Page 15 of Fated Moons
So did the money.
Something he was insanely grateful for.
“This place is beautiful. A little out of the way, but spectacular,” Amanda said. “The view of the lake is gorgeous. And is that your boat?”
“It is.” He nodded. “I bought her and this place when I took the role that won me the Oscar. I had no idea the film was going to be that big, but that movie came with a hefty paycheck up front.”
“It was also your first big role as a leading man,” she said.
“Sadly, my career has faltered ever since.” He studied Amanda as she strolled around the vehicle. She was a stunning woman who carried herself with grace and style. He assumed that came more from her years as a royal than from being an actress, but the ability to command a room served her well in the industry.
It was a shame that she struggled to gain the respect of her peers, something he understood all too well. His life was under a microscope because of his father. Her life was constantly being picked apart simply because she was born into royalty. Neither one had ever been given a chance to show the world who they were on their own merits.
“Don’t take this the wrong way, but some of that has nothing to do with the roles you’ve chosen since that film.” She glanced over her shoulder. “Your actions in public have done you no favors.”
He couldn’t deny either of those facts. He shrugged. “It’s hard to follow up a role of a lifetime, and as far as the things thathave happened to me since then, some were not of my making, but this film is a game changer. We both know it or we wouldn’t have agreed to deal with the controversy of what us working together means.”
She nodded.
He reached into his pocket and took out the keys. The only people he allowed in this cabin were his immediate family.
Amanda would be the first woman ever to set foot inside. He wanted to keep this place a drama-free zone, and women always brought histrionics.
He pulled back the garage door. “It’s not much, but it has all the comforts of home.” He waved her inside. “And if you’re worried about the sleeping arrangements, it has two bedrooms, and the guest room has its own private bathroom.” He raised his hands. “I promise you that I will keep my paws to myself.”
“I still might force you to drive me home tonight.” She waved her hand and audibly groaned as fairy dust trickled from her pores. “I can’t believe this is happening to me.”
He chuckled.
“It’s not funny,” she muttered, tossing her purse on the kitchen table. “You don’t understand.”
“There must be fairies somewhere in your bloodline.”
“No shit.” She rolled her eyes. “I need a drink.”
“I’ve got hard liquor, wine, and beer in the fridge. Pick your poison.” He leaned against the counter.
He held her gaze. It was as if she could see right into his heart. Feel it pulsating through his body. There was an undeniable connection, but there was also a barrier between them. He couldn’t sense where it came from, but it wasn’t a simple wall built to protect someone from being hurt. This was something entirely different. It was cold. Unnerving. Unnatural, even. And that frightened him in ways he didn’t understand.
Perhaps it was the protection spell. Only, he had no desire to harm Lady Amanda Windsor.
“Wine. Please. Don’t care if it’s red or white,” she said.
“Okay.” He made his way to the small wine cooler and pulled out his favorite bottle of red. It wasn’t an expensive brand, but it was tasty. He took down two glasses and wrestled with the corkscrew, wondering if he should mention this strange feeling he had. Or perhaps he was responding to the fact he didn’t want to be attracted to Lady Amanda. He’d sworn off all women for the duration of filming this movie. He had to make sure his head was completely in the game. Too much was at stake to fuck it up. “How long have you known about being part fairy?” He handed her a glass. This added a bigger wrinkle in his life. One he wasn’t sure how to handle. “And for the record, because I’m an alpha in the Crescent Moon Pack, I’m sworn to protect fairies. It’s a role I take seriously, so you are safe with me.”
“Perhaps, but are you willing to keep my secrets?”
“What are you talking about?”
“This can’t get out. Ever.” She pointed to the family room.
He took her hand and led her to the small room, easing onto the sofa. “I told you I wouldn’t say anything about the fairy dust and I meant it. I want to understand why you’re being secretive about it, though.”
“This goes beyond me just not wanting anyone to know what’s happening to me or how the media will have a field day with it.”
“It’s in my best interest to keep my lips sealed. We don’t want the focus of this movie to be about anything other than the film. That includes our past. Or the dust.” He nodded. “I don’t care what anyone says. Creating drama won’t help this film. We need to be dedicated, and we need the outside world to leave us alone.”
She let out a slow breath. “My father’s going to kill me for telling you this.”
