Total pages in book: 65
Estimated words: 60750 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 304(@200wpm)___ 243(@250wpm)___ 203(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 60750 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 304(@200wpm)___ 243(@250wpm)___ 203(@300wpm)
“Always,” Marina answers, already tugging me toward the nearest bar. Once we’re standing at the bar I relax even more, thrilled by the way no one seems to notice that I exist. It’s a freeing feeling, going completely unnoticed, and soon enough I’m ordering a frozen margarita like I’m just another patron. Marina seems like she’s right at home too, gracefully warding off the attention of some DJ who comes up to her, trying to strike up a conversation.
I smile to myself, happy with how things seem so normal right now, even though I know so much is changing in our lives. At least, at this moment, Marina and I are just regular best friends again. I’m not the next best thing in music, and Marina isn’t mere moments away from walking the runway at the Oscars, her acceptance speech tucked into a small, designer purse at her side.
“…Alyssa Smith?” An older man, who looks like he’s about Gregory’s age, comes up to me at the bar. He has a suave air surrounding him, making me think that he works in marketing or PR, a field where he’s used to having to charm people upfront.
“That’s me.” I nod over at him and take another sip of my drink.
“I’m Harrison,” he replies. “You know, Gregory has told me so much about you, but he never mentioned how beautiful you are in person.”
Barf.
Okay, this guy is definitely in marketing or PR.
“That’s probably because Gregory sees me more like a daughter,” I say, hoping that he gets the hint. “I’m young enough to be one of his kids, pretty sure.”
“Oh, so is that how you’re going to play this?” Harrison smirks. “You’re going to pretend like it’s not a huge deal to have me talking to you right now? In a room full of people who would kill to have me on their team?”
“Sorry to say,” I reply. “I seriously have no idea who you are. I only came to this thing because Gregory made it sound like I needed to show my face—”
“Show your face, huh,” he says, an unreadable look in his eyes. “We can show more than that. Why don’t you come back to my place with me,” he continues, “and I can let you get to know me better?”
Eww.
I take a sip of my margarita and narrow my eyes. “No, thanks.”
“I can make it worth your while, Alyssa,” he presses on. “Don’t be so hasty. If you think you’re going to get to the top of anything, any career at all, but especially one in front of the public, you should have someone on your side when it comes to the press. You know that one bad story can kill a young career. That’s the reason why I’m such a good friend to make.”
“I just want to make music, Harrison,” I reply. “I’m not…I don’t really have it in me to get involved with the politics of everything. Besides, I’m sure there’s another woman here who would kill to be talking to you tonight, but I’m just…it’s just not for me.”
“And that is what makes me want you even more.” His teeth flash as the lighting in the warehouse strobes. “When all is said and done, I always get what I want, Alyssa Smith.”
There’s something about the way Harrison is looking over at me, a glint in his eye, like I’m just another source of prey and he’s the apex predator. It’s so unnerving that I fight the urge to run away from the conversation, hoping to find safety on the other side of the room. I then watch in shock as Harrison reaches a hand down toward my waist, resting his palm against the side of my dress, the motion so intimate that it almost makes me sick. Instinctively, I want to pull away from him, but something suddenly clicks inside of my brain.
What happens if I just tell this creep to get the hell away from me?
Is this Harrison guy powerful enough to ruin my career? Is he prominent enough to turn my name into nothing, to spread rumors, to make me out to be some desperate singer who came onto him first? My stomach turns.
Instead of moving away from him, I let out a nervous chuckle, unsure of what I’m supposed to do next. “You really don’t give up, do you?” I say, my voice coming out weaker than I intend it to sound. The colored beams of light shift again and the area around us suddenly darkens.
“Let’s just say that I don’t like taking no for an answer,” he replies, my skin prickling under his fingers that are now trailing down toward my thigh. “In business or pleasure.” He licks his lips. “This is a beautiful dress, by the way. I know the designer. He’s a close friend, actually. I can have him make you whatever you want.”