Running from His Claim (Beauty and the Beast #2)

Chapter 21

I was getting frustrated.

I stood on the stage with my hands on my hips, glaring at Victor. He stood off to the side, away from everyone, and smirked back at me. He was leaning against the wall with his arms and ankles crossed and his head tilted, the very picture of mischief. Everyone was watching the fight.

"Do you want to write a different play?" I suggested.

"Love to, doll."

I rolled my eyes and turned to Mitch. "Can we ignore him, please?"

Mitch nodded, throwing a venomous glare at Vic, who just winked back. Mitch visibly paled. "Uh, sure. From the top, everyone!"

"And you!" I rounded on my best friend. "If you yell 'Cut' one more time I'll kill you!"

He grinned wickedly. He'd been yelling it at odd moments without giving a single reason.

We were working on the second to last scene, the one in Maria's living room. She was going to have a talk with Detective Jasper Morris, kiss him, then fight with Deke Rainer and kiss him too.

To be honest, I was nervous. Over the last couple of weeks I had gotten to know Liam pretty well. He was a laid back, funny guy who was easy to get along with. Still, the thought of kissing him... I shook my nerves out as the scene began again and I was Maria.

I walked across the stage to the center and dropped my imaginary bag on the couch - one of the props making up my living room. I ran my hands over my hair in stress, still thinking about the disaster of a proposal tonight. After a short soliloquy wondering what answer to give Deke, there was the noise of a doorbell. I sighed then called, "It's open!"

The detective stepped in and I drew a sharp, startled breath, then stared at him guiltily. He walked in urgently and said, "You really shouldn't leave you door open at night, you know."

I knew I was safe because my boyfriend owned all the criminal activities in this town. I couldn't be safer if I tried. "Hello, Jasper," I said instead, getting myself under control. "What brings you here so late?"

"I had to check on you," he said softly, raking a hand through his light brown locks, and I nearly swooned. You know, intense Liam was gorgeous... His light brown eyes zeroed in on me as he gave me a small smile. "To make sure that you're okay."

I nodded quickly. "I'm fine. You shouldn't have come, you could be in danger if anyone saw you. You told me that this operation is too important, remember? Being anywhere near me isn't part of the plan."

He took a step closer and I fought the urge to back up. "I know, but I couldn't stay away." He dropped his eyes, controlling himself. "Don't worry, though. Everything's ready for the sting tomorrow." He placed his hands on my shoulders and drew me closer. "Are you ready? If you can't do this -"

My frown smoothed out - he was only worried about his operation. "No, it's okay. I can do this." I think. "Besides, I'm the key, right? I'll keep him distracted as promised."

"You're so brave," he breathed, and I frowned again at his burning look. "After this you won't have to see him again, I promise. And... I'll take care of you, I'll give you the best life I can. If you let me."

My eyes widened in dawning realisation. "Jasper -"

He leaned in at the same time Victor yelled, "Cut!"

Liam froze, his eyes widening. I spun round to Victor. "What exactly is your problem?!"

He pushed off the wall and stepped forward, his face a blank mask. "He shouldn't kiss her, not yet."