Book one | Alexa Harvey, a celebrated actress known for her fierce independence and uncompromising nature, has always steered clear of the sports world. But when her latest film role requires her to shadow Jude Bellingham, a rising football star wit...
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The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains of Alexa's hotel room, casting a soft, golden hue over the messy bed where she lay. Her head pounded with the remnants of last night's alcohol, the memories a blur of heated glances, flirtatious banter, and a kiss that had left her breathless.
She reached for her phone on the bedside table, groaning when she saw the time. It was already late, and she knew she should get up, but the weight of everything that had happened kept her pinned to the mattress.
She replayed the events of the previous night in her mind, lingering on the feel of Jude's lips against hers, the way his hands had held her as if she were something precious. It had been an unexpected moment, one that left her feeling disoriented, unsure of where they stood now.
They had returned to the party afterward, laughing, drinking, and stealing glances that spoke of something more than mere attraction. But now, in the harsh light of day, Alexa couldn't help but feel a creeping sense of unease.
Rolling over, she reached for her phone again and noticed a flurry of missed calls and messages from her agent, Simon. Her heart sank, the uneasy feeling solidifying into a knot of dread. She sat up quickly, swiping through the notifications.
-We need to talk ASAP. -Call me as soon as you see this. -What the hell happened, Alexa?
The last message sent a chill down her spine. What did he mean, "what happened"? She quickly dialed Simon's number, her fingers trembling slightly. He picked up on the first ring.
"Alexa," he barked, his tone a mixture of anger and disbelief. "Do you have any idea what kind of mess we're in right now?"
She frowned, trying to make sense of his words. "Simon, what are you talking about? What mess?"
He let out a frustrated sigh. "You haven't checked the news, have you? Hell, I've been fielding calls all morning. Your name is all over the place, and not in a good way."
Panic surged through her. "What happened? Just tell me!"
Simon paused, his voice softening slightly as he continued. "The studio dropped you, Alexa. They pulled you from the project. They're citing 'irreconcilable differences' and 'unprofessional behavior.' It's all over the tabloids. Everyone is talking about it."
The blood drained from Alexa's face. "What? That's not possible... I mean, I haven't done anything that could—"
But then it hit her. The pieces began to fall into place, each one landing with a painful thud. The tense interactions with Jude, the mounting frustrations, the rumors circulating during filming.
Her voice trembled as she asked the question that was forming in the back of her mind, even though she already knew the answer.
