Page 62 of Unscripted with Mila

I glanced between her and the script. Was she right? Could one trigger the other? I could recall the feeling of being weighed down the longer we filmed the last dark role I had accepted. It was one of the reasons I had wanted to do this film. The character was intense, but in a different way. He was broody and gruff. But he loved as intensely as he brooded. He wasn’t dark. Mila was correct—the role MJ was so intent on my getting would be very emotionally draining.

And somehow, on some level, I knew that. I didn’t want to do that role.

The clever mind Mila possessed zeroed in on that fact instantly.

“You are pretty smart,” I said quietly.

She smiled. “I see things differently.”

“I like how you see things. I like how you see me. I was afraid that would change once you knew the truth.”

She scoffed. “I can deal with you being bipolar. Your condition doesn’t define you. That your agent, the person who should have your back and protect you, can’t do that speaks volumes.”

Once again, this woman rendered me speechless.

I stood and bent over her, kissing her. I hauled her to her feet, holding her close as I ravished her mouth.

“What was that for?” she asked.

“Because I can.”

She beamed up at me. “Yes. Yes, you can. Anytime you want.”

“Good.”

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

NICHOLAS

“Can I stay?” I asked against her mouth. Her sweet, addictive mouth. The only thing I wanted to be addicted to in this life.

She moaned softly, wrapping her arms tighter around my neck. “Nick,” she whispered.

“I just don’t want to be alone. Let me hold you.” I buried my face in her neck, breathing her in. “Please.”

“Yes,” she replied.

I carried her to the bedroom, setting her on her feet. “You, ah, need to do your thing?” I indicated the bathroom.

She laughed, the sound sweet and warm. “I’m pretty simple. I have an extra toothbrush,” she offered. I followed her into the room, taking it, surprised when she indicated the second sink. It felt oddly right, brushing our teeth side by side. I watched her wash her face, strangely fascinated by the way she smoothed lotion onto her face and then her hands and arms. I used the other washroom down the hall to give her some privacy, and I stripped off my shirt and jeans, leaving on my boxers. I hoped that wouldn’t make her uncomfortable, but she was surprisingly relaxed as I slipped into bed beside her. After she turned off the light, I pulled her into my arms and lay back with her head on my chest. I stroked through her hair, smiling as she sighed in pleasure.

“That feels so nice.”

“You have such beautiful hair.”

She hummed and lifted her head, meeting my eyes in the dim light spilling in from the hall.

“Thank you. I’m glad you think so.”

“You are so beautiful, Mila. Inside and out.”

“I think the same way about you.”

I smiled, cupping her cheek. “God, I adore you.”

She looked shocked. “I don’t think anyone outside my family has ever adored me.”

“Then I’m glad I’m your first.” I pulled her closer and kissed her.