Rafi Reyes figures going along with a fake-dating stunt is only fair after Julian Gault saves his life. The young actor is famously cold and snotty, and Rafi's rock band is falling apart in the wake of betrayal. A shiny new romance might be just what both their reputations need. It's too bad they don't actually like each other, but they'll both benefit -- a softer public image for Julian, revenge against his ex for Rafi.<br><br>But as they navigate public events, attend red-carpet premieres, and play cat-and-mouse with paparazzi together, Rafi gets to know a different Julian than he expected -- one who defends horses, takes care of his troubled cousin, and has Rafi's back against his dysfunctional family. Rafi starts to hope he and Julian have something real together.<br><br>But Julian has secrets more painful than Rafi can imagine. With Julian's powerful and controlling uncle scheming to turn them against each other, their relationship must become something much deeper if it -- and possibly either of them -- are to survive.

Star Bright

“Aaron, that was perfect,” the director was saying.


“It was.” Julian was gingerly poking at his cheek as the makeup artist tried to apply fake blood to his lip. “How very Method, using your genuine dislike of me to power the character. I approve. ‘Strike me down in all your hatred, and your journey toward the Dark Side will be complete’!”


Muffled snickers drifted across the set; Aaron sneered at Julian, the expression much less attractive than probably he thought it was.


Blood successfully applied, they filmed the brief shot of Ming helping Frankie to his feet, Julian seamlessly transitioning from wise-cracking actor back to strained and injured character. After a few takes (why, Rafi wondered, was it so important to get just the right take of that two-second bit?), they had a breather while the director walked Emilia Clarke and the little girl through their upcoming fight.


Chapter 41