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Mags motioned for me to take one of the chairs before the mirror, and I let her curl my hair and do my makeup. When she was done, we both admired her work.
“I look like a star ready for the Oscars,” I enthused.
She beamed approvingly. “You do. I’ve worked on many.”
“Wow, what is it like?”
“Chaotic. Brilliant.” She put her feet up on a free chair. “I roll with it all. Titan is going to break the box office. I can handle staying away from Toto’s ass, especially since his photos will be a part of my portfolio later.”
I hunched my shoulders. “It still would have been nice to see it all in action.”
I took a selfie to send to Xander. Then a bunch of models walked in.
“It’s over,” someone announced, though it wasn’t over for us. I helped them out of the garments, and Ellie came in to help with another group of assistants with the cleanup. She packed up the clothes and labels once the other assistants arrived to help break down the trailer.
“I’m sorry you missed the photo shoot, Nadia,” Ellie said in a gentle tone. “I don’t know why you couldn’t be there. I’m an intern too, and there were other assistants available to help with the trailer.”
I waved my hands dismissively. “It’s not your fault.”
“I know, but I feel bad. You did a great job, though.”
“You too,” I told her.
“We’re all heading to town for some shopping. Would you like to ride with us?” she offered.
I shook my head. “I’m going to lunch. I’ll catch up with you later.”
Her eyes widened. “You missed lunch? Sorry.”
“No worries.” I texted Ben.
Nadia: I’m tired. Do you think we can stop for lunch somewhere?
Ben: You can have room service in the suite and rest. Then later we can take a helicopter back to Paris? Whatever you want to do.
I could see a huge tub and a big plate of food in front of me.
Nadia: Sounds perfect.
Though, if we were heading back to Paris, Paul couldn’t come, and that made me sadder than missing the photoshoot.
I met up with Ben, and we walked to the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. I put on my sunglasses and passed the paparazzi along the steps who were taking photos of anyone who walked in. Formula One and Hollywood brought out the big stars.
The lavishness of the casino continued to the hotel. I eyed the marble and gold lobby and touched one of the columns as we passed. My attention floated over a separated seated area, and I spotted Hayden. He was chatting in a circle of people, and at the same time, his gaze went to me. I turned my head and noticed Ben had stopped walking. “Nadia, I need to tell you something.”
My brows rose, and I followed him into the elevator. When we reached the top and were alone, he spoke. “I told Paul how you were being treated at the shoot. Toto bragged about it until he heard—”
“That I’m with Paul.” I bobbed my head.
“Paul made a rule that if anything bad happens to you, we are to report it back to him. I like to keep your privacy, but with what happened on the boat—”
“It’s okay. In fact, thank you, Ben, and honestly, it wasn’t your fault what happened on the boat.”
His jaw clenched. “I was friendly with Isabelle, even took her out on a date. She fooled me—”
“I’m sorry, Ben. She fooled the both of us, but we’ll get through this.”
“We will. Paul will make sure of it.”
