Page 7 of Fated Moons
“Sit down and relax,” Paul said, leaning back in his oversized chair behind a massive desk that was way too big for the space. “We’re working on a positive spin.” Paul had produced a half dozen movies that Jackson had starred in, including the one that won him the Oscar, which unfortunately had been the same role that turned out to be Jackson’s downfall.
“How do you make the fact that my father killed my co-star’s uncle positive?”
“We start by not sleeping with this one.”
Jackson burst out laughing, only it wasn’t a real laugh. More like a sarcastic hackle. “I don’t think you need to worry about that. Besides, I bet she asks for a kissing double. God forbid her princess lips touch the descendant of her uncle’s murderer.”
“She’s technically a lady, and I need you to be professional at all times.” Paul glanced at his phone. “She just passed security, so she’ll be here in about ten minutes.”
“What!” Jackson stiffened his spine. He’d seen a million images and videos of the princess or lady or whatever her official title was, but he never imagined he’d ever be in the same room with her. He blinked, remembering passing her on a plane once. She’d been sitting in first class, sipping a cocktail with some other woman, giggling. She took his breath away then with hergrace and sweet smile. He’d never seen her in person again, not even after the plane had to make an emergency landing.
Which he’d been surprised he hadn’t been blamed for, considering a reporter had revealed the connection and dared to print a conspiracy theory. Someone inside the royal family shut it down quickly. Jackson suspected it was Amanda’s father, the prince. He’d always shown great kindness toward Jackson and his family, especially when he didn’t have to.
“We thought it would be a good idea to get all the concerns out in the open before we make the announcement.”
“Her family can’t be on board with her doing this film with me,” Jackson said, raking his fingers through his hair. “And to be fair, I totally understand why. I can’t say if I were her father, I’d be thrilled either.”
“That brings me to the final blow for today.”
Jackson let out a long breath. He couldn’t wait to hear this one.
“Her father, Prince Alfred, is coming with her.”
“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me. Not only is he a royal, but he’s a powerful wizard. He’s probably going to use some magical potion or witchcraft, and no one will ever find my body.”
“I better never hear you talking like that again. Makes you sound like your dad. Is that what you want?”
“No,” Jackson muttered with a low growl. The last thing he ever wanted was to be compared to his asshole father. Besides, he knew the most powerful wizard in the world. Actually, Toldar, or Trask, because he preferred to be called by his earthly name, was a wizard fairy. A unique combination. For centuries, people believed that combination was not only impossible, but the world believed fairies were extinct.
Jackson had seen Trask in action, and he’d been in awe of what the man could do. Trask’s main purpose was to help protect the paranormal and ensure black magic was never used.Of course, that was a difficult role because there was an entire underground of evil, lurking in the shadows, wanting to destroy what they didn’t understand.
“Good. Because I’ve put a lot of money into this film. I had to push Lamin hard to work with you again, so I expect you to pull your weight and then some.”
As if Jackson had ever not gone above and beyond in any role he’d ever been offered. He’d always been the consummate professional, except for a few times. It wasn’t his fault he had bad taste in women and the last two went all ‘fatal attraction’ on him. They’d both been all sweet and loving during the first couple of months. But their true colors showed soon enough. Jealous and shallow. Considering Jackson’s childhood, he tended to judge people by how they treated the waitstaff, or anyone in a lower position, and those two women thought they were all that and more. Above everyone else, forgetting that someday their looks would fade, and some younger hottie would come and take their place.
“I don’t understand why you’re so willing to create such controversy by casting Amanda,” Jackson said.
“Controversies sell tickets, but it’s not just about that. And it’s what Lamin wants.”
He didn’t believe it. It was always about money in this business. “What if I said I would back out if she were to remain on the film?” He’d never played the top billing card before, and it left a bad taste in his mouth, but he really didn’t want to relive his father’s crime once again, even though he’d been doing that nearly every day of his life.
“Then we shake hands and say our goodbyes.” Paul cocked his head.
“Everyone wants her more than me?” Talk about kicking a man when he was down.
“It’s not about you so it’s not personal. Lamin is salivating over her and believes she’s the only actress who can pull it off.” Paul lowered his chin. “He also thinks the two of you, outside of the insanity surrounding the past, will light up the screen. He can’t wait to see you do your first scene together. He totally believes it will be magical. I have to say I agree with him.”
“I appreciate the vote of confidence.” Jackson couldn’t deny a colleague their chance at fame and fortune. Or whatever it was they wanted to gain from their chosen profession. For him, fame had nothing to do with it. He stepped outside and people knew who he was thanks to his father’s actions. No. That wasn’t why he wanted to be an actor. Hell, he hadn’t even started out wanting to be one. The opportunity landed in his lap and he and his family needed the money.
The controversy helped. People came out in droves to see if the son of a murdering wolf was any good or if he would be a lackluster actor.
It turned out the people were split down the middle in their opinions, but they all wanted more, and he was all too happy to give it to them because it put food on the table and gave his family a home. He stood and took a few strides to the door. “I need a minute to clear my head before this meeting.”
“You’re making the right decision.”
Jackson pulled back the office door, and there stood the most gorgeous woman he’d ever laid eyes on. His breath stuck in his throat and his heart dropped to the pit of his stomach. Her ash-brown hair bounced playfully over her shoulders. Her bright-blue eyes were lined with plush, thick eyelashes that batted like butterfly wings floating through the air. A few tiny specs of fairy dust lifted from her orbs. They evaporated so quickly he wondered if his eyes were playing tricks on him.
“Oh, hello,” she said. Her plump lips moved in perfect unison with the sound of her voice.
