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

“Speaking of family,” Rafi said, “have you heard from Helen Rhodes?”


“Yes, in fact. Nothing of consequence—the investigation is ongoing, they’re looking for an apartment while they rebuild the house, that sort of thing—but it’s…nice to hear from her.”


Rafi smiled, relieved. Now that Helen had her godson back in her life, she wasn’t going to let him get away. Good.


Julian had opened his mouth to say something else, but a burst of light from beneath the blanket cut him off. Julian drew out his phone, its buzz inaudible over the rain. On the screen was the word Uncle, with no picture.


Rafi had thought Julian was still before; now he turned to a marble statue of a man, expressionless, only a flicker of throat as he swallowed betraying any feeling.


Chapter 48