The Actress and the Aristocrat by Katie Ashley

Epilogue: Charlie

Staring into the lighted mirror before me, I watched the makeup artist put the final touches on my look. As I stared at my reflection, I couldn’t help thinking, “Wow, is that me?!” It was a good thing since tonight was such an important night. Just two short hours from now, Remains of the Season would be released to the world at its film premiere.

To say I was a bundle of both nerves and excitement would be an understatement. This was my first real movie—the first with an A-list premiere. But even more than that, it was my first official appearance with Rand since our infamous unveiling.

After thanking the stylist for my epic transformation, I rose out of the chair. I held up the hem of the silk robe I was wearing and headed out of the bathroom. When I opened the bedroom door, Rand stood in front of the antique mirror, fiddling with his cufflinks.

I stood there gawking at him for a moment. Seeing him in a tux always took my breath away. He caught my gaze in the mirror, and I couldn’t help whistling. “Why Earl Whittingham, you look positively edible tonight.”

With a grin, he turned around. “I believe it’s the gentleman who is supposed to do the complimenting.” He crossed the room to join me. After taking a long, leisurely appraisal of me, he pronounced, “You are breathtaking.”

“I’m still in my bathrobe,” I teased.

“You’re the most beautiful woman in the world no matter what you wear.”

And just like that I was breathless. “Thank you.”

After flashing a cocky grin at me, Rand replied, “You’re very welcome.” Always the Type A, he then said, “How are we doing on time?”

“Good. I just need to put my dress on, and I’ll be ready to roll.” Glancing over at the bed, I eyed the gorgeous designer original that my stylist had laid out for me. It was navy blue with a beaded bodice and then a flowy tulle bottom. I’d felt just like a princess when I’d tried it on for my last fitting. Of course, when I was on Rand’s arm, maybe I was more of a countess, than a princess.

When I finally tore my gaze away from my dress and back to Rand, I found him still working on his cufflinks. I knew just exactly what was going on with him. “Nervous?”

With a scowl, he grunted, “Of course not.”

I bit down on my lip to keep from laughing at his false bravado. After all, Rand was never a fan of the press, least of all a crowd. It was only because of his love for me that he was throwing himself to the wolves, so to speak, with the insanity that is a film premiere.

The last few months after our unmasking had been a whirlwind. Whatever fear I’d had about Eliza harming my career was completely unfounded because the scripts had been pouring in. After a few weeks together in both London and Sutherlin House, it was time for our first goodbye. I had to head stateside to Oklahoma for six weeks to film my next project. It had been hard being away from Rand, especially so early in our relationship. Thankfully, he had managed to visit for two weeks. I’d also brought him into the present by having him use Facetime. We were certainly enjoying some sexy times on screen.

Then the studio had decided to cash in on all the press surrounding Rand’s and my relationship by pushing up the release date for Remains of the Season. In a truly insane gesture, Rand offered to host the premiere at the estate. When I’d questioned him why he would want his privacy invaded, he’d merely shrugged. “It’s not like I haven’t already had a bunch of actors and a film crew here before.”

During the last forty-eight hours, there had been a flurry of activity. A giant tent had been erected on the lawn that housed an enormous screen. Chairs with velvet padding had been set up in rows within the tent. The catering trucks began arriving this afternoon. I couldn’t believe the studio was putting on such a spectacle. At the same time, I was enjoying the hell out of it. Most of all, I was enjoying having time with my man.

Glancing between Rand and the cufflinks he kept messing with, I said, “You know, it’s okay if you are nervous.

Rand grunted. “Would you stop coddling me? After having someone do my hair and shave me, I already feel emasculated enough.”

“Quit whining. A hundred years ago you would’ve had a valet who would’ve even dressed you.”

“My father had a valet for many years.”

“Why am I not surprised, Posh Spice?” I teased. At Rand’s somewhat amused snort, I slid between him and the dresser. As I stared up at him, I placed a hand on his cheek. “Seriously, you know, it’s okay to not be thrilled at the prospect of being in front of the press again.”

“I think my last jaunt in front of the press was pretty spectacular,” he countered.

I giggled. “Yes, so do I. But they’re still a pain in the arse to deal with.”

“Charlie, I can assure you it’s not the press that I’m anxious about.”

“Okay, then why have you yet to master your cufflinks?” Before Rand could answer, it hit me. “It’s Cas, isn’t it?” The flash of disgust in his eyes confirmed my assumption.

“Randall Whittingham, you can’t possibly be jealous of a tosser like that!” Being around Rand kept a steady stream of Britishisms in my vocabulary.

With a roll of his eyes, Rand replied, “I can assure you that jealousy is not the emotion I feel when confronted with him. If anything, I’m indebted to him for bringing you into my life.”

I smiled at his reference to me throwing the vase at Cas. “Yes, I suppose we do owe him.”

“After the way he treated you, I also owe him a punch in the face.”

Laughing, I replied, “Very true.”

He stared intently into my eyes. “The reason I’m tense about Cas is the thought

of seeing the two of you together on film. Most of all, it’s about seeing your…” His expression soured as he tried to make out the rest of the words.

Even though I knew he was heading to Cas and my sex scene, I couldn’t resist teasing him. “My bad acting?”

“Of course not.”

“My fake accent?”

The corners of his lips quirked. “I think your uncanny ability at an upper-class British accent has been well established.

After nodding, I tapped my chin. “Ah, could it be my love scene?”

Randall answered with a low growl as his arms came to encircle my waist. “The thought of having to sit idly by as you pretend to be in love that wanker is nauseating.” With a shudder, he added, “But then seeing him put his hands and mouth on you is infuriating.”

“I know. Trust me, after everything that happened between us, I’m not looking forward to those scenes either.”

“You know, I have something in mind that might relax you.” I then brought my hand between us to cup his crotch. It jumped beneath my touch.

A low growl came from Rand’s throat. “Don’t tease me.”

“Who said I was?” I replied as I continued working him over his tux pants.

“Have you forgotten we need to be downstairs?”

I grinned wickedly up at him. “There’s always time for a quickie.”

Rand’s lust-filled stare sent moisture pooling between my thighs. The man could do so much to me with just a look. Of course, his hands, tongue, and cock were pretty extraordinary as well.

Without another word, he crushed his lips against mine. His hands came to my waist to loosen the ties on my robe. Once he had it undone, he started pushing me back against the dresser. Rand pulled his mouth from mine to start kissing a hot trail down my chin. His breath scorched against my neck. “Fuck, Charlie. You drive me wild,” he mumbled, as I fumbled with the button and zipper on his tux. “I think I could have you every fucking day and never get enough.”

“I feel the same way,” I panted.

Opening the folds of the robe, his hand then brushed against the front of my panties. A smirk stretched across his face. “Hmm, already soaked for me?”

“Yes,” I panted, as he began working his fingers over my mound.

“I must drive you pretty wild too, eh?”

I grinned. “Oh, yes.”

After tugging my panties down my thighs and off my legs, Rand grabbed me by the waist and hoisted me onto the dresser. The surface felt cool under my ass as Rand’s fingers teased along my thighs, causing me to shiver.

I leaned forward to push his tux pants further down his hips. With his ass exposed, I smacked one of the firm globes with my hand. “I want you inside me. Right now,” I ordered.

Rand chuckled. “Your wish is my command.”

He departed from me momentarily to grab a condom. When he returned, he took one hand and reached between us and took hold of his erection while his other hand slid around my waist, flattening against my back. He then pulled me closer to the edge of the dresser where I was rewarded with feeling his dick rub against my slick slit.

As his mouth met mine, he continued to tease me with rubbing his erection up and down my clit. The friction began to drive me mad. Tearing my lips away from his, I panted, “Now, Rand.”

He obliged me by thrusting hard into me until he buried himself balls deep inside my walls. I moaned in pleasure, grabbing the strands of hair at the back of his neck and tugging hard. This caused Rand to hiss as he pulled out to slam back into me. He did that delicious torture several more times, causing me to shriek.

As he sped up his pace, my back banged into the mirror on the dresser. Slick skin slapping together meshed with the sound of the bottles on the dresser crashing and clanking together. Reaching behind him, I grabbed his ass and pressed him tighter to me. As he sank deeper, Rand moaned and bit down on my shoulder, causing me to shudder. “Harder, oh fuck me harder, Rand,” I cried, clutching at him.

He obliged me by banging harder and faster into me. Biting down on my lip, I started feeling the familiar fluttering beginning. With a cry of pleasure, I came hard. As I rode out my pleasure, I gripped Rand’s shoulders. After a few more pumps, he finished shortly after me.

Just as we were catching our breath, a knock came at the door. “Ten minutes, Ms. Monroe.”

I froze in horror. “Okay!” I called. Glancing over my shoulder, I surmised my appearance in the mirror. My hair was still good. Makeup was surprisingly not smudged. I would definitely need more lipstick though. And some body spray or perfume to mask the potential sex musk.

“Come on. Let’s hurry,” Rand instructed.

After he disposed of the condom and readjusted his tux, he helped me down off the dresser. Once I’d made a quick bathroom trip to freshen up my top and tail, I came back out, and he helped me into my dress.

Shaking his head, Rand said, “You look just like a queen.”

I laughed. “A queen? I just thought I was a princess.”

“You’re the queen of my heart and more than qualified to be a countess.”

My heart skipped a beat. “You think so?”

“I know so.” He took a step towards me. “Charlie, I—”

Another knock at the door interrupted him. “Ms. Monroe, it’s time.”

Although I knew it wasn’t their fault, I wanted to scream at the person at the door. Instead, I slid my arm through Rand’s and said, “Ready?”

He nodded. “Ready.”

For the restof the evening, I felt like I was waltzing around in a fantasy world. It truly was that magical. It wasn’t just that it was my first red carpet experience for a major film. It was about having someone by my side who I truly loved with all my mind, body, and soul.

Of course, the reporters had to bring up the story of Rand’s and my fake romance. Thankfully, their questions were all respectful. By the end of the press line, Rand was fielding questions like a pro. Just when I thought I couldn’t love him anymore than I already did, his retelling of our romance made me warm all over.

We managed to avoid Cas during the red carpet, and thankfully, whoever handled the seating arrangements had put us far away from each other. Of course, he had some blonde bimbo on his arm whose enormous boobs were overflowing her dress. After filming, I hadn’t kept up much with him in the last few months.

When the movie started, it was truly surreal watching myself on the screen. I know many actors can’t stand to see their own movies because they become critical of their performance. But not me. I loved each and every moment of my time on screen. Well, maybe not the moments I had to love Cas.

Rand appeared to be engrossed in the movie. From time to time, he would glance over at me with a smile and murmur, “Amazing.”

The only time he wasn’t complimentary was during Cas and my sex scene. With his jaw clenched, he stared down at his hands. At his stiff posture, I reached over to take his hand in mine. After a reassuring squeeze, I kept my gaze on his until the scene ended.

Once the movie was over, it was time for the after party on the front lawn. Tents were set up with food and drinks. Even though I knew he hated small talk, Rand stayed by my side as we made the rounds. By the time we finally sat down to eat, I was exhausted from the ego trip I’d just taken. Everyone was raving about my performance. Other cast members told me to get ready for my career to explode.

As the clock drew closer to midnight, my stomach was full, my feet ached in my heels, and I had a slight headache from all the champagne. The crowd had dissipated until only a small few were left. Rand said, “I think I’ll check on the main floor to see if we have any stragglers.”

“Want me to come with you?”

He smiled. “Please.”

I slipped my hand into his and let him lead me back into the main house. Once we got inside, I took my heels off and then walked barefoot along the marble floors.

Glancing down the hall, Rand said, “What is the library door doing open?”

“Some jackass probably didn’t read the sign not to go beyond the main hall,” I replied as I followed him down the hall.

When we stepped into the library, Rand turned on the light. “All empty,” I pronounced.  Just as I turned to leave, I saw a very familiar table bedecked with dozens of roses and flickering candles.

At the click of the door closing behind me, I whirled around to see Rand smiling at me. “I’ve thought of a million places to do this. Maybe in an exotic location or even at your family’s farm. But nothing felt as right as this one did.”

My heartbeat broke into a wild gallop. “Oh God,” I murmured. Was what I think was about to happen actually happening? Was Rand proposing?

“I know it’s only been eight months since we first met. Some would argue that’s far too soon to be thinking of spending the rest of your life with someone.” He shook his head. “But it didn’t take me long to realize there isn’t another woman in the whole world I’d ever want to share my last name and my world.”

Tears stung my eyes at his words. “I know just how you feel.”

Taking my hand, Rand led me over to the table. “Once upon a time, a vase sat on this table. But then one day a very fiery, yet amazing woman decided to hurl said vase at an arsehole who had wronged her.”

With a laugh, I replied, “That’s a good summation.”

“If not for the vase and the extraordinary woman who threw it, I would still be a lonely and miserable bastard.” As his hand reached over to the table, I noticed a small velvet box in the center of the roses.

After kneeling down, Rand gazed up at me with an adoring smile. “Charlotte Monroe, would you do me the honor of being my wife and life partner.”

Rand’s appearance grew wavy through the tears. “Yes, Randall Halsey, Earl Whittingham. I would love nothing more than to be your wife and life partner.”

When Rand cracked the black box, I gasped at the sight of the enormous diamond with its glittering band. “It’s beautiful.”

“Only the best for you, my love,” Rand replied as he slipped it on my finger.

After kissing my hand, he rose up to take me in his arms. “Here’s to the rest of our happily ever after.”

“To us, a vase, and the arsehole who made me the happiest woman in the world.”