Risk Taker by Sonia Stanizzo

Chapter 21

In her room at the hostel, Holly checked her phone for messages. Ethan hadn’t called, he was probably too mad at her for the artistic work she’d left on his back. She was also waiting for her parents to return her call. Since they hadn’t, she tried them again. When it went to their voicemail, she didn’t bother leaving a message. Instead, she sent them an email informing them on her plans to stay in Sydney for a year to complete a makeup course and then she’d return home. She mentioned how they could come up with a plan on how she could work her makeup around the family business.

With nothing more to do, Holly went into the bathroom and showered. When she finished washing her hair, she stepped out of the stall and wrapped her body in a scratchy towel. Someone knocked on the door. Her heart gave a little leap. Ethan was the only one who knew where she was staying. Images of the sex scene on set, burst her excitement. While Ethan was in his dressing room after filming, Holly ordered an Uber to take her home. She wasn’t ready to face him and needing time to analyse her overreaction on set.

In case it wasn’t Ethan, she quickly replaced the towel with a robe and left the bathroom.

“Who is it?” she called. She couldn’t be too careful.

“It’s me.” He didn’t say his name, he didn’t have too, she’d recognise his deep voice anywhere. “Open up. The paps have followed me. I think I’ve dodged them. They’re sneaky fuckers so I can’t be sure.”

Tightening the belt on the robe, she combed her fingers through her wet hair and hoped she didn’t look like a drowned rat. Maybe it was better if she did, then he might leave her alone.

She hadn’t been prepared for the blast of jealousy that raged through her body when she saw Ethan having fake sex with Victoria. It had nearly knocked her off her feet. She knew it was only acting—very good acting because God, it looked damn convincing. She wanted to scratch Victoria’s eyes out and set fire to Ethan’s arse. Not even when she literally saw Oliver doing the deed with another woman did it stab her in the heart so deeply. She’d only known Ethan for a few days. He shouldn’t be causing such a reaction from her.

One good thing about being brought up as an Ainsworth, it taught her any public displays of emotions wouldn’t be tolerated. So, while watching them bonking like rabbits, Holly dug deep and found her self-control, and was pleased she didn’t go bat shit crazy on Victoria. But it slipped a little because she’d left her little drawing on Ethan’s back.

Victoria was still into Ethan, even though her plan was to portray a broken-up couple. Her eyes said it all. They devoured him from head to toe and every good part in between. She wanted him.

Did Ethan want Victoria too? Did he already bring his moves to her house or was that his next stop? Again, the rise of jealously and betrayal nearly choked her. Betrayal? No, they’d have to be committed to each other for her to feel like that.

“Holly, open up,” Ethan said.

She blew out a long breath, pulled back her shoulders and opened the door, blocking the entrance to the room. “What are you doing here?”

He frowned like he didn’t understand the question. He looked so handsome in his signature trousers and button shirt. This time he wore a dark green one which intensified the colour of his eyes.

“I wanted to make sure you’re okay,” he said.

“Why wouldn’t I be okay?” She leaned a shoulder casually on the door frame trying to give the impression the day hadn’t affected her. And it shouldn’t have, it’s not like they were a couple in an exclusive relationship. Dammit, it still made her jealous.

“Can I come in?”

If she said no, he’d know there was something wrong, so she moved to the side and gestured for him to enter. The smell of woodsy cologne followed him and she wanted to bury her nose in his neck.

There weren’t a lot of seating options in the room, so Ethan took the small chair next to the table and Holly sat on the edge of the bed. The robe gaped high up her thighs and his gaze zoned in on her legs. She quickly closed it.

“I wanted to talk about today’s shoot.” He dropped his elbows on his knees and leaned forward.

The tiny room didn’t give them much space between them and if she mirrored his posture, they were close enough to lock lips. She fought the temptation.

“It was hectic. Who knew filming a movie was so full-on? I’m learning something new each day. I’m grateful for the opportunity,” she rattled off.

“I’m sorry you had to watch the sex scene.” His gaze bore into her eyes.

“Pfft,” she waved his comment away like it meant nothing, “all part of the job.”

“Exactly. A job, but it upset you.”

“Why would you think that?”

His lips twitched. “Because of the giant penis you drew on my back?”

Thank God, the crew thought it was funny because she could’ve gotten into a lot of trouble. Risky to pull a stunt like that on the star of the movie. When Victoria propositioned him and he didn’t shut her down, she couldn’t control her actions.

“I shouldn’t have done that.”

“Tell me why you did.” He stared intently at her.

“I don’t know.”

“Yes, you do. Tell me,” he urged.

She threw her hands in the air. “Fine! I was jealous. I don’t know why. It wasn’t exactly a romantic setting. The crew surrounded you, coached you. It’s not like I’d walked in on the two of you during a private moment. And even if I had, I have no claim on you. This—whatever’s going on between us—is casual. Nothing more.” She glanced away for a moment. “You know what made it worse? Knowing with one touch, Victoria could have you with a snap of her fingers and it was like a punch in the gut.”

Oh God, why did she say so much? Once she opened her mouth, words spewed out. Thoughts formed in her mind and she heard herself speak them out loud before she could stop them. Now she looked like a fool. She dropped her head and plucked at a loose thread on the robe. Silence filled the room, not even the sounds from the street invaded their space. It could be the thumping of her heart drowning them out.

She couldn’t take the silence a moment longer and looked at Ethan and shrugged. “That’s why I did it. Childish. Stupid, but it’s how I was feeling.”

The intense stare he gave her made her shift on the bed.

“How are you feeling now?”

Shouldn’t he be running out of the room putting as much distance between them as possible? What she told him had crossed the line of their causal relationship. It should scare him that her feelings were shifting to something more. As he searched her face waiting for an answer, she knew she couldn’t lie to him. It would be easier if she did, make things less awkward, but she couldn’t do it. Another clue her feelings for Ethan were growing stronger every day.

“Holly, how are you feeling now?” he repeated.

She took a deep breath. “I want to pull Victoria’s hair extensions out. I’ve never felt so jealous in my life. The way you touched her, kissed her… I couldn’t stand it.”

He rose from the chair. This was it. She said too much now he’s leaving. A tight knot formed in her chest.

Scrubbing a hand behind his neck, he blew out a breath then sat next to her on the bed. Their thighs grazed together and a flash of desire flooded her veins. This man made her crazy.

“I hated that you were on set today. There’s nothing about a sex scene that’s remotely romantic or sexy. I felt like I was … cheating on you.” He rubbed his palms on his thighs, rose and paced the small room. “I had to retake scenes more than usual because I kept fucking them up. I was distracted because you were watching. I’m an actor I’m supposed to make it look real. I also didn’t want to hurt you because even though what we have is casual and I’ve only known you a few days, it feels like more than that.”

Holly’s heart tripped at his words and she couldn’t move if she tried.

“Today, when Victoria asked me to go to her house, for a second I was tempted. Not because of any desire I had to sleep with her, it’s because you were fucking with my mind.” He dug his hands in the pockets of his trousers and stopped in front of Holly. “Because you’re all I’m thinking about. I don’t know what the hell to do about it. So, for that second when she tempted me, I hesitated because I didn’t want to face my feelings for you.”

“And what are they?” She held her breath.

“I like you Holly, more than I have any woman. It slammed into me from nowhere.”

Wow! Holly hadn’t seen that coming. She was ready to see smoke trailing after him as he burned the thread bare carpet with his speed to get away from her. What she got was a declaration of… like? Not exactly romantic but more than she’d expected. He liked her more than any other woman. She could tell his own confession surprised him. It blew her away too because it made her look at her own feelings, and acknowledge how strong they were. “I like you too. A lot. The thought of you with anyone else burns me up inside. Where do we go from here? Your career…”

He dropped onto the bed next to her again. It was like bent up tension had been released from his body. “My career is important to me. I’ve worked hard to get where I am. I’m not preparing on slowing down. That’s why relationships are difficult. I tried it once… a relationship. She couldn’t handle our time apart. I hated how I hurt her. Then you came stumbling onto set, the hottest hooker I’ve ever seen and I can’t let you go.”

“I’m leaving soon.”

“Stay.”

Her heart squeezed in her chest at that one word.

“It’s not that simple.”

“Then it doesn’t matter if you’re living in Sydney or Melbourne. I’ll base myself wherever you are. Or you could come and meet me sometimes?”

Look how following a man ended last time. Working with Oliver was supposed to make up for not following her passion. If she went with Ethan, she’d be giving up the opportunity of doing something she loved.

“I’m hoping to stay in Sydney to do a makeup course. I won’t be able to go anywhere.”

“That’s fantastic. How did your parents take it?”

“I sent them an email. They haven’t responded yet. Even if they agree, I’ll still have to work for them. I’m hoping they’ll give me the flexibility to do both. So, going with you…I can’t.”

“Then I’ll fly in whenever I can.”

The conversation with Nancy warning her to be careful played heavily on her mind. He’d been so set on not letting his personal life interfere with his work, it was hard to imagine how he could have had a change of heart so quickly?”

“Let’s see where this takes us. What harm could it do?” he said and held onto her hand linking their fingers together.

It could shatter her heart into a thousand pieces if she fell hard for him and things didn’t work out. The pit of her gut told her to be careful, maybe think this through for a couple of days before she decided. He let go of her hands and grazed his fingers down her neck and over her collarbone. She shivered. His lips replaced his hands, and she tilted her head to the side. The stubble on his chin brushed over her pounding pulse and she sighed with pleasure.

“Tell me you want to try. That you want to be together,” he murmured against her neck.

A hand slid between the folds of her robe and he cupped her breast. Not fair! How was she supposed to think clearly and make such important decisions when he was touching her like that? And as he massaged and plucked at her raised nipple, she couldn’t remember why she needed time to think. She only wanted to feel. And it was Ethan she wanted. Nancy’s warning was forgotten.

“I want us to be together,” she whimpered as he spread the robe apart. He trailed a finger from her neck, around her nipples and down to her stomach.

The belt of the robe loosened, he slipped it off her shoulders and it pooled around her waist. Removing the robe so she was completely naked, she slid further up the bed until she reached the pillows.

“You’re so gorgeous,” he said, his voice low and husky.

One of the hottest men on the planet thinks she’s gorgeous. It gave her a shiver of pleasure.

“It’s time you take your clothes off,” she said.

With fast fingers, he reached for the buttons on his shirt.

“Slower,” she demanded. If he was too quick, he’d be on top of her, not that that was a bad thing, but she wanted to savour him.

He quirked an eyebrow and smiled. That sexy grin was enough to want to reach up and personally rip the clothes right off him. She controlled herself—barely. He unbuttoned his shirt slowly and tossed it on the floor. Taking his wallet from his back pocket, he pulled out a condom and threw it on the bed. The wallet followed the shirt. Tanned muscles flexed in his biceps as he reached for the fly on his pants and painfully slow, slid them down. Her breathing grew choppy as he pushed them along his legs. He’d gone commando and was ready for action.

Meeting her on the bed, he pressed his lips against hers, opening her mouth with his tongue and sliding it inside while his hands explored her body. He skimmed over her hips and between her thighs drawing a long moan from her when he reached his target between her legs. She gripped the sheets, her head back, body arching off the mattress as his fingers stroked her until she almost lost control.

As if he knew he was about to drive her over the edge, he stopped. This time, she wanted to moan with frustration but soon she sighed with delight as his lips went on an expedition. Starting with her neck, he licked her breasts and placed hot kisses over her stomach. She knew where he was heading. If he went any further south, it’d be game over. And that’s not the way she wanted things to end. She wanted to take the ride together.

Tugging at his hair, she brought him back to her, kissing him as her hands slid over his solid back and butt. He tore away to grab a condom, and then took a frustrating long moment to put it on. He positioned himself between her thighs. She sucked in a sharp breath at the contact.

Heavy breathing filled the room as he hovered over her. Their eyes locked and, in that moment, he thrust into her. They both cried out as he filled her. He dropped his head on her shoulder. Maybe like maybe he needed a moment to pull himself together? He took a deep breath before beginning to move. Their bodies slid and rocked together in rhythm. Slow at first, going deeper with each thrust. He took her over the edge little by little. Linking their fingers together he slid her hands above her head and pumped into her faster and harder. And she lost it. Her hips bucked off the mattress to thrust against him. He quickened the pace. Again, their eyes locked and she fell into the deep green pools. She hoped she could reach a lifeline if the time came to pull herself out. Then he entwined his fingers in her hair and kissed her so deep she shattered with such force, she took him along with her.