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I silently agree.
What a man. My ex wouldn’t even open the door for me, worried about getting out first and greeting the paps, and here is this man, who is only employed to protect me, who’s so worried about me falling or tugging my dress on the gravel that he goes out of his way to help me. If I asked, I bet he would have carried me.
They all would.
Once inside the car, I meet Dal’s and Astro’s eyes. They are sitting in the back with me, while Cil and Raff sit in the front. “You look great,” I tell them.
“Nope, we are just here to make sure you shine.” Astro winks. “And baby, you shine so fucking brightly, no one will be able to look away.”
I blush under the heavy makeup, and the appreciative glances Dal shoots my way make me sit up taller.
The drive to the premier isn’t long, even with traffic, but when we pull up, I can see the red-carpet walk has already started. The bright lights of the cinema proudly displayKill Listposters everywhere. The stars of the movie pose for pictures before the cinema, talking to reporters and mingling with each other. We have to wait as cars move slowly to let out more actors, directors, and staff, and I use the time to collect myself. It’s almost quiet in the car, but as we stop and the door opens, the screams, questions, music, and people interrupt that, rocking me back to my past.
I glance up, and Dal leans forward. “Do not let them see you hesitate. You are better than that. Show them.”
Nodding, I suck in a calming breath. They slide out, and Dal offers his hand to me. Cameras turn, and questions on who it could be are shouted.
Laying my hand gently in Dal’s, I let him help me out. I want to cover my eyes as numerous flashes blind me, but I smile with practiced charm and step onto the carpet. Dal releases me, and my guards spread out as I pose and wave and slowly begin to move down the carpet, stopping every now and again to pose.
“Here, here, look here!” Some even snap or yell, making me feel like a dog, but I do as I’m told, turning to get my good angles and showing off the dress and my new look.
“Reign, here! Look here! Reign! Reign!” My name is chanted, and I straighten my spine confidently.
“Please, one question, Reign!” I simply wave and move on, stopping farther down to pose for more cameras and live footage. The dress almost tangles between my legs and feet before it’s suddenly released.
I glance back to see Astro fluffing the back of my dress to make it perfect, and I grin at him in thanks, knowing he’s working to show me off. On his way past, he whispers, “Show them what they are missing.” I can’t help but laugh and cameras flash. My every movement is documented and ready to be analyzed.
“Reign, who is he?”
“Reign, where’s Tucker?”
“Reign, did he really cheat on you?”
“Reign, are you angry? Who did he cheat with?”
“Reign, are you seeing anyone else?”
“Reign, who are you wearing?”
There are so many questions, they blend into one. Clearing my throat, I smile politely into the cameras, trying to form a succinct response. “Thank you for welcoming me back so warmly,” I joke, making them chuckle. “I have missed you all so much, and I’m honored by your attention, but tonight, I’m here to celebrate the incredible talent that is overflowing from the filmKill List. That is all. They are the stars this evening, and they deserve every moment. The director, Anthony, is beyond talented, and it was an honor to be invited to work on the scores with them. Enjoy the film.” I wink and then wave as I walk away, heading to the double doors and the safety they provide.
The paps and piranhas might be outside, but the sharks circle inside. The rich and famous are here and watching everyone, waiting for them to trip up.
The doors open for me, and I smile as I lift my dress and climb the stairs, heading inside. The world instantly transforms. Gone is the madness of outside, and inside, glitz and glamor are ever-present. Stars, directors, and producers mingle. They talk and laugh as champagne and hors d’oeuvres are served on trays. Snippets of the film and trailer play on screens all around us, and posters of the stars are on every wall. The architecture of the old cinema is beautiful, decorated in white and ornate gold, with two open, winding staircases leading up to the balconies.
I accept a glass and force myself to mingle. I smile and make small talk that I really don’t give a fuck about. I accept congratulations for the amazing music on the film and praise the filmmakers, all while waiting for it to end. I smile for pictures and social media videos. I’m the life and soul of the fucking party, but deep inside, I’m bored.
My guards see it. I notice their sharp eyes scanning everything, and when anyone gets too close, they move in, but it’s in their knowing gazes as they look at me. They truly see me.
I sneak off to the bathroom, fixing my makeup in the mirror. Taking a deep breath, I head back out, only to run right into a chest.
A familiar chest.
I step back, gaping at Tucker. He blinks at me nervously before smiling. “You’re here. I was hoping I would run into you.”
“What are you doing here?” I demand. We are in a side corridor and all alone.
He tries to back me into the door, and I try to slip around him. We don’t need more rumors, not to mention I don’t want to be alone with him.
