The truth stings—I wouldn’t trust me either.
“You’re not hearing me,” Reese cuts in. “I won’t sell another film through tabloid romances. I chose this role precisely because it transcends that!”
“But Miss Sinclair,” a publicist condescends, “audiences crave your on-screen to off-screen romances. Data confirms it.”
“Don’t you want success?”
“Have you considered the investment others have made in this project?”
“You have to do whatever it takes.”
“Of course I want this movie to succeed,” Reese insists, leaning toward her agent in a failed attempt at privacy. “But there must be alternatives to tired publicity stunts. Thoughts?”
Heather angles toward her. “We’re not just in the big leagues anymore—wearethe league. Rewrite the rules.”
“Everyone quiet.” Determination flashes as she surveys the room. “I need to think.”
She glances at me with a flicker of apology or a silent request for alliance. I nod, acknowledging whatever comes next. Then resolution takes over as she uncoils, commanding attention.
“I have a vested interest in this film’s success. If we do this, we do it my way. Here’s the deal. We leverage our reputations without manufacturing a relationship. We can be seen together and sure the media will speculate, but we won’t confirm anything.” She pauses, scanning the eyes of everyone in the room. “My mainstream appeal balances his bad boy image; his fencing reputation can give me action-movie credibility.”
I nod. A calculated non-relationship. Enough visibility to spark gossip without confirmation.
“I’m in. Whatever you need,” I say.
I’m so fucking proud of Reese. In a matter of minutes, she’s meticulously mapped out everything. She’s seizing the power of her life.
“But Reese,” Geraldine interjects, “we’ve spent years building your image—”
“And now I’m evolving it,” Reese cuts in. “Speculation generates more buzz than any staged romance. It’s the art of the tease.”
She steals a glance at me.Naughty girl.
“But a confirmed public relationship will benefit your reputation,” Geraldine argues. “Love is at the center of your brand. ‘Good girl falls for the bad boy’ is a narrative audiences adore.”
“Isn’t that absurd?” Reese frowns. “You’ve saved me from countless PR disasters, Geraldine, but I’m done being reduced to these shallow romantic storylines that overshadow my work. I don’t want to date Dante—but I get it. A few well-placed appearances with him will shift the conversation away from Felix. People will speculate about us, sure, but more importantly, they’ll be talking aboutRobyn Hood.” Reese stands and starts pacing. “Once we have their attention, I’ll take it from there—interviews, talk shows, red carpets, press junkets, social media. The focus will be back where it belongs, and the rumors about Dante and me will fade into the background.”
She’s brilliant.
Heather nods approvingly. “Robyn Hoodisn’t a romance film, so hopefully the dating rumors will burn out fast. If anything, being seen with an Olympic fencer only adds to your credibility and dedication to this film. It’ll make you look serious about embodying the role by being close friends with a master swordsman.”
Geraldine sighs. “I can see I’m outnumbered here. Just promise me you’ll let me know before you make any major moves?”
“Of course.”
“Reese’s plan makes sense.” I look up at her, permitting myself the prolonged eye contact.
“Dante,” Todd warns, “the USFA committee is watching. Any more press could jeopardize everything.”
He’s not wrong. I consider the stakes. Yes, a scandal could derail my fencing career. But the math feels simple: A single beach photo didn’t end me. The occasional late night with Reese won’t either. The media will spin it their way regardless.Hollywood’s good girl goes rogue.
Plus, it’s nice to have the media buzz around us shift the focus away from my suspension.
Through I don’t think I can tell her that. She might think I’m using her spotlight—just like Ricky did.
And after everything Susan’s been writing about us…Christ, if I hadn’t invited her on the yacht this summer, maybe she never would’ve gone after Reese. She already knew about the filming location, but I didn’t do anything to stop her. The least I can do now is make sure this movie is a success. My throat tightens, the buried guilt spreading like ink through water.
“We won’t do anything that would compromise Dante’s career,” Reese says to Todd. The statement carries a protective edge.
