“What?” Star asked in confusion.
“I said, say my name again. I like hearing you say it using those pretty lips. Albeit, I wished it was in bed, but maybe we can get to that later after dinner.”
“Are you being for fucking real right now? We are in damage control, and all you can think about is fucking me.” Star would have been flattered at any other time, but his career was in jeopardy right now. “A–” he stuttered, unwilling to give the man what he wanted by saying his name. “What do you mean by no one will talk? You didn’t do anything crazy, right?”
“You think I would kill the entire crew? What kind of impression do you have of me?” He didn’t give Star a chance to respond before he continued speaking. “I simply ordered the cast to keep their mouths shut.” Star looked up at the handsome man, seeing his yellow-gold eyes sparkle.
“And you think that will work?”
“If they don't want to feel my wrath. However, as much as I tried to make sure none of his people ended up on set, I had to pay that fucking weasel Chad Chester a shit-ton of money in case one of his rats saw anything. Now, he’s someone I'd love to grind into fucking dust,” Anubis growled. “That asshole is a nuisance to society. He spreads more lies in his gossip rags about good people I know, damaging their reputation and livelihood. Fuck, I can’t believe I’m saying this, but he’s much worse than Loki. At least that fucker is redeemable.”
“I feel like I’m missing something,” Star said after hearing Anubis’s rant.
Star had heard the name Chad Chester; he ownedThe Mischief Daily,the biggest newspaper in Valleywood. He'd heard about the man and his employees from Vivienne. She said they were sleazy and would go above and beyond for a scoop, especially if it was about a celebrity. But what did Loki Boroson, the mayor, have to do with the situation? But still, Star couldn't believe Anubis would do something to protect him without wanting something in return.
Anubis chuckled, wiping away his tears with his fingers. “You missed nothing. Just know that I wouldn't do anything to jeopardize your career. It’s just starting, and maybe it’s out of my need to fuck you or see where your career goes, but I want to protect you.”
It was unexpected to hear Anubis say he would protect him, even if said crassly, but it was more than he could ask for. “Thank you,” he said.
“Think nothing of it,” Anubis said offhandedly.
“So what do you want for all this help you're giving me?”
Anubis smirked. “Let's discuss repayment later.”
Star nodded, thankful the man wasn't asking for anything at the moment. “Are you sure no one will look at me differently?”
“I'm positive; no one will go against my word.”
Star shook his head, not sure if he believed him or not. “You talk as if you're so powerful and everyone will listen to you.”
Anubis grinned wide. “I am, and they will. No one will fuck with what's mine.”
Star gazed into Anubis's smiling face, and the feeling of wanting to trust rose inside of him. He liked how Anubis called him baby boy, yet he would never admit it. Star stepped from Anubis’s arms, unwilling to let the man’s words of protection linger in his ears, wishing he could believe them. He'd once trusted a handsome man who promised to do the same thing, but later used his body to benefit others, which landed Star with murder charges. Star couldn't and wouldn't let that happen again. He'd been a fool one too many times.
“I should go,” he said, patting his pockets, finding his keys but not his phone.
Maybe I left it on set.But he recalled having it in his pants pocket, even though he should have left it in his trailer or with Fiona.
“If you're looking for your cell phone, it's on the table,” Anubis said, his voice soft and hypnotic, catching his attention.
Star stared hungrily at Anubis, lounging on the sofa with his moderately long dreadlocks free from the ponytail he’d worn earlier today, framing his strong shoulders. He was so caught up in his worries that he hadn’t noticed what the man was wearing until that moment, and his gaze deepened as he saw his sleek, sheer, black long-sleeved tunic shirt with golden trim, paired with matching pants that seemed too expensive to be lounging around in. Star couldn't help but admire the pants, wishing they were just a bit thinner so he could recall the size of Anubis's cock from their one night together. As if sensing Star's thoughts, Anubis smiled knowingly, causing Star to feel a wave of heat wash over him.
Anubis stood and slowly prowled around Star, his expensive and tantalizing sandalwood cologne—or was it rosewood? Star couldn’t distinguish the difference. All he knew was that it filled every part of his senses, making it hard for him to concentrate. His deep, sultry voice was like a velvet whisper in his ear. “Say the words I want to hear, love, and I’ll make all your desires come true tonight.”
Star closed his eyes and bit his lips. He knew leaving was the right choice but wanted to do the wrong thing and stay. Although it was only a couple of days ago, he yearned to relive their night together. He could feel Anubis's firm hand caressing him, the man's large cock pounding inside, as his sharp teeth sank into his flesh and drank his blood. He wanted to taste and be covered in it. At the thought of Anubis biting him, Star's eyes flew open, and he turned to look at the man, his desire palpable.
Why did I think that? Why did I want him to drink my blood?He was surprised but not afraid. The more the image played in his mind, the more he wanted it to happen.Why do I want him so much? I've never felt such a strong desire for anyone, not even Thornton.
Anubis cupped one of his cheeks, gazing into his eyes, whispering, “Spend the night with me, Star. Let's get to know each other inside and out.”
“I...” Star could only get that one word out before a ringing interrupted him from somewhere in the room.
“Shit,” Anubis cursed. “Let me get that.”
Anubis released him, and Star sighed as he heard the man utter something in a foreign language when he answered the phone. Taking advantage of the distraction, Star quickly grabbed his phone and shoes and quietly escaped. He needed some time to clear his head and calm his racing hormones.
Fuck, what the hell am I doing falling so easily for another handsome man? I need to put a lot of distance between us. But gods, I want to stay. I really want to be his. But it can't happen. He's way out of my league, and once he's tired of me, he'll throw me away just like Thornton did. I have to get stronger to resist the temptation that is Anubis Ahket.
