“You didn’t eat much.” Dax points at my half-eaten pomegranate chocolate dessert. “Don’t you like it? Would you like something else?”

I glance down at my food and then back up at him again. “No. It’s delicious. It’s just that I’m really full.” I purse my lips. “I kind of had something to eat before I came over.”

We’re sitting at the table in the outdoor kitchen of Dax’s penthouse. Xavier, his personal chef, had just served us a four-course meal and I don’t think I can fit anything more into my stomach. But I think my appetite also has to do with the fact that I have so much on my mind. When he asked me to come to dinner, I was both excited and nervous at the same time, as I always am whenever I’m about to meet him.

“You shouldn’t have.” He leans back. “I did say I was going to feed you.”

“Yes, you did. I just didn’t expect so much food.”

He puts down his spoon and reaches into my soul with his gaze. “Why do I get the feeling there’s something else going on? I thought you would be excited that the filming is over.”

The months that we spent filming Velvet Flame together were both thrilling and nerve-racking at the same time. I was both disappointed and relieved that we never made love again in front of the camera. With so many people around, it would’ve been too easy for someone to figure out what was happening. Since that time at the audition, Dax had been completely professional around me. Too professional for my liking.

Even though outside of work, we met a couple of times for drinks, there was always someone else with us, other cast members, producers, sometimes the director. In the brief moments where we were alone, I tried to bring up the incident, but he always found a way to kill the conversation and talk about something else. I soon came to the conclusion that perhaps that day was just a moment of weakness on his part and I shouldn’t have read too much into it.

Even though I didn’t want that to be the last time we were intimate, my mind told me it was for the best. The last thing I need is to taint my reputation just as my career is getting started. But it’s still confusing, because sometimes he looks at me in a way that makes me feel as though he wants to be more than friends. And I was even more confused when he asked me out to dinner tonight, telling me he couldn’t wait to see me.

“Of course I am.” I pause. “Do you think we did a good job?”

He gives me a bright smile. “You nailed every scene.”

I return his smile. Maybe he’s right. For a person who was very new to acting, I did receive a lot of compliments on set. The more compliments sent my way, the more confident I became in my role. Even though our sex scenes were only an act this time, being close to Dax was exhilarating, and the kisses felt real. It was easy to act as his lover given that I’m so attracted to him. Now that the film is over, I can’t help wondering whether the final product is what the producers had envisioned. One just never knows.

“Thank you again for making it possible for me to get the part, for recommending me.”

“You’re very welcome. Now it’s time you stop thanking me, Emma. I like to think we’re friends. Friends help each other.”

I wrap my arms around my body, suddenly feeling cold. “Is that what we are?” I can’t help myself. After eight months of wondering if I have a chance with him, it’s time for me to know where we stand, so I can decide whether to move on with my life or not. I do have other men interested in me, but although I had gone out on several dates, no one has stuck in my mind because Dax occupied it.

“What do you mean?” He peers at me intently, his gaze piercing through me.

I snatch a breath from the balmy evening air. It’s now or never. “Dax, I think we should discuss what happened at the audition.”

A faint smile touches his lips, but he doesn’t say a word as he continues to watch me in the candlelight.

“I know you are uncomfortable talking about it,” I continue. “Every time I bring it up, you find a way to change the subject.”

“Is that what I’ve been doing?” He blinks. “In that case, I apologize. The thing is, Emma, I like to be professional when it comes to my work. That day was not part of my plans. It shouldn’t have happened.”

I avert my gaze to hide my hurt. “So, it meant absolutely nothing to you? That’s what you’re telling me, right?”

Dax rises from his chair and comes to stand behind me, placing both hands on my shoulders. “I wouldn’t put it that way.” His fingers brush against the sides of my neck and the tips of my shoulders. “You see, Emma, it’s very hard for me to focus when you’re around. It was damn hard fighting the urge to fuck you again on camera.” He pauses and removes his hands from my body. When he speaks again, his voice is low, raw, and sexy. “Now that the filming is over things are, of course, different.”

I try not to smile as I look up. “What do you mean?” He doesn’t have to answer for me to know he means exactly what I want him to mean. But I need to hear the words. I’m in no mood to play games.

He places his lips on the top of my head for a brief moment, then steps away. “We’re done here,” he says, leaning against the railing. “I planned on feeding you more dessert, but since you’re no longer hungry, I can think of better things for us to do with our time.”

“Is that so?” I stifle a giggle.

“Yeah.” He pushes away from the railing. “There’s something I need to show you.” He reaches for my hand. I don’t think twice as I get to my feet and follow him inside.

On the way to the stairs, we walk past an antique claw foot table holding a stack of tabloid magazines. A silent shudder ripples through me when I think of the rumors being spread around about him. Some say he’s dating a supermodel, that it’s his first serious relationship. But if he’s really dating someone else, why am I here? Why would he invite me for dinner at his place? Why is he holding my hand right now? But what if the rumors are true and I’m just about to set myself up for major heartbreak?

“Is everything all right?” he asks when we reach the foot of the sweeping staircase.

“I don’t know.” I let go of his hand. “It’s just that I heard that you’re seeing someone . . . Apparently it’s serious.”

He pushes his hands into his pockets. “And you believe everything you hear? Well, I hope you will believe me when I say, everything you heard about me is not true.”

I tilt my head to one side. “So you’re single, then?”

“Let’s just say, I’m not attached to one woman . . . yet.” He reaches for my hand again. “Now do you want me to show you that thing or not?”

I banish my fears to the back of my mind and allow him to lead me up the stairs and through many hallways. We finally make it to a pair of French doors, which he pushes open with his body.

On the other side of the door is a room bigger than my entire apartment, furnished with a bed that could fit a family of six, plush carpeting, and chandeliers. Expensive artwork, portraits of Dax, and awards hang on one wall. He closes the door behind us and my pulse starts to race. My body is aware that something major is about to happen.

“Remove your clothes so I can answer your earlier question,” Dax orders.

I push a hand through my hair, giggling. “Are you serious?”

He moves to the bed and sits, his eyes fixed on me. “I never say anything I don’t mean. Do as I say. Remove those clothes before I cut them off your body.”

My temperature rises as though a fire had been lit below the surface of my skin. He has answered my earlier question without doing anything yet. He has confirmed this thing between us is real.

I don’t think twice. Since the audition of Velvet Flame, there’s only one other thing I wanted more than becoming a star—Dax Pierce. I bring my arms to my back and unzip my crimson, stretchy cocktail dress. I take my time doing it. I hold on to his gaze as my dress slides down my body and falls at my feet. I’m not wearing anything underneath. When I came over tonight, I had hoped he would want to continue what we started at the audition.

With nothing else holding me back, I place one foot in front of the other and start walking toward him. He parts his legs to allow me to wedge between them.

“You naughty girl,” he growls. As soon as the words leave his mouth, he gets to his feet fast. The next thing I know, my back is flat on his bed

“I’m always the one in the driver’s seat.” He lowers his lips to mine and devours me. The only break he takes is the time he needs to roll a condom onto himself while I lay panting on the bed, my lips throbbing from his hungry kisses.

He doesn’t waste time, doesn’t make me wait too long. With his clothes still on, he takes what he wants. I match his urgency with my own hunger for him. With each powerful thrust, everything melts into the distance—my fears, my future, my past.

He places his hands on my wrists, squeezing to the point of pain. But I don’t stop him. It feels too good. He feels so good. One hand releases my wrist and slides underneath my back, pulling me closer as he fucks me harder. His impatient hands knead my skin almost painfully, painfully beautiful.

As we orgasm right behind each other, there’s no doubt in my mind that this thing between us is magic. We are pure magic together. Now that I know he wants me as much as I want him, I decide I’m never letting him go. Dax Pierce is mine to keep.

He holds me for a long time afterwards. In the comfort of his arms, I fall asleep without planning to.

When I open my eyes after what seems to be a couple of hours, I find Dax standing next to the bed. My stomach rolls when I focus on what he’s holding.

“Whaaa . . .” I feel my eyes bulging from my head.

“Hush,” he whispers. “Don’t make any sudden movements. You’ll scare her.”

By “her”, he means the green snake inside the glass case in his arms. As I watch the animal squirm and coil itself up, my stomach turns. I’ve always been terrified of snakes.

“This is Ruby, my pet snake.”

“Why?” I shift away slowly, distancing myself from Dax and the snake. Every inch of my skin is prickling with fear. “I don’t like snakes. They scare me.”

“They scare a lot of people. Don’t be afraid. I won’t let her hurt you. I just wanted you two to meet.” He gazes down at the case. “Since you’re both a part of my life.”

“If you want me to remain a part of your life, keep your . . . keep that thing away from me.” My voice comes out in a harsh whisper. I can’t understand why he or anyone would keep a pet snake.

He sits down on the bed and I move a few more inches away. “You don’t have to worry about bumping into each other. I keep Ruby in her own room.”

“Why do you have a pet snake? And you have a name for it?”

“Because snakes are the most beautiful animals in the world and not enough people love them.”

“Just don’t bring her near me again.” I slide out of the bed on the other side, still naked.

“I promise. I’ll make sure you’re not around when I take her out.”

“You take her out?” I wrap my arms around my body as goosebumps push through my skin. “Why?”

“We all appreciate a little freedom.” He places a hand on top of the box, then looks back at me. “But I’ll keep the two of you apart. I just wanted you to meet.” A grin splits his face. “You look damn cute scared though.”