What I feared was what was going to happen when it was all over. Would our relationship be strong enough to withstand the drama-seeking and lies from the tabloids? We were going to find out very soon.
CHAPTER12
ETHAN
ONE WEEK LATER
The movie was about to wrap up, and I was thankful I made it through Peyton and Robert’s kissing scene without storming the set and punching the douchebag in the face. I watched the entire scene, trying my damndest not to laugh. The pansy-ass bastard hated the kiss and stormed away in disgust when it was over. Peyton had eaten a salad for lunch and made sure it had plenty of onions and tuna.
The woman was ruthless.
However, if the movie had been on more of the R-rated side, I honestly didn’t know how I’d be able to handle watching bedroom scenes if I were to stay her bodyguard. I hated the thought, but I wasn’t about to tell her that. Acting was her job; it had been that way long before I came along.
Would it be nice if she starred in movies that didn’t require her to kiss other men? You’re damn right, but that was the business. That was what made relationships in Hollywood hard. Peyton warned me, but I was determined not to let it mess with my head. I trusted her; it was just the men I had a problem with.
Everywhere I went with her on set, the men gawked at her, the lust clearly showing on their faces. Of course, Peyton wanted to keep everything a secret for now, but as soon as our relationship was out in the open, I was going to make damn sure everyone knew she was mine.
My cell vibrated in my pocket, and I pulled it out to see Ripp’s name on the screen. “Hey, man,” I answered.
“What’s up? You still in Asheville?”
I watched Peyton as she hugged the director and everyone else in the movie. The front lawn of the Biltmore House was packed with the film crew and trailers for the actors.
“Yep. The film just wrapped. Peyton’s saying goodbye to everyone right now, and then we’re headed to the coast.”
“Nice. You know I still can’t believe you two are dating.”
“Neither can I. I didn’t see it coming.”
“That’s because you never paid attention to her. She’s changed a lot the past couple of years.”
That she has.
“So, what’s up with you? How’s Vegas without me?”
Ripp snorted. “Better than ever. I’m getting all the women. I don’t have to compete with you anymore,” he laughed.
I chuckled with him. “No, you don’t.”
It felt like those times were so long ago now. While it was fun doing whatever I wanted with whoever I wanted, I didn’t give a shit about that anymore. All I could think about was Peyton.
“No worries. I just thought I’d call and tell you about my night. I won close to half a million with my fight. Michelson’s been bringing in some major clientele to the Labyrinth.”
“How’s Kase handling that?” I asked.
The club was his livelihood. He was stepping into some pretty deep waters getting Seth’s people in there.
Ripp sighed. “Fine, I think. He’s getting a cut of the money, so I’d say he’s doing pretty damn well. I mean, shit, he’s reaping the rewards without having to do anything. Off my fight alone, he got a hundred grand. That’s not counting all the other fights scheduled last night.”
“Fucking shit,” I said, keeping my voice low. I didn’t want anyone on the set to hear me. “That’s insane.”
“Tell me about it. The money is flowing out here in Vegas. I think I’m going to stay a little longer. Sin City definitely has its perks.”
I wanted to be happy for him, but something nagged at my gut like he should be cautious with his actions.
“Be safe out there, okay? I don’t want you getting in over your head.”
He laughed. “I’m not. Although, I do think I should tell you something that’s got me concerned.”