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Chapter 12: Practice Begins
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The Fontaines of Hollywood series: The Lies Between the Lines Chapter 13: Letting My Body Take Over
Is Luca suggesting what I think he's suggesting? That I let myself get turned on?I don't get the chance to ponder that question for very long. He kisses me again, and all I can do is try to listen to his advice. This time, I attempt to force all thoughts of Izzy out of my head. Funny enough, all of those "Be in the moment!" mindfulness exercises my dad forced on me are finally proving to be quite useful, allowing me to focus my attention fully on what's in front of me.His breath is warm on my lips. His skin is hot and smooth against my hands - except along his jaw, where there's the slight tickle of stubble. The weight of his body traps me against the ground, but I find that almost comforting.God, I miss holding someone close like this. Just being so intimate with another human being...His hands burn. I can feel the heat of them through the fabric of my shirt. I can feel the heat of his chest, too. It presses against my body, hard and solid and ridged with muscle. I allow my ha
The Fontaines of Hollywood series: The Lies Between the Lines Chapter 14: Doing It On Camera
"What's that for?" I ask, starting to get nervous when I see the camera in Luca's hand."For practice," he says, setting the tripod into position. "It's the best I can do to recreate the set." He sets the camera on top of the tripod and hooks it into place. "It's not exactly the same as having a bunch of people staring at us, but it's as close as we're going to get tonight." He fiddles with a couple of buttons on the camera. A red light comes on."Are you actually turning it on?" I ask, starting to feel sick."Of course." He looks down at me. "It makes you more nervous, doesn't it?""Well, yeah," I admit."Then it's doing what it's supposed to do. You need to practice in conditions that make you nervous." That devilish smile returns. "Can I take this to mean you've never filmed a sex tape?"My face goes hot again. "Of course I haven't! I'm not an idiot. That's not the sort of fame I want." I want people to know my name because of my acting, not because they've seen me naked. Even
The Fontaines of Hollywood series: The Lies Between the Lines Chapter 15: When Practice Becomes Real
I release my death grip on Luca's hair. This is bad. This is...horrifying and humiliating and the absolute worst thing that could have happened.But there's one saving grace - he doesn't know. Thank God."I...I think we're good," I say, and my voice sounds breathless and strange. "This is where they'll cut the scene, right?"Luca freezes on top of me. His lips release my ear."I think that went well," I say, trying to sound casual. "Very well. How did that feel for you?"Slowly - torturously slowly - he sits up. The moment his weight lifts from me, I feel so cold and alone that it's all I can do not to pull him back down on top of me. My body is still trembling from that orgasm.Luca straightens, running a hand through his tousled hair. The golden strands are disheveled from the furious grip of my fingers."I agree," he says, and his voice sounds a tone lower than usual. "That went well. You're getting much more natural." He tilts his head and looks down at me, meeting my eyes f
The Fontaines of Hollywood series: The Lies Between the Lines Chapter 16: Taking the Next Step
"Moved in together?" My voice is a squeak. "That wasn't in our contract - ""Which was a gross oversight on my part, and that means you aren't legally required to do anything," Luca says with a shake of his head. "But for better or for worse, we've reached the point in our relationship where people expect us to be sharing a bed most nights. It would be easier to maintain the illusion if you were spotted coming and going from my house on a regular basis. The paparazzi have been extra attentive recently - there were half a dozen camped outside my home this morning.""Is that why you were late?" I ask him."Hardly," he says. "I can handle a few paparazzi. But if they don't see you with me one of these mornings, they're going to start to get suspicious. It's not enough to strut around together a couple of nights a week. And our contract does dictate that we can't encourage any breakup rumors until after we wrap up filming. So we have another few weeks to continue playing the happy coupl
The Fontaines of Hollywood series: The Lies Between the Lines Chapter 17: Moving In
The weekend comes all too soon.I'll admit, a small part of me is a little intrigued and excited by the thought of living in this gorgeous mansion, but mostly I'm sad about leaving my own home. To celebrate the release of Cataclysm: Earth, I bought myself a charming little bungalow right on the beach. It's the one "splurge" I've allowed myself since landing this role - everything else goes into an account for my family, when and if they decide they want it.Javy still hasn't told me what's going on. He hasn't been responding to my calls or texts all week, and yesterday I finally caved and called my dad, ready to spill what little information I knew. When I brought up Javy, though, my dad informed me that my little brother was out with my mom, getting fitted for his wedding tux. At least I know he's not dead in a ditch somewhere. Maybe he got his problem under control all by himself - not that that keeps me from worrying. I left a very threatening voicemail for Javy this morning, and
The Fontaines of Hollywood series: The Lies Between the Lines Chapter 18: A Little Harmless Flirtation
I slip off my shoes and pull my feet up onto the chaise, crossing my legs and straightening my back. I rest my hands softly on my knees and take a long, deep breath, trying to draw my thoughts back to my breathing.Meditation, my dad taught me, is not about driving away your thoughts or clearing your mind. It's about practiced focus. Thoughts may come - and with me, they always do - but you're supposed to just acknowledge them and let them drift past. It's supposed to give you objectivity. Calm. Patience with yourself.Yeah, you get taught a lot of weird New Age-y stuff when your dad wrote his dissertation on the intersection of philosophy, religion, and productivity in the modern work environment.It's hard to do when I'm this antsy. I resist the urge to wiggle my fingers on my knees. No matter how hard I try, I can't focus on my breath. My mind refuses to calm down.Finally, after several infuriating minutes, I let out a frustrated sound and throw myself back on the pillow. Maybe
The Fontaines of Hollywood series: The Lies Between the Lines Chapter 19: Luca Makes Some New Rules
"There's sparkling water, too, if you'd prefer," Luca says."Oh, it's not for me," I say quickly. "I thought I'd be polite and get something for the movers." I don't know why I'm so nervous to admit that - it's not like I'm doing anything wrong. If anything, I suspect Luca would encourage me to do whatever possible to make sure that I uphold my end of our contract. I need to distract myself so I don't keep replaying that orgasm in my head."In that case," he says, smiling, "there's plenty of beer in there, too.""Great, thanks."I head back over to the fridge, only Luca gets there at the same time, and somehow I manage to run right into him. The glass falls from my hand, shattering against the tiles below."Shit," I say, dropping to my knees."Be careful." Luca kneels down beside me.We both reach for the same piece of glass at the same time, and our fingers touch. Electricity shoots up my arm.I jerk my hand back. "I... I'll go get the vacuum. Where do you keep it?""There's
The Fontaines of Hollywood series: The Lies Between the Lines Chapter 20: Our First Kiss
Turns out, living in Luca's house is as complicated as I expected, but not for the reasons I thought.Over the next several days, I manage to avoid Luca most of the time we're at home. It isn't hard - we've had some long days on set, which means we often just head straight to our separate beds when we get back. On the nights we have a little extra time, I usually spend it preparing for our upcoming scenes while Luca goes down to the home gym in his basement and squeezes in some training.But even though I can avoid him, I can't avoid all the random baggage I have regarding this house. I try to stay out of the dining room at all costs, but that's not the only place where Luca and I share a less-than-pleasant memory. One night when I can't sleep, I'm wandering around the ground floor and stumble into the living room. Instantly, my mind goes back to the first time I was in this room.It was a week after I'd signed Luca's contract. I was still reeling from the jarring realization that h
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The Fontaines of Hollywood series: The Lies Between the Lines Chapter 53: Once And For All
A short while later, Luca and I are sitting on the edge of the back porch, sipping coffee and listening to the sounds of the world waking up around us. It's still only about seven in the morning, but it feels like we've been awake forever. Still, it's nice to have a moment of quiet, just to ourselves."So," I say casually, "that's my family."He laughs, and for a second I'm lost in the sound. Lost in him."They're a little crazy, I know." I smile down at my coffee cup. "But we're there for each other.""I know a thing or two about that," he says, grinning at me. "Also a thing or two about delinquent younger brothers. We can't let Javy anywhere near Rafe - I bet those two would get into all sorts of trouble together.""What about me?" I ask. "Am I allowed near Rafe now? Since we've properly established that I don't have any interest in him?"He gives me a teasing look. "I'll consider it. But just to be clear, it's not you I don't trust - it's him.""Fair enough.""Actually, spea
The Fontaines of Hollywood series: The Lies Between the Lines Chapter 52: Not So Alone
My little brother freezes on the steps. He drops his hand from his eyes, shock flashing across his face. It's followed quickly by panic.And I, meanwhile, suddenly find myself fighting down anger. I've spent the last couple of weeks worried sick about him, trying to help him but getting only vague explanations and unanswered calls in return."Would you like to tell everyone why I'm here, Javy?" I say.My parents both turn toward him, their faces wrinkled in confusion. My mother places her hand on my arm. "What are you talking about, honey?"Part of me wonders if I should try to respect my brother's wishes and address this in private, but I suspect that's out of the question now. There's no way my mom will let us get away with that."Javy's been calling me these past few weeks, claiming he's in trouble," I say. "But he won't tell me why.""Trouble?" My dad's frown deepens. "What's going on?""Look," Javy says, throwing up his hands. "This is all getting blown out of proportion."
The Fontaines of Hollywood series: The Lies Between the Lines Chapter 51: Coming Home
It's sticky in Atlanta, even for six o'clock in the morning.I'm not tired, even though Luca and I were up the entire plane ride exploring each other in new and intoxicating ways. That seven-hour nap I took in Luca's trailer yesterday probably helped, but I suspect it's mostly adrenaline carrying me along."Your brother still lives with your parents?" Luca asks me during the cab ride to their house. He laces his fingers through mine, and I'm grateful for the comforting touch."He just graduated from college this year," I say. "He's at home for now, but I suspect he's getting antsy to leave the nest. In all honesty, though, I don't think my parents are ready for him to go. With Sara in New York and me in L.A., I think they like having him around." I squeeze his hand. "I still can't figure out what sort of trouble he's managed to get himself into. My parents don't seem to have any idea..."Luca leans closer to me. "Whatever it is, just remember that you're not alone. We'll figure it
The Fontaines of Hollywood series: The Lies Between the Lines Chapter 50: More Than An Obsession
"Look at me," Luca says.He reaches out with his free hand and cups my chin, raising my eyes to his again. "Look me in the eyes and tell me what you see."I almost don't want to, it scares me so much. In his eyes I see a wild storm - and a promise that makes my toes curl. I try to look away again, but he won't let me."What's wrong?" he asks. "Tell me, Emilia.""It's nothing," I say, then decide to start over. "It's hard to explain. Sometimes I feel like you and I are complete strangers, like we hardly know each other at all, and other times..." I swallow. "Other times I feel like you know me in ways that no one else can. That no one else ever will.""And that scares you?"My assessment must be right - obviously he knows me well if he can read me so easily. I nod."Frankly, it scares me, too," he says. "Terrifies me, actually." He laughs then, and the bright sound is almost jarring. "Emilia, I've spent most of my life avoiding these kinds of emotions. Lust, I can handle. Obsessi
The Fontaines of Hollywood series: The Lies Between the Lines Chapter 49: So Long Lying
I make it all the way outside the airport without anyone stopping me.And, unfortunately, without realizing I've probably just ruined whatever chance I had of getting to Atlanta tonight.There's no way I'm going back to that gate. I can't. I can try to get another flight on another airline, but judging by my luck the first time around, the chances of that happening are pretty slim.What the fuck is wrong with me? Luca just declared his love for me in front of a ton of people and cell phone cameras and I ran.I slump down onto a bench, burying my face in my hands. He didn't just pour out his feelings - he told everyone the truth about our relationship. He undid two years' worth of lies in a single moment, and I feel as if I've been laid bare in front of the whole world. My perfectly crafted public persona is gone, just like that.The back of my neck prickles. He's found me, I can feel it.He sits down on the bench next to me, but not close enough to touch. And he doesn't say a wor
The Fontaines of Hollywood series: The Lies Between the Lines Chapter 48: "You Think This Is Pretend?"
"Emilia," Luca says, "I've been calling you all night."I glance around. My fellow passengers - who'd all seemed happy enough to ignore the girl on the floor with the giant cheeseburger - are starting to notice that the one and only Luca Fontaine is standing in front of them. A couple of them pull out their cell phones as I scramble to my feet."I have to go to Atlanta," I tell him. "I have to figure out what's going on with Javy."He's still frowning. "You should have told me you were going.""You should have told me you were going when you left me alone in your trailer." It's such a stupid, petty thing to bring up now, but my only defense is deflection.Luca's gaze burns into me. He's not about to let me turn this back around on him."Why didn't you tell me?" he demands.I want to run, but his eyes pin me in place. "I thought you might try to stop me. And anyway, this doesn't concern you. He's my brother, which means it's on me to fix this.""What do you mean this doesn't con
The Fontaines of Hollywood series: The Lies Between the Lines Chapter 47: The Airport
LAX is a madhouse, as usual.I go from ticket counter to ticket counter, asking for the first open flight to Atlanta. Normally I have people who do this sort of thing for me, but I don't want to have to explain why I'm ditching my job to go fly across the country. Most of the flights are full until late tomorrow, but I finally manage to score a standby ticket for one leaving three hours from now. It's not ideal, but it's the best I can do on such short notice - even being a celebrity doesn't give me much power against the stupid airlines.A little voice in my head warns me that I'm being rash, that I should think about the consequences this sudden disappearing act might have on my career, but I force those thoughts back down. Nothing will stop me from going home.You should have at least left a note for Luca, I think. I tell myself I'll shoot him a text or something when I get to my gate, even though I know I won't.I keep my head down as I make my way through security. If I'd stop
The Fontaines of Hollywood series: The Lies Between the Lines Chapter 46: I Can't Talk Myself Out Of It Anymore
I feel like someone has gutted me. I love Luca. The realization makes me want to throw up. It's one thing to be attracted to his perfect body, but it's another to actually fall for him. I don't even know him, not really. I can't be in love with him. I can't.I can't.I can't.I can't.I can already see how this ends - with me getting my heart broken. But there's no rationalizing this away - I've already tried that and it didn't work. No, I'm just fucked. He's going to hurt me, and then I'll be alone and devastated and there will be no one to pick up the pieces.I try to fight back the tears. By the time I get back to the house, my entire head throbs with the effort. Relief rushes through me when I see that Luca isn't home yet. I don't think I can face him right now. I throw his keys down on the kitchen counter and run upstairs, locking myself in my room.I plug my phone in to charge and then stumble into the bathroom to shower. I need to get the smell of him off me. I need to w
The Fontaines of Hollywood series: The Lies Between the Lines Chapter 45: After
I wake alone.It takes a moment for me to remember where I am. I can tell I'm in a strange bed and that I'm missing the warm body of someone next to me, but it takes my sleepy brain a few tries to connect all the dots. Suddenly, it all comes rushing back.I slept with Luca.I roll over, my arm sliding across his half of the bed, but it's cold. He's been gone for a while. My heart sinks.Don't act so surprised, Em. You knew this would happen.Clutching the sheets to my chest, I sit up and look around. It's completely dark. There's no light coming in through the blinds. I slide to the edge of the bed and feel around on the floor for my clothes. I wish I had something besides the torn, "apocalypse dust"-ed bits of my costume, but they'll have to do for now. I pull them on and then reach around in the dark until I find the light switch.I didn't have a chance to look around Luca's trailer before we tumbled into bed together, and I have to admit I'm quite impressed by what I see - it'
