine and did not want to go anywhere with you… It wasyouwho made me come here.”

With impeccable timing, Gem thumped his way down the stairs with a loud yawn. “Did I hear Jerry yelling at someone?” he called out ahead of himself. “Also has anyone seen—” He broke off as he entered the room with us and locked eyes on his duplicitous girl, a huge grin lighting his face. “Slick, you’re still here! I thought you snuck out again.”

Totally failing to read the room, he swept her up in his arms, perching her butt on the counter and kissing her so intimately, it nearly got me hard just watching.

“Fucking hell,” Seven muttered, and I kicked the back of Gem’s leg to get his attention.

He broke away from kissing the raven-haired troublemaker with a scowl, then glanced between us all with more focus. “Uh…did I interrupt something?”

“Yes,” Jerry snapped. “Ollie was about to explain why he beat up a paparazzo wanker last night, and Seven was about to explain why he has an NDA form out for this woman to sign…though I think that part is now obvious. I assume you failed, once again, to get the necessary paperwork before getting your dick wet, Gem?”

Seven cleared his throat, looking like a smug fuck. “Actually, I was about to enlighten my twin to the fact that he has been sleeping with the scavengers. Literally. Your girl is a vulture, bro.”

If I was under any uncertainty whether Gem knew about Snow’s profession, the shock on his face would have cleared it right up. Same for the guilt and regret all over hers. Damn, this was a clusterfuck and a half.

chapter

eleven

Stella

“Iassume you failed, once again, to get the necessary paperwork before getting your dick wet, Gem?”The snotty British accent just added to the disapproval vibrating in their agent’s tone.

At least, I was pretty sure that was their agent. Maybe he was just an employee. Whatever, I didn’t care who he was. He was an asshole.

I shook my head. Who the hell required an NDA in order to get laid? Clearly these three assholes—okay one and a half assholes. Gem didn’t count. He never asked me for one and I was more than willing to cut him some slack in this area.

“Slick?” Gem frowned at me. “Are you…”

I lifted my shoulders. My position wasn’t great. Gem also didn’t deserve a lie. “Yes, I’m a photographer.”

He all but deflated. “So you?—”

“Dropped into the Cactus and Cocktails the other day after a long day to get a drink and some nachos.” My stomach actually rumbled at the memory. “You were in my seat.”

One corner of his mouth kicked up even if a frown had replaced the sleepiness in his expression. “Then I told you I wasn’t who you thought I was.”

“And I never thought you were dickweasel over there.” I waved a hand at his twin. “A fact I made clear, especially since I wanted my seat. We ended up playing pool for another wager, and then we took the party next door, where we had an amazing time.”

Some of the tension around his eyes eased, only to tighten as he studied me. “Then you sold those pictures…”

“I did that. A girl has to eat. But Ididn’tset you up nor did I plan on it. I didn’t even know what I had until later. We triggered the dashcam when we landed on the hood of my car.”

For a moment, his grin went smug before it faded. “But you sold it as some random hookup with Seven.”

“I didn’t invadeyourprivacy and you said everyone mistakes you for him anyway. The images were too blurry to get much past the physical size and stature and the money covered some bills. You got laid, I got laid, and by lucky chance, I made some money. No one got hurt.”

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