Page 65 of Unscripted with Mila

He glared at her. “Shut up, MJ. Just shut up.”

“And what is this BS I just heard? Arlene called and said you canceled your audition. I assured her that was a mistake and rebooked it.”

“It’s not a mistake. I don’t want that role.”

My hopes soared. He was listening to me. Every instinct inside me told me that role would shroud him in negativity and darkness.

“You need a meaty, gritty role after this drivel,” she argued. “If it weren’t for the positive exposure, I wouldn’t have allowed you to take it on.”

I couldn’t stay quiet any longer.

“You could at least pretend to show me a little respect,” I said dryly. “Considering how long the book was on the New York Times best-selling list, I hardly think drivel is the appropriate word.”

She looked at me, disdain written on her face. “Oh, the author has an opinion. I didn’t know you were still wanted around here.”

“Yep. Here I am. On set as per the request of the director, the producer—” I looked pointedly at Nick “—and the cast.”

Nick shook his head, silently warning me not to keep goading her.

“Seriously,” she muttered. “I wish I hadn’t agreed. But with the stunts you keep pulling, Nicky, I had no choice. The next role will suit you far more.”

I saw red. Pure, angry, brilliant red. Stunts he pulled? She made it sound like his condition was something he did for fun. She had no empathy.

“Excuse me,” I snapped. “Stop talking to him like he is five years old and stepped in the mud. He’s a grown man capable of making his own decisions. I read that script, and I agree with him. That role isn’t good for him. For his career or his peace of mind.”

Nick’s eyebrows shot up, and he looked shocked. And upset. He rose out of his chair, and without thinking, I took a step closer.

MJ’s eyes narrowed, and she looked between us. Her voice lowered when she spoke. “His peace of mind? What do you know about his peace of mind?”

I refused to back down, even though I knew Nick wanted me to. I felt his hand slide over mine, holding me close to his side.

“I know enough to know his talent extends far beyond violence. Darkness. That’s where you like to put him so you can keep him there.”

She looked between us. Glanced down and saw how Nick was holding my hand. Her gaze flew up, and she glared. “Ah. I think I know where you were and who you were with last night, Nicky boy. Giving the author a private performance, were you? Spilling all your secrets?”

“Keep your voice down,” he said, his tone low and furious. “Stop embarrassing yourself.”

“Myself or you?” She began to laugh. “Oh, this is rich. You and the smut author.”

He stepped closer, almost hissing in his anger. “I told you to shut up, MJ.”

“Oh, don’t worry. I’ll keep your secret. Just like I keep all your secrets, Nicky boy.”

His grip on my hand tightened, and I saw the color drain from his face.

She leaned toward me, dropping her voice even more. “Don’t get used to his company, sweetheart. He comes and goes pretty fast. That is one thing he is good at.”

She turned and stormed away.

* * *

Nick tugged me into the director’s chair beside him, and we sat in silence for a moment. I looked around, surprised no one seemed to be looking in our direction.

“There’s too much going on for people to worry about a squabble between an actor and his agent,” Nick assured me. “It happens on set all the time.” He scrubbed a hand over his face. “I thought you were shy, Mila? You were fearless.”

“She provoked me. I wasn’t going to let her disparage you or me.”

“I wish you hadn’t goaded her.”