Los Angeles Lights: A Hollywood Billionaire Alpha Shifter Romance Read online

  I looked through the photographs of Rita in public places, some of them of her in the gardens behind her mansion. It was amazing how close he got to the people he investigated. I wondered if he had ever taken private photos of me and pulled my shawl tighter around my shoulders.

  “Good,” I commented as I leafed through the few pages of notes. “And you're absolutely sure?”

  “Yes, Mrs. Smith,” he said with a smile. “It's not often that my work uncovers nothing.”

  “That must be a relief for you,” I said while digging through my purse for the envelope of money.

  It was odd going behind my husband's back and paying a total stranger for the scoop on his ex-girlfriend. Of course, I surely wasn't the first to do this. As Mr. Jones had already informed me, he had done work for many stars in this particular city, so it wasn't anything new. Having such good news put me at ease and made me feel more confident about Zack meeting Rita for dinner. Besides, I would be joining them shortly after my interview, so it wasn't like they were going to be alone for very long.

  I handed Mr. Jones the envelope and he opened it under the table to check the contents. A waiter approached and asked us what drinks we wanted to which Mr. Jones waved his hand.

  “None for me, lad. I'm heading out, but take care of this darling woman here,” he said while placing a $50 bill on the table. “Good day, Mrs. Smith.”

  With that, he tipped his hat and then left the patio area, disappearing into the pool of people who were crowding the sidewalk. He was quite a mysterious man.

  “For you, ma'am?” asked the waiter.

  “I'll have a water with lemon, please,” I said while closing the folder.

  “Great. Do you need a minute to decide on your meal?” he asked, holding his pen and pad ready for my order.

  “No, dear. I'll be fine with water,” I replied. “And also bring me a cup of hot tea. Thank you.”

  The waiter walked inside and I stared at the folder in front of me. My phone buzzed while I was lost in thought and I pulled it from my bag. It was Zack calling.

  “Hello, darling,” I cooed into the phone.

  “Mi amour,” he spoke eloquently. “Would you like to have lunch this afternoon? I'll be available in an hour.”

  “Yes, dear. I just need to run home and change. I met Maya for tea,” I lied, hoping he wouldn't question where.

  “Wonderful. I'll see you soon,” he said. “Love you.”

  “Love you, too, darling,” I said before hanging up the phone.

  The waiter brought me my water and tea, and I thanked him with a hefty tip. I could tell it brightened his day because he placed it humbly into his pocket and walked away with the biggest smile I had ever seen. I sipped my tea slowly, savoring the warm flavors that soothed my soul. It was just what I needed after such a stressful few days. When I was finished, I paid what little I owed the waiter and headed back to the mansion feeling brand new.

  Excitedly, I flew up the stairs and quickly changed out into a gorgeous maxi dress that Zack had purchased for me a few weeks prior. I pulled my hair up into a loose bun, applied a little extra make-up, and went downstairs to meet my husband. He waited for me at the bottom of the stairs and opened his arms when he saw me.

  “Darling, you look wonderful,” he said.

  I smiled wide.

  “Thank you. Are you ready for lunch?” I asked.

  “Of course. Where would you like to go?”

  “Wherever we can sit outside.”

  “Perfect.”

  We rode off in the Porsche, catching up the whole way. It had been a few days since we had properly dined together and I was excited to spend time with my darling husband who wasn't up to anything behind my back. The sudden memory of what I had done caused me to feel slightly dizzy.

  I'll burn the results when I get back home, I thought. That way he'll never know.

  As we pulled up to the restaurant, Zack took my hand and kissed my fingers. It was such a romantic display of affection that aroused me instantly. I was beside myself with the gesture and asked what the occasion was for it.

  “I'm sorry for the other night,” he whispered. “I just wanted you to know I meant no harm.”

  “Oh, sweetie,” I said. “I'm sorry, too. I reacted pretty harshly to your suggestion.”

  “It's alright. I knew it was a hot button issue for you and didn't want to push it, but I felt it was necessary to get some things settled. This is our future. I want us to work together,” he said.

  “I love you for that,” I responded while leaning in to kiss him. “You're wonderful.”

  How blessed I felt in that moment as our lips danced together, a tingling sensation growing between my thighs which I begged to have relieved. Lunch was delicious and we laughed louder than most of the other tables, causing a bit of a stir with our raucous behavior. I was far too happy to care whether anyone stared. After we finished eating, we headed back to the mansion where I reached over the center console and started playing with my sweet husband's tool through his pants.

  “Darling,” he said while shivering. “What are you doing?”

  “Oh, nothing,” I said sweetly with a smirk.

  “Well, let's take it inside,” he suggested while stroking my cheek.

  Inside, Zack pulled me towards the front parlor where a maid was dusting the mantel. He told her to clean somewhere else and then pinned me to the wall after the door was closed.

  “We should bless that new couch,” he said while pulling up my dress.

  “I think that's a lovely idea,” I replied.

  Lifting me by my bottom, Zack carried me over to the new couch and propped me against the cushions while kneeling on the floor. He pulled aside my thong and stroked the soft skin beneath, eliciting soft moans from my glossed lips. One finger traced my vulva as he unbuckled his pants. I watched with excitement as he leaned forward to lick my precious tulip, twitching as his tongue trailed under my folds and into my secret passageway. After kissing my engorged bud, he pressed his member against my opening and looked into my eyes, asking silently if I wanted him to push inside.

  I reached down and grabbed his hips, helping guide him into my warm tunnel. I moaned with delight. It was beyond satisfying to confirm his loyalty to me, and having him inside me only solidified that thought. As he slowly rocked into my petals, he pulled down the cups of my dress to reveal two supple breasts that he massaged gently. I moaned with pleasure as I bounced into his hips, drinking freely of his lips as he leaned in to kiss me. My feminine portal accepted his every thrust, flooding me with all manner of gratifying sensations.

  His muscles flexed as he moved, my hands running over the smooth skin and scratching at his shoulders. This made him hum. He dove deeper and I gasped, arching my back as the tingle in my pelvis grew stronger. Each thrust pushed me further over the edge, pushing the titillating tickling sensation up into my throat where it burst from my lips. I lost all sense of reality in that moment and shook violently. Hips thrust harder into my skin until it was coated with his thick honey, dripping from my thighs like droplets of mist from the petals of flowers in the early morning hours.

  Panting and sweating, Zack leaned forward again to devour my lips. A grin remained on my face when he pulled away.

  “How was that, dear?” he asked with a smile.

  “Wonderful,” I whispered. “The perfect dessert after a delicious lunch.”

  Satisfaction filled his face and we recomposed ourselves in order to head upstairs to the shower where the hot water rejuvenated our tired muscles. As we kissed under the spray of the shower head, I forgot all about the file in the drawer next to my bed. I didn't need to worry about that ever again.

  6.

  A long sigh escaped my lips. It was the night of the dinner. I had to head to an evening talk show in order to do an interview and my hubby would be out with the greatest starlet Hollywood had ever seen – Rita Royce. The worries from before returned at full speed, nearly knocking me out of the Porsche
as I pulled up to the recording studio. A live audience wasn't something I was typically used to, but this would be fine. The adrenaline from being nervous would push me through.

  Before I knew it, I was walking out on the stage towards the host, Andy Hall, who greeted me with a handshake and a kiss on the cheek.

  “Welcome, welcome, welcome to the show, Mrs. Skye Ryder!” he announced as I waved to the audience.

  Applause filled the room as we settled into our seats, the cushion beneath me extra soft which made me smile. I looked across the desk at Andy.

  “So, your film came out last week on Friday and I hear it's been quite a hit,” said Andy.

  Another round of applause filled the room. He raised his hands up to silence the people clapping.

  “We just love it, Skye. How do you feel about your first movie?” he asked.

  “I feel like a million bucks,” I replied with a huge smile. “It's been my dream to write and produce a movie that reflects my personal values.”

  “That's awesome. What are you personal values?” he asked.

  “You don't know?” I joked, winking at the audience.

  Laughter erupted in the room.

  “I just like to ask,” he said after a hearty chuckle. “We know it's a feminist film, but what was your goal when you finally released it?”

  “I wanted women in the nation to feel like they had the strength to stand up and fight. There's no reason that their gender should hold them back from accomplishing anything. This film serves as the inspiration for young women everywhere who want to do something amazing with their lives, whether it's becoming a scientist or becoming a writer,” I explained.

  Andy nodded and the audience applauded me again.

  “You've done such an amazing job with writing and pushing forward to get where you want to be. Who do you have to thank for such success?” Andy asked.

  I smiled wide.

  “Well, myself, for one,” I replied. “And my best friend Maya. She's been by my side since day one and has listened to me complain over and over again.”

  “And your husband?” he asked.

  “He's definitely been a huge inspiration as well. If it weren't for Zack, I wouldn't be seeing my ideas come to life,” I responded.

  “You certainly are a delightful couple. Where is he this evening?” he asked.

  I nearly rolled my eyes, but controlled my own reaction, keeping the smile firmly on my lips.

  “He's out with our wonderful lead actress, Rita Royce,” I responded while keeping my chin level.

  “Oh my,” Andy said while grinning and raising his eyebrows at the crowd. “I can't imagine how you must feel about that.”

  “It's not a big deal,” I said, shrugging my shoulders. “She has become a good friend to us.”

  “You don't feel threatened that she's your husband's ex-girlfriend?” Andy asked.

  A few people in the audience whooped and I chuckled lightly.

  “If I were to feel threatened by every female in my vicinity, I wouldn't be a feminist, would I?” I stated confidently. “I support my sisters and I trust my husband.”

  The audience clapped at this statement and it made me feel better to have their support as Andy's questions were starting to get on my nerves. I wondered how dinner was going. I couldn't wait to wrap up this ten minute segment and get the hell out of this studio.

  “So, she's never joined you in the bedroom?” he asked.

  Some people in the crowd whistled and said, “Oooh!” I kept the smile on my face while glaring at Andy. This wasn't part of the script and I wanted to remind him it wasn't his place to ask, but I knew I couldn't rip him a new on on live television without some reprimand.

  “No, we don't do that,” I replied firmly. “And even if we did, you're not allowed to watch.”

  The entire room guffawed at this joke and I smiled proudly while sticking out my tongue. This seemed to entertain Andy and he nodded with approval.

  “Strong humor from a very strong woman. Thank you, Skye Ryder. Be sure to watch her successful film, Alice Calls, which is in theaters now!” Andy announced.

  I stood to shake his hand and give him a kiss on the cheek, smiling at the audience as I made my exit. Once the director announced that we were off the air, I sighed heavily and started heading backstage where I could compose myself from the panic attack that was swelling in my chest. I had to get to the dinner. It was nearly 9:30 PM and all I wanted to do was having my hubby in my arms where we wouldn't need to worry about anything else.

  Before I could collect my things to exit the building, the stage manager stopped me and asked if I needed anything else. When I replied that I didn't, he asked if I could sign a napkin for his daughter. I smiled politely.

  “What's her name?” I asked.

  “Dora. She saw your movie the other night and it inspired her. Now she wants to be a writer,” he explained.

  “That's amazing,” I said while scribbling on the napkin. “Tell her to keep pushing forward. She'll get there.”

  “Thank you so much,” he said.

  “You're welcome,” I responded.

  He shook my hand and I left the building, feeling much better about the interview than I had when it was over. My work had actually inspired someone. That made me feel accomplished and important. What I had set out to do had worked, even if it was just one young woman that ended up being inspired. It was worth all the long days and nights spent pouring my heart and soul into this script.

  The happiness from this encounter was fleeting. As I climbed into the Porsche, I was immediately reminded that I had to face Rita in the next twenty minutes at the restaurant Zack had chosen. It was my favorite place to eat, but now it seemed to have been soiled by the actress who was trying to steal the spotlight from me. Not that I was trying to compete. Who was I kidding? My little green monster was constantly being fed in her presence. Every time she spoke to Zack or even so much as looked in his direction, my eyes would shoot daggers. It was sad to admit that I didn't actually fully support her at all.

  I merely considered her a home wrecker, somebody who didn't care about her sisters like I did. Everything I did was to push feminism forward and to gain traction in the masculine world as a feminine creature. All she ever did was exploit her sexuality for what she wanted. What I had never realized was that it was genius. She was using carnal needs as a way to advance herself while I could never bring myself to do such a thing. It was genius, but it was also buying in to the toxic way society functioned. I couldn't stoop down to that level. By being who I really am, I knew I would win. I hoped hard this would get me through the dinner.

  7.

  As I pulled up in front of the valet, I spotted Zack and Rita sitting outside. It was such a lovely night. I didn't blame him for choosing the tables under the dimly lit porch. Had I been meeting him for a date, this would have been incredibly romantic. But Rita was here.

  I couldn't believe Andy asked me if she had ever joined us in bed. The thought of her being near me while vulnerable made me sick, washing away the joy that had come to me while chatting with the stage manager. No amount of bliss could erase that sickness. I handed the valet my keys and a tip, then waltzed over to the table, completely passing the hostess waiting at the entrance.

  A collection of journalists and photographers were just outside the fence snapping pictures and yelling for Rita to make comments on her new situation. As I drew closer, I could make out their questions over the riotous voices.

  “Rita, how does it feel to have the spotlight taken?”

  “Where do you think you'll work now that the film is finished?”

  “Are you seeing anyone? Are you trying to steal Zack?”

  “How are you handling their recent marriage?”

  What lunatics! How did they know our every move? It was like playing a game of roulette whenever we went out, wondering if we were going to be haunted and taunted by persistent questioning throughout our evening. The line of photographer
s snapping photos eventually noticed me walking up and turned their attention to my elegantly clad form. I was wearing my favorite evening gown that still passed as proper attire for a talk show as well as a fancy restaurant.

  The dress was a bit short, stopping above the knee, and tightly knit to accentuate my figure. It was a noir black with a lovely pattern across the chest that came up to a choker around my neck. Comfortable, elegant, and stylish as far as fashion magazines were concerned. My small glittering clutch reflected the light of the cameras and I posed briefly before taking a seat between Rita and Zack. I greeted her with a smile.

  “Hello, Rita. How is everything going?” I asked, ignoring the wave of questions coming from behind me.

  “It's going fairly well. How about yourself?” she asked, raising a glass of wine to her lips.

  “It's wonderful. I just had an interview with Andy Hall on his evening talk show,” I replied while turning to order a glass of wine from the approaching waiter. “Something red and sweet, please.”

  “How lovely. He's such a prize, isn't he?” Rita commented, her eyes shifting between myself and Zack.

  I turned to him and smiled, placing a soft kiss on his lips. The paparazzi ate it up.

  “He is quite a prize,” I responded.

  “I meant Andy,” said Rita sternly. “He's a joker.”

  “Absolutely,” I said.

  “But he's successful. How was the interview, dear?” asked Zack.

  “It was nice. I think the film has been well received. I've heard nothing but good things about it since it came out,” I replied.

  “At least I was able to bring it attention,” Rita commented, trying again to steal some attention.

  I sneered in her direction.

  “How are the stipulations coming along?” I asked in general, looking between the two of them interchangeably.

  “Just fine, dear. Just fine,” said Zack. “Rita has agreed to be amicable through the next picture.”

  “The next picture?” I asked.

  The waiter brought my wine and asked for my order. I held up my hand to silence him and returned my attention to Zack who was sitting on my left.