“And now Craig’s character is the one kicking ass. The studio did some early research, and the heroine trope has played out.”
Trista scoffed. “That’s bullshit. I can name four blockbusters from last year that featured a female leading role. Besides, Craig couldn’t fight his way out ofa paper bag.”
“Hey!” Craig stood so quickly, his chair toppled over. “I can fight just as well as you can.”
Tabitha was on the move, striding to the table and standing next to her client. “Iput you on your ass. Twice.” To Craven, Tabitha said, “If you think he can do these scenes better than Trista, you’re wrong. Talk about losing more time. It would take at least a month to train him if not longer.”
Craven, red-faced, pointed at Tabitha. “You stay in your lane, Miss Stone. You have nothing to do with this film other than standing in the corner guarding Trista.”
Trista crossed her arms over her chest. “Let’s put this to a test, shall we? Craig and I spar. Right now.”
“I don’t have to prove anything to you,” Craig sneered.
“Scared?” she taunted.
“Stop. Both of you,” Craven demanded. “The studio has made the decision. It’s out of my hands.”
“Then the studio can find another Nora. I agreed to do this project because my character is the heroine, not some wimpy woman who needs a man fighting her battles.” To Marilyn, she said, “Let’s go.”
“Now wait a minute. You can’t quit,” Craven yelled. “The studio will sue you for breach of contract.”
“Let them. I can afford it.” With that, Trista stalked away from the group. Tabitha winked at Major as she followed her client.
Craig righted his chair and retook his seat. “We don’t need her. Any number of other females can play Nora now that I’m doing the fight scenes. Hell, Jennika can learn the lines while I’m working on choreography.” The male looked awfully smug, and Major wondered ifhe somehow planned this. He had been pissed that he wasn’t getting to do his own fight scenes.
Craven leaned forward. “I didn’t sayyouwere doing the scenes. Miss Stone was correct that we don’t have time for you to train. Jack will do the fighting.”
“But—”
“Enough.” Craven stood. “I have to do damage control. If I can’t convince Trista to stay, I’ll need to call the studio. While I’m doing that, you should look over the new script. Fucking amateurs.” He strode off while Craig sat with his mouth gaping.
“Get me a copy of the new script. It appears I’ll be learning new lines,” Craig instructed Sarah.
The lanky woman huffed. “I already left a copy in your trailer, highlighting the pages where the dialogue has been updated.”
“You… you knew about this and didn’t warn me? I could have been learning the lines while holed up the last few days instead of wasting time coaching Trista.”
Sarah clutched her nonexistent pearls. “Coaching Trista? I hope you’re joking.”
Craig narrowed his eyes. “Why would I joke about that? I’m the veteran actor.”
Sarah stood with tablet in hand. “Then you know what to do.” As she strode past Major, she muttered, “Asshole.” Major couldn’t disagree with her.
“Fuck!” Craig slapped his hands against the table and rose, brushing his hands through his hair before sliding them down his face. Major kept his gaze across the room and off the man so that when he turned, he couldn’t tell Major felt the same way Sarah did. “Let’s go,” he demanded, and Major fell in step with Craig as they left the tent and headed toward the trailers. Major’sphone vibrated, but he didn’t remove it from his pocket. He figured it was Tabby, but they could wait and compare notes once Craig was in his home away from home.
Craig’s trailer was top-of-the-line, and it sat away from all the others except for the smaller version where Major would sleep. When they arrived, Craig opened the door but stopped, turning to Major. “I’m locking the door so I won’t be disturbed. Feel free to hang out in your trailer or go get something to eat. I’ll call you when I’m ready to leave again.” With his dismissal, he went inside and slammed the door.
Major strode the few yards to his own space, looking around for anyone out of place before entering. He did open the transom window above the seating area so he could better hear if someone approached Craig’s trailer, then he snagged his cell from his pocket, surprised to see a text from Mason instead of Tabby.
Mason:Cameras and package secure.
Major:Copy that. Still haven’t spoken to Perry about the package. Will do ASAP.
Mason gave him a thumbs up emoji. That was one thing Major appreciated about Mason. The boss didn’t micromanage. Since he had a little time on his hands, Major called his twin to check in. They chatted about their sisters, the bikes Marsh was working on, and when he asked about Tabitha, Major gushed that he was her fated mate.
“That’s the best news I’ve heard in forever, Maymay!”
Major chuckled at his goofy brother, but his heart warmed at his twin’s overzealous happiness on his behalf. “You and me both. We haven’t had any realalone time, so we haven’t sealed the bond.” Major explained what was going on, why he was guarding Craig, and the happenings after arriving on set.
