Page 40 of You Rock My World
I nod again, leaning into his touch. We’re toeing the line and it’s so dangerously thrilling. “It’s incredible. I had no idea so much effort went into the show.”
“This is only a glimpse.” His fingers trail up my spine, leaving goosebumps in their wake. “Wait until you see the rest.”
Right. Work. I step away. “I have to meet with the behind-the-scenes director.” If I don’t move away from him, I’ll do something rash. I turn, heading in a random direction, confident I’ll find my way once his proximity won’t scramble with my brain.
But Dorian’s hands drop on my shoulders, stopping me. He stands behind me, his warmth perceivable, even at a distance. It’s like my entire back has been flayed, my skin left exposed, burning. He leans in, his breath fanning my neck. “Slight change of plan. You have somewhere else to be.”
“I’m pretty sure I have to talk to the director.”
I feel his smirk against my ear. “I’ve asked Tessa to cover that.”
“Why?” I tense. “That’s my job.”
Dorian spins me to face him, his hands gripping my upper arms. I lose a breath at the sudden movement as I find myself staring into his mesmerizing blue eyes. “Because you need to report with the other extras in the costume department.”
I blink. “I’m sorry, what?”
“You’re going to be in the episode. Surprise.”
My jaw drops. Why would he—?He remembered.In the elevator, I told him my dream of playing an extra in a movie. That’s why Tessa said no makeup.
My rib cage cracks open, and instead of a heart, fireworks shoot sparks through every vein.
“You remembered?” I ask.
He nods. “Production’s happy for the free labor, you just have to sign a waiver.”
I smile so big I’m afraid my cheeks might split. On impulse, I throw my arms around him, knocking us into a dark corner in a tangle of limbs and need.
It’s clumsy, but I don’t care, and neither does he seem to. The hug is anything but innocent. If hugs could bite, this one wouldn’t just have teeth, it’d have venom-tipped fangs.
My fingers tangle in his hair, and I finally breathe him in, his scent a new addiction I can’t resist. Dorian’s arms pull me impossibly closer until our bodies are pressed together so tightly that every point of contact is electric with tension. Our noses brush, I can smell the coffee on Dorian’s breath. I stare at him, then at his mouth, wanting to drag my teeth over his lower lip. His eyes darken in response.
He leans in closer and his nose grazes my cheekbone before his lips brush against my ear. “Careful, Josie, you look like you’re about to kiss me. That’s against the rules.”
I groan. “This is against the Geneva Convention.”
His breath is hot against my skin. “The sweetest torture.”
Dorian squeezes me closer before he steps back. My body aches with the absence.
“Go, or you’ll miss your big moment.”
I nod, chest tight. “Thank you.”
I turn to leave, but his hand catches my wrist. Dorian spins me back, his eyes searing into mine.
“Josie, I…” He hesitates. “Break a leg.”
I nod again, not trusting my voice, and hurry down the hall before lust frays me like a rope dragged over rough edges, one pass away from snapping.
23
DORIAN
In the dressing room, I shift restlessly as the makeup artist blends smudges of dirt around the fake scar glued to my skin.
A cameraman is filming the behind-the-scenes special, so I pretend the process doesn’t bother me.
