pushing against his hand.
“Daniel, don’t play games,” she said, and he grinned, pulling her underwear down over her smooth legs. She arched her hips, searching for the pleasure, and he was happy to oblige. Teasing her with the tip, he found himself almost unable to control the feelings that were running through his body. With a groan, he plunged inside her, the thrusts rapid and hard as the pleasure built.
“Oh God-” he looked straight into her eyes. “I’m not going to last. Oh God.”
“So don’t,” she replied, meeting his thrusts, her breath coming in gasps. “I need it. I need it hard, and you cumming will make me cum.”
“Well, in that case my dear…” he thrust harder twice more, and then with a groan, spilled his seed into her. She cried out, her walls clenching around his cock, and milking him for every drop.
Finally, they fell off each other, exhausted. He wrapped an arm around her, drawing her closer as they tried to catch their breath.
In the dying sunlight, her eyes catching fire, she was absolutely stunning. But it was more than the physical. Daniel had been an actor most of his life, and he had spent a lot of time around beautiful women, even women as beautiful as Avaline. It was that kind smile that she gave him the first day they met; the courage it took once she knew the truth to continue to stand by him, even when her career was still new. She knew what she wanted, and she wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. It was quite a feat for one so new and young, and yet here she was, lying beside him.
“So, was that rehearsal for next week’s scene then?” she asked, with a cheeky grin and he groaned, squeezing her tighter.
“I’m going to die. Absolutely die trying to control myself on camera next to your ravishing frame.”
“You could always not,” she shot back and he chuckled.
“I don’t think we’re making that kind of TV, love, that’s another channel. And you have to pay for it at night.”
She giggled, rolling over so that she was touching every part of him.
“Well, it’ll be fun at least.”
“For once,” he muttered and she furrowed her brow.
“Why are they so nasty to you? It’s not your fault Terence couldn’t do his job.”
“The circumstances in which it happened didn’t help,” Daniel said, and she looked up to meet his eyes.
“How?”
“I knew Terence was going to be replaced when I auditioned, obviously. And I thought everyone knew. Terence, however, didn’t.”
“What?” Her jaw fell open and she stared at him, confused. “What happened?”
“My first day on set, I was all excited, every line memorized, everything to perfection. I wasn’t even supposed to be acting yet, I had come back 2 weeks early after I broke my leg. But there I was, ready to break into American Film. And there is Terence, standing on set, in the exact same costume, lines prepped, and we have a face off.”
“Oh my God,” she covered her mouth. “That’s horrible. What did you do?”
He shrugged, idly playing with her hair. “What exactly could I do? I tried to apologize to him. I thought it was a scummy move, but there was nothing I could do. Contracts were signed, and I needed another job. My only transferable skills were action movies.”
“Did you tell them you didn’t know?” she asked, and he nodded.
“I did. Unfortunately, for me, that didn’t make a difference. And so it’s been that way ever since.”
“I’m sorry, love, you don’t deserve this,” she whispered. He nodded, although he didn’t say anything. “It’s going to be different now.”
“How?” he looked down at her. She smiled.
“Well, there’s talk of making me a permanent character. Toby’s one true love. Apparently the fans responded well in the first episode. The unlovable Toby is capable of being loved.”
“Only because I have your eyes to look into,” he kissed her forehead. “That would be wonderful.”
“We’ll see. So long as neither of us sees a body double waiting in the wings.”
“Dear God,” he closed his eyes. “I hope not.”
***
Daniel left shortly before midnight, insisting on not overstaying his welcome. However, he might as well have not, because they texted so intensely throughout the weekend, it was like they were never apart.
“So what do you think?” asked her agent on the phone early Monday morning. “Do you want me to negotiate the permanent role? How’s Daniel, by the way? The media says he’s a terror.”
“Hardly,” she said, as she parked the car and switched from bluetooth to handheld as she walked out onto the lot. “He’s great. I would love if you could do that.”
“Alright, do my best,” he hung up, leaving her smiling at the possibly of what was to come as she walked towards her dressing room, which was new. Opening the door, she expected it to be empty, as no one had been in it yet. Instead, there was a giant bouquet of sunflowers sitting on the makeup table, with a card.
Blushing, she looked around to make sure no one was watching, and then opened it.
She grinned, tucking the card into her purse and immediately pulling out her phone, dialling Daniel’s number. To her surprise, she heard his phone ring externally. Turning around, she grinned as he leaned against the doorway.
“They are lovely!” she exclaimed, throwing her arms around him. He hugged her back, wrapping his arms firmly around her for a moment before edging her into the room and closing the door.
“Avaline, I wanted to ask you something?”
“Hmm?” she inquired, examining one of the largest flowers with a smile.
“I clearly think the world of you. And I would be honoured if we could spend more time together… and see where this goes… But that would be up to you.”
“What do you mean?” she asked.
“My… reputation is not the most wonderful as you know. And since you are just beginning your career as an actor, I was not sure whether you wanted to…”
“Phht,” she dismissed his words. “Daniel, Love, you think I give a shit what any of them say? When I was a model, they said I was a slut, I was a whore, I slept and bitched my way to the top. Let them say whatever they want, I’m the one who knew the truth. And yes, it hurt but I held my ground, and stared them down, and I’m standing here right now and they are not.”
“This cast…has a way of getting to you,” he said, biting his lip. “Already, I suspect they have passed the word to make sure that I’m not in a movie, or guest starring on a sister show. They spread rumours, they make sure to…”
“Fuck em,” she said, surprising them. “We’re going to be the ones who rise above. Besides… I don’t think I could get through this without you. You’ve helped me so much, and given me so much advice.”
“Anytime, love,” he said, approaching to kiss her. She wrapped her arms around him, kissing him passionately. With one arm, she reached behind his waist, and carefully pushed open the door, so the whole cast and crew could watch.
If they were going to judge, they were going to know the truth this time.
Love Palace
by Nellie Cross
The fire roared in the fireplace, spurred on by the wind blowing in gently from the balcony. The bottom of her silk gown fluttered as well. She had an ethereal presence about her — almond shaped eyes, café au lait colored skin, and jet black hair that traveled the length of her back.
