I hide my irritation behind a smile.
I didn’t think she was filming on location; I was assured she was filming on location. That’s the only reason I agreed to do this little project my agent suggested. Said it would open all kinds of doors for me. I’m not too concerned about that right now, but I’m a smart enough guy to realize that I won’t be able to fight forever. At twenty-eight, my time as a viable champ in the MMA is getting shorter with every passing day. These acting gigs and paid appearances are just retirement for me. I’ve got more money than I should ever need now, but I’m not stupid enough to pass up good opportunities when they present themselves. So here I am.
And, damn it, so is Victoria.
She was fun for about a minute until I realized, like so many of the others, that she’s a clingy, demanding princess who will use any weapon at her disposal to manipulate people. People being me, in this case.
She found out in a hurry that I’m not the type to be led around by some top-shelf * with nothing in her eyes but dollar signs and photo ops. Unfortunately, she doesn’t catch on to subtlety very quickly, nor does she give up very easily. And now here I am, stuck in a six-episode contract that will put me within claw distance of this beautiful yet vapid vixen.
I glance over Victoria’s shoulder to see Katie watching us, an odd expression on her face. If I didn’t know better, I’d say it was a mixture of disappointment and disgust. And, judging by the rebellious jut of her rounded chin, maybe a little determination, too.
No idea why the hell her disappointment or disgust would bother me, but it does. Something tells me she’s the kind that’s the opposite of Victoria in every way, including her looks.
It’s obvious from her comments to her friend Mona that she’s not the least bit impressed by me. But even so, I saw a little fire in her eyes when I got close. It was reluctant as hell, but it was there nonetheless. It’s that glimpse of heat, that tiny spark that makes me want to see her melt like butter in my hands. If she’s determined to resist any attraction she might feel, then I’m even more determined to make sure she can’t.
FIVE
Katie
“Change of plans,” Victoria purrs, drawing Rogan’s attention back to her face, only inches from his. “I’ll be very close while you’re here.”
There’s a long, tense pause during which I work to suppress my gag reflex.
“Well, I need to get upstairs,” Mona blurts. She’s possibly even less fond of Victoria than I am. “But I need coffee first. I’ll bring you some on my way back by,” she directs at me.
I turn grateful eyes to my friend. “That’d be great. Thank you.”
“Any for you, Mr. Rogan?” she asks, raising her voice and purposely interrupting Victoria’s assault.
Rogan leans around his vicious ex-girlfriend and smiles pleasantly at Mona. “Just Rogan, remember?” He winks at Mona and I think I can actually see her knees buckle a little.
“Rogan, then. Coffee?”
“No, thanks. I try to stay away from . . . artificial stimulants.”
Rogan’s eyes slide back to mine, bringing with them that undeniable heat. I don’t know what he means by that comment, but my belly tells me that it was deliciously wicked, that it was meant to stir, to incite. And, sadly, it does.
Victoria clears her throat and slithers off his lap, standing at his side and putting her body between us. In my mind, her taking steps to block me from his view confirms that his comment was meant for me. And she doesn’t like that one bit.