Page 44 of Wonderlust

“No, an instrument,” he laughed, shaking his head at me. “Straight Lace, you really don’t seem like yourself at the moment. Where has all the banter gone?”

“Oh, it’ll be back once I’m over my hangover,” I grinned. Crap, I was acting differently around him. I had to snap out of it.

“I hope so. I’m missing it already,” he winked. That was the first time in ten years that Alex Harbour made me go weak at the knees.

“You’re needed on set soon. Eat up,” I ordered, trying to regain my composure.

Maddison turned up not long after lunch, ignoring me as she walked over to talk to Alex. Relieved, I decided to sit near the catering van to try to finish my book. I had a few emails to respond, as well, but they could wait until later.

“Didn’t you want to go another round with Maddison?” Shane grinned, taking a seat next to me. That was the only problem with this job. There was hardly any time to be on your own. It didn’t really bother me, though. I liked the family feel that came with it.

“No, I don’t want a black eye.”

“I wouldn’t let her get that close.” That was comforting to know. “I was thinking of taking a drive around London later, and I was hoping you’d be my tour guide.”

“Oh, I…I’m not sure…” I stopped. What would be the harm? ”Actually, why not? I’ll take you to my local pub.”

“Pub?” Shane frowned.

“It’s like a wine bar, but better.” He seemed excited at the thought. When I glanced over at Alex and Maddison, I noticed they were looking in my direction. They seemed to be gearing up for a big scene. Maddison wasn’t wearing much, just a skimpy shirt. Alex gave me a small wave before turning to talk to the director.

“We’ll go once we’ve dropped Alex and Maddison off then?”

“Sounds good,” I muttered, still watching Alex. My worst fear was about to be realized. They were about to do a kissing scene. It was one of those situations when you knew you shouldn’t watch but couldn’t look away. The kiss was powerful. A fake rain machine drenched them as they kissed passionately. I could feel myself mimicking the actions of Alex’s soft, pouty lips, wishing they were pressed against mine. I lost count of how many takes they had to do, but one thing was clear: Alex could kiss. It was all consuming. He took what he wanted without a single thought. I’d always dreamt of being taken that way.

“Are you ready to leave?” Shane asked while I was responding to Gina’s urgent emails. They called a wrap for shoot earlier than I thought.

“Oh, they’re done. Okay.” I grabbed my bag and was still finishing the email on my phone as I tried to follow Shane.

“Watch it, Bitch!” Maddison suddenly rammed into me. Fuck. I didn’t need this right now.

“Sorry,” I replied, starting to walk away. I wasn’t interested in fighting with her.

“You will be, you frigid bitch!” She was so original.

“Maddison,” Alex cautioned.

“Look, I’m sorry about yesterday. I was having an off day.”

“I don’t give a fuck! No one speaks to me that way!”

“All I can do is apologize,” I shrugged. “If you don’t want to accept it, that’s your problem.”

“Alex, I want you to sack this bitch, right now!” I turned, looking at her in disbelief. Who thefuckdid she think she was?

“Excuse me?” I seethed, taking a step toward her. Shane grabbed my waist, pulling me back within seconds. “Who the hell do you think you are barking orders like that at him?” Alex had moved closer to Maddison, ready to restrain her if needed, but his eyes were locked on mine. “He doesn’t need a trashy woman like you! He could do so much better!”

“What? You think he’d go for a frigid skank like you?” she sneered.

“Maddison, that’s enough,” Alex warned in a clipped tone.

“He told me you were frigid, you know.” My eyes began to water and pain sliced through me as I looked at Alex. How could he? I wasn’t fucking frigid; I was protecting my damn feelings from predators like him! “He came to me because I can show him a good time.”

“I’venever fucking wanted him. You’re welcome to him!” I yelled, pulling free from Shane’s hold.

As I ran away from the situation, I heard footsteps following me.

“Nat! Natasha, fucking wait!” I wasn’t going to wait for Alex Harbour, ever! “Nat.” Catching up with me, he grabbed my arm, making me turn to face him. “Fuckingwait!”

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