“I’m happy for you, but just remember that I was your first student.” She winks.
“And my favorite.” I rub the flaky crust between my fingers, feeling…scared? “That also means I need to be a little more buttoned-up in the press, and, well, you’re right—the coverage has been vicious lately. Dragging up old skeletons, which isn’t doing either of us any favors.”
She nods, her expression softening with understanding. “We’re so on the same page. I think we can both find some peace in staying out of the spotlight for a while. Yeah?”
“That would be perfect.”
“Thank you so much for doing this for me, for helping me get this movie somewhere big in every way. I mean, not just in training me, but also dealing with the media circus.” She swallows hard, guilt creeping into her voice. “I kind of feel responsible that the press is putting your review at risk.”
“I agreed to this, fighter,” I say, my pulse thundering in my ears like my own guilty drumbeat. “Plus, I figured with two more months of nonstop filming, we wouldn’t have time to get into any more trouble.”
“Maybe we could make some time for just Dante and Reese?”
“Now that,” I say, a genuine smile tugging at my lips, “I think we can always make time for.”
Chapter 37
Reese
October 22nd
Robyn HoodStars SPILL THE TRUTH: “No Doubles Used—Sinclair’s Stunts 100% REAL! Can She Pull It Off? Vote Here!
October 29th
SINCLAIR POWER PIXIE or Another Britney Breakdown?
November 2nd
Hastings Spotted Coaching After-School Youth Fencing Team
November 7th
NO Recent Sightings of SinHaste: Is This Couple Over Before They Even Started?
November10th
The Beginning of the End of America’s Sweetheart
By Susan Martin
“Time to move!”Merrick shouts, gesturing urgently toward the getaway rafts bobbing on the dark water.
“Get out of here!” I clash blades with a guard, the impact sending vibrations through my arms. “I’ve got this covered!”
“But—”
“That’s an order!”
A guard lunges. I spin, parry, and strike. The blood pack bursts perfectly, painting the deck crimson. One push sends him stumbling back into the water.
Behind me, Merrick crashes into a lantern. The prop ignites as planned, flames racing across the wooden deck. We’ve got one shot at this scene—no time for mistakes.
“This gold belongs to the people now!” I bite out.
Two more guards charge me. I deflect one blade, then strike. One guard staggers back with a convincing yelp, creating the perfect opening.
“You’re dead, Hood!” the other snarls.
