The man shouted back, “I’m not the one dicking around on the hottest girl in the world! What the hell are you thinking!”
Turning away from him, Kellan muttered, “I’m married to the hottest girl in the world, and I would never dick around on her, asshole.”
Even though my body felt numb with cold dread, I looped my arm around Kellan’s waist and smiled up at him. “Maybe it wasn’t the smartest move . . . but I’m so glad you decked that guy.”
Putting his arm around me, Kellan looked back at the man still taking our picture. “Me too.”
Holding our heads high, the two of us walked back to our taxi. All of my attempts to keep myself out of the spotlight were in vain; I was out now. Thanks to that jerk-off’s high-grade telephoto lens, my intimate moment with Kellan was about to be front page news. They would all know my face. My anonymity was gone, along with a good chunk of my freedom. I couldn’t hide in plain sight, not anymore. The crazy, obsessed Kell-Sex fans were all going to know about me. It was only a matter of time.
When we got back to the venue, I thought we’d be hustling into the warmth and safety of our bus. But Kellan had other plans. Holding my hand, he led us to Sienna’s bus. I tensed—not sure if I wanted to go in there—but Kellan’s face was as stormy as the low-hanging clouds in the sky, and I knew I couldn’t miss this confrontation.
Calling Sienna’s name, Kellan pounded on her door. Just as I began to believe that she was out, or waiting for the show to start at our swanky hotel, Thing 1 opened the bus door. After eying us for any visible weapons, he stood aside to let us in. Once I walked inside, I wondered why Sienna ever left this place. It was luxury on wheels. Smooth leather couches lined the sides of the front half of the bus. The back of the bus had plush reclining seats facing a giant TV. There was a full kitchen off to the side, and from what I could tell, no sleeping cubbies. I was positive that Sienna’s room in the back was finer than most studio apartments. I suddenly felt like I’d been living in squalor these last few weeks.
Sienna was draped across one of the couches reading a fashion magazine. She looked up at our entrance. “Kellan, Kiera, what a nice surprise.” Her eyes darted to the window, most likely checking for photographers. “What can I help you with this fine afternoon?”
Kellan stormed over to stand right in front of her. Thing 2 rose from his recliner in the back, clearly not liking the look on Kellan’s face. “Did you set us up?”
I snapped my eyes to Kellan, not realizing he’d jumped to that conclusion. It was a completely plausible scenario, though, and I shifted my gaze to stare at Sienna. Had she set us up? Sienna tilted her head, confusion on her comely face. “What on earth are you talking about? And did the two of you take a fully clothed shower? You’re absolutely soaked.” She snapped a finger and put her hand over her shoulder. On command, her bodyguard brought her towels from a closet in the hallway. She handed them to us while Kellan answered her question.
“Kiera and I were ambushed by some asshole with a camera. I ended up clocking him, but not before he snapped Kiera’s picture.”
Sienna gave him a knowing smirk. “Those little insects can be quite intrusive, can’t they? Well, don’t worry too much about hitting him. I’ll have my people take care it. Toss them enough money, and nine times out of ten the paparazzi won’t seek legal damages.”
While I squeezed the water out of my hair, Kellan narrowed his eyes. “You tip him off?”
Sienna pouted as her dark eyes searched his face. “I had no idea where you went. How could I possibly give someone your location, if I didn’t know it?”
Kellan’s eyes narrowed as he studied her. “I never know if you’re telling me the truth, or if you’re feeding me bullshit.” I hid my smile. I never knew that either. And, just for that reason alone, I knew Sienna would never have him. Even if something happened to me tomorrow, and the pathway to his heart was clear, Kellan would never date someone that he couldn’t trust.
Ready to leave, Kellan tossed our towels on the couch and pulled me toward the door. Seemingly irritated, Sienna reiterated, “I had nothing to do with this. I’m not some mastermind out to sabotage your relationship. I just roll with whatever life gives me, and I suggest that the both of you learn to do the same.”