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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Alexa wasn't in the mood for a night out, but she needed a distraction—anything to take her mind off the mess her life had become.
After the confrontation with Jude, she'd spent the past few days trying to piece together some semblance of a plan. But the reality was harsh. Losing the film role was a devastating blow to her career, and every attempt to make things right had been met with closed doors and dead ends.
So when her friend, Lydia, had texted her about an event at one of the city's trendiest rooftop bars, Alexa decided to go. She needed to get out of her own head, if only for a few hours.
The bar was one of those ultra-chic spots where the crowd was beautiful, the music was loud, and the drinks were overpriced. It was exactly the kind of place where she could blend into the background and forget about everything—if only for a little while.
She arrived fashionably late, as usual, and immediately spotted Lydia holding court by the bar. Lydia was in her element, surrounded by a group of admirers, laughing and sipping on what looked like a martini. As Alexa approached, Lydia's face lit up.
"There she is!" she exclaimed, pulling Alexa into a quick hug. "I was starting to think you wouldn't show."
"I needed to get out of the house," Alexa replied, forcing a smile. "Thanks for dragging me out."
"Anytime," Lydia said, handing her a drink. "You look amazing, by the way. No one would ever guess you've been dealing with that... situation."
Alexa took a sip of her drink, relishing the cool burn of the alcohol. "It's been a rough week."
"I can imagine," Lydia said, her expression sympathetic. "But you're Alexa Harvey. You'll bounce back."
"I wish I had your confidence," Alexa said, glancing around the crowded bar. The rooftop was packed with the usual mix of celebrities, influencers, and socialites, all vying for attention. She was about to make a comment about the scene when something—or rather, someone—caught her eye.
Jude.
Of all the places in the city, of course, he had to be here. He stood near the far end of the bar, looking effortlessly cool in a black leather jacket and a fitted white T-shirt. He was talking to a group of people—other footballers, from the look of them—but his eyes drifted over the crowd, and then they landed on her.
For a moment, their gazes locked across the rooftop. Alexa's heart skipped a beat, an irritating reminder of the effect he still had on her, despite everything. She quickly looked away, trying to focus on Lydia's conversation, but it was no use. She could feel his presence, like a magnetic pull she couldn't quite resist.
Lydia followed her gaze and raised an eyebrow. "Isn't that the guy from...?"
"Yep," Alexa said, cutting her off before she could say Jude's name. "That's him."
