Chapter 7

Wilder

My fame has blown up overnight. The latest episode of The Dragon's Throne had me kissing my co-star, Evelyn, half-naked, and the fans are now going insane. They are all calling me hunky, and sexy, and yes-daddy-please. My butt has turned into a conversation starter for girls following the show.

I sigh loudly from the passenger seat when we pass another billboard with my face, half-expecting it to change into my ass. I cover my face, reeking my fingers through my hair.

Smith chuckles. "I thought you would be happy with the fame."

My voice is annoyed. "Not if I can't even approach the woman that I'm interested in without people swarming me like bears out after honey."

I glare out through the toned window, ignoring Smith's amusement as we pass yet another billboard for The Dragon's Throne. I'm wearing Rogul's attire in the promotion, which the women love. Rogul is the beefy character I'm playing, a savage war chief who likes Himalia, the princess Evelyn plays.

"That's certainly troublesome indeed." Smith glances at me with a pained smile that speaks of his inner concern for me. He knows how badly I want to talk with Daria again. "Some coffee might cheer you up?"

"From where?" I mutter without bothering to hide my grumpiness. "There are paparazzi at every goddamn place we go—I never thought my life would change so drastically after I've been seen half-naked."

Smith chuckles again. "There is this restaurant called "The Parlor," and they only serve the rich and famous. I've heard paparazzi are strictly forbidden from accessing the restaurant, and people without money, such as fans, are prohibited from entering."

"Sounds great." I attempt a smile, but no acting in the world can hide my inner torment. "I'm not saying no to fancy coffee. My gut is telling me espresso house isn't a good idea." Bitterness churns in my stomach when I notice the suspicious-looking black car following us. They are stalking us like prey. "Is it necessary for my bodyguards to shadow us like they are the villains?"

"You need bodyguards." Smith meets my eyes briefly with amusement written over his features. He turns back to the road, smiling. "What did you expect acting would bring?"

I sigh. "You're right, but it's still annoying..."

We park our car outside a tall building with windows towards the lake—eating here at night would give an impressive view. I'm still bitter, but as we near the entrance, I have this itch, telling me something exciting is waiting for me beyond these doors.

Smith uses a napkin to clean his hands before facing the guard standing outside with a well-practiced smile. My bodyguards are standing in the distance, some wearing shades, although the sun isn't out. One is leaning against a tree, refusing to glance away from me.

I roll my eyes and breathe a sigh of relief when the guard lets us through.

"Thank you, Sir," Smith says to the guard. He then shifts and offers me a smile. "It seems they are renovating the eating floors, but we may get some coffee and return tomorrow if we wish to eat."

"Coffee is enough for me."

I chase Smith inside, almost running—I can't get away from my bodyguards fast enough. The one next to the tree seems to think I will be attacked at any given moment. That, or he is checking out my ass, which might have gotten more famous than me.

Once inside, Smith walks to buy us coffee, and I peek around. I suspect things are vastly different upstairs, even fancier. But the interior is okay downstairs, maybe not high class, but enough to let you know the owner has money.

"How do I walk?"

The familiar voice got me spinning around.

Daria.

My head is ringing, and suddenly I'm breathless, only capable of gaping at her. She seems to practice waitressing with another girl. Yet my eyes are drawn to Daria like a moth to a flame. I'm not paying attention to the other one, and my lips tug into this foolish smile.

Seeing Daria sway her hips in the best of ways delivers a kick to the chest and a twitch to my cock. The woman is short, but all curves and bouncing breasts, and that smile is worth a million bucks.

Glossy, raven-colored hair runs down to her shoulders, and her makeup is worn stronger today, making her eyes pop. I'm not sure if they are hazel or green. The point is that she is beautiful, and I don't look away, even when her friend notices me staring.

Sheepishly, I lift my hand to wave when both women stare at me like I'm a creepy stalker.

"Hey, Dar? Doesn't that man looks an awful lot like the actor from that popular tv show?" The other woman whispers to Daria, who is entirely deadpan with disinterested eyes.

I smile at her, but her expression doesn't change.

Fuck. Daria could be one of those people who hates when the guy pops up where they work?

Shit, this is bad. I don't know what the hell I'm doing. I'm supposed to be this rich and famous man with years of experience with women, but when it comes to Daria, my brain cells seem to parachute themselves out through my ears.

Standing still, I become aware of myself, this giant monolith looming in their restaurant, and my tongue thick in my mouth. I need to say something and quit smiling like an idiot. So I walk forward, blurting out exactly what I'm thinking.

"You are beautiful today, Daria."

Daria's eyes widen as we both stand there, breathing while taking in each other in silence. Heat floods my face while sweat has broken out over my back—yeah, I'm that cool around Daria. I'm a bundle of nerves, and it must show. Daria's friend gives her a knowing smile and then glances up at me with a curious demeanor.

"We normally don't allow our staff to talk to our guests, it's highly unprofessional, but there will be an exception today since you're only ordering a coffee."

With those words, Daria's friend leaves us alone to our fate. My gaze immediately lands on Daria, who looks as if she wants to be anywhere else but in the same room as me. She has these eyes that make me want to search their depth. Her face is pure beauty, and her cute little nose gives me the itch to bop it.

What the hell is wrong with me?

I'm like a love-struck teenager around her!

"Good morning." She says after having walked forward, but it sounds forced. I get the feeling I make her uncomfortable. "It seems I keep running into you at places where I don't expect to meet you."

"Yeah, that's funny, isn't it?" I'm playing with the watch on my wrist, smiling nervously. No other woman has made me feel this way—like I'm walking on thin ice, and any wrong word will make me fall in. "We missed our chance for coffee." Her eyes flash to mine, and I have to force words out through my mouth. "And I'm wondering if I could have your number."

Yes, that should do it! Despite my beating heart, I managed to ask for Daria's number!

"I don't have a phone."

What?!

I squint my eyes at her, and her lips crack into a beautiful smile before her voice rings out in a light giggle. Her wearing waitress clothes should be forbidden—I wouldn't be able to focus on ordering food if she popped out with those lips wrapped up in a smile, and her eyes, god, her eyes, they sparkle like emeralds right now.

All I can think about is tasting her tongue again, kiss her lips hard, and slow to the sound of my rhythmic heartbeat. Damn. I'm already entranced by those lips, pink and curved into perfection.

"I've been a nun until now," Daria tells me. Her eyes are not yet trusting, but she seems to ease up to the idea of me. "I couldn't afford a phone with the small salary we were given. Neither did I need a phone. I don't have many people to call."

"Oh..." A hundred thoughts run through my head, and I brush my fingers through my hair. "I could buy one for you?"

Another giggle. "And what am I today, a charity case?"

A violent blush stains my cheeks. "No, not at all!"

Her eyes crinkle, and her smile is back in full motion—I finally understand that she is messing with me.

Daria speaks again. "I'm not sure if going anywhere with you is smart, considering your position, but if you want to see me again, you know where I work."

I wonder if she is flirting with me, and when she winks before turning around, I turn fifty degrees warmer. Yes, she is flirting with me! Why does it feel like I've won the goddamn lottery?

"I will return!" I promise her while she is stalking up the stairs. She turns around and gives me an insecure smile. Am I finally cracking through the ice surrounding her?

"I will look forward to it," Daria says. "I'm not allowed to talk to the guests, Wilder, but if you want to see me again, I will be here. You can sit in the front-row seat and watch me break something worth more than my entire salary."

I chuckle. "Are you clumsy?"

She stills, smiling mysteriously. "Sometimes."

Daria turns around, and I watch her back as she leaves me on the first floor with Smith appearing on my right side. He is drinking his coffee and holding one out for me. When I take it, his gaze is knowing, and his lips are almost forming a grin.

"That woman is special," He says, smiling. "She doesn't seem to care about your fame at all, which makes me wonder why she kissed you."

"Daria was tired of being a nun. It didn't matter who I was—she would have kissed anyone." I laugh in amusement. "But she got me good." I turn to peer down at Smith, grinning. "If I remember correctly, we have dinner planned for the entire filming crew coming up—can you check if it's possible to eat at this place?"

"Of course."