Page 36 of Titan

“I know you,” he says, his eyes squinting as he scans me head to toe. “Yeah… I know you.”

I school my face not to react even as my stomach clenches. I know that look on Freddy’s face all too well, though it’s been a long time since I’ve seen it. I specifically dyed my hair and altered the way I did my makeup to avoid it.

He lights up with recognition, and he snaps his fingers, pointing at me in excitement.

“Blaire! You were Blaire Starfire in theSpaceageseries.”

Of all the projects I expected Freddy to know me from, my short-lived teen sci-fi show that was canceled mid-season was not it.

“Yes.” This was not how I was planning to get Titan his invite. I don’t let my past as an actor and present as a sugar baby mix, but Freddy being a fan makes my job a lot easier, so I adapt.

“Why the hell did they cancel it?” His cheeks burn a bright pink as his words come out heated.

“They put us opposite a more popular show.” I twist my lips in a pouty frown.

“Fucking idiots.” He swears and swings his now empty champagne glass around. “And right before you were going to be named captain of Nebula One.”

“If I tell you a secret aboutSpaceage, will you forgive me for spilling champagne on you?” I tease, laying a hand on his forearm.

“Already forgiven,” he answers eagerly. His blue eyes spark with interest, ready to eat up whatever morsel of information I dole out. It’s a look I’m used to seeing with my arrangements, and the feeling of control is a comforting one.

“Well,” I lean in to whisper as if I’m sharing sacred knowledge, “in the unaired season finale, I was just about to be promoted to captain when the fleet commander is killed by attacking cyborgs, and I’m forced to take their place, essentially going from having twenty people under my command to five hundred.”

“Shit. That would’ve been so good. What a shame… what a shame.” He shakes his head before looking back at me. “How come this is the first time I’m meeting you? Who do you know in the cast?”

“A friend of a friend is in wardrobe,” I say smoothly before transitioning into a bald-faced lie. “You know, I’ve seen you at other parties. You’ve just never noticed me.”

“Hmm.” He hands his empty glass to a passing server and grabs another champagne, his eyes still on my chest. “That can’t be right.”

“It is,” I insist playfully. Then, I fake like I’m going to turn from Freddy. “I really shouldn’t keep bothering you. I didn’t mean to interrupt your night.”

“No, no.” There’s a spike of desperation as he reaches out for me. “There’s no reason to rush off.”

I bite at my bottom lip, looking around the room as if I’m needed elsewhere. But of course, why would I want to be anywhere else but by Freddy’s side? “Okay, but you run the risk of getting more champagne spilled on you.”

“It’s a chance I’ll take.”

He takes a step towards me, and I have to fight the sudden urge to take several steps back. I’ve never had that happen before. For one brief second, I felt like I didn’t want this wealthy man falling all over himself for me.

“Well, Freddy, I heard you’re an art collector. Is that true?” I force a light laugh at my hard transition. I can feel myself wanting to turn and look for Titan in the crowd. Instead, I force myself to raise my half-filled glass to Freddy before taking another drink.

“Artifacts. More than art. Are you a great admirer of art and artifacts, Blaire Starfire?” He finishes off his own glass.

“I like pretty things.” I don’t usually play dumb with potential arrangements. I actually want to enjoy who I spend my time with. But Freddy isn’t my date, and this is about fulfilling my part of the deal with Titan.

“Who doesn’t?” Freddy’s eyes are firmly on me.

“I was hoping that some of your beautiful collection would be out on display…” My words trail off as I look around the room for what display I must’ve missed. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Titan. From his alert stance and the way his eyes flick to mine for the most fleeting of seconds, I know he’s using his gargoyle hearing to listen in.

“Too valuable to be out with the riffraff.” His laugh is overly loud and rough, done with an intensity that makes me think his words aren’t a joke.

I form a gentle O of surprise and give him a look of mock confusion.

“Oh no, not you. But these others, these hangers-on.” He gestures around the room with a look of distrust on his face. “Only a select few items are taken out for particular events when I meet with my fellow collectors, people who can truly appreciate them, and they don’t leave the safe a moment sooner.”

“That makes sense,” I agree. “I bet you have a wonderful collection. I’m sorry I missed out on seeing it.”

Freddy takes a long sip of his drink, eyes flicking over me as I do my best to seem guileless. “I’m planning on unveiling a new piece soon, a truly stunning Turkish ceremonial vessel in silver and bone from 400 BCE. I have some amazing contacts that sourced it for me, and I’ll be having a few collector friends over to see it and the rest of my collection next Saturday.”

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