Page 113 of Unscripted with Mila

I sat on the edge of the bed, relief flowing through me. “Really?” I said into the phone.

Jacob chuckled in my ear. “It’s funny how, as soon as you mention causing mental duress, forging the truth, and tarnishing their reputation, a person can be deemed expendable by a studio. Of course, they insisted the information MJ gave them was different, but they decided to release you from the contract. Papers are being drawn up.”

“What about the franchise?”

“I suggested the next installment could be rewritten at the start with the lead having had an accident and then having facial reconstruction. A new, more handsome, younger lead could easily take your place.”

I laughed at his dry wit. “So, as simple as that? A little threat, a suggestion, and it’s done?”

He paused before he answered. “No. But I handled it, because that is what you hired me for. I can fight as dirty as they can, but you don’t need to know all the details. Unless you want them.”

“Maybe later.”

He laughed. “One down, one to go.”

“I fear MJ is going to be the hard one.”

“That’s why you have a team now, Nicholas. We have your back.”

“It’s a great feeling.”

“Get used to it. We’ll meet in the morning and go through everything. Has MJ contacted you?”

“She’s tried. I haven’t taken her calls, like you told me. She knows something is up, and she isn’t happy. She’s pissed about having a meeting. I’m sure she’ll have lots to say tomorrow.”

“We’ll handle it.”

Mila came in, and I told her the news. “Thank goodness,” she breathed out.

I looped my arms around her waist, pulling her close and resting my head on her stomach. She scratched at the nape of my neck, her touch gentle and warm. “One down,” she whispered, repeating my words from earlier. “One step at a time.”

I nodded, looking up at her. “I called Manny. He can get us in later tonight if you want.”

“I’d love that.”

There was a noise from the other room. “Oh no, I think a box tipped over,” Mila muttered. “I left one on the arm of the sofa.” She hurried out of the room.

I stood to finish packing, except I heard her low gasp. I raced to the other room, stopping when I saw what had caused her distress.

MJ stood there, a scowl on her face.

“What the hell are you doing here?” she spat, glaring at Mila. She looked at me. “What the hell is going on?” She took a step forward.

There was no thought. I placed myself in front of Mila, shielding her from MJ.

“I think the question is, what are you doing here, MJ? In my apartment without me knowing?”

She waved me off. “Checking to see why you’re ignoring my calls. Came back without letting me know. My source at the studio called. I know there was a meeting that involved you. One I wasn’t invited to.” She narrowed her eyes. “What sort of shit has that little bitch cowering behind you talked you into, Nicky boy?” She barked out a laugh. “Thinking with the little head now, are you?”

I glared at her. “Show some respect for me and Mila. I’ve told you not to call me that. You’ll find out what the meeting was for tomorrow. Now, leave.”

“I don’t think so.” She crossed her arms. “Whatever you think you’re doing won’t happen.”

I was tired of her. Of her threats. Her dire warnings. Of her darkness.

“It’s already happened, MJ. I’ve broken my contract with the studio.” I paused, watching her eyes widen in shock. I reached behind me for Mila’s hand, needing her quiet strength. “And you.”

“What did you just say?”