I return the question back as he drags me to a random door on the side of the house. Holden knocks before stepping into a lilac bedroom that looks untouched. Nobody is inside.
It’s a sanctuary from all the noise.
“It’s so much easier to talk in here,” he says, caressing my shoulder with his fingertips.
“You seemed off on the call earlier.”
He inches closer with an eyebrow raised. “I am totally fine. You’re here now.”
I pull back. “Why did you call me? I was at Aidan’s.”
“Who’s that?”
“My boyfriend??”
“Ahh, that guy. Well, I am sure he will appreciate you helping out a client.”
“What am I helping you out with, exactly?”
He seems familiar with the ins and outs of this room, because he is now getting up and gliding to the dresser in front of the bed.
Pulling out a brand-new bottle of brandy from inside of it.
“My image.”
“You sent me your location. You seemed like you needed help.”
He rubs the back of his neck, looking hesitant. “Chris is lucky to have you on his team. The press release is definitely what I needed to catch people’s attention.”
“Whose attention do you want?”
He gives me a slight smile as he unscrews the top of the bottle.
“Want one?”
I don’t answer. He doesn’t wait for me to answer, bringing the bottle to his lips and taking a large swig. He doesn’t seem to notice her presence lurking behind him, chanting, “Duas almas incompletas” as the soft blue light radiates from my neck.
Ghosty is here. Ready to weigh in.
“Why don’t you guys play a game of truth or dare. I’ll go first, Charlotte. Truth?”
Before she can ask the question, I already know.
The truth is, no matter what I do, Holden Strauss is always on my mind.
Chapter fifteen
The Mystery Girl
OFF THE RECORD
August 15th, 2025
Hollywood’s most unattainable bachelor is now off the market. Seen at a house party surrounded by opioids and threesomes, the infamous party thrown by Daphne Woods only became interesting when Holden Strauss was seen exiting with a Mystery Girl.
Details are still emerging on who the brunette in the photo is, but something tells us this girl won’t remain a mystery for long.
Another article… Does anyone sleep in this town? I’ve only slept for four hours and the texts are pouring in. Everyone who knows me seems to have caught on.
