The last time she had visited him in prison and he begged her to promise that she wouldn't come back, Vee snuck him a gift before she left, and he only looked at it after he got back to his cell. He could feel the positive energy coming from the carnelian gemstone that represented courage and many other things that he needed at that moment. Star had kept the gemstone hidden for as long as he could, until someone saw it and ratted him out, and it was taken from him. Not to mention, he was punished.
“Thank you,” he said, looking at her.
“Go. I'll be here when you get done.”
Star nodded and stuffed the gem in his pocket as he walked to where the audition was being held. He stopped in front of the door and took in a large gulp of air, letting it out slowly as he opened it and entered the room. He walked over and stood on the marker, feeling like he was facing a firing squad. Two women and one man filled three of the four seats and were staring at him expectantly.
Okay, Star, you only have a few minutes to show what you've got. Don't blow it.
“Hello, my name is Star Rueng, and I'm here to read for the part of Ryota.” He didn't wait for them to ask him questions and instantly took on the Ryota Ostrel character, who lived in the 1880s western and owned a brothel. He pictured himself standing in the middle of the grand marble double staircase.
He pretended he was looking down at a sea of people who were having a grand ole time in the magnificently decorated ballroom. A sly smile crossed his lips as he thought about all the money and gold they'd shelled out to spend hours and sometimes one night with the brothel's prostitutes, but the smile was soon erased when he felt no joy at the wealth that was going to fill his pockets.
“I've grown bored with these mortals and their wanton desires.” His tone was laced with condescension, and his body language showed disgust. “They no longer pleasure my eyes. I feel my time in this realm has ended. It's time for me to move on.”
Star took his time going through the monologue. He felt every word he uttered as Ryota and used the space and time he was given. When Star finished, he thanked the team, but before he could turn to go, a low, velvety voice spoke up from behind him.
“Are you in a hurry?”
Star slowly turned, his eyes connecting with a broad, muscular chest covered by stretched black fabric. He let his gaze delicately wander upward, lingering for a moment on the chiseled jaw, full lips, and straight nose, before meeting the golden-hued eyes he'd seen so often online.
Anubis Ahket.
The man in real life was even more stunning than in his pictures on the blog sites; his flawless chestnut-brown complexion and captivating smile had Star mesmerized every time he needed something to divert his attention. Star was aware of the man's celebrity status, yet he was unable to recall ever having heard of an actor and director named after the mythical god Star had learned about in high school.
How presumptuous were this guy's parents? What would be even nuttier is if he really is the god Anubis, since everything in this world is so damn weird.
Star stepped back cautiously, creating a larger gap between them. He surveyed the area, perplexed about where the man had come from. It was obvious that the only means of entry and exit was the door, and yet, he was certain that nobody had been standing there mere moments ago.
So where the fuck did he come from? Did he appear out of nowhere?
“I was standing by the door when you walked in,” Ahket commented with a smile.
Star bit his lips and looked away, feeling embarrassed. He hesitantly glanced back at the handsome man, his cheeks burning in humiliation, only to find him grinning in amusement.
How alluring, Star thought.
“I know I'm handsome, but I need you to answer my question.”
What a cocky asshole.
Someone snorted, causing Star to look in that direction, wondering if he had said that out loud.
“Look at me,” came the gentle order, and Star couldn't help but obey. “What is your response?”
“Um...I forgot what you asked,” Star said, cautiously eyeing Anubis Ahket.
He spoke softly, his words full of compassion and discipline. "I'll forgive you this time," he murmured, "but remember to think before you speak. Let's start fresh." His voice was gentle and seemed to wrap around Star like a warm hug.
“Yes, sir.” The words easily slipped from Star's lips and seemed to please the other man.
“I want to run a few lines with you. Are you game?”
“Yes.” Star nodded, answering immediately. Anubis quirked a brow, as if waiting for him to say more. “I mean, yes, sir.”
“Good boy.”
He nervously licked his lips, and Star could almost taste the powerful scents of sandalwood and rosewood. His gums were tender and itchy, as if his teeth were shifting in his mouth, and his skin tingled with warmth, making him restrain an involuntary moan, hoping not to further humiliate himself.
