Page 17 of The Devil of Hollywood

“You look amazing in baby blue. It’s a pretty color on you. It brings out your eyes.” I paused as I steered us around a businessman who was digging through his wallet. “Just stick by me and try to relax. You’re going to love her.”

A small squeal had me smiling bigger as I weaved us through the lobby. Through the random people, I could see her at the front desk. She was talking to the woman behind the counter, going back to say something to one of the men. Just seeing Jenn again made my heart race. It did every time we met. She was more than an author to me. More than a friend. She was a creator of characters that helped me through moments I never thought I’d make it through. She had saved me, and she didn’t even know how much.

“Here’s your key card. Please let us know if there’s anything you need.”

“Thank you.” Jenn turned, about to say something when her eyes grew round. “Marian!”

She launched herself forward, and I closed the distance, hugging around her tightly.

“You made it. I was hoping you would.” She pulled back. “Last we talked, you said you were going to try to come, but you weren’t certain you could.”

“And miss my opportunity to meet you again? Never. I brought a friend. She just started Slade.”

Jenn turned to Penny, surprise on her face. “A new reader. What do you think so far?”

“I’m obsessed,” Penny gushed. “I’ve never read anything like it. I think I’m in love.”

Jenn’s smile wavered as she glanced to me and then over to one of the men standing a few feet away. My attention mostly stayed on Jenn, but her expression had me zeroing in on who she was looking at. “I’m so happy to hear that. I take it this wasn’t planned.”

“Planned?”

Penny was confused, but I couldn’t speak. Hell, I couldn’t breathe. Was my heart even beating? The pulse had stopped, but I wasn’t sure it ever started up again. I saw nothing but him. Nothing but those green eyes that haunted my dreams.

“Marian? Marian, are you okay? God, you’re as pale as a ghost.”

My hand flattened to my stomach at Penny’s words, and I forced myself to stand taller. I didn’t cower. I feared no one. But this wasn’t just anyone. It was him. But not the man I knew. He was the Devil of Hollywood now. Mr. Sinn, my creation. He wasn’t the Drayton Pennington who loved me anymore, he was a womanizing, cut-throat Hollywood businessman, and that scared the hell out of me.

“Marian.”

One word—a million threats.

“Drayton. Quinton. Long time no see. I take it you’re both doing well.”

“Better than ever,” Drayton’s full lips pulled back as he smiled, but I wasn’t sure if it held good or bad intentions.

I quickly turned to Jenn. “Not planned, I assure you. I should go. I just wanted to introduce Penny. She was so excited when she saw you.”

“Of course. It was nice meeting you Penny. I’m so glad you’re both here. We’ll talk again soon.” Jenn stepped back, grabbing the cart. “For now, I should head up to my room. It’s been a long flight. Marian, call me later. We’ll discuss the schedule. Quinton, Drayton, it was good seeing and meeting you.”

“You too, Jenn. Take care.”

Jenn waved at the men. “I will, thank you.”

She threw me a look, winking as she headed away. My pulse was back, and my adrenaline was spiking, making me shake in lieu of my racing heart. I nodded a silent goodbye to Drayton and Quinn, barely able to get my feet to work as I turned.

“Running again, I see.”

I stopped, looking over my shoulder and slowly circling back to face Drayton. Penny stepped in closer, grabbing my forearm as she moved in next to me. I could feel her fear. Or was that mine?

“You’re mistaken. I didn’t run the first time. I’m not running now.”

“Could have fooled me. Prove it.” Drayton’s powerful body didn’t escape my notice as he came forward. Dark hair was styled, and the top of the black button-up was undone, exposing just the hint of his chest. The black slacks and dress shoes only enhanced his towering height as he got closer. “You say you’re not running, but I beg to differ. If I’m wrong, let Quinn take your friend for a drink. It won’t take long. We need to talk.”

Drayton

There was no going back. Sure, it wasn’t the smartest thing to put myself in Marian’s presence when I was about to have her taken, but it was vital for my overall plans. Especially concerning our past. The public didn’t know about the accusations, but those in the circle did. If we were going to marry, we needed a public rekindling. One so full of emotion that there was no fooling the masses when the news came out. I wasn’t guilty, and they needed to see that. To think our every move wasn’t being watched or recorded was stupid. Alibis were only as good as the evidence you had to support them. The cameras would see us together. If I was good, they’d see the moment I got Marian to question any feelings she’d ever had for me, and then it would be obvious that she lied.

“No offense, Drayton, but Penny is not going anywhere with a stranger.”